10 Best Things To Do In Leland, North Carolina

1. Cypress Cove Recreation Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Named Sturgeon Creek Park until 2017, Cypress Cove Park in Appleton Way encompasses 10.9 hectares (27 acres) of wetlands and 0.5 hectares (1.2 acres) of uplands that serve as a recreation destination for friends and families. It provides a water access site to Mill Creek designed for citizens to launch kayaks, canoes, and small boats. Additionally, the park features other amenities including a floating dock, a fixed deck overlooking the waters, and a handicap-accessible fishing area.

As the first water access site for Leland, frequent visitors enjoy getting their feet wet. Grab your fishing gear and pack some lunch for a relaxing day outdoors.

Cypress Cove Recreation Park

Address: 844 Appleton Way NE, Leland, NC 28451

Website: Cypress Cove Recreation Park

2. P.T.'s Olde Fashioned Grille

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Come and experience the burgers and sandwiches of PT’S Olde Fashioned Grille. Since it opened in 1990, the restaurant provides an excellent dining experience by serving a menu of freshly prepared burgers, sandwiches, fresh-cut french fries, and refreshing drinks in a family-oriented atmosphere.

It appeals to customers of all ages and continues to delight the crowd with the freshest ingredients in its dishes and the open kitchen concept that provide a fun, action-oriented experience for the guests. There is ample space inside the restaurant and on the outdoor patio to enjoy sandwiches that are topped with freshly ground meat such as chicken, roast beef, and turkey.

P.T.'s Olde Fashioned Grille

Address: 1035 Grandiflora Dr, Leland, NC 28451

Website: P.T.’s Olde Fashioned Grille

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10:30am - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 10:30am - 10pm

3. Leland Smoke House

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Leland Smoke House prides itself on serving smoked barbecue and brisket along with homemade side dishes. It provides a casual, family-friendly dining experience by serving unique and authentic meat barbecue. The smoky taste and moist flavor of its juicy pieces of briskets are achieved through basting the meat portions in hickory smoke for 12 hours.

Most of the restaurant’s customers enjoy the meat servings as they are but should you be the decisive and adventurous foodie, Leland Smoke House features seven homemade sauces to satisfy the range of discerning tastes: sweet, tangy, spicy, Lexington, eastern, SC mustard, and Alabama white.

Leland Smoke House

Address: 503 Olde Waterford Way Ste 100, Leland, NC 28451

Website: Leland Smoke House

Opening hours: 11am - 8pm (daily)

4. Enjoy Nature at the Brunswick Riverwalk

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The Brunswick Riverwalk is a lovely park along the Brunswick River. It provides a range of free things to do in Leland, NC, through the several picnic areas, playgrounds, trails, and viewing decks found in the park. This is a great place to explore the natural beauty of the region. It’s also a top fishing destination with a fishing pier open to the public. There is over half a mile (0.8 km) of nature trails along lush marshes and the riverside. This treasure is the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon in Leland!

The Brunswick Riverwalk

Address: 580 River Road, Belville, NC 28451

Website: The Brunswick Riverwalk

5. Play golf at Cape Fear National at Brunswick Forest

Located within the Brunswick Forest community, the Cape Fear National golf course is an award-winning public course known for its beauty. Recently named one of the top golf courses in North Carolina, this is a must-play for any golfers visiting the area! There is also a great restaurant on the property so you can refuel after an exhausting day on the course. You don’t have to be a pro to enjoy this course, it’s open to the public and all levels are welcome!

Cape Fear National

Address: 1007 Evangeline Drive, Leland, NC 28451

Website: Cape Fear National

6. Tour the Westgate Nature Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The Westgate Nature Park was the first major park in Leland. It is comprised of 150 acres (60 hectares) of wetlands and uplands. There are miles of trails for hiking, walking, and biking. This park is being updated in phases, so expect more improvements in the near future! The most unique feature of this local park is the nature-inspired play area which is a one-of-a-kind find! This untouched treasure is a great way to see the wetlands of North Carolina!

The Westgate Nature Park

Address: 1260 Westgate Drive, Leland, NC

Website: Westgate Nature Park

7. Brunswick Nature Park

Located just a few miles from Leland is the Brunswick Nature Park. This park has over 911 acres (368 ha) of undeveloped land to explore. There is a mix of vegetation, wildlife, and waterways here! Bring a kayak or canoe to explore the park by water, and have a picnic in one of the many outdoor pavilions or viewing platforms. Visitors can spot gators, beavers, different birds, snakes, turtles, and fish all in one place at the Brunswick Nature Park! Watch out for snakes and wildlife on the path, as this is an untouched preserve!

The variety of trails makes this a perfect adventure spot for those who like challenging bike rides or difficult hikes! During different times of the year there are extreme sports competitions held in the park, so be sure to check the events guide when you visit!

Brunswick Nature Park

Address: 2601 River Road, Winnabow, NC

Website: Brunswick Nature Park

8. Create at the Leland Cultural Arts Center

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Wondering about what to do in Leland, NC, to spark your creativity? Then head over to Leland Cultural Arts Center as it is a mecca of creativity and innovation. The center hosts several events and programs throughout the year and even has art fairs and art shows to showcase community talent to the public.

Whether you enjoy admiring art or making it yourself, there is something for you at the Leland Cultural Arts Center! Classes offered at the Leland Cultural Arts Center include pottery, theater, painting, literary arts, healing arts, jewelry making, and more! There is also a dance studio, classroom, painting/drawing studio, and performing space! This educational center is open to all, and it has made Leland the artistic town it is today!

Leland Cultural Arts Center

Address: 1212 Magnolia Village Way, Leland, NC 28451

Website: Leland Cultural Arts Center

9. Ride Horses at Wonderland Farm

Wonderland Farm is an equestrian center in Leland, North Carolina. This facility offers boarding, training, and lessons! The farm is located on 106 acres (42 ha) of land, and the mission of the farm is to bring the enjoyment of horses and horsemanship to all! Wonderland Farm offers lessons for beginner horse riders as well as trail rides around the beautiful property! They have horses and classes for all levels of riders, and this is truly a unique location!

Wonderland Farm

Address: 7353 Radio Road SE, Leland, NC 28451

Website: Wonderland Farm

10. Eat at Blossoms Restaurant at Magnolia Greens

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The Blossoms Restaurant is located at the Magnolia Greens golf course, and it is a Leland staple! The Blossoms Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner year-round, and they have a variety of food from sandwiches to steak dinners. Don’t miss out on trying their well-known french toast which is said to be the best in North Carolina! Enjoy the picturesque view of the Magnolia Greens golf course while you dine in style!

Blossoms Restaurant

Address: 1800 Tommy Jacobs Dr, Leland, NC 28451

Website: Blossoms Restaurant

Visit Leland

Leland is in the middle of everything and is not to be missed! This small town is practically buzzing with energy, and this area continues to develop into something truly impressive. There’s a reason Leland’s slogan is “Life is Good Here,” because it really is! Experience this town yourself by stopping by the next time you’re on the closest beach to Leland, NC, or at Airbnb houseboats in Wilmington.