What to do in Wilmington, NC
If you’re wondering what to do in Wilmington, NC, there’s no shortage of activities! Wilmington is a thriving historic port city on the mouth of the Cape Fear River in North Carolina. Founded in 1739, it served important roles in the colonial era and the early history of the USA. During the Civil War, it was the largest port of the Confederacy and the site of the Fort Fisher battles. These days it is a major tourist destination with its beaches and history. As a university town, it has a fun, young crowd.
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When to Visit Wilmington
Wilmington can be visited year-round! My brother lives there so I’ve been in the heat (and humidity) of summer, fall, and winter. Though the downtown River Walk area is more active in the summer months, there is a small but lively Thanksgiving and Christmas atmosphere. Some of the restaurants may have limited hours/day so check on that before you go if visiting outside the summer months.
What to do in Wilmington
Downtown Wilmington Historic District
Downtown Wilmington is one of the top things to do in Wilmington. It’s beautiful to wander around with tons of great food and bar options. Do the River Walk for sure or go on this private sailing trip during the day or at sunset.
You can also go on a cruise around the Cape Fear River to Eagle Island or head to the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.
Do some shopping at the Chandler’s Wharf.
Want a little adventure? Go on an e-bike tour for 2 hours to get the most out of the city.
Battleship North Carolina
Docked along the Cape Fear River in Wilmington, the NC battleship was built for Word War II. It is open for tours and you can walk all nine (!!) floors of this massive ship. (I still wonder how these things manage to FLOAT.)
Airlie Gardens
Airlie Garden is a must-see! People travel from around the area to visit the gardens in Wilmington. This beautiful park is packed with lots of flowers and other cool plants. They also have rotating art collections and the famous Azalea Festival in the summer. Tickets are $10. Plan to buy your tickets online.
Bellamy Mansion Museum
The Bellamy Mansion downtown gives guided tours where you can learn about Wilmington in the 1800s.
Castle Street
Walk up and down Castle Street while peeking into fun art and thrift stores.
Masonboro Island
Masonboro Island is an undeveloped island right next to Wrightsville Island where you can escape to nature. You need to catch a boat ride, but it’s a great spot to get away for a bit. Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours has a ride for around $35.
Greenfield Lake
Take a paddle boat around Greenfield Lake, just a couple blocks from downtown Wilmington. There is a 4-mile looping trail for walks or runs too. It’s a great spot to see alligators and turtles.
Wilmington’s Beaches
In Wilmington, the ocean water is warm in the summer and looks crystal blue all year long. The three most popular Wilmington beaches are right next to each other. Rent a bike and head to all three to see which is to your liking.
Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach is a great spot to lounge all day. There are several restaurants and bars around. Get into some activities while you’re by the water! Check out Sean’s Private Surf Instruction in Wrightsville Beach. Those not taking surfing lessons can relax by the water or go to Oceanic Restaurant for some nibs and a drink.
The Wrightsville Beach Museum of History is a small but cute museum to stop into as well.
Carolina Beach
Carolina Beach hosts a boardwalk with shops, restaurants, and amusement rides.
Kure Beach
Just south of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach is distinguished by its large pier jutting into the water.
Bonus: Carolina Beach State Park
Check out the wetlands nature park along the Cape Fear River. There are plenty of trails and a chance to see carnivorous plants!
Where to Eat in Wilmington
There are a ton of restaurants to try out when figuring out what to do in Wilmington. Get your breakfast bagels at Tugboat Tony’s Bagel Cafe or head to Brooklyn Cafe (not exactly downtown but worth the detour) for beignets and kolache, Czech-style cheese bread.
For a quirky cafe and bar vibe, visit Bottega Art & Wine.
