Location: Wilmington
Top Things to do in Wilmington
Things to do in Wilmington, North Carolina (NC): The Best Sights & Landmarks
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. Black Lives Do Matter Memorial Sign
2. Wilmington National Cemetery
3. Forest Hills
4. Carolina Heights
5. 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.
6. Battleship North Carolina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,471 reviews
As you walk the decks of the NORTH CAROLINA, imagine yourself in the South Pacific during WWII searching the sky for enemy aircraft, anticipating what may happen next. Step aboard the most decorated US Battleship of WWII! Explore nine decks, crew's quarters, gun turrets, and much more. Discover where history comes alive. Located at the junctions of highways 17, 76, 74, 421 on the Cape Fear River across from historic downtown Wilmington. Open every day!
Reviewed By nowpacking - Dallas, United States
Very impressive! The kids loved it and were captivated by all the levels, rooms and the chance to see what life was really like at sea! Lots of exploring up and down the steep stairs - the ship is huge and the history is so interesting. We really enjoyed our visit and they are still talking about it.
7. Airlie Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,078 reviews
Reviewed By vacati0nbug
Loved Airlie Gardens! The gardens are beautiful, tranquil, serene and make for some great photography. I found it very relaxing. Definitely takes you out of the city feel and into what feels like an enchanted forest with all the hundreds of years old live oaks covered in dripping moss. Very special and worth a visit.
8. Poplar Grove Plantation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 231 reviews
On the National Register of Historic Places, Poplar Grove is a museum complex with 1850 manor house, smoke house, tenant house and blacksmith shop. Enjoy craft demonstrations, exhibits, farm animals, horse rescue program, Wednesday Farmers' Market, and various festivals throughout the year. Open Monday-Saturday for tours March through October. Saturday hours of operation during November, December, January and February. Closed Sundays. Check daily tour time for low, mid and high season hours. Annual events include the Herb & Garden Fair, Food Truck Round-Up, Summer Harvest Festival, and A Merry Little Christmas Festival. Special December candlelight tour.
Reviewed By CC2214
Poplar Grove offers everything from historical facts and even spiritual activity! Literally, who isn’t obsess with spirits from the past who STILL occupy the house!? Talk about amazing and literally worth it! I have visited this house and the land multiple times! This is a great location for weddings and just a place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s a great place to take your family for a day visit and an excellent date night spot to tour the house and communicate with the previous tenants who used to occupy and still occupy the house! The animals on the land are super sweet! My children really adore the barn cats, horses, and the chickens. It’s like a little petting zoo! In the fall they offer guided paranormal tours. These tours are exciting and educational because the tour guides are extremely knowledgeable on the history of the land and the house. As mentioned before I have gone to this house multiple times, and always recommend this place to all my friends. Poplar Grove is a unique place, to step back into time and learn about Hampstead & Wilmington history! You should visit today!
9. Zebulon Latimer House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By melin4 - Wilmington, United States
Visited With my boys (12 & 14) and had Seán from Tennessee as our guide. He was great. The house is interesting and Sean was a great guide, I would describe his tour style as understated enthusiasm— which really resonated with my boys. Sean gave great info. Very happy we went on the tour.
10. Bellamy Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 589 reviews
Reviewed By davidsS2664TX - Kingston-upon-Hull, United Kingdom
We watched the in house video followed by the guided tour which was really informative without being too detailed. This house is beautiful with fascinating slave quarters and stunning gardens.The next evening we went to the Jazz Festival in the garden here- a superb night.
