Wilmington Travel Guide
Facts and practical information
Nestled on the southeastern coast of North Carolina, the city of Wilmington offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. Known for its picturesque riverfront and charming downtown, Wilmington is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
One of the main attractions in Wilmington is the historic district, where visitors can take a step back in time and explore the city's rich history. Stroll along the cobblestone streets and admire the beautifully preserved antebellum homes, such as the Bellamy Mansion and the Latimer House. Immerse yourself in the stories of the past as you visit the Cape Fear Museum, the oldest history museum in North Carolina, or take a guided tour of the Battleship North Carolina, a World War II naval vessel.
For nature enthusiasts, Wilmington offers plenty of outdoor activities. Head to the nearby Carolina Beach State Park and hike through scenic trails, kayak along the Cape Fear River, or enjoy a picnic by the water. If you're a beach lover, Wrightsville Beach is just a short drive away, where you can relax on pristine sandy shores and soak up the sun.
Wilmington is also a hub for arts and culture. The city is home to the Thalian Hall Center for Performing Arts, a historic theater that hosts a variety of shows, including plays, concerts, and ballet performances. Art lovers can explore the numerous galleries and art studios in the downtown area, showcasing works by local and regional artists.
Food enthusiasts will be delighted by the culinary scene in Wilmington. From fresh seafood to Southern comfort food, the city boasts a wide array of dining options. Indulge in a seafood feast at one of the waterfront restaurants, or savor the flavors of the South at a traditional barbecue joint.
Wilmington Attractions - What to See and Explore
Wilmington offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: USS North Carolina, Oakdale Cemetery, Masonboro Inlet, Cape Fear Memorial Bridge. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.
Things to See and Do in Wilmington by Category
Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Wilmington.
Active
Cardinal Lanes North
WilmingtonBeach Game and entertainment center Bowling alley Ogden 
Trask Coliseum
WilmingtonBasketball Sport Sport venue 
Brooks Field
WilmingtonBaseball Sport Sport venue 
Joe and Barbara Schwartz Center
WilmingtonAuditorium Sport Sport venue Downtown Wilmington 
Legion Stadium
WilmingtonFootball Sport Sport venue
Museum
USS North Carolina
WilmingtonMuseum on a WWII battleship
Ship Military museum 
Poplar Grove
WilmingtonMuseum History museum Historical place 
Burgwin-Wright House
WilmingtonMuseum Specialty museum History museum Downtown Wilmington 
Cape Fear Museum of History and Science
Southside, WilmingtonMuseum History museum The Bottom 
Cameron Art Museum
WilmingtonMuseum Art museum Pine Valley
Historical place
First Baptist Church
WilmingtonChurch Historical place Downtown Wilmington Poplar Grove
WilmingtonMuseum History museum Historical place 
Airlie Gardens
WilmingtonBotanical garden Historical place Park Wrightville Sound 
Wilmington National Cemetery
WilmingtonHistorical place Historic walking areas Sacred and religious sites Northside
Church
First Baptist Church
WilmingtonChurch Historical place Downtown Wilmington 
Basilica Shrine of St. Mary
Southside, WilmingtonChurch 
St. James Episcopal Church
WilmingtonChurch Downtown Wilmington 
First Presbyterian Church
Southside, WilmingtonChurch Gothic Revival architecture
Wilmington – popular in the area (distance from the center)
In the vicinity of Wilmington, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Beirut Memorial (Jacksonville), Oak Island Light (Oak Island), Orton Plantation (Carolina Beach State Park).
Best Time To Visit Wilmington
Learn when is the best time to travel to Wilmington weather-wise and what to expect in each season.
Best Ways to Experience the City
Food & drink
CuisineA guide to some of the best local dishes and drinks that you will meet in the region.
Cornbread
Cornbread is a cherished quick bread made from cornmeal, typically leavened with baking powder. It has deep roots in Native American cuisine, where corn has been a staple for millennia. When European settlers arrived in the New World, they learned to prepare corn-based...
Cupcake
A cupcake is a delightful, single-serving cake typically baked in a small, thin paper or aluminum cup. These tasty treats have a rich history dating back to the late 18th century, with the term "cupcake" first appearing in the early 19th century.
Slider
A slider is a small, steam-grilled American sandwich, typically about 2 inches in diameter and served on a bun. The term "slider" originated from White Castle restaurants, where these miniature burgers were steamed with onions.
Cracker
Crackers are beloved for their flat, crispy texture. Primarily made from flour, they are often enhanced with a touch of salt, herbs, seeds, or cheese for added flavor. You can enjoy them straight from the package or pair them with cheese, dips, or spreads.
Cracker
Bananas Foster
Bananas Foster is a delightful dessert that combines bananas and vanilla ice cream under a rich, flavorful sauce made from butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, dark rum, and banana liqueur. The magic happens when the butter, sugar, and bananas are cooked together, and then...
Dish
North Carolina