Where to stay

Because of its a key role in the American Revolution, this city is a real favorite for history fans. Stay in Downtown Wilmington to be close to the Cotton Exchange, now a shopping complex comprised of eight historical buildings, including what was once the Old James Sprunt Cotton Exchange. Nearby, the Henrietta is a modernized old riverboat that takes tourists on dinner cruises up and down the Cape Fear River. Choose accommodations in Wilmington Historical District to enjoy this and more from the city's fascinating past. Consider staying in hotels in Topsail Beach, north of Wilmington, to check out the Missiles and More Museum dedicated to local military history.

The Battleship North Carolina is open year-round and is a short walk from accommodations in Downtown Wilmington and the Wilmington Historic District. Monthly events are held at the site, including behind-the-scenes tours and talks by historians and veterans. Riverfest is the city's most famous annual festival, which thousands attend on the first weekend of October. Wilmington Beer Week features dozens of participating breweries and is held every fall. During the summer, consider staying in hotels in Carolina Beach, where the promise of a weekly fireworks display every Thursday evening makes the neighborhood a popular location among families.

Wilmington offers visitors a good choice of beaches, each with its own distinct characteristics and personality. If you have kids in your group, stay in a hotel in Carolina Beach, a family-friendly resort town that offers a coastal state park with hiking trails, a scenic boardwalk, amusements, seasonal events, and plenty of shops. Alternatively, Wrightsville Beach is the place to book accommodations for enjoying adventure activities and watersports such as paddle boarding, kayaking, and surfing. The unspoiled Kure Beach offers visitors a chance to spot wildlife.