Wilmingtion Attractions
Wilmington, NC attractions include something for everyone. There are spots that will excite the history buffs, thrill seekers, nature lovers…and the rest of you too. The Battleship North Carolina and Fort Fisher Historic sites generally top the list for those with an interest in US military history. Learn a little something at the Cape Fear Museum or the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Step into another time with a stroll through the Bellamy Mansion or around Poplar Grove Plantation. Or take in the natural beauty of Airlie Gardens, the Arboretum, or the area beaches. Enjoy exploring all the greater Wilmington area has to offer!
Wilmington Trolley Company
Wilmington Trolley Co. is a top quality guided tour through historic downtown Wilmington. Experience centuries of history as if you were there! Wilmington has been and is still home to countless public figures, film productions and architectural masterpieces.
Sail Wilmington
Sail Wilmington is one of our favorite outdoor activities in Wilmington. Captain Alan and first mate Kaete are the perfect sailing companions. Glide the river on their beloved 30 foot boat, named Jammin’. This riverfront adventure is for all ages and can be quite romantic.
Wine and Design
Head to Wine and Design in Wilmington for an unforgettable evening. Find yourself a paintbrush and get lost in your own creativity. Everyone who visits Wine and Design goes home a winner with a great memento to remember the experience. Show up with your drink of choice and let Wine and Design take care of the rest.
Popular Attractions in Wilmington & the Area Beaches
Our Beaches
Obviously the beaches are what draw most people to our corner of North Carolina. Visit them, and you’ll likely want to move here as well. You can learn more about Carolina Beach, Wrightsville Beach, and Kure Beach on the various sections of this site.
Battleship North Carolina – website
Located directly across from downtown Wilmington. If you like cool things, you’ll like the Battleship. You can spend hours learning about ship, strolling the deck and listening to your ex-sailor father-in-law tell you about every switch on the boat.
Historic Downtown Wilmington
Downtown Wilmington is a special place. Be sure to take a stroll up and down the Riverwalk, browse our local shops, grab a bite to eat in one of the great restaurants, and tour our beautiful neighborhoods via trolley, carriage, or even by Segway. If you’re visiting in the evening, be sure to check out one of the city’s rooftop bars and enjoy the view.
Our Parks
New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick Counties offer great parks and recreational outlets. Get outdoors and find all of the wonderful areas to explore in Southeastern, NC.
Your Kids are Going to Love It
Childrens Museum. Train Museum. Beaches. Jungle Rapids Water Park. Awesome playgrounds and parks. Camp on the beach. Fish. Riverwalk. Free downtown trolley. Ice cream. Pizza. Etc. We’re pretty sure they’re going to like it.
Airlie Gardens
300 Airlie Road
Wilmington, NC 28403
Learn More about Airlie Gardens
Notes: We highly recommend a trip to Airlie Gardens. Take a beautiful walk around the grounds and breathe in the salt air. It’s definitely one of the most beautiful attractions in our community.
Carolina Beach State Park
1010 B Rd, Carolina Beach, NC 28428
(910) 458-8206
Notes: Hike, bike, camp, kayak, fish and more in this awesome State Park along the shores of the Cape Fear River and Snows Cut.
Greenfield Lake Park & Gardens
1510 South 3rd Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
More on Greenfield Park
Notes: Lots to do for the whole family. If you brought your bikes or running shoes, take a four mile loop around the lake. There are also canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, playgrounds, tennis courts and a skateboard park.
Empie Park
3405-A Park Avenue
Wilmington, NC 28403
More on Empie Park
Notes: Located in Mid Town. Empie offers tons of recreational options including a dog park, tennis and basketball courts, bocce, shuffleboard, horseshoe pits, playgrounds, a walking/biking path, picnic areas and more.
Halyburton Park
4099 S 17th St
Wilmington, NC 28412
(910) 341-0075
More on Halyburton Park
Notes: What’s there to do at Halyburton Park? Bike, run, or walk around the park’s trail system. Hit the playgrounds, have a picnic, or do a headstand in yoga class.
Hugh McRae Park
1799 S College Rd
Wilmington, NC 28403
More on Hugh McRae Park
Notes: Located about half way between downtown Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach. Hugh McRae has trails around the outside of the park, one of the best playgrounds in Wilmington, sand volleyball courts, multiple baseball and softball fields, tennis courts, picnic areas, and a dog park.
Ogden Park
Ogden Park Dr (off of Market Street)
Wilmington, NC 28411
More on Ogden Park
Notes: Ogden Park is a popular destination for locals living on the northern end of Wilmington. There are walking trails, sports facilities, a dog park, and more.
EvHenwood
6150 Rock Creek Rd NE
Leland, NC
Notes: Great place to take a hike across the Cape Fear River in Leland. It’s a 175 acre park loaded with walking trails. No dogs are allowed on the property (boo).
River Road Park
6300 River Rd.
Wilmington, NC 28412
(910) 798-7198
Notes: Nice little park along River Road which has a small boat launch and handicapped accessible fishing pier.
Veterans Park
835 Halyburton Memorial Parkway
Wilmington, NC
Notes: Primarily used as a large sports complex filled with soccer, baseball, and football field.
Poplar Grove Plantation
10200 US Highway 17 North
Wilmington, NC 28429
(910) 686-9518
Notes: Offers daily tours of the home and grounds. Plus there are acres of beautiful wooded trails.
Brunswick Nature Park
2601 River Road
Winnabow, NC 28479
Notes: Located across the Cape Fear River in Brunswick County. Explore close to 900 acres on land, via kayak, or hit the biking trails.
Battleship North Carolina
1 Battleship Road
Wilmington, NC 28402
(910) 251-5797
BattleshipNC.com
Personal Note: The Battleship is awesome and one of the best attractions in the area. You can walk spend a multiple hours looking through the museum, walking the deck, and touring below. Note that if you have small children, it can be a difficult navigating the steep steps below the deck. Also, if you’re traveling with someone who loves boats/ships, be prepared for them wanting to be there a long time.
—
Love touring grand old homes? If so, be sure to check out the Bellamy Mansion, Burgwin-Wright Museum, and the Latimer House. All three properties are both located in Historic Downtown Wilmington and are just a couple blocks apart.
Bellamy Mansion
503 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 251-3700
website
Burgwin-Wright Museum House & Gardens
224 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 762-0570
website
Latimer House Museum
126 S Third Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 762-0492
website
—
Have kids? Check out some of the great options for small children and older kids.
Cape Fear Museum of History and Science
814 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 798-4370
website
Notes: Located close to downtown Wilmington. Great option for kids 6+. Younger kids would likely find more to do at the Children’s Museum or Train Museum.
Children’s Museum of Wilmington
116 Orange Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 254-3534
website
Notes: Located in historic downtown Wilmington. Great spot for kids under 10.
Wilmington Railroad Museum
501 Nutt Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 763-2634
website
Notes: Our boys loved the museum when they were younger. You can easily spend an hour or two there and later stroll the Riverwalk and grab some ice cream.
—
Louise Wells Cameron Art Museum
3201 S 17th Street
Wilmington, NC 28412
(910) 395-5999
website
Notes: Interest exhibits which rotate throughout the year. There is also a cafe on-site. The museum is located about 4-5 miles from downtown Wilmington.
Get Some More Ideas
Ogden Park in Wilmington NC
Ogden Park in Wilmington When you first enter Ogden Park from Market Street, you'll see three baseball fields and one softball field. Youth leagues play here and you will often see parents on the field, [...]
Halyburton Park
Halyburton Park in Wilmington Halyburton Park is managed by the City of Wilmington, NC and is located on S. 17th St. beyond Cameron Art Museum and just before you get to S. College Road. [...]
Greenfield Lake Park
Greenfield Lake ParkGreenfield Lake Park is a beautiful city park located just a couple miles from Historic Downtown Wilmington, North Carolina. The park features a flat four mile walking and biking path which weaves its [...]
Leash Laws and Pet Rules – Wilmington NC, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach
Leash Laws and Pet Rules - Wilmington NC, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach As dog owners in Wilmington, we're always looking for fun things we can do with the whole family, including Teddy, on the [...]
Airlie Gardens – Wilmington NC Park Profiles
Airlie Gardens in Wilmington Airlie Gardens is a property of New Hanover County and is maintained as a historic public garden. The gardens are the last undeveloped land open to the public along Bradley Creek [...]
Myrtle Beach Day Trips
Myrtle Beach Day Trips Wilmigton residents don't have to drive hundreds of miles out of the way or plan long vacations to see something new and exciting. If you're looking for a change of [...]
Hiking Trails in Brunswick County NC
Hiking Trails in Brunswick County NC Although Brunswick County is best known for its chic beach towns, not many people know that is it also home to the largest number of rare plant species [...]
Scenic Drives In and Around Wilmington, NC
Scenic Drives In and Around Wilmington The Wilmington area offers a number of different opportunities to go off the beaten path for a scenic drive. While most of the area can be accessed driving [...]
The Best Fall Activities in Wilmington, NC
Awesome Fall Activities in Wilmington, NCAutumn is such a beautiful season here in Wilmington, North Carolina. The sun still shines most days, we enjoy cool mornings and warm afternoons, the bugs start to disappear, and [...]
Hayrides and Pumpkin Picking – Fall Activities in Wilmington NC
Hayrides and Pumpkin Picking - Fall Activities in Wilmington NC & Surrounding Areas During our first fall season after we had kids, I swore I had never been on so many hay rides collectively [...]