The Mayfaire Town Center, where the two recommended hotels are found, is a one-stop shop with shopping, dining, and entertainment.
The Riverwalk is the #1 tourist attraction in Wilmington. It is filled with public parks, dining, shopping, museums, and riverfront views of the battleship NC.
If you are looking for a beach, Wrightsville Beach is a short 8.5 miles away from Wilmington.