THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Wilmington
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Things to Do in Wilmington
Check out must-see sights and activities:
Battleship North Carolina, Airlie Gardens, Nature & Wildlife Areas, Historic Sites. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Battleship North Carolina, Airlie Gardens, Nature & Wildlife Areas, Historic Sites. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Wilmington.
Sightseeing Cruisesfromper adultAU$38
Cultural Toursfromper adultAU$40- fromper adultAU$40
Scavenger Huntsfromper adultAU$43
Beer & Brewery Toursfromper group (up to 7)AU$515
Kid-Friendlyfromper adultAU$176
Transportation Rentalsfromper adultAU$95
Sailingfromper adultAU$141- fromper adultAU$135
Ghost Toursfromper adultAU$29
Historic WWII battleship featuring self-guided tours through well-preserved decks and living quarters. Explore tight spaces and massive gun turrets, capturing the essence of naval history.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Historic Sites
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Two-mile riverfront boardwalk featuring coastal colonial architecture, scenic views of a historic battleship, and an array of dining and shopping options.
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Speciality Museums
Historic mansion tour showcasing early 19th-century architecture and preserved slave quarters. Provides insightful narratives on urban plantation life and significant local history.
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Neighbourhoods
Stroll through a historic district's walkable streets lined with Victorian homes, enjoy carriage tours, and dine by the riverwalk amidst a backdrop of preserved architecture and local history.
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Neighbourhoods
Wineries & Vineyards
Historic Sites
Historic plantation providing a glimpse into Gullah and Geechee heritage through expansive grounds, seasonal events, and engaging ghost and historical tours.
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Nature & Wildlife Areas
Marine-focused camp with hands-on sea turtle conservation activities, tech-free policy, and dormitory living at a local university. Promotes marine biology passion and lasting friendships.
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Art Museums
Art and history museum with rotating exhibits and a cultural vibe, set within scenic grounds. Features include a gift shop with local finds, cafe, and live music in the outdoor seating area.
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Other Top Attractions around Wilmington
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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What travellers are saying
- Terica MJacksonville, NC267 contributionsWe took our son to visit the Battleship North Carolina in Wilmington, and it was definitely an experience to remember. The ship itself is impressive—massive, historic, and full of cool details that make you appreciate its role in history. That said, he wasn’t exactly thrilled about the tight, cramped spaces (let’s just say small rooms aren’t his thing). But overall, we really enjoyed exploring the ship and learning about life aboard it. It was a fun mix of history and adventure, and we’d recommend it—just maybe not for anyone who’s not a fan of tiny spaces!Written 4 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Carolina Girl T1 contributionBeautiful even in October but was disappointed that the butterflies were not still out. It was okay since I thought that may be the case with colder months coming. To get the most of this trip I would suggest going before October and after May.Written 17 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Keith RHigh Point, NC13 contributionsOur recent visit to Wilmington, NC wouldn't have been complete without a leisurely walk along the Riverwalk. This picturesque two-mile walkway offers stunning views of the Cape Fear River, as well as a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions.
We enjoyed browsing through the unique boutiques and stopping for a bite to eat at one of the outdoor cafes. The Riverwalk is also a great place to catch a narrated tour or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere.
Conlon Pier is the only place along the Riverwalk where fishing is allowed. So if you like to fish, that is the spot for you.
Overall, we had a fantastic time exploring the Riverwalk. It's a great way to experience the beauty and charm of Wilmington.Written 2 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Matthew S1 contributionExcellent tour and beautiful place - highly recommend if you are in the Wilmington area.
Loved learning all the history in this spot.Written 14 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - CTYankee143Greenville, SC37 contributionsBeautiful Victorian homes in downtown. There seems to be a surge in restorations making the historic section very interesting, walkable and educational with all the historic markers. Additionally the restaurants offer great food and water views along the river or the inland waterway.Written 5 November 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- WrldTraveler1789Austin, TX99 contributionsThe downtown area is pretty cute. Everything is walkable and places are not far apart. You can easily walk the whole downtown area. Streets are clean and cool old building line the waterfront. PAY FOR PARKING, is the best advice I can give you. The meter-maids are relentless and efficient there. Besides that, everything else is nice to see.Written 25 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jim W3 contributionsA great small winery. It is usual that I like one or two wines at the wineries I visit but I liked ALL of them at Noni Bacca, we tried 12. Fantastic service and conversation. Can’t say enough about the place. Our new favorite winery from our travels.Written 5 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Mark N21 contributionsFrom the UK, we had no knowledge of Wilmington’s role in the history of railroads in the US. We are not railroad geeks, we stumbled across this museum and spent a delightful few hours there. The price is low and the scale manageable for the casual visitor. A small cinema room offers a selection of perfectly pitched videos - explaining various aspects of the railroads. Among them, the clearest explanation I have ever encountered of how a steam engine actually works, and a fascinating piece on the caboose. The exhibits were well curated, grouped to explore different aspects of railroad history - including women workers, unions, Pullman travel etc. then in the final room an enormous and frankly thrilling model railway, with lots of buttons to press. So much better than any computer game. We left informed, educated and thoroughly entertained.Written 18 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Linda D6 contributionsBefore entering the museum, there is a park showing native and non-native plants and, in mid-September, it was full of butterflies. There are several boats used for different purposes and different times. Inside, you are greeted with the skeleton of a giant sloth which once roamed the area.
We enjoyed the "Cape Fear Stories" the best. Exhibits started with artifacts from ancient peoples and continued until the present. We are from New England and found the information about the long leaf pine and its uses fascinating. Tar and pitch, "naval stores", came from these trees and a lot of back-breaking labor. The slogan, "Tar Heel State" finally made sense to us.
There are many other exhibits within the museum, including several for children. This is a great place to go. There is a parking lot.Written 14 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - FarAway75081411 contributionsPoplar Grove’s Executive Director gave one of the best historical plantation tours we have ever taken. Her insights into the daily lives of enslaved people were unvarnished and thought provoking. She possessed vast knowledge of the topic and had a very engaging way of delivering her message. Excellent tour.Written 27 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ChuckDallasDallas, TX216 contributionsMy son (age 16) attended Sea Turtle Camp Hawaii for a two week adventure in July 2023. I was wary of how it would go, since he had never been away for that length of time and without access to a cellular device. My concerns were misplaced. He had a wonderful time! I think the group was about 12 students and they seemed to coalesce as a term very quickly. The camp "leaders", Madeline, Molly, and Ryan were all excellent. Drop-off at Honolulu airport was seemless as was pickup two weeks later. Everyday the Camp posted pictures of that particular days' activities so it was obvious from the photos that everyone was having a grand time. There are many forms to complete but given the range of activities it was reasonable, just time consuming. That is my only minor whine. 100% recommendation.Written 9 August 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Nancy A296 contributionsOne gallery was between exhibits, so I got a reduced admission. The two galleries that were open are not large and it didn't take long to see both exhibits. The outdoor sculpture garden was lots of fun. Lunch at the cafe was great!Written 6 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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