35 Wilmington North Carolina Things to Do (Secret Gems)

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!

Then… plan even more fun vacation fun with these Outer Banks Travel Tips and Myrtle Beach Travel Tips!

Wilmington North Carolina Things to Do

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.

Falling in love with Wilmington? While planning your trip, check out today’s interest rates in North Carolina from Tomo Mortgage—you might just find inspiration to turn your vacation dreams into a more permanent stay.

Related: How to Travel for Free or Cheap (20 Brilliant Budget Travel Hacks)

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”

How To Visit Wilmington on a Budget

So you’re planning a trip to the Wilmington NC?  To visit this beach town on a budget, you’ll need to do a little planning.  My first tip is to start stashing extra cash away now for your  ‘Wilmington Trip Fund’.  

Need to increase your travel fund cash stash?  You can make extra money on the side in your free time!  Here are my favorite tricks for ramping up the vacation budget…

27 Side Hustles Ideas

How to Get Cheap Flights to North Carolina

35 Southwest Airlines Hacks (What To Know Before You Fly)

25 American Airlines Flight Hacks (Weird Tricks Everyone Should Know)

23 Delta Airlines Travel Hacks (Savvy Travel Hacking Techniques)

Where to Stay in and around Wilmington

Wondering how to plan the perfect hotel stay for your next beach vacation?  It’s so much easier than you think!  

Don’t book your next hotel without knowing these secrets shared by Hotel Staff and Frequent Travelers…

75 Hotel Hacks Everyone Should Know

In addition to hotels, I recommend also staying at a VRBO when visiting Wilmington to save BIG on your trip.  They have so many vacation rentals listed by owner all along the beach, and they’re such a great way to find nice lodging that can be way less expensive than the hotels.  

I’ve personally stayed at multiple VRBO’s, and loved every one.  

Not only can they be significantly cheaper than the nearby hotels, they also came fully stocked with beach towels, beach chairs, boogie boards, and kitchens.  These amenities alone saved us SO much money!

Now do you want to know my favorite tips and tricks for saving BIG on a VRBO?  These little known hacks will save you SO much money!  Check this out…

How to Slash The Cost of Your Next Trip Using VRBO

More Ways To Save Money On Your North Carolina Beach Vacation

21 Ways to Save Money on Rental Cars

How To Save On Gas (Genius Hacks)

Military Discounts for Travel

How to Travel for Free or Cheap (20 Brilliant Budget Travel Hacks)

More Fabulous Vacation Ideas

So are you ready to start dreaming of even more fun vacations all over America?

Get inspired for your next vacation with these fun tips below…

50 Outer Banks Travel Tips (OBX Guide)

101 Myrtle Beach Travel Tips and Things to Do (What to Know BEFORE You Go)

101 Charleston South Carolina Things to Do

75 Oahu Travel Tips and Tricks

75 Kauai Travel Tips (What To Know Before You Go)

75 Best Maui Travel Tips

71 Nashville Travel Tips You Never Thought Of!

90 San Antonio Travel Tips and Things To Do

37 Washington D.C. Travel Tips You Need to Know!

75 San Diego Travel Tips (Where to Eat, Stay & Play)

31 San Francisco Things To Do

40 Top Rome Italy Travel Tips

101 Frugal Travel Tips Destinations

So… have YOU ever been to Wilmington before?

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

Leave a comment & share!