From unforgettable adventures to unique eats and places to stay, this vibrant riverfront city invites you to explore beyond the ordinary. Here's a look at the one-of-a-kind experiences that make Wilmington truly stand out.
Historic Settings
Although Wilmington’s River and Historic Districts might remind you of other coastal settings, the city is home to one of the largest and most picturesque historic districts in the South. It’s filled with unique offerings, including more than 40 locally owned restaurants, pubs and cafés in the River District alone. The Wilmington Riverwalk is a centerpiece of the district, stretching nearly two miles along the scenic Cape Fear River.
Along the way, visitors can explore historic homes like the Bellamy Mansion Museum of History & Design Arts or embark on a WilmingtoNColor Tour, which highlights sites tied to African American history and culture – including the 1898 Memorial Park in Wilmington, which commemorates the only coup d’état in American history.
For those who enjoy a bit of mystery, Wilmington is one of the most haunted cities in the South, with nightly ghost walks and weekend pub crawls organized by Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington that tell the stories of ghosts specific to the area, like Gallus Meg, a bartender known for biting off the ears of unruly patrons.
Nature's Gems
Thanks to its location along the Cape Fear River and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, Wilmington boasts a diverse ecosystem and natural settings. Greenfield Park offers a 250-acre natural retreat perfect for a peaceful stroll or scenic bike ride along trails with views of Greenfield Lake. Spot local wildlife and enjoy seasonal canoe, kayak and paddleboat rentals from the park's boathouse. The park also doubles as a live music venue, hosting touring acts at the Greenfield Lake Amphitheatre nestled in the Cape Fear River Basin and surrounded by cypress and pine trees. Not only does it offer beautiful waterside views, but its capacity is only 1,200, meaning attendees can see their favorite artists like never before in an intimate setting.
For something truly unique, visit the Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden, where you can observe native carnivorous species – including pitcher plants, sundews and the indigenous Venus flytrap – thriving in their natural habitat along the garden's boardwalks. The rare Venus flytrap only grows naturally within a 60- to 100-mile radius of Wilmington.
The New Hanover County Arboretum showcases North Carolina's plant diversity across seven beautifully landscaped acres. Highlights include a Japanese garden and tea house, vegetable and herb plots and tranquil walking paths. Step into living history at Airlie Gardens, which spans 67 acres and dates back to the 1700s. Wander past seasonal blooms, wildlife habitats and lakes on a self-guided walking tour, or join one of the garden's scheduled history tours or bird walks.
Every spring, Wilmington bursts into bloom with the North Carolina Azalea Festival, a beloved tradition for more than 75 years that honors the region’s rich history, vibrant arts scene and Southern charm. Held at the peak of azalea season, the roots of the festival trace back to 1934 when Dr. Houston Moore envisioned transforming the unkempt, swampy Greenfield Lake into a beautifully landscaped park. After nearly a decade of effort with support from local clubs led by the Wilmington Rotary Club, the park's transformation inspired Moore to launch a festival celebrating the spring bloom – an idea that came to life in 1948 with the first Azalea Festival, drawing over 60,000 spectators. Today, this one-of-a-kind festival includes a week-long lineup of events from live music performances to a parade, street fair and more.
Adventures on the Water
For a memorable time on the water, join Wilmington Outdoor Adventures on a Shark Tooth Hunting Tour. This eco-adventure includes kayaking through Barnards Creek and the Cape Fear River to nearby barrier islands to search for shark teeth and fossils. Or, opt for a guided paddle to Masonboro Island Reserve, the longest undeveloped barrier island in southern North Carolina.
If you prefer a more leisurely experience, BrewBoat Wilmington blends biking, boating and beer. This pedal-powered cruise along the Cape Fear River lets you sip your favorite beverage with friends, set to a backdrop of riverfront views. When you're ready to relax, the boat's solar-powered motor takes over the work. Similarly, Cruisin’ Tikis offers cruises aboard a floating tiki bar throughout the day and at sunset along the Cape Fear River in downtown Wilmington.
Discover the captivating history inspired by the best-selling book and television series during the Outlander Cape Fear Water Tour. A local historian narrates the journey of your favorite characters along the river, transporting you back to Colonial times.
One-of-a-Kind Museums
There are several museums in Wilmington that are unique to the area and a must when visiting, including one of the area's most iconic attractions, Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, credited with earning 15 battle stars during World War II. Moored on the Cape Fear River, the ship offers an immersive tour through its decks and inner workings. Outside, the SECU Memorial Walkway provides panoramic views of the ship and waterfront. To commemorate the area’s contributions to the war on the home-front, Wilmington was designated the first “American World War II Heritage City” in the country. Battleship NORTH CAROLINA also hosts unique events like Battleship Yoga, where certified instructors teach lessons on the main deck with stunning riverfront views as the backdrop. The Hidden Battleship Tour uncovers areas not commonly seen, and the Battleship Ghost Hunt sets off on an adventure to discover paranormal activity.
Cameron Art Museum also honors the area's military history as the site of the only park in the nation built to commemorate the United States Colored Troops and their role in the Civil War.
The Cape Fear Museum of History and Science is the state’s oldest history museum and features a giant ground sloth replica assembled from real artifacts excavated nearby. Train enthusiasts will love the Wilmington Railroad Museum, which preserves the legacy of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. Explore interactive exhibits, view model train layouts and climb aboard a real-life caboose.
For something out of the ordinary, head to the Museum of the Bizarre, where quirky and mysterious artifacts – like a lock of Alexander Hamilton's hair and Harry Houdini's Ouija board – create a wonderfully weird experience.
Culinary Delights
Wilmington's dining scene is as original as its surroundings, with standout chefs offering unforgettable events and meal rooted in local ingredients and creativity. Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours hosts guided walking tours of local restaurants, with opportunities to sample sweet and savory dishes, as well as meet some of the area’s top chefs. It also offers a Downtown Farmers Market Tour and Cooking Class, which includes a guided tour of the market followed by a hands-on cooking class with a local chef at their restaurant.
Feast Wilmington is a multi-day culinary celebration that highlights the region's flavors with creative pairings and live music through a lineup of immersive food experiences. The Cape Fear Wine + Food Experience showcases the region's top chefs through community dinners, where local chefs collaborate with winemakers to create unique multi-course meals at various Wilmington restaurants.
At Rx Chicken and Oysters, nearly everything on your plate is either harvested or grown in-house, including "Lucy Bea" oysters – named after the owners’ saltwater-loving dogs – and spearfished lionfish. For a romantic meal with a view, head to Floriana, an Italian bistro where you can dine outside on one of the private Romeo and Juliet balconies overlooking the Cape Fear River. Don't miss True Blue Butcher and Table, a dual-concept butcher shop and upscale restaurant known for dishes crafted from hand-cut premium meats.
Drinks and Local Vibes
For craft cocktails and live music in a stylish downtown setting, look no further than The UnderFront Company. Be sure to try the Blue Velvet cocktail, named after the Wilmington-filmed cult classic. Hidden just off Front Street, The Blind Elephant is a Prohibition-era speakeasy with moonshine and other classic spirits. For a cozy, curated experience, check out Live at Ted's, a listening room and bar that offers intimate shows in a homey, welcoming environment.
In the Cargo District, The Starling is housed inside a converted shipping container and offers wine, beer and a rotating list of seasonal craft cocktails. In South Front District, Satellite Bar and Lounge brings a laid-back, family- and dog-friendly atmosphere. Housed in a former 1940s grocery store, this venue hosts sundown screenings and frequent live music, like bluegrass jams.
Unique Places to Stay
Wilmington's accommodations are as charming and original as the city itself, offering guests more than just a place to rest. The Cove Riverwalk Villas features a collection of stationary houseboats with stunning river views. You'll be just steps from downtown while enjoying a peaceful waterfront escape. At ARRIVE Wilmington, a Michelin Key recipient, unwind with a cocktail at the Courtyard Gazebo Bar, relax by the fire pits or play lawn games before retreating to stylish, modern guest rooms.
For historic charm, book a stay at The Verandas, a beautifully restored Victorian mansion turned bed and breakfast. Front Street Inn offers historic boutique lodging and craft coffee creations from the onsite Concorde Espresso Bar, where guests can start the day with a cappuccino or relax in the evening with an espresso martini flight.
No matter what brings you to Wilmington, its one-of-a-kind experiences promise something unforgettable. Whether indulging in local flavors, exploring natural wonders or uncovering hidden gems, each visit offers a new way to fall in love with this coastal treasure.
Find more one-of-a-kind experiences in one of our nearby island beaches: Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach.
