Location: Wilmington
Top Things to do in Wilmington
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Wilmington, North Carolina (NC)
Wilmington is a vibrant riverfront city and the most accessible coastal area in the state. The pedestrian-friendly Riverwalk winds along the Cape Fear River, connecting many of the city’s shops, cafés, and nightlife with waterfront hotels, parks and the Port City Marina. Annual festivals, such as Riverfest, Wilmington Beer Week and the world-famous North Carolina Azalea Festival, attract crowds year-round. Three nearby island beaches offer even more dining, attractions and water sports.
Restaurants in Wilmington
1. Masonboro Island Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By debbiebQ4569TE
Enjoyed this with teenagers on a field trip! Was very beautiful and excellent resource for our state. The beach and marsh, what an educational opportunity for our students! Wish the weather had been better, was rainy, windy and very cold. Really want to come back and visit again. Super place!
2. Broomtail Craft Brewery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 33 reviews
Small, cheers-like brewery & tap room tucked off Market Street in Dutch Square Industrial park. Family owned & operated since 2014. We brew true-to-style beer and cultivate and propagate our own yeast from right here in the Wilmington area. Come see what sets us apart! Also check out our sour-centric location, The Sour Barn, located at 7211 Market Street. Dog-friendly at both locations!
Reviewed By TomarlittleRhody
Small place, but then we decided that its size might have made it feel even cozier and friendlier. Jarrod the beertender is simply awesome! So helpful without being at all pushy. My husband and i aren't IPA fans, but there were plenty of other choices - he loved his Moe Beer, a brown ale, and Jarrod played mixologist for mine: half Hay Bale, half Cranberry/Pomegranate - yum. Chatted with other friendly patrons. Board game night started, and we didn't stay for that, but it looked like all were enjoying that too.
3. The Vintage Marketplace
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By beachlovernc2015 - Leland, United States
You really can't go wrong stopping here - even if you don't purchase anything there is so much to see. It is especially fun during the different holidays of the year- the vendors really do them up big! Beautiful shop with lots of vintage things and variety of styles. Lots of wonderful things to decorate your home with OR yourself - re-imagined jewelry and vintage clothing. Even if you don't think you NEED anything, you are sure to find something you have to have. Owner is wonderful and helpful. If you are looking for something in particular- don't be shy about asking - she can point you in the right direction if it is in the shop.
4. Wilmington National Cemetery
5. Expo 216
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 42 reviews
Expo 216 is a gallerium - part museum, part gallery - whose mission is to encourage conscious living through heightened awareness of social and environmental issues.
6. Cape Fear River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 229 reviews
The most industrialized of all North Carolina's rivers, this water system stretches 200 miles through the heart of the North Carolina piedmont, crossing the coastal plain, and empties into the Atlantic near Southport.
Reviewed By Vis2r
Walk along Cape Fear, see the Battleship, US Coast Guard, stroll through the streets & visit historical places & shops, explore amazing book stores & beautiful old buildings & restaurants. So much to see & enjoy here...great food, beautiful town & you may even want to take a river cruise or a horse & carriage ride, but definitely take the walk. Parking can be difficult...I recommend visiting the Cotton Exchange, park there & parking is validated with a purchase--there's so much to see & do inside the Cotton Exchange, quaint shops & good food. If you're interested in the "haunts" of Wilmington...The Cotton Exchange is a great place to explore the paranormal. There's several haunts & information is provided within.
7. Forest Hills
8. Historic District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,037 reviews
One of the largest districts listed with the National Register of Historical Places.
Reviewed By WineloverVirginia
We live local and continue to marvel at the beautiful houses in the Historic District. As it often happens, we take the area for granted, and should probably do a walking tour instead of the drive-by. I've been told that Wilmington was one of few cities that didn't burn during the Civil War, and it shows. The homes are beautiful and the owners do a great job of keeping them up. The area has been gentrifying for several years and will continue to do so as Wilmington becomes more popular as a place to live, work, and retire. To be fair, a few blocks away from the Historic District that has not been renovated has some sketchy neighborhoods, so just beware.
9. New Hanover County Arboretum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 249 reviews
Reviewed By ladyme1 - Portland, United States
We considered this more a botanical garden than an arboretum. The gardens, sculptures an entire area was well thought out and absolutely gorgeous. Parking lot with free parking. The Japanese Garden was perfect. Highly recommend.
10. Wilmington Oakdale Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
Reviewed By SamiraDavisRealtor - Wilmington, United States
Somewhat Narnia-esque with the rambling vegetation and winding pathways, Oakdale Cemetery is also walking distance to such eclectic and charming residential neighborhoods as Carolina Heights. The landscaping is decidedly Tolkenian and therein lies the draw; with an array of crypts, stones and other commemorative statues, Oakdale is a literal walk through time and tradition. Unlike many other cemeteries, this is an excellent activity for you and your furry friend- Fido is welcome so long as he stays leashed and you are sure to clean up. This is also a fun family activity, as the paved portions are wide enough for prams and strollers. An enchanting way to spend a morning or afternoon while learning more about the history of Wilmington!
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