UNCW Spring Break Staycation in Wilmington NC

Spring Break marks the middle of the semester for students at UNCW. This year’s spring break is from March 1-9, 2025. Mid-terms have wrapped up, and classes are officially over. The Wilmington campus is still open for students who aren’t jet-setting to Miami or Tulum. Luckily, you don’t have to miss out on the spring break fun!

Your UNCW Spring break is the perfect time for a staycation in Wilmington! There are tons of things to see and do that most students miss out on while studying during the semester. Take this time to explore some of Wilmington’s seasonal favorites—including a beach trip!

Things to do during Spring Break

1. Visit Wrightsville Beach

Why spend a few hours flying to an exotic beach destination when you have one of the best beaches in North Carolina less than 20 minutes away? Wrightsville Beach gives you much-needed beach vibes during your staycation!

Temperatures start to warm up during the Spring. Trade in the college town atmosphere of Wilmington for the touristy beach town setting in Wrightsville Beach. Here, you’ll find white sand beaches, people enjoying the water, boat tours, and more. You can finally sunbathe at the beach without any upcoming papers or exams on your mind. That’s doing spring break the right way!

Check out other Wrightsville Beach spring break ideas here.

1. Root for the Tar Hills in the UNC-Duke Rivalry Game

Things are heating up for the rivalry between the UNC Tar Heels and the Duke Blue Devils. UNC students are still shaking off the recent loss to Duke in February. But this spring break, Duke is stepping into UNC territory to play another matchup. If you don’t have a ride to Chapel Hill to root for the Tar Heels at the Dean Smith Center, consider checking out one of the local sports bars to cheer on the home team.

Bring your jersey because popular spots like the Carolina Ale House and Hell’s Kitchen will have plenty of flat-screen TVs and fans to make it feel like you’re actually there.

See where else you can check out the big game in Wilmington.

1. Cosplay Fandom at the Coastal Comic Con

Did you know that Wilmington, NC, hosts its own comic con? If you’re the type of student who loves reading and binge-watching anime during your study breaks, this is an event you don’t want to miss!

Spend the first weekend of March seeing your favorite anime and cartoon characters come to life. Dress up in cosplay as your favorite character and explore the events taking place inside the Wilmington Convention Center. There will be vendors, video games, contests, and more. The event features talks by the voices behind characters from Star Wars, X-Men, and more.

Learn more about the Coastal Comic Con.

1. Enjoy local eats during the Port City Taste Restaurant Week

Give your meal plan a break from the all-you-can-eat buffet at Wagoner Dining Hall and grab-and-go stacks at Market 47. It’s time to treat yourself to the best local eats during the Port City Taste Restaurant Week.

Nearly 20 Wilmington restaurants participate in this 10-day event. It’s your chance to dine at the hottest restaurants in town featuring special prix fixe menus for the week. Eat at Elijah’s Oyster & Fish Camp for a multi-course meal on the largest porch on the Wilmington Riverwalk. Enjoy views of the Cape Fear River with meal specials at Smoke On The Water. Indulge in a steak meal served at a discount at Ruth’s Chris Steak House.

See who else is participating in the Port City Taste Restaurant Week here.

1. Line Dancing at Mardi Gras Under the Bridge

The famous Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans coincides with the UNCW spring break. This year, skip a trip to the ‘Big Easy’ and join the Port City Players at the annual Mardi Gras Under the Bridge in Wilmington NC. This free event brings the groovin’ n’ jivin’ festivities of Mardi Gras to Wilmington at Waterline Brewing Co. beneath the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.

Port City Players are local legends who’ve hosted the event for a decade, and each year gets even more exciting! Listen to live music by the band and be a part of the fun with line dancing. Refuel your energy with New Orleans-style cuisine available at the event.

Local Accommodations Near Wilmington

Are you looking for a change of scenery from your off-campus housing? Get a few friends together and spend your UNCW spring break in a vacation rental. Sea Scape Properties has rentals available in Wilmington (if you want to stay local) and coastal areas like Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach. At least one guest must be age 25 years or older to rent our vacation homes.

Check out these great spring break vacation homes near Wilmington today!