With plenty of places to shop, sip at, and see, historic downtown Wilmington is full of activities for all! Take in the sights at the Riverwalk, tour historic sites dating back to the 1700's, peruse art galleries and quaint shops, enjoy local beverages from bars, breweries, & distilleries, enjoy a bite at many local hot spots, and more!
Battleship North Carolina participated in every major naval offensive in the Pacific theater of operations during World War II, earning 15 battle stars. This authentically restored National Historic Landmark proudly serves as her State’s World War II Memorial to the 11,000+ North Carolinians who made the ultimate sacrifice. Moored across from historic downtown Wilmington, the Battleship welcomes visitors daily. Plot your own course as you explore nine levels, climb inside gun turrets, marvel at early computers, and see where the crew ate, slept, and worked. Crew stories throughout the Ship introduce you to the 2,000 young men who called the Showboat home. Encircling the Ship, the State Employees Credit Union (SECU) Walkway provides an opportunity to appreciate her majesty and power. Enjoy a picnic in Battleship Park or savor a meal in Wilmington. And take a piece of her home from the Battleship Steel Collection!
Wilmington is known for its three island beaches: Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach. Each beach offers a unique experience, with Carolina Beach known for its lively boardwalk, Wrightsville Beach for its watersports, and Kure Beach for its natural beauty and hiking trails. These beaches are just a short drive from downtown Wilmington.
Some of our favorites close by the venue and hotels are: Circa 1922 Copper Penny Front Street Brewery Prost Biergarten Slainte