What to do in Wilmington, NC

Activities, attractions and tours

The Alton L. Lemnion Federal Building, a United States Court House, with palm trees and a flag.
A large white mansion with a fountain in front.
A large naval ship with multiple gun turrets and a deck area.
A white building with green shutters and columns, surrounded by lush greenery and a brick bridge.
Outdoor seating with a chalkboard sign advertising food, craft beer, and tacos.

Wilmington Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Wilmington has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Wilmington, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Wilmington with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Wilmington

Wilmington is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Wilmington, and make it a breeze to explore Wilmington and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Wilmington to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Wilmington, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Wilmington.

Wilmington attractions

Wilmington has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Wilmington to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Wilmington.

Looking for things to do in Wilmington can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Wilmington or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Wilmington attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

Things to do

Picture 4 for Activity Wilmington: Ghosts of the Port City Haunted Walking Tour

Wraiths & Wicked Whispers: Wilmington Ghost Tour

£18
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Wraiths & Wicked Whispers: Wilmington Ghost Tour
History and Architecture Walking Tour

History and Architecture Walking Tour

£19
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
History and Architecture Walking Tour
Wilmington Coup and Massacre Historic Tour

Wilmington Coup and Massacre Historic Tour

£15
per adult
Wilmington Coup and Massacre Historic Tour
5 Hour Wilmington River to Sea E-Bike Adventure Tour

5-Hour Wilmington River to Sea E-Bike Self/Or Guided Tour

£68
per adult
5-Hour Wilmington River to Sea E-Bike Self/Or Guided Tour
Downtown Wilmington Historian-Guided Walking Tour

Downtown Wilmington Historian-Guided Walking Tour

£15
per adult
Downtown Wilmington Historian-Guided Walking Tour
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What to do in Wilmington

Stay near popular Wilmington attractions

A river winding through a city with industrial areas and green spaces.

Riverwalk

9.2/10 (225 reviews)
Stroll along this 1.75-mile boardwalk for panoramic views of the Cape Fear River and historic city centre. Discover waterfront dining, art installations, and access to attractions like the Battleship North Carolina.
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Where to stay in Wilmington

Find the best Wilmington areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Wilmington
Learn more about Wilmington
A river with a bridge in the background, a dock with boats, and a cityscape on the left.
Photo by Jackie Rodriguez
Open Photo by Jackie Rodriguez

Downtown Wilmington

Downtown Wilmington is known for its stunning river views, and with sights like Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College and Cape Fear River, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Wilmington.

A historic brick building with a sign reading "The Cotton Exchange".

Riverfront District

If you're spending some time in Riverfront District, Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College and Live Oak Bank Pavilion are top sights worth seeing.

A historic white building with columns, a fountain, and lush green trees.

Wilmington Historic District

Wilmington Historic District is known for its stunning river views, and with sights like Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College and Live Oak Bank Pavilion, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Wilmington.

A wooden pier extending into calm water with a covered seating area and a bridge in the background.

Wrightsville Sound

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Wrightsville Sound and surrounding area, you can visit New Hanover County Arboretum and Mayfaire Town Center.

South Front District

While there might not be top attractions in South Front District, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Greenfield Lake Amphitheater and Greenfield Lake Park and Gardens.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Wilmington

A row of beach houses with a wooden fence in the foreground.

Wrightsville Beach

A crowded beach with waves, umbrellas, and buildings in the background.

Carolina Beach

Frequently asked questions

Is Wilmington worth visiting?
Famous for its fishing and walking trails, finding awesome things to do in Wilmington is simple. Make sure to add Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park to your trip itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Wilmington?
After you've visited top attractions like Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park and Bellamy Mansion Museum, spend the rest of your day discovering Wilmington's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Wilmington?
Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park is one of the top tourist attractions in Wilmington and should feature high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Wilmington?
You can easily tour leading attractions like Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park, Thalian Hall Centre for the Performing Arts and Bellamy Mansion Museum with a three-day break in Wilmington. On average, many travellers book two days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so linger longer and venture to Wrightsville Beach.
Is Wilmington a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you want to see and do in Wilmington. Several key attractions, including Thalian Hall Centre for the Performing Arts and Bellamy Mansion Museum, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Wilmington's neighbourhoods, Wilmington Historic District is 0.32 kms (0.20 miles) away from downtown, while Riverfront District is 0.97 kms (0.60 miles) away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Wilmington with kids?
Planning what to do in Wilmington with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're getting away with teenagers or little ones, there's a range of family-friendly activities to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Wilmington for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or fan of nature, there are lots of things to do in Wilmington for adults including Wilson Centre at Cape Fear Community College and Trask Coliseum.
Are there free things to do in Wilmington?
One of the top ways to discover free things to do in Wilmington is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on vibrant neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can experience without reaching into your pocket. Long Leaf Park is one place that doesn't have an admission fee.

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