Historic charm meets modern flair in Downtown Wilmington, where brick-lined streets lead to riverfront views and vibrant local culture. This three-day itinerary guides you through the best of the city’s waterfront district.

Duration: 3 days
Available: Year-round

Day 1: Arrival and Riverfront Views

Afternoon
Drop Your Bags
Whether you're staying at a historic inn or a boutique hotel, settle in and get ready to explore the charm of Historic Downtown Wilmington.

Evening
Pre-dinner Drink: Market Street House of Wine and Beer
Located inside the Old Wilmington City Market, this local bottle shop invites you to relax with a small pour or share a full bottle. The outdoor tables give off a European vibe, ideal for people-watching and pre-dinner conversation.

Sunset Dinner: River 128
Just across the street, this riverfront restaurant offers ideal sunset views from its covered patio. Enjoy a relaxed seafood dinner with scenic waterfront ambiance. Enjoy classics like lump crab cakes, shrimp and grits, blackened catfish or seared sea scallops.

Optional Evening Activity
Riverwalk Stroll + Rooftop Nightcap
Wander along Wilmington’s scenic Riverwalk and stop by GelaRto or Kilwin's for a sweet treat, grab last-minute items at DGX, and take in the views of the Cape Fear River. Cap off the evening with cocktails at Cloud 9 Rooftop Bar or aView Rooftop Bistro, just a 0.7-mile stroll from dinner.

 

Day 2: Battleships, Boats and Bites

Morning
Breakfast at The Basics
Located in the Cotton Exchange, this downtown staple serves everything from scratch. Favorites include the oatmeal blueberry pancakes, Mediterranean scramble and buttery biscuits; a hearty start to a full day. Better yet, enjoy a bit of shopping at the Cotton Exchange after dining. Located in a historic building, there are over 30 specialty shops to explore.

Main Attraction: Battleship NORTH CAROLINA
Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., this self-guided tour takes you across nine levels of the historic World War II battleship. Plan to spend at least two hours onboard. For a deeper dive, consider the “Big Bang” guided tour focused on the ship’s gun systems (note: not recommended for those with mobility concerns). Be sure to check the Battleship’s website for special events and programming like their haunted tours in the Fall.

Afternoon
Lunch at RumCow
Eclectic and cozy, this downtown spot offers inventive dishes with a twist. Go bold with Asian tots or avocado fries, or keep it fresh with options like the miso salmon, Island burger or sesame-seared tuna.

River Excursion
Choose your Cape Fear River adventure. For sightseeing, Wilmington Water Tours and Cape Fear River Boats offer comfortable, covered cruises with narration. Looking for fun with friends? Hop on the BYOB- Brew Boat or Tiki Boat for drinks. For something unique and serene, set sail with Ravens Nest Sailing and explore the river with a seasoned captain on a sailboat.

Evening
Dinner at PinPoint
Located on Market Street, PinPoint delivers seasonal Southern fare crafted with locally sourced ingredients from Wilmington fishermen, farmers and oystermen. Their menu changes daily, so be sure to check for the latest dishes before you go.

Optional Evening Activity: Haunted Pub Crawl or Ghost Walk
Discover Wilmington’s darker side with a Haunted Pub Crawl, a 2.5-hour walking tour through haunted downtown bars. Prefer a dry option? The Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington is a 90-minute stroll through burial grounds and historic haunted homes led by theatrical storytellers.

 

Day 3: Culture, Film and Southern Fare

Morning
Brunch at South Front Tavern
Just five minutes from downtown in the South Front District, this laid-back spot offers a classic Southern brunch. Enjoy indoor or outdoor seating and start with skillet cornbread or a buttermilk biscuit basket. Sweet or savory, the menu offers plenty to choose from, including deliciously boozy brunch cocktails to match.

Optional Activity: Wilmywood Film Tour + The Black Cat Shoppe
Wilmington has earned the nickname “East Hollywood” thanks to the many blockbuster hits filmed throughout its downtown and island beaches. The Wilmywood Film Tour gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the locations used in fan-favorite shows and films. Afterward, stop into the Black Cat Shoppe to browse quirky souvenirs and Wilmington-themed gifts.

Historic Homes Tour
Step back in time with a visit to one of Wilmington’s historic homes:

Departure
Wind down your Wilmington weekend and head home full of good food, scenic memories and maybe a few ghost stories.