Curator’s statement
Wilmington is a wonderful destination to explore the history of southern coastal cities, with a smaller town feel than Charleston or Savannah. Historic downtown consists of 230-plus blocks lined with Spanish moss-draped oak, Magnolia and crepe myrtle trees. In the downtown shopping district, there is an abundance of small boutique shops and delicious eateries for any mood. Wilmington has a vibrant art scene, an extensive wellness community, a growing variety of craft breweries, many family-friendly activities and so much more.
The Fora Difference
Book with Rachel to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in Wilmington, NC
Unlock perks by contacting Rachel to book your trip.
Things to do in Wilmington, NC

Tours
Wilmington has a tour for every visitor. If you love the supernatural, Haunted Wilmington Ghost Walk and Pub Crawl is a local favorite. This tour covers 28 haunted locations, of which five are visited per night.
For something more scenic, check out Cape Fear River Boat's sunset cruise to take in the beautiful downtown skyline and see the sun set behind the U.S.S. North Carolina, while enjoying a drink from the on-boat bar.
A short trip across the river from downtown, you will find Battleship Park where the USS North Carolina from WWII is docked. Book a tour to explore the ins and outs of the ship and soak in the history. Pro tip: this tour is challenging for small children, as the steps are steep and narrow. Being able to carry them up and down the stairs will make it much easier. Plan: bring a picnic lunch and eat at the park while taking in Wilmington's skyline from across the river. Picnic tables are available.
If history and/or architecture is your thing, catch a horse-drawn carriage tour from the heart of downtown through the historic district.
Arts and culture
To immerse yourself in history and art, catch a show at stunning Thalian Hall. A true treasure of Wilmington, the theater has been around since the 1850, and hosts dozens of performances each year.
Stop in for some laughs at Dead Crow Comedy, or head to Live at Ted's room for a relaxing small-venue music performance.
If museums are more your style than live shows, don't miss Cameron Art Museum, and make sure to grab a bite at the delicious CAM Cafe while you are there.
Nature
If you are wanting more nature than the Spanish moss and beautiful Cape Fear River, right on the outskirts of downtown is Greenfield Lake. Here you can rent paddle boats, allow the kids to run loose on the playground, hit the skatepark or take a stroll on the 5-mile trail around the lake. A bit further, you will find Airlie Gardens, 67 acres of tended gardens, water features, fields and ancient live oaks. Airlie is perfect for enjoying some serene, natural beauty and a quiet escape.
Day trips
Hoping to see some sand and surf while you're visiting? Take a day trip to Wrightsville Beach!
Just 20 minutes from downtown Wilmington, start your day with a kayak or paddle board tour on the Inter-coastal Waterway with Wrightsville SUP.
Afterwards, grab a fresh bite and juice from Adapt Kitchen & Juice Bar before you head to the beach. Insider tip: parking on the island is expensive and fills up early. It's often cheaper and always less of a headache to Uber from downtown and walk the less-than-a-mile from the Intercoastal to the beach.
On your way back downtown, stop at Kipos Hellenic Cuisine for a high-end Greek meal and glass of wine. Thinking ahead: Kipos is a bit of an upscale restaurant. Consider packing a wrinkle-free outfit to change into after leaving the beach.
Family-friendly day trip
Rent a car and head to The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Just 40 minutes from downtown, this aquarium is both engaging and educational. Visit with the otter family, say "hi" to Luna, the albino alligator and be mesmerized by the sharks, loggerhead sea turtle and other sea creatures in the large coral habitat tank. The aquarium has a touch tank, snack bar, gift shop and playground. Insider tip: Check the website before you go, to make reservations and see if there are any public programs going on while you are there.
After the aquarium, you can stroll along the dunes of Fort Fisher and visit the Fort Fisher Visitor Center and Civil War Museum.
Heading back towards downtown, you can stop in Kure Beach for some beach time, or just to walk the pier and hit the arcade.
Freddie's Restaurant opens for dinner and is a can't miss. Often as busy as the cozy restaurant can handle, reservations are suggested, and if you get there a bit before they open, it's worth it to get in line.
Places to eat & drink in Wilmington, NC

For artisan coffees and a light breakfast such as a chia pudding, a breakfast burrito or acai bowl, check out Drift Coffee Shop and Kitchen downtown.
If you prefer a heartier, full breakfast, The Basics is your spot. Classic southern go-tos like grits and buttermilk biscuits, side-by-side with current favorites such as avocado toast and oatmeal pancakes. Insider tip: after breakfast at The Basics, take a stroll through The Cotton Exchange, a boutique shopping complex made up of restored buildings and connecting walkways.
For something sweet, stop by Wake-n-Bake Donuts for a bit of whimsy. Fun creations like "Pebble Rock" dipped in Fruity Pebbles and "PB Get Bizzy" with peanut butter cream filling and a Reese's cup on top, sell out quickly, so get there early. Tip: their hours say until 5:30, but they will close if they sell out of their morning stock.
Prost Biergarten features a wide variety of local and European beers. German classics like kielbasa, schnitzel, and of course pretzels, come out quickly and hot. Tip: sit outside in the biergarten on a nice day for light bites, beers and a more authentically German community feel.
Savorez is the perfect spot for a meal before or after a show at Thalian Hall. Just across the street, this cozy Latin American restaurant has big, bright flavors. Insider Tip: get the sweet potato guac! You won't be disappointed.
If you love Italian food like I do, Tarantelli's is a must. Family-owned, many of the recipes they use today have been passed down for generations. Here you can enjoy house-made pasta, robust sauces and Italian wine pairings.
Looking for fine dining? PinPoint offers an updated, seasonally relevant, menu daily. Using ingredients from Wilmington farmers and fishers, they create imaginative and elevated dinners. You can even check their menu to see what local "friends & farmers" they have sourced your meal from. Don't forget a reservation!
The views of the Cape Fear River from Cloud Nine Rooftop Bar can't be beat. Head there at sunset to take it in with a perfectly crafted cocktail. Just be aware that the bar is not open year-round. If traveling fall-winter, make sure to check before heading there.
Wilmington has a thriving craft-beer scene, and each brewery (of which there are 15+) has its own vibe. If you are a brewery-going traveler looking for lunch or dinner, Front Street Brewery downtown and Wrightsville Beach Brewery both have full menus. If you would like to hit an artisan market, Waterline Brewing often has weekend events. Grab a beer at Bill's Brewing and you can head next door to the beach volleyball courts to play a game. Or, for a relaxing wind-down in the Brooklyn Arts District, head to FlyTrap Brewing.

Travel Advisor
Rachel Batchler

Get in touch with Rachel
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can normally expect a response from Rachel within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).
This guide is a part of our ongoing series on travel to Wilmington. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Gillian Spatz's guide, Discover Wilmington, North Carolina: Your Ultimate Guide to Coastal Charm and Hidden Gems.