Conveniently neighboring Wilmington and just a short drive to the beaches of the Brunswick Islands, Leland is the best of both worlds. This fast-growing area has all the amenities and attractions of a city with a small-town feel. It’s a charming spot for a weekend getaway or golf trip, so keep reading to get the inside scoop on how to plan your trip to Leland.
Pro Tip: For more trip ideas and things to do while visiting Leland, check out our North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands Vacation Guide.
What to Do in Leland
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, shopaholic, or arts and culture lover, Leland has got something for you.
Parks and Outdoor Recreation
- Cypress Cove Park’s kayak launch provides easy access to the region’s river marshes and wetlands for kayakers who can paddle their way down to the Brunswick River.
- Founders Park is the ideal setting for a picnic, a round of disc golf, a day on the playground for the kids, or just some fun in the sun. Founders Park also hosts Leland’s annual Christmas light display, Leland in Lights.
- Westgate Nature Park is a hidden gem in Leland, it features an elevated boardwalk and wide paved trail for hiking and biking and is another great option for families looking to spend time outside.
- The nearby Brunswick Riverwalk Park at Belville, also boasts additional boat access and fishing pier, making it another great spot for paddle sport lovers. A playground for children, nature trail, and river marsh boardwalk are just a few of its other amenities.
- Just 10 miles from Leland is the Brunswick Nature Park, which spans over 900 acres and includes hiking and biking trails and a kayak/canoe launch site perfect whether you want to spend a day on land or on the water.
Golf
No trip to Leland is complete without a game of golf.
- Magnolia Greens Golf Course features 27 outstanding holes of golf designed by Tom Jackson. Recognized as one of the top courses in the American Southeast, this PGA and USGA qualifying course is open to the public.
Pickleball
If indoor sports are more your speed, don’t worry! You’re in good company.
- House of Pickleball in Leland is one of the few world-class indoor pickleball facilities in North Carolina. The facility boasts 12 cushioned courts, a bar, player’s lounge, and pro shop making it a must-visit pickleball destination in the Brunswick Islands.
Leland Cultural Arts Center
- The Leland Cultural Arts Center is a community hub with rotating art exhibits, live music performances, and festivals hosted throughout the year that are fun for the entire family.
Shopping in Leland
Leland is another hub of charming local shops and boutiques in the Brunswick Islands, making it an excellent stop for any shopaholic.
- Palouse Coffee, located in The Village Shops at Waterford, is a new community coffee shop, plant store, and bookstore.
- The Sandalwood Shoppes feature products from dozens of local crafters that include décor, jewelry, candles, clothing, and more.
- The Villages at Brunswick Forest include multiple restaurants and shops including a shoe store and Hamptons Boutique.
A Short Drive from Leland
Looking for a change of scenery with sand and sea? Take a short drive to explore the neighboring beaches. Or visit the charming coastal town of Southport.
- Enjoy a beach day with the family at Oak Island, which has over 60 public beach access points and two fishing piers.
- Take a tour of the last lighthouse built in North Carolina, the Oak Island Lighthouse, on Caswell Beach. Tours are free to visitors and only require a reservation, which should be made at least two weeks before your vacation.
- Enjoy delicious dining with breathtaking views at Southport’s Yacht Basin, where the Intracoastal Waterway, Cape Fear River and Atlantic Ocean meet.
- The Fort Johnson Southport Museum and Visitor’s Center, provides maps and brochures to help you navigate a self-guided walking tour that takes you back in time to when pirates and privateers roamed the Cape Fear and through the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.
Where to Eat & Drink
Visitors to Leland don't have to venture outside of the town to find great food.
Photo Courtesy of New Day Cafe
Breakfast Options
- New Day Café serves up one of Leland’s best brunches. Come for the egg benedicts or stuffed French toast and stick around to order one of the chef-crafted daily breakfast specials.
- Farmhouse Kitchen is loved in Leland for its friendly atmosphere, attentive service, classic and affordable breakfast and lunch options. It’s southern hospitality at its finest.
- Mr. Bagel Meister brings New York style bagels to the Leland area. Come early for fresh bagels, seasonal cream cheeses, and delicious breakfast sandwiches.
Casual Dining Options
- P.T.’s Olde Fashioned Grille's “fresh not frozen” philosophy elevates them to one of the best burger spots in Leland. Burger patties are ground daily, cooked to order just how you like it, and served with a side of hand cut fries.
- Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar is another beloved Leland spot that serves raw, grilled, and steamed oysters, as well as a variety of other seafood favorites, in a casual beach bar setting.
Elevated Dining Options
- Cape Fear Seafood Company is a Leland area culinary staple known for their specialty shrimp and grits considered one of the top five in North Carolina according to Our State Magazine.
- Bridgewater Wines + Dines invites you to sit down for a lovely Italian and French inspired meal that transports you around the world. After your meal, peruse the wine shop for the perfect bottle to take home.
Breweries and Wine Bars
- Brunswick Beer & Cider offers a casual lunch, elevated dinner, and homemade pizza menu as well as a diverse and seasonal selection of beer and cider.
- Leland Brewing Company is pet-friendly and regularly hosts food trucks to complement their 27 beers on tap.
Where to Stay
Whether you’re staying for a week or just one night, Leland has great lodgings for your visit. National hotels like Best Western and Holiday Inn Express offer affordable prices and top-notch amenities so you can relax after a busy day exploring.
Plan Your Visit to Leland
If you’re looking for first-rate dining, outdoor activities, and southern charm, Leland checks all the boxes! Request a free North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands Vacation Guide for help planning your trip or visit our website to start planning your trip online.