A Wilmington Guidebook
Beaches
It's why you're here, right? From active lifestyles with plenty of watersports and outdoor healthy and wellness activities to friendly community gatherings, there's never a shortage of something happening year-round in Wrightsville Beach... plus "the Loop" (2.5 mile loop) is a great place to walk and enjoy the scenery.
408 locals recommend
Wrightsville Beach
321 Causeway DrIt's why you're here, right? From active lifestyles with plenty of watersports and outdoor healthy and wellness activities to friendly community gatherings, there's never a shortage of something happening year-round in Wrightsville Beach... plus "the Loop" (2.5 mile loop) is a great place to walk and enjoy the scenery.
Located just 15 miles from Wilmington. Fun-loving and free-spirited, Carolina Beach offers live music and events, a vintage boardwalk and colorful characters around every corner for a beach vacation that’s unmistakably Carolina Beach....
Be sure to stop by Britt's Donuts!
266 locals recommend
Carolina Beach
Located just 15 miles from Wilmington. Fun-loving and free-spirited, Carolina Beach offers live music and events, a vintage boardwalk and colorful characters around every corner for a beach vacation that’s unmistakably Carolina Beach....
Be sure to stop by Britt's Donuts!
A great day trip ... take the ferry over and enjoy your day perusing the island on a golf cart (no cars allowed). Be sure to check out the old lighthouse.
73 locals recommend
Bald Head Island
A great day trip ... take the ferry over and enjoy your day perusing the island on a golf cart (no cars allowed). Be sure to check out the old lighthouse.
Head north to enjoy the quieter, dog-friendly beach of Topsail. While you're there, it's a great time to check out the sea turtle rescue.
80 locals recommend
Topsail Beach
Head north to enjoy the quieter, dog-friendly beach of Topsail. While you're there, it's a great time to check out the sea turtle rescue.
Sightseeing
USS North Carolina (BB-55) is the lead ship of the North Carolina class of fast battleships, the first vessel of the type built for the United States Navy. The ship was laid down in 1937 and completed in April 1941, while the United States was still neutral during World War II.
435 locals recommend
Battleship North Carolina
1 Battleship Rd NEUSS North Carolina (BB-55) is the lead ship of the North Carolina class of fast battleships, the first vessel of the type built for the United States Navy. The ship was laid down in 1937 and completed in April 1941, while the United States was still neutral during World War II.
Fort Fisher was a Confederate fort during the American Civil War. It protected the vital trading routes of the port at Wilmington, North Carolina, from 1861 until its capture by the Union in 1865
315 locals recommend
Fort Fisher State Historic Site
1610 Fort Fisher Blvd SFort Fisher was a Confederate fort during the American Civil War. It protected the vital trading routes of the port at Wilmington, North Carolina, from 1861 until its capture by the Union in 1865
Make connections with the natural world. Touch a stingray. Wonder at baby sea turtles. Talk to a diver swimming with eels and sharks.
550 locals recommend
North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
900 Loggerhead RdMake connections with the natural world. Touch a stingray. Wonder at baby sea turtles. Talk to a diver swimming with eels and sharks.
The mission of the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center is the conservation and preservation of all species of marine turtles, both in the water and on the beach.
124 locals recommend
The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center
302 Tortuga LnThe mission of the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center is the conservation and preservation of all species of marine turtles, both in the water and on the beach.
Explore 67 acres containing formal gardens, wildlife, ten acres of lakes, more than 75,000 azaleas, the tall Airlie Oak which dates back to 1545, and a seasonal butterfly house all located two miles west of Wrightsville Beach. Walk the trails or ride a tram to discover landscapes where something is always in bloom.
234 locals recommend
Airlie Gardens
300 Airlie RdExplore 67 acres containing formal gardens, wildlife, ten acres of lakes, more than 75,000 azaleas, the tall Airlie Oak which dates back to 1545, and a seasonal butterfly house all located two miles west of Wrightsville Beach. Walk the trails or ride a tram to discover landscapes where something is always in bloom.
New Hanover County Extension Service Arboretum is a 7-acre arboretum established on the grounds of the New Hanover County Cooperative Extension Service... beautiful!
35 locals recommend
The Arboretum: New Hanover County Co-Op Ext
6206 Oleander DrNew Hanover County Extension Service Arboretum is a 7-acre arboretum established on the grounds of the New Hanover County Cooperative Extension Service... beautiful!
Historical Plantation, Farm Animals, and a great place to take a nice hike through the many trails Poplar Grove offers.
43 locals recommend
Poplar Grove Plantation
10200 US-17Historical Plantation, Farm Animals, and a great place to take a nice hike through the many trails Poplar Grove offers.
Family Fun
Amusement park with a water park, go-kart course, laser tag, mini-golf, jungle gym & more.
138 locals recommend
Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park
5320 Oleander DrAmusement park with a water park, go-kart course, laser tag, mini-golf, jungle gym & more.
Located off of Blue Clay Rd, this trail is home to 7 miles of single track trail. There is a beginner and intermediate section as well as a pump track near the parking lot. There is one area where you will have to cross the street to get from one side of the trail to another. PLEASE be careful and stop to make sure there is no on-coming traffic. The County Jail is on the same street and cars can come flying down the street from time to time going very fast. Trails are well signed.
Blue Clay Bike Park
3840 Juvenile Center RdLocated off of Blue Clay Rd, this trail is home to 7 miles of single track trail. There is a beginner and intermediate section as well as a pump track near the parking lot. There is one area where you will have to cross the street to get from one side of the trail to another. PLEASE be careful and stop to make sure there is no on-coming traffic. The County Jail is on the same street and cars can come flying down the street from time to time going very fast. Trails are well signed.
DEFY Wilmington trampoline park. We have Battle Beams, Extreme Dodgeball and more.
39 locals recommend
DefyGravity Wilmington Trampoline Park
6431 Market StDEFY Wilmington trampoline park. We have Battle Beams, Extreme Dodgeball and more.
Get ready to jump, fly, spin, and soar at Flip N Fly! We are Wilmington’s largest and premier indoor trampoline park and entertainment facility. Our 28,000 square foot state of the art facility with wall-to-wall trampolines uses the safest shock spring technology system, making it safe for the whole family! From Olympic trampolines to trick walls, a professional ninja course and slackline, we have plenty for you to play.
27 locals recommend
Flip N Fly - Wilmington Trampoline Park
830 Inspiration DrGet ready to jump, fly, spin, and soar at Flip N Fly! We are Wilmington’s largest and premier indoor trampoline park and entertainment facility. Our 28,000 square foot state of the art facility with wall-to-wall trampolines uses the safest shock spring technology system, making it safe for the whole family! From Olympic trampolines to trick walls, a professional ninja course and slackline, we have plenty for you to play.
Wilmington Rock Gym is a 3,000 square foot gym with over 3,200 square feet of climbing surface with heights up to 21ft. There are currently 50+ top rope routes and 20+ bouldering routes.
Wilmington Rock Gym
8118 Market StWilmington Rock Gym is a 3,000 square foot gym with over 3,200 square feet of climbing surface with heights up to 21ft. There are currently 50+ top rope routes and 20+ bouldering routes.
Explore three historic buildings joined by an atrium and courtyard offering a unique layout of 17,000 square feet that will stimulate children's imagination, curiosity and love of learning through interactive and age appropriate science, math and art activities.
64 locals recommend
Children's Museum of Wilmington
116 Orange StExplore three historic buildings joined by an atrium and courtyard offering a unique layout of 17,000 square feet that will stimulate children's imagination, curiosity and love of learning through interactive and age appropriate science, math and art activities.
Wilmington Ice House
7201 Ogden Business LnIce skating... need I say more?
Be sure to make a stop at Britt's donuts.... a family favorite of ours.
184 locals recommend
Carolina Beach Boardwalk
Carolina Beach Avenue SouthBe sure to make a stop at Britt's donuts.... a family favorite of ours.
Carolina Beach Boardwalk
Carolina Beach Avenue SouthParks
Halyburton Memorial Park contains a 58-acre nature preserve, an accessible 1.3 mile walking and biking trail, picnic shelters and playground equipment, and their unique environmental education and events center.
17 locals recommend
Halyburton Park
4099 S 17th StHalyburton Memorial Park contains a 58-acre nature preserve, an accessible 1.3 mile walking and biking trail, picnic shelters and playground equipment, and their unique environmental education and events center.
Long Leaf Park is beautiful and very family friendly (including your fur family!). There's multiple picnic areas, walking trails, a small splash pad, and playgrounds. There's even a softball field, basketball court, dog park, and cute little walking bridge over a pond.
70 locals recommend
Long Leaf Park
314 Pine Grove DrLong Leaf Park is beautiful and very family friendly (including your fur family!). There's multiple picnic areas, walking trails, a small splash pad, and playgrounds. There's even a softball field, basketball court, dog park, and cute little walking bridge over a pond.
Wrightsville Beach Park offers outdoor basketball courts, four tennis courts, pickelball courts, three sand volleyball pits, one softball field, an open area for soccer/flag football, a meeting and recreation room, the Loop as well as a new all-inclusive playground geared towards children with disabilities.
408 locals recommend
Wrightsville Beach
321 Causeway DrWrightsville Beach Park offers outdoor basketball courts, four tennis courts, pickelball courts, three sand volleyball pits, one softball field, an open area for soccer/flag football, a meeting and recreation room, the Loop as well as a new all-inclusive playground geared towards children with disabilities.
Historic Plantations / Museums
The Bellamy Mansion is a famed attraction that easily lures in history buffs, garden lovers, and anyone who wants a genuine look into Wilmington's genteel southern past.
113 locals recommend
Bellamy Mansion
503 Market StThe Bellamy Mansion is a famed attraction that easily lures in history buffs, garden lovers, and anyone who wants a genuine look into Wilmington's genteel southern past.
The Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens is the oldest and largest historic site in downtown Wilmington. They’re eight colonial structures left in Wilmington, four on are the property. Three ballast stone buildings, circa 1744, once the city jail of Wilmington and the 1770 House.
14 locals recommend
Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens
224 Market StThe Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens is the oldest and largest historic site in downtown Wilmington. They’re eight colonial structures left in Wilmington, four on are the property. Three ballast stone buildings, circa 1744, once the city jail of Wilmington and the 1770 House.
Providing guided Manor House tours, demonstrations, exhibits, and community events, Poplar Grove Plantation seeks to bridge social ties in the region through its mission to promote conservation, education, and preservation.
43 locals recommend
Poplar Grove Plantation
10200 US-17Providing guided Manor House tours, demonstrations, exhibits, and community events, Poplar Grove Plantation seeks to bridge social ties in the region through its mission to promote conservation, education, and preservation.
The Wilmington Railroad Museum is located in downtown Wilmington. This museum is filled with history on the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, scale models & a full-size steam engine.
48 locals recommend
Wilmington Railroad Museum
505 Nutt StThe Wilmington Railroad Museum is located in downtown Wilmington. This museum is filled with history on the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, scale models & a full-size steam engine.
Local Faves- Breweries
Fermental is a retail beer store and wine shop with an outdoor beer garden, interior seating, tasting bar, weekly events and an expansive selection of quality libations and accompanying accouterments.
32 locals recommend
Fermental
600 Market StFermental is a retail beer store and wine shop with an outdoor beer garden, interior seating, tasting bar, weekly events and an expansive selection of quality libations and accompanying accouterments.
Flytrap Brewing is a neighborhood brewery located in the Brooklyn Arts District of Historic Downtown Wilmington. Specializing in American and Belgian style ales, their small-batch brews are guaranteed to be at the peak of freshness. Enjoy a pint in the Beer Garden and then take some bottles or 32oz. Crowlers to-go!
84 locals recommend
Flytrap Brewing
319 Walnut StFlytrap Brewing is a neighborhood brewery located in the Brooklyn Arts District of Historic Downtown Wilmington. Specializing in American and Belgian style ales, their small-batch brews are guaranteed to be at the peak of freshness. Enjoy a pint in the Beer Garden and then take some bottles or 32oz. Crowlers to-go!
Wrightsville Beach Brewery is a hip, contemporary brewpub serving a variety of craft beers, plus brunch, pizza & Southern fare.
81 locals recommend
Wrightsville Beach Brewery
6201 Oleander DrWrightsville Beach Brewery is a hip, contemporary brewpub serving a variety of craft beers, plus brunch, pizza & Southern fare.
If you're a kombucha fan, be sure to stop in and check out Panacea's daily brews... super unique blends and always delicious.
22 locals recommend
Panacea Brewing Company
4107 Oleander DrIf you're a kombucha fan, be sure to stop in and check out Panacea's daily brews... super unique blends and always delicious.
Audacious innovation with reverence for tradition. This is Flying Machine Brewing Company.
They blend the old world and the new through innovation, technique and tradition. They strive to create the best ales, lagers and mixed culture fermentation beers.
42 locals recommend
Flying Machine Brewing Company
3130 Randall PkwyAudacious innovation with reverence for tradition. This is Flying Machine Brewing Company.
They blend the old world and the new through innovation, technique and tradition. They strive to create the best ales, lagers and mixed culture fermentation beers.
Food Scene
Unique breakfast and brunch fare that is sure to surprise even seasoned food fans... super unique and innovative food! Delicious!!!
25 locals recommend
Eternal Sunshine Cafe
420 Eastwood RdUnique breakfast and brunch fare that is sure to surprise even seasoned food fans... super unique and innovative food! Delicious!!!
Bustling, daytime fixture serving up generous Southern breakfast & lunch plates in a comfy setting.
25 locals recommend
Cast Iron Kitchen
8024 Market StBustling, daytime fixture serving up generous Southern breakfast & lunch plates in a comfy setting.
RUMCOW.
121 Grace StUnique American Dishes with a global fair... fantastic!
Overlooking the beautiful Cape Fear River, enjoy the view while you dine at Smoke on the Water. Open for dinner during the week and lunch on weekends, their menu is filled with a delightful mix of seafood, smoked meats and signature BBQ recipes with a New Orleans flair.
45 locals recommend
Smoke on the Water
3704 Watercraft Ferry AveOverlooking the beautiful Cape Fear River, enjoy the view while you dine at Smoke on the Water. Open for dinner during the week and lunch on weekends, their menu is filled with a delightful mix of seafood, smoked meats and signature BBQ recipes with a New Orleans flair.
Located on the banks of the Cape Fear River in Historic Downtown Wilmington, NC. Since 1984, Elijah's has been Wilmington, North Carolina's premier outdoor dining destination. Expansive indoor and outdoor waterfront dining, with panoramic views of the best sunsets Wilmington has to offer.
85 locals recommend
Elijah's
2 Ann StLocated on the banks of the Cape Fear River in Historic Downtown Wilmington, NC. Since 1984, Elijah's has been Wilmington, North Carolina's premier outdoor dining destination. Expansive indoor and outdoor waterfront dining, with panoramic views of the best sunsets Wilmington has to offer.
Food Network star Guy Fieri fell in love with confit duck wings and beef wellington bites at Wilmington’s Fork n Cork -- the fourth restaurant to be featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”
91 locals recommend
The Fork 'N' Cork
122 Market StFood Network star Guy Fieri fell in love with confit duck wings and beef wellington bites at Wilmington’s Fork n Cork -- the fourth restaurant to be featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”
An experience you won't find at any other restaurant in Wilmington - unique, nostalgic and fun...FONDUE! The Little Dipper menu includes premium meats, fresh seafood, vegetables and homemade sauces for dipping.
28 locals recommend
Little Dipper Fondue
138 S Front StAn experience you won't find at any other restaurant in Wilmington - unique, nostalgic and fun...FONDUE! The Little Dipper menu includes premium meats, fresh seafood, vegetables and homemade sauces for dipping.
Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar
127 N Front StFabulous seafood... casual atmosphere!
Casual marina spot with an eclectic, seafood-heavy menu & full bar, with boat docking available. Great food and atmosphere!
97 locals recommend
Dockside Restaurant
1308 Airlie RdCasual marina spot with an eclectic, seafood-heavy menu & full bar, with boat docking available. Great food and atmosphere!