Duration: 7 Days
Available: Year Round
Each district in Wilmington, North Carolina brings a blend of history, culture and modern flair. Explore cozy lounges, local art galleries and delicious dining options. This is how you can spend seven days exploring the best neighborhoods in the Port City.
Day 1: South Front (SoFro) District
Start your week of exploration in the vibrant South Front District. Known as SoFro, this part of town teems with local hotspots, while offering a laid-back vibe. This will ease you into your Wilmington adventure.
Early Morning
Take an early-morning stroll over to Cafe Mata. There, you'll find an airy, inviting space filled with friendly faces, greenery and cool vibes. This cafe is 100% plant-based and offers plenty of drink and treat options. You’ll also find delicious muffins and cookies to grab for breakfast. Big coffee person? Try the Japanese Iced Coffee, brewed through flash chilling for a clean and crisp flavor. Not so coffee-dependent? Sip on the caffeine-free Sakura Iced Latte for floral notes of cherry blossoms.
After your early-morning pick-me-up at Cafe Mata, find your center at Yoga Salt. This calming yoga studio resides in the same building as Cafe Mata. Rise + Shine Yoga is their early-morning session where you’ll wake up the body and get ready to take on your day. Bonus: They also offer pier yoga on the Crystal Pier at the Oceanic in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina.
Late Morning
Keep the chill vibes going and head over to Native Salt Cave & Wellness where you can experience halotherapy. Disconnect from the hustle and bustle and unwind. During a session, you sit in an antigravity chair for 45 minutes inside a salt cave and let go.
Afternoon
For a solid lunch in SoFro, stop at South Front Tavern. Start with the steamed little neck clams: complete with garlic, basil, tomato, butter, white wine and crusty bread. Follow up with a Plancha burger. This delicious burger has gruyere, mushroom, arugula, tobacco onion and garlic aioli on a brioche bun. If you’re feeling luxurious, get the parmesan truffle fries to pair.
At theArtWorks, there’s an Art Village with 50+ working studios comprising more than 7,000 square feet. In this space, the community and visitors can enjoy the beautiful work of talented artists. You'll find painters, letterpress artists, screen printers, wood burning artists and more.
Evening
Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria is the place to get pizza in the South Front District. With cupped pepperoni and airy crusts, Benny’s knows pizza. Besides pizza, this restaurant also has delicious charred Brussels sprouts and gelato.
Late Night
Cross the road and grab something to drink at Satellite Bar & Lounge. This local favorite hosts live music, DJs, karaoke nights, games and beyond. It’s the perfect way to end your first day exploring Wilmington.
Looking for a late-night snack? Spot the bright-blue kei truck with a donkey in the back. That’s Block Taco! Known for their delicious tacos and toppings, they also have excellent nachos. There aren't any thin, soggy tortilla chips here. Only robust, homemade chips that can stand up to queso, salsa and all the toppings you choose.
Day 2: Brooklyn Arts District
Next up, head to the Brooklyn Arts District, where creativity is in the air. Art galleries and delicious eateries make this neighborhood a standout.
Morning
Swing by for a warm cup of coffee and a homemade beignet, donut or muffin at Brooklyn Cafe. This dreamy little nook is full of delicious baked goods and drinks.
Built in 1888, the Brooklyn Arts Center has a rich history. The building once housed St. Andrews Church. It hosts concerts, weddings, markets, and other community events. Check the center's calendar for the most up-to-date information.
Head over to The Kitchen Sink, a restaurant offering an array of options—from brunch to lunch. Try the Fancy Avocado Toast or Shrimp and Grits for that true Southern vibe. There's also a soup flight where you can sample all four soups: green gazpacho, Mexican street corn, buffalo chicken and seared spicy shrimp.
Afternoon
Boombalatti’s Handcrafted Ice Cream
Cool off with some refreshing ice cream from Boombalatti’s. This local favorite has ice cream down to a science. Indulge in signature flavors like Coffee Cookies and Cream or Key Lime Pie. They also offer pints to-go!
Evening
A short walk from the Brooklyn Arts Center, three10 offers a modern take on Southern seafood. Order Sweet Potato Biscuits, the Country Ham-Wrapped Grouper and one of their 13 cocktails or mocktails. A great dessert choice: Peach Cheesecake topped with graham cracker crust, raspberry coulis and candied pecans.
Late Night
End your night at Avenue-B, a swanky wine and cocktail bar. Sip on an old-world or new-world glass of wine or an Olay Fashion, a mezcal old fashioned finished with muddled jalapeño, while enjoying live music in their large outdoor courtyard.
Day 3: Castle Street District
Castle Street is one of Wilmington’s best-kept secrets. Here, you'll find a quirky mix of vintage shops, art galleries and great food.
Morning
Coco Pipa serves fresh, healthy and affordable food, with Central American flair. Vibrant açai bowls, smoothies and salads await.
Down the road, Gravity Records has a massive vinyl, CD and cassette collection. The owner also repairs vintage sound equipment if you schedule in advance.
Afternoon
Grab lunch at On Thyme for delicious, creative takes on seafood and burgers. Try the Cajun Shrimp Po’ Boy loaded with flavor and topped with their secret sauce.
Jess James + Co is a boutique offering vintage-era clothing finds. The atmosphere inside the shop has 1920s influences. The accessories and clothing are from the Victorian era, the '70s, '80s and some '90s. Fun fact: Belly & Taylor from "The Summer I Turned Pretty" visited to try on some dresses.
Part bar, part mini golf course, Good Lie is perfect for drinks and friendly competition. Enjoy exquisite pizzas made in Italy and play the difficult 9-hole course.
Evening
To say that oysters are the specialty of RX Chicken and Oysters would be an understatement. This restaurant values food source transparency. On their website, they provide all the sources of their foods. The team farms their own oysters and come from places like Stump Sound and Topsail Sound. So, you’re getting the freshest seafood. The building of the restaurant housed a pharmacy in the past, and that's why it got the name RX Chicken and Oysters. The owners wanted to preserve the history and left the signage up.
Day 4: Cargo District
The Cargo District is an eclectic small business hub with plant shops, cafes, restaurants, barbershops and more. Many businesses are inside shipping containers which creates a unique atmosphere you’ve likely never experienced before.
Morning
To start the day off right, drop by Zeke’s, located in a vibrant shipping container. Opened due to popular demand, Zeke’s established itself in the Cargo District this year. With another location in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, this foodie hotspot offers fresh açai bowls, poké and smoothies.
Love a nice fantasy novel to dive into while you're in a coffee shop or at the beach? Burning Pages Bookstore offers selections from the romantasy and dark romance genres.
Afternoon
At Auggie & Zo’s, you'll find curated collections of coastal clothes and accessories. From mini dresses to necklaces and children’s clothing, you’ll find it at Auggie & Zo’s.
When you walk into hello, love., you’ll experience a one-of-a-kind home shop. The first thing you’ll notice is that the space is bursting with vivid colors and unique books, beauty products and decor. You won't find a home decor shop like this anywhere else.
All this shopping made you work up an appetite, no doubt. Look no further than Banh Sai. This restaurant features a retro '80s theme and serves delicious asian fusion eats. The Banh Sai has cucumber, jalapeno, cilantro, pickled carrot, daikon radish, green onion, sticky sauce, Banh Sai aioli, togarashi and sesame seeds—served on your choice of rice, burrito, or lettuce.
Evening
This part boutique, part community hangout is 100% delightful. Whether you’re a new plant parent or looking to bring something green to your space, The Plant Outpost is the place to go. Grab a spiral cactus to give your books some company, and don’t forget to snag some of their Leaf Wellness Spray. Insider-tip: check Facebook for upcoming sidewalk plant sales or raffles before you go.
End the night on a high note at Salita Pizza and unleash your inner pizza purist. This place takes pizza enjoyment to the next level. Experience their wood-fired pizzas featuring creative toppings. The burrata pizza with vodka sauce, garlic, onion, hot pepper and basil is the kind of dreaminess you’ll find here. Don’t forget about dessert, though. Salita’s olive oil soft serve is to die for. Their toasted marshmallow ice cream has olive oil, strawberry preserves and pistachio.
Day 5: Soda Pop District
The Soda Pop District blends historic charm with cool, modern flair. Here, you’ll find retro video game lounges, craft pizza joints, cozy indie bookstores, creative studios and even a boutique hotel tucked inside a coffee shop.
Morning
Canary Yellow is a boutique cafe, gift shop and hotel. Enjoy the calming pink hues while you sip on the Pink Cherub. This luscious blend of pink matcha, pink cobbler jam and raspberry rose cold foam looks like a fairytale. See the unique gifts, stationary and doggo goodies as well.
Take your pink drink to The Roasted Bookery. This independent bookstore is a one-stop-shop for inclusive, diverse literature for all ages. Picture books, adult fiction and more await. This is the kind of cozy book store you can curl up with your new read and let the world fall away.
Afternoon
After a relaxing reading session at The Roasted Bookery, swing by Bowstring Burgers & Brewyard. Get ready to enjoy some signature cocktails and casual eats. The Hangover Burger, stacked with American cheese, bacon, fried egg and lettuce, is a lunch-lover’s dream. Combine it with Bowstring’s crispy tater tots. The cranberry mule (vodka, cranberry juice, ginger beer and lime) is a refreshing top-off. If you’re a pickleball fan, you’ve got to play on their new pickleball court, now available to the public!
Retroscape - Gaming & Soda Lounge
To kick it back to your childhood, look no further than Retroscape - Gaming & Soda Lounge. This place is pure nostalgia served with a side of delicious homemade sodas. You can play on a variety of game systems ranging from the 1970s all the way to today. So, find a cozy spot and fire up the N64 and even take home a game with you from their collection of classic games for sale.
Early Evening
Cugino Forno started when three cousins from a small town in Turkey spent months in Naples. During their time there, they learned from the best pizzaiolos (pizza chefs). Then, they became dedicated to bringing authentic Neapolitan pizza to North Carolina. The pizza crust is pillowy with the right amount of char, and the Americano pizza is delicious. It's topped with pepperoni, san marzano tomatoes, bafala mozzarella, basil and garlic. They even offer pizza classes for groups of 5 or more so you can learn to bring your creations to life.
Night
Right down the road, you can catch a film showing at Jengo’s Playhouse. This Funky, year-round community venue has 65 seats and a craft cocktail bar. Every fall, the venue features many of the films at the famous Cucalorus Film Festival. This local treasure is the coolest entertainment hub you'll find anywhere.
After catching a show over at Jengo’s Playhouse, head to Wandering Cone Creamery. Order a six-scoop ice cream sampler that comes in an egg carton. This is such a fun idea because you’re able to get six different flavors and try them all (or share…maybe…). Flavors rotate, but you can always expect to find fresh, delicious options every time.
Day 6: Midtown - Part 1
Finally, but certainly not least is midtown. This stretch of Wilmington spans the space between the beach and downtown. Here, you'll find everything and anything to do. From parks and trails to art and food, it’s all in midtown.
Morning
Start your day off with deliciousness at Blueberry’s Grill. Breakfast is available until 3 p.m.. Enjoy some blueberry hushpuppies that come with honey butter and blueberry compote. Then, follow up with the crab cake benedict and watermelon refresher (Absolut Citron, watermelon puree, lemon juice, fresh mint and soda water).
Feeling daring? Head to Oleander Drive to get your thrill on at Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park, where the waterpark is the main event in the summer but also go-karts, laser tag, mini golf and an arcade. Whether you’re into steep water slides or lazy rivers or fun and games, it’s the perfect place to cool off on a hot day or have some fun indoors.
Afternoon
All that fun at Jungle Rapids made you work up an appetite. Ask any Wilmington local and it goes without saying, PT’s Olde Fashioned Grille is a must-have. Serving up classic burgers, hot dogs on hoagies, sandwiches and more, this restaurant may have a simple menu, but it doesn’t disappoint. The real showstoppers are their famous fries. Get a fresh-squeezed lemonade, and you’ll be well on your way to lunch heaven.
Time to head toward Wrightsville Beach and stop at Airlie Gardens. Explore more than 67 acres of lovely gardens, blooms and the colossal Airlie Oak, which is a 500-year-old Southern Live Oak. It is the largest live oak tree in the state, with a trunk circumference of 21 feet.
Meander along the miles of paved trails around the gardens. Unwind in the 2,700 square foot butterfly serenity garden as several varieties of butterflies float around you.
Insider’s tip: There are always events going on at Airlie Gardens. Experience the Summer Concert Series, regular art exhibits, Oyster Roast, holiday lights at Enchanted Airlie, Blooms & Brews and more! Check the calendar for the most up-to-date events.
Evening
Tucked away in the Riverlights community in Wilmington, Smoke On The Water serves Southern coastal flavors along with stunning views. From the spacious deck or panoramic windows, you can see vistas of the Cape Fear River. At Smoke On The Water, you can take a couple routes: order a starter and an entree or have a little bit of everything and order a few different starters to share. Either way, you'll love the flavors. If you prefer starters and entrées, try the crispy Brussels sprouts to start, then go for the Calabash Trio—fried flounder, oysters and shrimp served with housemade cocktail and tartar sauces, plus fries and coleslaw on the side.
Day 7: Midtown - Part 2
Early Morning
Ease into your day with a beautiful sunrise over the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway at Trail’s End Park. You’ll find this small, but beautiful, park off of Masonboro Loop Road in midtown. It offers views of the waterway and Masonboro Island Coastal Reserve. You can also paddle over to the island from the park if you have a kayak.
Fuel up at Grinder’s Caffé—a local coffee shop known for their delicious drinks and warm, calm vibes. Order from the “Not-So-Secret Menu” and get a Chai-Nana Smoothie. This smoothie is a bold blend of coffee ice cubes, espresso, half and half, chai, cardamom and bananas. This is exactly the chill send off you need for the day.
Experience creativity and wonder at the Cameron Art Museum located in the heart of midtown. Inside, you’ll find ever-evolving exhibitions and works by renowned artists, like Mary Cassatt. You won’t want to miss what’s outside: the “Boundless” monument. This installation is set on the historic grounds of the Civil War’s Battle of Forks Road. The sculptures are bronze. They honor the African American soldiers of the U.S. Colored Troops who fought for freedom during the war.
Afternoon
After experiencing rich history and art at The Cameron Art Museum, head to Fun Bowl Landfall for some fresh and delicious poke and milk tea. The Fun Bowl Poke comes with marinated or spicy tuna, mango, avocado, english cucumber, carrots, edamame, sweet corn, pineapple, fish roe, seaweed salad with Japanese dressing and a mango sauce. Combine that with a mango milk tea, and you’re well on your way to channeling those beach town vibes like an expert.
With tons of stores and restaurants, Mayfaire Town Center is right around the corner. Peruse the books and magazines at Barnes & Noble. Unleash your inner home decorator at Pottery Barn. Catch a last-minute IMAX showing at the Regal IMAX theater in the center of the shopping center. You could even visit Dave & Buster’s to enjoy some food and games for some rainy day fun.
Evening
You’ve made it to the end of day seven and want to end strong. What’s one thing you’ve got to eat in a place like Wilmington? FRESH, LOCAL SEAFOOD. For your last stop, eat at Seaview Crab Company in midtown. This place not only serves delicious, local seafood but also cooks it for you if you bring your own catch. Build your own steam plate and choose from shrimp, blue crabs, clams and oysters, crawfish and more. All steam plates come with red potatoes and corn.
