35 Wilmington North Carolina Things to Do

Use this ultimate list of Wilmington North Carolina Things to Do to discover the best beaches, attractions and places to eat on your next vacation!

So are you wondering what to do in Wilmington NC?

Whether you want to explore Wilmington by land or by water, these are my top tips for Wilmington North Carolina Things to Do.

With a historical downtown, horse drawn carriages and a beautiful riverfront walk, Wilmington is the perfect small-city destination!

It boasts pristine coastlines and a mild climate, perfect for vacationing.

From catching a gorgeous Atlantic sunrise to taking a stroll through beautiful gardens, or exploring a historic battleship to walking through forests hiding Venus Fly Traps, there really is so much to see and do.

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What to Do in Wilmington NC

Erma writes: “It’s beautiful just walking the area of the waterfront.”

Anna writes: “Historic Downtown is a must”

Emily writes: “USS North Carolina, historic downtown Wilmington, horse showing carriage runs in downtown, the ferry to Southport, down town Southport, Fort Fisher, Taylor’s Blueberries farm, the Christmas store in Southport”

Karen writes: “The USS North Carolina, there are walking tours of the historic downtown, the NC Aquarium at Carolina Beach, Fort Fisher at Carolina Beach, the ferry to Bald Head Island/Southport”

Lori writes: “Touring the Battleship North Carolina is great”

USS North Carolina Memorial

On our visit to Wilmington, my boys really enjoyed exploring this famous battleship that participated in every major naval offensive in the Pacific during World War II.

In all, we walked through 9 different levels of the battleship, including the mess decks, berthing area, engine room and of course… the bridge.

The Battleship North Carolina is conveniently located right on the Cape Fear River across from the downtown Wilmington Riverwalk.

Mandy writes: “Topsail Beach – The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, Missiles & More Museum, Patio Playground (Mini Golf)”

Kelly writes: “New Hanover County Arboretum”

Green Swamp Preserve in Supply, NC

Another fun thing our family did on our trip to Wilmington was taking a stroll through the Green Swamp Preserve.

If you look closely… you may even spot a hungry Venus Flytrap growing in the wild!

How fun is that?!?

Amanda writes: “We normally travel to Wilmington to see the places where one tree hill and Dawson creek was filmed. Airlie gardens was one of my favorites last year.”

Jean writes: “Airlie Gardens are just beautiful with the moss covered trees, a very special place.”

Erin writes: “Go to Provisions, take the Ft. Fisher ferry, go to the aquarium.”

Alison writes: “It’s worth the drive down to the aquarium at Fort Fisher, and then take the ferry to Southport.”

Michelle writes: “They have a nice aquarium! Also, the carriage tour in Wilmington was interesting.”

Sharon writes: “Drive over to Southport. You will not regret it. Lots of neat eating places, and don’t miss the Christmas House Gift Shop and Bullfrog Corner Gift Shop”

Best Beaches in Wilmington NC

• Carolina Beach
• Kure Beach
• Wilmington Beach
• Wrightsville Beach

Karen writes: “Wrightsville Beach is the local beach to Wilmington”

My family personally visited Wrightsville Beach on our trip to Wilmington, and loved it! With wide open sandy areas to play, and warm crystal blue waters to wade, it made for a perfect beach day!

Stacy writes: “Wilmington Beach”

Kelly writes: “I vacationed in Kure Beach and Carolina Beach for many years as a child and young adult, grandparents lived there. I recommend the Kure Pier and Fort Fisher aquarium.”

Chrys writes: “Carolina beach has an amusement park and board walk”

Melissa writes: “My favorite beach is Carolina Beach. All beaches here stay busy so go early for parking.”

Where to Eat in Wilmington NC

Karen writes: “Something Fishy restaurant and The Deck House are 2 of my favorites.”

Amanda writes: “Bitty and Beau’s Coffee”

Ash writes: “Dine at Indochine! Food is delicious and decor and outdoor seating—-awesome!”

Jean writes: “The Toastery for breakfast is my favorite, and Indochine for the best Thai food.”

Katie writes: “Indochine Thai restaurant and Zeke’s Wrightsville Beach Beans and Bowls are two of our favorites when we go!”

Jo-Anne writes: “Go to Carolina Beach boardwalk and get some Britts Donuts!!!”

Beth writes: “The Copper Penny Restaurant in Downtown Wilmington”

Amanda writes: “Wake and bake donuts was a hit.”

Kelly writes: “K38 Baja Grill”

Jennifer writes: “Flaming Amy’s Burrito Shack by the mall.”

Emily writes: “Any place on the ocean in Southport, Britt’s Doughnuts in Lure Beach, the chocolate shop in down town Wilmington, La Coasts mexican Restaurant in Wilmington. The Deli at Oak Island”

Kara writes: “We love Shuck n Shack seafood”

Alison writes: “Eat at Provision Company seafood restaurant in Southport!”

Melissa writes: “Downtown Wilmington for restaurants. Anne Bonny’s Bar & Grill for a drink along the Riverwalk, the frozé is very good if you like a sweet wine. Restaurants here are always busy during the summer, make reservations where you can or plan on walking around while you wait.”

Jim writes: “Look on Diners Drive-ins & Dives map for great spots to eat!”

Amanda writes: “Southport is close by and Fishy Fishy cafe is one restaurant we always look forward to eating at when on vacation from Canada”

So… have YOU ever been to Wilmington before?

What are some of your favorite Wilmington North Carolina Things To Do, places to see, etc?

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