If you’re drawn to the Southern charm of classic port cities like Charleston or Savannah but are looking for a fresh experience, you’ll want to discover Wilmington, NC. With its historic charm, picturesque waterfront and Southern hospitality, Wilmington is the perfect alternative to these iconic Southern cities. Here’s why this lesser-known gem should be on your travel bucket list.
Historic Charm
With one of the largest and most picturesque historic districts in the South, Wilmington's National Register Historic District spans more than 230 blocks, more than holding its own among cities like Charleston and Savannah. The cobblestone streets of downtown Wilmington are lined with historic homes like the Bellamy Mansion Museum of History & Design Arts, a beautiful example of Victorian-era architecture built just before the Civil War. The Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens is the only colonial-era structure open to the public in Wilmington, and the Latimer House, which details upper-class life during the Victorian era, also offers fascinating glimpses into the area's past.
Explore the Historic District in true Southern fashion with a horse-drawn carriage tour led by rescued Percheron draft horses and a knowledgeable guide with Springbrook Farms. Tour Old Wilmington offers various options for those who prefer walking, providing insights into the customs and traditions of past eras. Download the Wilmington History Tours mobile app to explore the town at your own speed with five self-guided tours to choose from including a pub crawl.
Rivaling the haunted tales of Charleston and Savannah, Wilmington was once a rough and rowdy seaport, making it one of the South's most actively haunted cities with spirits from its storied past that still linger today. The Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington and Haunted Pub Crawl delve into the city's eerie legends and lore, adding a spine-tingling layer to Wilmington's historic charm.
Waterfront Views
Winding along the Cape Fear River, Wilmington's Riverwalk offers visitors a quintessential Southern coastal experience similar to Charleston's Battery or Savannah's River Street. The nearly 2-mile pathway is lined with an assortment of markets, unique boutiques, art galleries and independently owned outdoor cafés and restaurants, all set against a breathtaking backdrop, including Battleship NORTH CAROLINA.
To experience the Riverwalk from a unique vantage point, hop aboard a guided sightseeing cruise with Cape Fear River Boats, similar to the classic Savannah riverboat cruise. Wilmington Water Tours also offers guided tour options ranging from sunset to eco-tours along the river. Travel across the Cape Fear with Bizzy Bee Water Taxi to visit Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, where you can step aboard for a self-led or guided tour highlighting the ship’s WWII history.
Serene Parks and Settings
Aside from its historic charm and picturesque waterfront, Wilmington has multiple green spaces that capture the Lowcountry feel. Airlie Gardens spans over 67 acres and features a mix of themed gardens, lakes and wildlife along scenic trails. One of the highlights is the Airlie Oak, which dates back to 1545 and is draped in Spanish moss.
Greenfield Park, with its calm waters, lush greenery and 100-year-old cypress trees, is a quiet escape just minutes from downtown Wilmington. The park's boathouse rents paddleboats, kayaks and canoes by the hour, allowing visitors to explore the lake and enjoy a peaceful, nature-filled outing on the water. Its 190 acres also feature biking and walking trails for those who prefer to stay on dry land.
Wilmington's Oakdale Cemetery, North Carolina's oldest rural cemetery, was chartered in 1852 and is filled with moss-covered oaks and historic headstones reminiscent of Savannah's Bonaventure Cemetery. The main gate office offers copies of a self-guided walking tour, including QR codes that provide additional family history details on smart devices. The cemetery's blend of history and natural beauty makes it a quiet, reflective space.
Southern Hospitality & Cuisine
Like Charleston and Savannah, Wilmington excels in Southern hospitality and cuisine, from down-home comfort food to sophisticated coastal fare from award-winning chefs. Rx Chicken and Oysters is a must-visit. This casual yet refined spot in Castle Street Arts District is known for its standout fried chicken. At manna ave. 123, the only Wilmington restaurant to receive the AAA Four Diamond Award multiple consecutive years, you’ll find an award-winning menu that changes daily, featuring fresh local ingredients from select farmers and growers. The restaurant was also awarded Wine Spectator's Best of Award of Excellence and is known for its list of rare wines and inventive cocktails from talented mixologists. James Beard Foundation semi-finalist for Best Chef Southeast, Chef Keith Rhodes crafts dishes at Catch that highlight seasonal offerings like crispy Maine lobster tails, while PinPoint offers a nightly changing menu featuring locally sourced ingredients rooted in Southern tradition such as pork tenderloin.
No Lowcountry meal is complete without oysters, and Seabird’s Chef Dean Neff, a James Beard Foundation finalist for “Outstanding Chef,” has created a comfortable yet stylish setting where oysters and seafood take center stage. Perla Raw Bar features a menu focused on shared raw bar items, including an oyster sampler with oysters prepared in various ways, savory crudo and the freshest tartare.
For a stay that embodies true Southern hospitality, Wilmington’s B&Bs are set in picturesque locations that capture the essence of tradition and charm. Set in a Victorian Italianate Mansion and located just blocks away from the Riverwalk, The Verandas is the epitome of elegance. A winner of USA Today’s 10 Best Bed & Breakfasts in America, The C.W. Worth House is an intimate boutique inn housed in a charming 1893 Queen Anne-style home. Choose ARRIVE for a hotel-style stay with a modern twist on luxury. Recognized as a 2024 MICHELIN One Key hotel, the property is surrounded by historic 19th-century homes and tree-lined streets.
Step into The Hive, a stylish boutique hotel in downtown Wilmington, where each suite is equipped with a full kitchen and spa-inspired bathroom for the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. For a boutique-style stay in Wilmington’s historic downtown, reserve a room at Front Street Inn, where you can relax and rejuvenate at the property’s Concorde Espresso Bar, offering cozy handcrafted espresso martini flights and s’mores by the fire.
Nearby Island Beaches
Similar to Charleston's barrier islands and Savannah's Tybee Island, Wilmington serves as a gateway to several island beaches: Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach, each with its own unique character. Just 8.5 miles east of Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach is known for its elevated atmosphere and is a popular destination for wellness and watersports; it’s recognized as one of the best stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) hubs in the U.S. and a top surfing location.
Slightly further south, Carolina and Kure Beaches offer a mix of natural beauty and history. This area boasts two state parks, Carolina Beach State Park and Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, along with the newly renovated Fort Fisher State Historic Site and North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Carolina Beach's retro charm comes to life with its classic boardwalk and laid-back vibe, while Kure Beach provides a tranquil, nostalgic escape in a natural setting.
Cities like Charleston and Savannah are often at the top of the list of "must-see" Southern destinations, but Wilmington has all the makings of a classic Southern getaway, plus the added bonus of its island beaches just a short drive away. Plan your next vacation to this dupe destination to see for yourself.
