Things To Do

Wilmington Riverwalk

No trip to Wilmington is complete without a stroll along its mile-long Riverwalk. This wooden boardwalk that borders the Cape Fear River is lined with popular restaurants and bars - and punctuated by stools and benches that are perfect for taking a break and taking in the scene.

Wrightsville Beach

Laidback coastal living, miles of pristine beaches and endless water activities such a swimming, body boarding, fishing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, boating and surfing! What's not to love?

Carolina Beach

Carolina Beach is exceptional for fishing, shelling, and surfing along the coastline. You can even camp overnight to enjoy a wholly rugged and scenic beach environment. Oh and be sure to check out the Carolina Beach Boardwalk offering shops, restaurants and amusement rides!

Airlie Gardens

This is where we got married! Airlie Gardens is a favorite place for me and Sean. We enjoy going to the annual Azalea Festival garden party and we love having picnics and strolling the grounds gazing our favorite flowers! You'll see why when you go to explore the 67 acres of formal gardens, wildlife, ten acres of lakes, more than 75,000 azaleas, a nearly 500 year old Airlie Oak, and a seasonal butterfly house. There are always flowers in bloom and May is an amazing time to visit!

Battleship North Carolina

The USS North Carolina is the lead ship of the North Carolina class of fast battleships, the first vessel type built for the United States Navy. Envision the daily life and fierce combat her crew faced in the Pacific during World War II.

Bellamy Mansion Museum

Built between 1859 and 1861, the Bellamy Mansion is a mixture of Neoclassical architectural styles, including Greek Revival and Italianate, and is located at 503 Market Street in the heart of downtown Wilmington, North Carolina. It is one of the finest examples of historic antebellum architecture.

Latimer House

The Latimer House Museum and Gardens has a key role in Wilmington's historical culture. Built in the early 1850's and still preserved as one of the region's many opulent homes which have been converted into museums, this residence has also been the official home to the local Historical Society since 1963. Ornate and inviting, with rich touches throughout, the Latimer House Museum and Gardens is a must-stop for history buffs who are taking a strolling tour through Wilmington's most famous and best preserved southern palaces.

Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens

Built in 1770, the Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens is the only structure in Wilmington from the colonial era open to the public.

Graystone Inn

Upscale 1900s hotel with a library & garden offering period-style rooms with free Wi-Fi and breakfast.

North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher

Teaching facility showcasing the region's aquatic life in interactive exhibits and live programs.

Fort Fisher State Historic Site

Fort Fisher was a Confederate fort during the Civil War. It protected the vital trading routes of the port at Wilmington from 1861 until its capture by the Union in 1865.

Cameron Art Museum

The Cameron Art Museum provides a cultural gathering place that enriches the lives of museum visitors and the community.

Greenfield Lake Amphitheater

This open air 1,200-capacity facility features a variety of concerts, plays and festivals year round. Greenfield Lake is also a great place to take a walk! It's four miles around and the azalea bushes and magnolia trees will be in bloom in May!

Live Oak Bank Pavilion

Enjoy events and live music at this exciting state-of-the-art boutique outdoor amphitheater riverside on the northern end of the Riverwalk in historic downtown.

Manna

Seasonal New-American fare in posh, romantic environs, plus craft cocktails & extensive wine list. Manna has been one of Wilmington's most popular restaurants for about a decade. The cocktails and food are to die for!

Seabird

Seafood restaurant serving oysters, fish, breakfast, & cocktails amid a retro, white-tiled interior. This is one of me and Sean's favorite restaurants right now. We love the hip vibes and miso flavored ice cream!

Satellite Bar and Lounge

Rustic, modern tavern with funky, wood-accented decor, craft beer on tap and weekend live music. Satellite is always worth a stop when visiting Wilmington and one of me and Sean's go to bars for tacos and live music!

Benny's Big Time Pizzeria

Airy, rustic-chic dining space dishing out Italian staples such as pizza, pasta, and house gelato. OMG their wood-fired pizza is so good! The Talkin Shitake mushroom pizza is our favorite!

The Second Glass

Seasonally driven wine-focused restaurant with southern and French influences and an eclectic wine list. The owner Celeste knows all things wine and if you're lucky she will be there to recommend her favorites. They also offer vegan and vegetarian options!

Ceviche's

Buzzy Panamanian cafe offering Latin-inspired fare & tropical drinks in a relaxed, vibrant setting. Another one of me and Sean's favorites! The food and cocktails here are so good. We recommend the ceviche and empanadas but also try an entree for your taste buds to be blown away!

Bridge Tender

Refined steakhouse features casual fine dining with a deck over the Intracoastal Waterway.

True Blue Butcher and Table

A spirited restaurant, butcher shop and bar driven by quality ingredients and an extensive whiskey and bourbon selection! Sean and I love coming here for brunch on Sunday's. Get the flight of mimosas!

Britts Donuts

Classic glazed donuts draw crowds to this popular boardwalk venue open since 1939. Cash ONLY. Britt's is a MUST! Call before heading that way to make sure they are open. If they are it's well worth a trip to Carolina Beach! These donuts really melt in your mouth! You can always work it off with a walk on the beach afterwards :)

The Fat Pelican

Venerable bar offering a wide variety of beer with a self-serve cooler, foosball & a sandy patio. This is one of our favorite beach dive bars! They have a walk in cooler where you can go pick out your own beer and the crowd is always a flavorful mix of locals and tourists.

Freddie's Restaurant

Quaint, red-checkered tablecloth Italian bar and grill with American chop & steak dishes on the menu. One of Carolina/Kure Beach's top restaurants!

Nauti Times Boat Rentals

Rent a boat for cruising Wrightsville or Carolina Beach in style! Their guides are super fun and will make sure you have an amazing time! I used them for my 40th birthday and it was an epic 5 hour excursion touring Wrightsville beach and Masonboro Island and ending the trip tubing on the intracoastal waterway! SO MUCH FUN!

Wilmington Water Tours

Take a cruise and get a guided history lesson of the Cape Fear River with a full bar and refreshments!

Wrightsville SUP

This place is great if you want a stand up paddle board session during your stay in Wilmington!

Hi-Wire Brewing - Wilmington

Flytrap Brewing