Fort Fisher State Historic Site, Kure Beach

Fort Fisher State Historic Site is a gorgeous place to walk around. Even if they are closed (Sundays) you can still walk around the grounds. There is a boardwalk that takes you around to some stairs that you can climb. Here you find a cannon, and expansive views of the Cape Fear River and fields of wildflowers. The little hills, earthen fortifications, look like the film set of Teletubbies! The spiked palisade fences are impressive, and sadly, very bloody battles took place here.

Continue across Fort Fisher Blvd to the amazing maritime forest of twisty trees! What a magical spot! Walk south along the ocean to the 1921 Fort Fisher Monument, a column with an eagle atop. The sea wall of large rocks here is lovely. 
Walk north along Kure Beach to check out the mossy coquina rocks on the shoreline in front of Ocean Dunes apartments. These are the only such rocks in NC!
If you need to come in from the sun, visit the nearby NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher, a large aquarium with great tanks.
Nearby, at Fort Fisher Ferry Terminal, you can catch a 35 minute car ferry ride to Southport, an adorable town on the water. I recommend visiting this town, and eating at one of the restaurants on the waterfront at Yacht Basin Drive, then walking the Marsh Walk. It's blissful!

Directions

Fort Fisher State Historic Site is located at 1610 Fort Fisher Blvd S, Kure Beach, NC 28449. 
The indoor museum is open Tues-Sat 9-5, but you can walk the grounds anytime.

Click on map for interactive view