Directions for Wrightsville Beach Meeting Field Trip Locations or Birding on Your Own
To get off Wrightsville Beach and the start for all of these places: turn right out of the hotel parking lot and left at the light. Go across the two bridges and you will now be on Eastwood Road (Hwy 74 West).
Fort Fisher, Aquarium or Carolina Beach State Park
Follow Hwy 74 west to Military Cutoff Road (becomes US-76) and turn left. In 3.6 miles turn left again on South College Road/US 117/NC 132 and follow this road (becomes US 421) about 11 miles until you cross the ICW. Take the first right on Dow Road and Carolina Beach State Park entrance will be on your right or in about 3.5 miles you will end up in the center of Kure Beach. Turn right to go to Fort Fisher, the Aquarium and the Ferry Boat landing.
For Brunswick Park, Southport and Oak Island
Brunswick Park
Follow carefully US-74 until you merge with US-76 W. In 1.9 miles take the NC-133 South exit toward Southport/Oak Island. Turn left onto NC-133/Village Rd. NE. In about 6.8 miles the park entrance will be on your right.
For Southport and Oak Island keep driving past the park. In a few miles NC-133 merges with NC-87. For Southport continue on NC-87 to NC-211 and turn left to head into downtown Southport.
For Oak Island, after the merge with NC-87, take a right onto NC-133 cross, RT 211 then cross the bridge and you are on Oak Island.
Airlie Gardens
Take the first left after crossing the second bridge, Airlie Road. The Gardens will be on your left.
Greenfield Lake
Take a left at Military Cutoff Road (becomes US 17/76). Follow this toward Wilmington until you come to 3rd Street and turn left on 3rd. Follow 3rd St. south about 0.7 mile and turn left on Park Street. Turn left onto Willard Street and the park will be straight ahead of you.
Holly Shelter Game Lands
From Eastwood Road, take a right on Military Cutoff Road. In 2.8 miles turn/bear right onto Market Street/Hwy 17 north. Continue on 17 North for 14 miles and turn left on Lodge Road at the Game Lands entrance.
Bald Head Island
Drive to Fort Fisher (see directions above) and take the Ferry to Southport. The Bald Head Island Ferry will be on your left just past the exit or the ferry landing parking area.
Burnt Mill Creek
From Eastwood Road, take a left on Market Street. Follow Market to 17th Street and take a right. Take a left on Chestnut Street and park on the street just past the elementary school on your left. The creek is before 23rd Street and north of Chestnut Street.