13 Fun Things to Do in Wilmington, NC
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If you’re looking for fun things to do in Wilmington, North Carolina, you’ve come to the right place! This charming little town near the coast is seriously bursting with personality. From its adorable streets lined with historic buildings to the gorgeous riverfront views, Wilmington has it all.
And, if you didn’t already know, it was also the filming location for One Tree Hill (my all-time favorite show!). I’ve been to Wilmington a couple of times, and every visit just makes me fall even more in love with this cozy, laid-back gem!
Not only are there plenty of fun things to do in Wilmington, but you’ll also find several amazing restaurants, coffee shops, and even unique places to stay!
Fun Things to Do in Wilmington North Carolina
1. The Riverwalk
The Riverwalk is a scenic boardwalk that hugs the Cape Fear River and gives stunning views and a glimpse of the city’s history. Walk along it, enjoy the refreshing breeze, admire the waterfront architecture, and get lost in the charming shops and cozy cafes lining the way!
Whether you’re soaking in the romantic vibes on an evening walk or making it a daytime adventure, this is one of the most classic things to do in Wilmington.
2. Airlie Gardens
Airlie Gardens is a dreamy little escape into nature. Expect vibrant flowers and lush greenery with 67 acres to explore, you’ll find everything from azaleas in full bloom to shimmering lakes and historic structures that make for the perfect photo op.
Don’t miss the Butterfly House, the stunning Pergola Garden, the unique Bottle Chapel, and the iconic Airlie Oak (a 400-year-old beauty!). Admission here is $10 per person.
3. Wrightsville Beach
Just a quick 20-minute drive from Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach is the perfect spot for some sun, sand, and surf! Whether you’re looking to lounge on the soft sands, swim in the refreshing waters, or try your hand at paddleboarding and surfing, this beach has it all.
There is more than just beach in the area! Weather wasn’t cooperating on our trip, so we checked out some local sips and bites. Start with a visit to Wrightsville Beach Brewery for a laid-back vibe and great craft beers, then treat yourself to dessert from Kohl’s Frozen Custard.
The number one spot you have to visit in Wrightsville Beach though is Ceviche’s. We loved Ceviche’s so much we went twice in one weekend! From their ceviche sampler to the pork belly and scallops entree, every dish was full of bold flavors. And don’t even get me started on their drinks—they were equally as delicious.
4. Visit Local Coffee Shops
Start your day off right by diving into Wilmington’s incredible coffee shop scene! The city’s cozy cafes and trendy espresso bars are filled with rich, aromatic brews and mouthwatering pastries that are perfect for fueling your adventures.
Some of our favorite spots included Drift (trust me, get the breakfast burrito too!), Maroon Monkey, and Seabird (technically a restaurant, but their coffee game is strong).
I’ve got to admit, Tampa has some amazing coffee shops, but Wilmington’s cold brew game truly wowed me! Oh, and if you’re planning ahead, make sure to check out Hidden Grounds! We ran out of time and had to choose between grabbing coffee there or catching our flight (ugh, priorities), so it’s at the top of my list for next time.
5. Enjoy Some Craft Cocktails
If you’re ready to unwind, one of the most fun things to do in Wilmington is checking out their craft cocktail scene! They’ve got a good blend of expertly mixed classics to creative, next-level.
Some of our top picks were Banter for a chic vibe, End of Days Distillery for unique craft spirits, and The Blind Elephant if you’re into speakeasies as much as I am!
And for something a bit more playful, Blue Post Billiards is a fun bar where you can sip cocktails and challenge your friends to a game or two. Because honestly, what’s better than drinks and a little friendly competition?
6. Front and Second Street Historic Homes
Step back in time and soak up the charm of Wilmington’s historic Front and Second Street homes. These architectural beauties, set along tree-lined streets, give a stunning glimpse into the city’s storied past.
From grand Victorian mansions to stately colonial-style homes, each house has its own tale of the families and history that shaped Wilmington.
Depending on how much time you have, you can even check out this history and architecture walking tour!
7. One Tree Hill Filming Locations
As I mentioned earlier, Wilmington served as the backdrop for my all-time favorite TV series, One Tree Hill! So if you’re a fan like me it’s only obvious one of the most fun things to do in Wilmington is check out some OTH filming locations.
Relive the show by visiting iconic spots like the famous bridge from the opening credits, Brooke’s house, and Tree Hill High School. For an extra dose of nostalgia, book a tour at Tric, the nightclub from the series, where you can fully immerse yourself in the Tree Hill magic.
If you’re lucky, you might even time your trip during one of their annual events featuring cast panels, basketball games, and fundraisers—it’s the ultimate fan experience! And for an adventurous way to see multiple filming locations, there’s even an e-bike tour that includes lunch and a knowledgeable guide.
8. Downtown Wilmington’s Adorable Shops
With trendy clothing stores, antique treasures, and quirky local finds, there are so many cool little boutique shops in Wilmington just waiting to be visited!
I completely fell in love with Modern Legend and Edge of Urge—I wanted to buy everything! If you’re a book lover, don’t miss Papercut Books, the cutest little bookshop filled with charm and personality.
Whether you’re treating yourself or searching for one-of-a-kind souvenirs, these locally owned shops are a perfect way to experience the historic and artsy vibe of downtown Wilmington!
9. Explore the Cargo District
Wilmington’s Cargo District is where creativity and culture collide in the coolest way possible! This up-and-coming neighborhood showcases local artists, galleries, studios, and creative spaces. You can also expect to see colorful murals and one-of-a-kind shops.
If you visit hungry, you have to stop at CheeseSmith for a grilled cheese that’s way beyond ordinary! There are always fun and new things popping up in this area, so I’m sure it’s expanded even more since I last went!
10. Brewery Hopping
Whether you’re down for a full brewery-hopping adventure or just stopping at one spot, the city’s local brews do not disappoint.
Front Street Brewery is a downtown staple and always buzzing. We also checked out Wrightsville Beach Brewery, which serves up some seriously good beer with a laid-back beachy vibe. And if kombucha is more your thing, Panacea Brewing Company is right in between downtown and Wrightsville Beach!
11. Boat Tour
There’s nothing quite like seeing Wilmington from the water! You can cruise along the Cape Fear River or explore the scenic harbor areas. Either way, a boat tour is going to give you stunning views, relaxing vibes, and maybe even a glimpse of local wildlife.
For a truly memorable experience, book a sunset tour to watch the sky transform into a masterpiece of colors while gliding along the water. Check out this sailboat cruise or this sunset harbor cruise for some of the most popular boat tours in Wilmington.
12. Restaurant Scene
If you’re a foodie, get ready to fall in love—Wilmington is packed with some truly amazing restaurants! From fresh-off-the-boat seafood to creative farm-to-table dishes and global flavors, the restaurant scene here is as diverse as it is delicious.
We were lucky enough to have our local friends guide us to some of the best restaurants in Wilmington! Each spot we tried was so different from the last.
Prost served laid-back vibes, authentic Bavarian cuisine, and craft beers, Olivero was Italian perfection, and Seabird was the perfect brunch spot for our last day! That’s really just a glimpse at some of the great spots we checked out.
13. Greenfield Park
Greenfield Park is the kind of place where you can press pause on life and soak in some nature. This lush urban oasis has scenic walking trails winding through towering trees and alongside peaceful ponds and charming wooden bridges, making it feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook!
Looking for something more active? Rent a paddleboat and glide across the water, or bring along a picnic to enjoy by the lake. Greenfield Park is also full of wildlife, so don’t be surprised if you spot turtles sunbathing or birds darting around.
Where to Stay in Wilmington, North Carolina
Sure, there are plenty of hotels in Wilmington—but why settle for ordinary when you can stay somewhere unforgettable? Enter The Glass Garden! This groovy little home is packed with charm, cozy vibes, and whimsical touches that will have you falling in love from the moment you walk through the door.
Picture this: a record player serenading you with nostalgic tunes, adorable coffee cakes waiting for you under a glass dome, and decor so quirky and fun that every corner feels like it’s straight out of a dreamy Pinterest board. It’s the kind of place where you instantly feel at home—and might never want to leave.
Check availability for your trip here. If The Glass Garden is booked, don’t worry—they’ve got two equally amazing options: The Plastic Peach and The Swan. Both are just as unique, stylish, and swoon-worthy!
If none are available or you are interested in hotels in the area, see what’s available for your dates here.
Are you ready to experience all of these fun things to do in Wilmington?!
There you have it—some of the absolute best and most fun things to do in Wilmington! This city is the perfect blend of history, adventure, great food, and vibrant culture. So pack your bags, bring your appetite, and get ready to fall in love with Wilmington’s charm. If you discover any hidden gems or new favorites during your trip, let me know—I’m always looking for more reasons to plan my next visit!
Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other US blog posts:
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