Location: Wilmington
Top Things to do in Wilmington
Top 10 Budget-friendly 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. Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 252 reviews
Completed in 1858, Thalian Hall is one of the United States most historic theatres. Built in the Italianate Opera House style, Thalian Hall has been in continuous operation since its opening.Thalian hall has undergone several renovations throughout its history with the most recent renovation completed in May of 2010.Thalian Hall hosts the Main Attractions Series of world-class touring artists in various performance disciplines, the cinematique arthouse film series, The annual Pied Piper Children's Theatre, as well a over 35 community based theatre, dance, film and music organizations.
Reviewed By ProfessorMLL - Wilmington, United States
Thalian Hall Center is an ongoing asset to the cultural life in the Wilmington area. Its program of events brings to the community wonderful movies, theatricals and concerts all in an attractive and comfortable environment.
2. 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!
3. Noni Bacca Winery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 246 reviews
Reviewed By MPhipps2014 - Christiansburg, United States
I left feeling I had some great wine and met a great Patriot. Sometimes you have to be engaging to be engaged. Noni was very hospitable. We inquired about her wines, how they were made, how she became to be in the wine business and she was very forthcoming and happy to talk about her wines and how they came to be. I’m a sweet and my friend is more of a dry wine drinker, we both found several wines that we really liked. For the price you are going to try a lot of wines and Noni doesn’t just pour you a teaser, she pours you a pleaser. My only disappointment is that Noni and her wines aren’t closer to home as we greatly enjoyed them both!
4. Sea Turtle Camp
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 83 reviews
Sea Turtle Camp is a life enriching marine biology experience. We offer a variety of adventure programs lasting from a few hours to a few weeks.We can cater to your specific group size and age profile. Through this multidimensional marine biology program, participants will gain a life changing appreciation for coastal conservation. Come "Sea Life" differently!
Reviewed By williamhV1051YZ
Our 14 year old son has wanted to be a marine biologist. Sea Turtle Camp gave him the beginnings of this experience. He earned his open water certificate and looks forward to qualifying for his advanced open water certificate. The camp counselors were contentious and caring. With the pandemic I thought the arrangements provided everyone safety and protection. Sea Turtle Camp provided a wonderful summer experience, and I would recommend it without reservation.
5. 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.
6. Wilmington Railroad Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 294 reviews
A wonderful railroad museum that will entertain and educate the whole family. The museum pays homage to the major impact of railroads in local and national history, featuring regional railroad artifacts dating from the 1840's through the today. In addition to the historical items, the museum has one of the finest interactive model railroad layouts in the region. Children and adults can also explore a full size steam locomotive, boxcar and caboose.
Reviewed By DrDestination
One of the best museums around. Be sure and take your time and explore the whole place. Great old railroad cars and you can even walk through a caboose!
7. Cape Fear Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 230 reviews
Exploring the history, science and cultures of the Lower Cape Fear region. Founded in 1898. Summer Hours: Monday - Saturday: 9 AM-5 PM Sunday: 1-5 PM.
Reviewed By Zedd97511 - Sea Cliff, United States
Did not know what to expect and was pleasantly surprised. Combination of history/science/nature and while large parts geared toward kids the historical aspects of the museum- into which natural history and ecology of the region , pre- and post-civil war development, and racism are woven- are appropriate for adults. These areas are all thoughtfully presented. Worth a morning or an afternoon.
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. 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.
10. 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!
