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Wilmington is a port city on the Cape Fear River in southeastern North Carolina, a short drive from the Atlantic beaches. Its historic downtown is one of the larger districts of its kind in the state, filled with nineteenth-century homes, churches and commercial buildings shaded by live oaks and Spanish moss. Shipping, the Civil War and, more recently, film and television production have all shaped the city's story.
The Riverwalk runs along the downtown waterfront and makes an easy starting point, with shops and restaurants close by. Across the river, the Battleship North Carolina, a World War II veteran, is open for self-guided tours through its decks and turrets. The Bellamy Mansion, an antebellum house museum, and Thalian Hall, a nineteenth-century theater still used for performances, show the city's architectural history. Airlie Gardens is especially lovely when its azaleas bloom, and the Cameron Art Museum and the quiet paths of Oakdale Cemetery reward a slower afternoon.
Few cities pair a walkable historic core so closely with the beach. Wrightsville Beach is minutes from town and popular for surfing and paddleboarding, while Carolina Beach and Kure Beach lie to the south. Fort Fisher, near the tip of the peninsula, preserves earthworks from a key Civil War battle. Spring and fall are comfortable, and summer suits beach days.
WiserMap travel guideWilmington North Carolina Riverwalk and Wrightsville BeachPlan a Wilmington trip: the Riverwalk, Battleship North Carolina, historic homes, Airlie Gardens, Wrightsville and Carolina beaches, Fort Fisher and seafood.Read the guide
A boardwalk of about 1.75 miles along the Cape Fear River downtown, lined with restaurants, shops and views of the Battleship North Carolina across the water. River cruises and a water taxi leave from it. The surrounding historic district is great for walking. Visit at sunset for views across the river.
A historic theater and city hall building opened in 1858, one of the few surviving theaters of its era in the US. It still hosts plays, concerts and film screenings in its restored Victorian auditorium. Guided and self-guided tours are offered. Check the schedule for shows, and book tickets early for popular events.
A World War II battleship that took part in every major naval offensive in the Pacific, now a museum moored across the river from downtown. Self-guided tours go through gun turrets, crew quarters, the engine rooms and the bridge. Wear comfortable shoes for the many ladders, and allow about two hours.
A grand antebellum home built in 1859 just before the Civil War, with Greek Revival and Italianate details. Tours cover the family's history and the lives of the enslaved people who built and worked in the house, whose restored quarters stand behind it. Guided tours run on the hour on most days.
North Carolina's first rural cemetery, established in 1852, set among live oaks draped with Spanish moss. It holds Civil War graves, yellow fever victims, a famous grave of a girl buried in a cask of rum and a dog buried with its owner. It is open to walk daily. Pick up a map at the office to find notable graves.
Kure Beach is a small beach town with a fishing pier. Just south, Fort Fisher State Historic Site preserves earthwork mounds of a Confederate fort that fell in 1865, the largest land and sea battle of the Civil War, with a museum and a trail. Check the visitor center's opening times before you go.
A 67-acre public garden near Wrightsville Beach with formal gardens, lakes, walking trails, sculptures and the Airlie Oak, believed to be about 470 years old. The Minnie Evans Bottle Chapel honors the folk artist who worked here. It is especially beautiful in spring when the azaleas bloom. There is a small entry fee.
A museum with a strong collection of North Carolina and American art, including works by Mary Cassatt, Romare Bearden and Minnie Evans, plus changing exhibitions. The grounds include outdoor sculptures and Civil War earthworks. There is also a good cafe. The museum is closed on Mondays.
A museum covering the history and natural science of the lower Cape Fear region, with exhibits on the Civil War, local life, the 1898 coup and a hands-on science area for kids. It is among the oldest history museums in North Carolina. It works well for families, and allow one to two hours.
A popular beach town on a barrier island east of Wilmington, with wide sandy beaches, surfing, paddleboarding and the Johnnie Mercer's Fishing Pier. The Loop is a paved path for walking and running. Parking is paid and fills quickly in summer. Arrive early, and swim near lifeguard stands.
Carolina Beach has a classic boardwalk with arcades, snacks and summer fireworks. Nearby Carolina Beach State Park protects river shoreline and is home to the Venus flytrap, which grows naturally only in this region. Walk the park's Flytrap Trail to see them, and do not touch or pick the plants.
An aquarium near Kure Beach showing animals of the Cape Fear River and coast, from freshwater fish and alligators to sea turtles, sharks and a large ocean tank. Animal feeding talks run through the day. It is a good rainy day activity. Buy tickets online to skip the line, especially in summer.
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North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
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