Looking for the best and fun things to do in Wilmington NC? Here’s the list with all information.
Although it is not as famous as Charleston and Savannah, Wilmington in North Carolina has its own historical and natural features.
Historic District in Downtown Wilmington filled with fine antebellum homes, historic plantations, soft white sand beaches, riverside boardwalk, WWII Battleship, and excellent museums add unique value to Wilmington NC.
This wonderful port city also contains plenty of galleries, restaurants, and shops. So, Wilmington NC is one of the best destinations to visit in the United States with kids and family.
Things to Do in Wilmington NC
1.Things to Do in Wilmington NC: Wilmington Riverwalk
Walking along the Riverwalk downtown is the best way to explore the city of, Wilmington NC. It is a popular boardwalk that runs along the Cape Fear River.
Designed in the 1980s, Wilmington Riverwalk connects the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge to the Isabel Holmes Bridge. Also, it leads visitors to the city’s famous historic area.
While walking along the Riverwalk, you can catch beautiful views of the river and the city. And also offers access to some major attractions like USS North Carolina (Battleship North Carolina), the historic Murchison Building, and Cotton Exchange.
Aside from that, Wilmington Riverwalk features delicious restaurants, boutiques shops, souvenir shops, live music, and many other entertainment spots. It is home to the weekly Wilmington’s Farmer’s Market and annual Riverfest.
If you are interested in taking a boat ride, several boat launching places are available along this Riverwalk.
So, start your journey from Wilmington Riverwalk.
Address: Wilmington Downtown Riverwalk, Wilmington, NC 28401, United States
Things to Do in Wilmington NC
2. Battleship North Carolina
USS North Carolina (BB-55) or Battleship North Carolina was the first battleship of the type built for the United States Navy to join America’s WWII fleet. And also, it was the lead ship of the North Carolina class of fast battleships.
That’s why it calls “the world’s greatest sea weapon.” Being a National Historic Landmark, now it is a museum and one of the top attractions in Wilmington NC.
Battleship North Carolina museum tells you the whole story of the ship, wars it fought, and veterans who handled it. You can see its gun turrets, main deck, and other main parts of this battleship.
So, surely take a tour to Battleship North Carolina with your kids.
Address: 1 Battleship Rd NE, Wilmington, NC 28401, United States Phone: +1 910-399-9100
Planning to visit Charlotte, NC?? Here’s the list of the best things to do in Charlotte, NC.
3. Things to Do in Wilmington NC: Airlie Garden
Airlie Gardens is an attractive historic botanical garden that spreads for 67-acres of land.
Built-in 1886, this botanical garden contains lush signature Airlie Oaks, azaleas, camellias, pines, seasonal and perennial flowers, and many other old plant species for over 400 years.
Therefore thousands of nature lovers and garden lovers attract to Airlie Gardens from all over the world.
Apart from the variety of plants, this botanical garden features lakes, formal gardens, historic buildings, outdoor art, and diverse ecosystems rich with wildlife.
Also, it features a large open-air butterfly house (spreads for 2,700-square-foot) with hundreds of native North Carolina butterflies. For example, giant swallowtails and monarchs.
Airlie Gardens is undoubtedly the best place to breathe fresh air and feel nature in Wilmington NC. It also hosts outdoor yoga sessions and bird hikes, like wonderful activities. Just check the garden calendar to join them.
Address: 300 Airlie Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403, United States Phone: +1 910-798-7700
Things to Do in Wilmington NC
4. Historic District in Downtown Wilmington
Known for the impressive 18th- and 19th-century architecture, Historic District in Downtown Wilmington is the state’s largest National Register Historic District.
1770s Burgwin-Wright Museum, antebellum Bellamy Mansion, and nearly 900 historical buildings are available in this historic district. Also, it features local restaurants that serve delicious seafood and shops that sell antique and modern items.
There are several ways to explore the Historic District in Downtown Wilmington. For example, you can take a walking tour, an informative trolley tour, ghost tour, river cruise, or a horse-drawn carriage tour.
Especially in the summer, downtown hosts many entertaining events, festivals, live music, and gallery walks.
That’s why the Historic District is the best part of Wilmington.
Address: Wilmington, NC 28402, United States Phone: (910) 254-0907
Things to Do in Wilmington NC
5. Things to Do in Wilmington NC: Bellamy Mansion Museum
Bellamy Mansion Museum is an excellent museum built between 1859 and 1861.
First, you will fall in love with its impressive architecture because it represents a mixture of Neoclassical architectural styles, including Italianate and Greek Revival styles. Therefore, Bellamy Mansion considers one of the best examples of historic antebellum architecture.
Its elegant main entrance, handcrafted carvings, impressive Victorian garden, 150-year-old magnolia trees, and preserved urban slave quarters are the most attractive things to see.
Bellamy Mansion was Dr. John D. Bellamy’s private mansion. He was a famous businessman, plantation owner, and physician in North Carolina.
Now, this museum offers you a chance to experience the luxury lifestyle of the Victorian era’s wealthy American family. Also, it shows society’s dark history of human rights struggles in the 1860s.
If you like history, surely visit Bellamy Mansion Museum in Wilmington. Just check their website and try to catch educational and cultural programs that host throughout the year.
Address: 503 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401, United States Phone: +1 910-251-3700
6. Things to Do in Wilmington NC: New Hanover County Arboretum
New Hanover County Arboretum is 7 acres of Community garden in Wilmington. Being an old arboretum built-in 1989, it features more than 30 gardens with flowering plants, bushes, verdant lawns, and a large water garden in NC.
The gardens include a rose garden, a herb garden, a bog garden, an aquatic garden, a children’s garden, a landscaped Japanese garden, and many other.
Also, these gardens include over 4,000 varieties of naturalized and native plants. Therefore, it serves as an education center and a horticultural laboratory for those who love gardening.
And its water garden is one of the largest ones in North Carolina. It contains thousands of catfish and multi-colored koi.
You can grab all of these experiences from New Hanover County Arboretum free of charge.
Address: 6206 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403, United States Phone: +1 910-798-7660
Things to Do in Wilmington NC
7. North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is the best place that shows the region’s aquatic life through live programs and interactive exhibits.
Although this aquarium is located around 20 miles outside of Wilmington, it is totally worth traveling with your kids. It teaches about diverse aquatic species in the region and other parts of the world.
Therefore, you can see exhibits in freshwater, saltwater, and Cape Fear River. Especially, North Carolina Aquarium shows you how to change the habitats when moving from Cape Fear River water to the ocean water.
North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher contains eels, loggerhead sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, and a wide variety of fish. Also, its touch tank features starfish and horseshoe crabs like amazing critters.
On the other hand, North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher contains a separate area to show reptiles like a rare albino alligator named Luna.
The aquarium hosts daily programs, feedings sessions, and many other interacting events. As its staff is so friendly, you can ask any kind of question from them.
So, plan a visit to North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher to surprise your kids.
Address: 900 Loggerhead Rd, Kure Beach, NC 28449, United States Phone: +1 910-772-0500
8. Things to Do in Wilmington NC: Wilmington Railroad Museum
Wilmington Railroad Museum is a historical rail museum in Wilmington, North Carolina. It showcases the history of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad through its impressive artifacts dating from the 1840s to today.
For example, it contains a full-size steam locomotive, an interactive model railroad, caboose, boxcar, and various scale models.
Wilmington Railroad Museum targets to educate and entertain visitors by showing things about the railroad industry.
There’s a fun play area called “Thomas the Train Play Area” for kids. So, you can tour around the museum and see historical displays while kids play.
Its model train display is the most highlighted exhibit. So, don’t miss it.
Address: 505 Nutt St, Wilmington, NC 28401, United States Phone: +1 910-763-2634
Things to Do in Wilmington NC
9. Things to Do in Wilmington NC: Thalian Hall
Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts is a historic theatre in Wilmington, New Hanover County, North Carolina.
Built in 1858, it shows impressive architecture with a mix of flamboyant Late Victorian and Classical Revival design elements.
Designed by a world-famous theater architect, John Montague Trimble, Thalian Hall is a stuccoed brick building with two-story and five bays. And this is the only surviving work of him.
It has been functioning from 1858 to the present day. Therefore, in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the theater hosted Buffalo Bill Cody, John Philip Sousa, and Ziegfeld Follies performances.
After restoring in the early 20th-century, Thalian Hall annually hosts over 400 performances and events at its three venues.
So, if you are looking for an entertaining movie, a musical show in any genre, a dance performance, or an educational program about art, surely visit Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts.
Address: 310 Chestnut St, Wilmington, NC 28401, United States Phone: +1 910-632-2285
10. Cape Fear Museum of History and Science
Cape Fear Museum of History and Science is an attractive museum in downtown Wilmington. Opened in 1898, this is the oldest history museum in North Carolina.
Therefore, you can see over 50,000 historical, scientific, and cultural exhibits of the Lower Cape Fear.
For example, its Michael Jordan Discovery Gallery shows the region’s diverse ecosystems. And also, you can see the bones of a Giant Ground Sloth in the lobby.
Another attractive exhibit in the lobby is the locally built Simmons Sea-skiff boat.
Aside from those exhibits, Cape Fear Museum of History and Science hosts various traveling exhibits, presentations about old machinery and maritime work.
Cape Fear Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday. Come along with your kids.
Address: 814 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401, United States Phone: +1 910-798-4370
Things to Do in Wilmington NC
11. Poplar Grove Plantation, Wilmington
Opened in 1850, Poplar Grove Plantation is one of the oldest peanut plantations in North Carolina. Spreading over 15-acres of land, this plantation was originally owned by the widow of Cornelius Harnett.
(Cornelius Harnett was a famous American merchant, farmer, and statesman)
It contains a house and some other outbuildings constructed for Joseph Mumford Foy. The three-story house looks attractive, and the slaves of the Foy family built it by using the things available on the plantation. Ex: black walnut. Pine, etc.
After that, the Foy family’s six generations owned this house until 1971.
And now you can see the house, the stunning garden, the original smokehouse, agricultural equipment needed for peanut production, and a blacksmith shop.
Aside from that wif you visit Poplar Grove Plantation, you can explore more about stories from French Huguenots, the Civil War, people of the Gullah Geechee culture, and the Revolutionary War.
Due to its historical value, Poplar Grove Plantation was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
So, book your tour to explore these interesting things in Poplar Grove Plantation. Ghost tours are also available. Do you like to be adventurous?
Address: 10200 US-17, Wilmington, NC 28411, United States Phone: +1 910-686-9518
Things to Do in Wilmington NC
12. Things to Do in Wilmington NC: Cameron Art Museum
Established in 1962, Cameron Art Museum or St. John’s Museum of Art is one of the best art museums in Wilmington NC. It has been functioning successfully for forty years now.
Located in Historic downtown, Cameron Art Museum presents a diverse permanent art collection done by regional, national and international artists.
Also, it features several rotating exhibitions with fine arts, designs, and crafts that highlight contemporary and historical significance.
Aside from the art collection, Cameron Art Museum also offers you an arts education center and a clay studio. So, if you like to learn art, the museum hosts various art classes and workshops too. Just check their official website and join with a program.
Address: 3201 S 17th St, Wilmington, NC 28412, United States Phone: +1 910-395-5999
Things to Do in Wilmington NC
13. Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park
Are you ready to have fun with your kids?
Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park is a famous amusement park that contains a waterpark, laser tag jungle gym, go-kart course, mini-golf, and many other things.
Especially, the waterpark is the most attractive thing in this park. Its million-gallon wave pool, dual-lane speed slides, lazy river, tower of slides, 7,000-square-foot splash pool, and volcano mountain are the most fun options in the waterpark.
Also, Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park offers you a thrilling sidewinder, super bowl, tower of slides, a golf course, arcades, and many other fun things.
That’s why visiting Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park is one of the best things to do in Wilmington NC.
Address: 5320 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403, United States Phone: +1 910-791-0666
Things to Do in Wilmington NC
14. Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens
Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens is the only survived structure from the colonial era in Wilmington NC. And the good news is, it is open to the public.
Built-in 1770, this impressive house was originally owned by John Burgwin, a famous merchant, planter, and government officer in North Carolina.
Therefore, you can see the attractive antique interior, Georgian architecture, and kitchen utensils representing the 18th and 19th-century.
On the other hand, this property’s garden that spreads over half an acre is attractive too. It was designed by two of Colonial Williamsburg’s landscape architects named Donald Parker and Alden Hopkins. And the garden includes a rose garden, a medicinal garden, a pomegranate orchard, espaliered crabapple trees, and many other lush plants.
Since Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens offer you free entrance, do not miss it at all. If you are more interested, you can take guided tours or rent for private events.
Address: 224 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401, United States Phone: +1 910-762-0570
15. Things to Do in Wilmington NC: Wrightsville Beach
Looking for a beach escape near Wilmington?
Located just east of Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach is a fun beach town in New Hanover County, North Carolina. Since you can reach there within 11 minutes from Wilmington’s Historic District, surely add it to your bucket list.
Wilmington Beach is one of the most stunning beaches in North Carolina. White sand, beachfront vacation homes, exciting water sports, jogging trails, beachfront bars, restaurants, shops, and breathtaking scenery are the attractive features of this beach.
Fun outdoor activities to do on Wilmington Beach are riding a sailboat through world-class waves, fish on Johnnie Mercer’s Pier, take a tour around Masonboro Island to see wildlife, visiting the waterbird sanctuary and historic square.
Wilmington Beach offers perfect sunset sceneries too.
Address: 321 Causeway Drive, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 Phone: (910) 256-7900
Things to Do in Wilmington NC
16. Masonboro Island Reserve
Obviously, you cannot grab all these experiences within one day. Therefore, plan for a two days camp with your family. Then, you can observe marine life, wildlife, and stunning nature on this island while hiking its nature trails.
Things to Do in Wilmington NC
17. Things to Do in Wilmington NC: Halyburton Park
Halyburton Park is another fun place in Wilmington to visit with family and kids. It features fun picnic areas, biking/walking trails, playgrounds, and many other nature programs for all age groups.
For example, this nature reserve hosts Little Explorers for kids aged 2 to 5, Eco Explorers for children aged 5 to 10, and several other programs for families.
On the other hand, Halyburton Park organizes school field trips, yoga classes, pilates classes, and many other health programs.
Since Halyburton Park is lush and beautiful, people rent its space for special events like birthday parties, weddings, and business meetings.
Do you like to take a tour around Halyburton Park?
Address: 4099 S 17th St, Wilmington, NC 28412, United States Phone: +1 910-341-0075
Things to Do in Wilmington NC
18. Sea Turtle Camp, Wilmington
Are you interested in marine biology adventures? Then, get ready for the Sea Turtle Summer Camp in Wilmington.
Sea Turtle Camp organizes many educational, fun, and interactive programs for the youth and families. It offers travel camps, scuba camps, caring sea turtles camps, and more.
Especially in caring for sea turtles, you are getting a chance to nurture sea turtles, prepare food, and clean tanks.
Address: 7213 Ogden Business Ln STE 214, Wilmington, NC 28411, United States Phone: +1 910-686-4611
Things to Do in Wilmington NC
19. The Children’s Museum of Wilmington
Do you have kids aged 1 to 10? Here’s the best place for them in Wilmington NC.
The Children’s Museum of Wilmington features many hands-on exhibits, party rooms, and a big outdoor playground for kids.
Founded in 1991, the Children’s Museum of Wilmington aims to enhance children’s creativity and exploration skills.
It teaches them about the important things in the practical world in an entertaining way. So, they can figure out their inner skills in various fields like agriculture, engineering, architecture, dentistry, medicine, artistry, and wildlife.
So, let kids learn while playing in the Children’s Museum of Wilmington. Surely they will love it.
Address: 116 Orange St, Wilmington, NC 28401, United States Phone: +1 910-254-3534
20. Things to Do in Wilmington NC: Latimer House
Latimer House is a historic house located on South Third Street, Wilmington. Built-in 1852, this house was owned by a local merchant named Zebulon Latimer. Its four-story house with 14 rooms represents Italianate style.
The Historical Society acquired this perfectly symmetrical house and started operating as a museum. Now you can see its historic architecture and more than 600 historical items, including jewelry, furniture, stunning chandeliers, and original marble fireplaces.
Also, Latimer House features beautiful formal gardens too. Just take a guided tour of this historical house and experience the old lifestyle.
Address: 126 S 3rd St, Wilmington, NC 28401, United States
21. Tregembo Animal Park
Tote-Em-In Zoo or Tregembo Animal Park is a family fun zoo in Wilmington founded by George and June Tregembo in 1952.
As it has a history of over 60 years, Tregembo Animal Park considers the oldest zoo in South Eastern North Carolina. Although it was started with a less number of animals, it improved with time. Now, this zoo features more than 100 species of animals from various parts of the world.
Ex: Reptiles, amphibians, mammals, birds, insects, bears, zebras, tigers, sloths, monkeys, giraffes, and lions.
On the other hand, Tregembo Animal Park’s mini-museum shows fossils, dinosaur bones, ancient artifacts, and other compelling things.
So, surely visit Tregembo Animal Park with your family. (Check the official website to know the opening season)
Address: 5811 Carolina Beach Rd, Wilmington, NC 28412, United States Phone: +1 910-392-3604
Things to Do in Wilmington NC
22. Things to Do in Wilmington NC: Cape Fear Beaches
As mentioned in the introduction, Wilmington features many stunning beaches.
Especially, the mouth of the Cape Fear River has more than 10 attractive beaches. So, beach lovers have tons of things to do in Wilmington NC.
The closest beach to Wilmington is Carolina Beach. It is a perfect family beach that contains one of the best boardwalks in the city.
When you walk to the southern border, you will see Kure Beach, which has river water on one side and the Atlantic ocean on the other side. So, you can experience any kind of water activity on this beach—for example, kayaking, swimming, surfing, and fishing on its 700-foot-long fishing pier.
Another spectacular beach area is Fort Fisher State Recreation Area and Historic Site. It features miles of undeveloped shorelines and historic Fort Fisher earthworks.
Things to Do in Wilmington NC
- Wilmington Riverwalk
- Battleship North Carolina
- Airlie Garden
- Bellamy Mansion Museum
- Historic District in Downtown Wilmington
- New Hanover County Arboretum
- North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
- Wilmington Railroad Museum
- Thalian Hall
- Cape Fear Museum of History and Science
- Poplar Grove Plantation
- Cameron Art Museum
- Jungle Family Fun Park
- Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens
- Wrightsville Beach
- Masonboro Island Reserve
- Halyburton Park
- Sea Turtle Camp
- The Children’s Museum of Wilmington
- Latimer House
- Tregembo Animal Park
- Cape Fear Beaches
Things to Do in Wilmington NC
