Things to do in Wilmington

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Wilmington showing an administrative buidling
Wilmington showing a fountain
Battleship North Carolina which includes heritage elements as well as a small group of people
Bellamy Mansion Museum showing heritage architecture and a house
Wilmington featuring cafe scenes

Wilmington Attractions

If you're after things to see and do in Wilmington, get set to be busy. This buzzing city knows how to entertain. No matter your tastes, you'll be impressed by the broad range of tourist attractions to dive into here. Read on to discover some of the best of them.

If you're ready to explore Wilmington, join one of the top tours & day trips on offer, and let a friendly guide show you some of the most popular sights. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our top {27 fun activities in Wilmington fun activities in Wilmington} are also worth checking out.

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Most popular activities in Wilmington

Tours & day trips

See all 28 activities
Sunset Harbor Cruise Tour

Sunset Harbor Cruise Tour

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 7 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $50 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 9 activities
Large Group Island Hopping Private Cruise

Large Group Island Hopping Private Cruise

Activity duration is 2 hours
Price is $800 per traveler*
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 8 activities
2-Hour, 45-Minute Tour de Wilmington E-Bike Tour

2-Hour, 45-Minute Tour de Wilmington E-Bike Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours and 45 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is $70 per adult
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Water activities

See all 5 activities
Intracoastal Waterway: Eco Tour

Intracoastal Waterway: Eco Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $120 per adult
Intracoastal Waterway: Eco TourOpens in new tab

What to do in Wilmington

Free Things to Do in Wilmington

Leave your wallet in the hotel room. It's easy to have a ball in Wilmington without handing over a cent.

University of North Carolina at Wilmington - Stop at this modern landmark and be wowed by its impressive design.

Wilmington Oakdale Cemetery - If you're interested in history and heritage, this is one attraction you won't want to miss.

Carolina Heights - Learn why locals and travelers alike enjoy the unique atmosphere of this place.

Greenfield Lake Park and Gardens - Whether you can tell your peonies from poppies, you'll no doubt find beauty in this glorious display.

Things to Do in Wilmington with Kids

There's fun for the entire family no matter where you go in Wilmington. Here are a few family friendly experiences to enjoy together that'll make your vacation unforgettable:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Wilmington? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Wilmington

University of North Carolina at Wilmington

University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Enjoy the collegiate vibe at University of North Carolina at Wilmington as part of your travels around Wilmington. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event.

University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Eating dinner and watching the sunset on the Boardwalk in Wilmington, NC

Riverwalk

After visiting Riverwalk, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Wilmington. Amble around the area's riverfront or experience its festivals.

Riverwalk
Battleship North Carolina featuring heritage elements as well as a small group of people

Battleship North Carolina

Take a tour of the lead ship of North Carolina-class battleships and learn about U.S. Navy history in a unique and adventurous way.

Battleship North Carolina
Greenfield Lake Park and Gardens

Greenfield Lake Park and Gardens

Explore the great outdoors at Greenfield Lake Park and Gardens, a lovely green space in Wilmington. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the shops in this family-friendly area.

Greenfield Lake Park and Gardens
Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts

Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts

Enjoy a show at Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, a theater with a story to tell in Wilmington. Wander the beautiful beaches and riverfront in the area.

Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts
Bellamy Mansion Museum which includes a house, heritage architecture and a fountain

Bellamy Mansion Museum

Follow curving paths in the lush Victorian-style gardens and explore this opulent mansion in the heart of downtown Wilmington, North Carolina.

Bellamy Mansion Museum
New Hanover County Arboretum

New Hanover County Arboretum

Take the family on an outing to New Hanover County Arboretum during your trip to Wilmington. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

New Hanover County Arboretum

Live Oak Bank Pavilion

You can make plans for a show at Live Oak Bank Pavilion on your trip to Wilmington. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Live Oak Bank Pavilion

Wilmington Convention Center

Learn about the events happening at Wilmington Convention Center during your trip to Wilmington. Stroll along the seaside or attend a sporting event in the area.

Wilmington Convention Center

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Wilmington

Wilmington showing an administrative buidling

Downtown Wilmington

Downtown Wilmington is beloved for its stunning river views. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College and Cape Fear River.

Downtown Wilmington
Wilmington showing an administrative buidling

Wilmington Historic District

4.5/5(584 area reviews)

Discover a national historic district featuring 875 contributing buildings, Queen Anne and Bungalow/American Craftsman style architecture, and notable landmarks like Bellamy Mansion and St. James Episcopal Church.

Wilmington Historic District
Wilmington showing an administrative buidling

Riverfront District

While visiting Riverfront District, you might make a stop by sights like Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College and Live Oak Bank Pavilion.

Riverfront District
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Pineywoods

Pineywoods might not have many top sights, but Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park and Trask Coliseum are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Pineywoods
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Landfall

4.5/5(26 area reviews)

While there might not be top attractions in Landfall, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Mayfaire Town Center and Wrightsville Beach Museum of History.

Landfall
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Seagate South

While Seagate South isn't home to many top sights, Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park and New Hanover County Arboretum are some notable places to visit nearby.

Seagate South
See our Where To Stay guide

 

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.

 

 

Popular day trips from Wilmington

Wrightsville Beach which includes general coastal views and a beach

Wrightsville Beach

Carolina Beach which includes a beach, surf and a coastal town

Carolina Beach

Battleship North Carolina showing heritage elements as well as a small group of people

Leland

Photo by Shawn

Winnabow

Photo by Michael Schuier

Hampstead

Photo by Vacancyfor2

Rocky Point

Frequently asked questions

Is Wilmington worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Wilmington is explore Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park. Tick this top attraction off your itinerary, then experience more of the area's fishing and walking trails.
How do I spend a day in Wilmington?
Start your day with a visit to Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park and Bellamy Mansion Museum. Then, check out different parts of Wilmington for local dining and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Wilmington?
Don't leave without exploring Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park, ranked the top tourist attraction in Wilmington.
Is three days enough to stay in Wilmington?
Three days in Wilmington is plenty of time to enjoy the city's main attractions. Many guests stay for two days on average. Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park, Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts and Bellamy Mansion Museum are top-rated sights. Like to discover more? Stick around a bit longer to check off nearby hotspots like Wrightsville Beach.
Is Wilmington a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Wilmington, such as Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts and Bellamy Mansion Museum, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's popular neighborhoods on foot. Only 0.2 miles from central Wilmington is Wilmington Historic District and River District is 0.6 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Wilmington with kids?
If you are after activities and attractions for all the family, have a look at these fantastic ideas for what to do in Wilmington with kids.

What to do in Wilmington for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Wilmington, with experiences for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College or Trask Coliseum.
Are there free things to do in Wilmington?
From relaxing in parks to strolling around exciting neighborhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in Wilmington. If you're in need of ideas, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Long Leaf Park is a must for anyone wanting to save on their traveling adventures.

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