Location: Wilmington
Top Things to do in Wilmington
What to do and see in Wilmington, North Carolina (NC): The Best Things to do
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. 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!
2. 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!
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Downtown Wilmington
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 667 reviews
Reviewed By DrDestination
So many great attractions, bars, and restaurants don't miss Hell's Kitchen on Princess st. and the Barbary Coast on Front st. Tons more, a great view of the Battleship NC across the river, go at sunset if possible..Old Books on front is a must-stop as is the Cotton Exchange and so, so much more...lots of history, fun, and food/beverages to enjoy!
10. Riverwalk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,394 reviews
Reviewed By serverace - Greenville, United States
Without going into detail, this was my first visit to Wilmington since 1968, and I was 14 and didn't remember the river walk area. My wife and I were pleasantly surprised at the river walk area, which reminded of us of a combination of Savanah, Charleston,Georgetown. History abounds in this area, as placards set up at various spots gives you the background of the river and its expansive influence to Wilmington thru its time of growth. Restaurants are abundant on and around the river walk, as well as tour boats( with bars!) to show the sites along the Cape Fear river and its estuary with the ocean, and the USS North Carolina just across the river(another great historic place to visit). We were there in the early afternoon, but looking at the pictures of other reviews, it looks great at night with the lights. It's a nice walk, lengthy for some, but just take your time and enjoy
