Looking for something new to do in Wilmington? You’re in luck! From recently opened hotels and restaurants to guided tours and river cruises, the city has plenty of new experiences to check out in 2026. Grab a bite at chef Keith Rhodes’ Voyce Bistro, sip drinks at Savard Beer & Board, sing your heart out with your besties at K-Town Karaoke or take a film-themed cruise with Wilmington Water Tours. Find your vacation home base at one of the city’s newest hotels, including the wellness-focused Element Wilmington and the boutique-style Hotel LELA.
Keep reading to discover the latest accommodations, restaurants, bars and experiences you won’t want to miss:
1. Accommodations
Brighten up your stay at the wellness-focused Element Wilmington, opened in summer 2025 in Mayfaire Town Center. The vibe is modern and eco-friendly, with bright rooms and spa-style bathrooms. Indulge in extras like complimentary breakfast, bike rentals, a 24-hour gym and a year-round pool. Grab a drink at the on-site bar, or kick back on the patio after a day of exploring.
Tru by Hilton Wilmington and Hotel LELA Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Don’t miss a thing when you stay in Midtown at these two connected Hilton properties, opened in spring 2025. Tru by Hilton Wilmington keeps things casual and streamlined, with an on-site bar, restaurant and fitness center. Next door, Hotel LELA has a more boutique feel, featuring a saltwater pool and Paloma’s, a bold Latin restaurant. Be sure to check out Swing Suites, Hotel LELA’s private, lounge-style space where you can try simulated golf, soccer and football.
Luxe 220
For a curated and elevated experience, Luxe 220 opened in summer 2025, bringing a high-end vacation rental option to the heart of Historic Downtown Wilmington. Just steps from the Wilmington Riverwalk, restaurants and nightlife, the property has four penthouse-style suites with exposed brick, spa-like bathrooms and plenty of room to spread out.
The Cove Riverwalk Villas
Known for its floating villas along the Riverwalk, The Cove is expanding in phases beginning in early 2026. New houseboats will include one- and three-bedroom layouts, while keeping the same waterfront experience guests love. An on-site office and storefront is also planned for spring 2026, adding a convenient spot for check-ins and local recommendations. Insider tip: Don’t miss the lounge deck at the end of the docks, where you can watch an incredible sunset over the river.
Canary Yellow Coffee, an eclectic coffee and gift shop, opened in 2025 in the Soda Pop District. Next up: plans to open a small, color-themed boutique hotel in the same space. Find more info (and future booking links) here!
2. Dining & Drinks
Restaurants & Food Hubs
Cargo West Food Court
In 2025, the Cargo District expanded with a shipping container food court, housing a growing roster of micro-kitchens. From smash burgers and vegan comfort food to sushi, empanadas, barbecue and Oaxacan-style tacos, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure dining stop. Standout spots include Zeke Smash, Mike’s Vegan Grill and Shepard Barbecue, once featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.”
manna ave. 123
A AAA 4-diamond restaurant located in downtown Wilmington, is included in USA Today’s list of 2026 Best Restaurants of the Year in the nation. The reviewer notes that manna is “a favorite among locals and visitors for their elevated, ever-changing menu.”
Social District and Food Truck Hub: Chow Town
The Brooklyn Arts District added two big draws in 2025: The area became Wilmington’s first Social District, letting you grab drinks from participating spots and stroll N. Fourth Street on the first and third Saturdays of each month from noon to 5 p.m. The fun continues at Chow Town, where rotating food trucks serve up trendy eats, drinks and vibes year-round. Grab a drink from the beverage container bar and take advantage of the plentiful outdoor seating.
Voyce Bistro
Two-time James Beard nominee chef Keith Rhodes debuted Voyce Bistro in January of this year, serving casual coastal dishes with Caribbean influences. Located on Market Street by the Riverwalk in Historic Downtown Wilmington, the bistro is open for lunch and dinner and offers a more relaxed take on Rhodes’ fine-dining style.
The Sounder
Late 2025 marked the opening of The Sounder, a seafood-focused concept from the owner of Flying Machine Brewing Company. Dinner service launched first, followed by lunch and a popular weekend brunch. The menu centers on locally sourced seafood and coastal flavors that shift with the seasons.
Tomiko-San
This upscale sushi restaurant opened in Lumina Station in 2025. Check out Sushi Hour, offered several evenings a week from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., for exclusive rolls and bites paired with Happy Hour drink specials.
Pine Valley Market
A Wilmington staple for two decades, Pine Valley Market expanded in 2025 with a larger second location near Lumina Station and the Wrightsville Beach Drawbridge. The new spot offers sit-down service for breakfast and lunch, along with a full bar for coffee drinks and mimosas.
Olivero Kitchen + Cocktails
Olivero, a global fusion spot with New Orleans influences, continues to earn national attention, with chefs Sunny Gerhart and Lauren Krall Ivey, named 2025 James Beard Best Chef Southeast semifinalists and the restaurant landing on USA Today’s list of best restaurants in the country.
Chef Dean Neff of Seabird, a beloved seafood restaurant and oyster bar, was named a semifinalist for the 2026 James Beard Foundation Outstanding Chef Award in January of this year, adding to his growing list of national honors. He recently launched Zora’s Fish Bank, a free fish program for local families, and plans to open the newly renovated kitchen at Zora’s Market and Kitchen in early 2026. Stay tuned for more details about his upcoming restaurant on Front Street, opening later this year.
Wilmington Coffee Passport
New in 2025, the Wilmington Coffee Passport invites locals and visitors to explore independent coffee shops and cafés around town. Pick up your passport at The Black Cat Shoppe, The Maroon Monkey Coffee Co., Calico Coffee Bar or another participating spot, then set off on a journey to discover new favorites and earn Wilmington-themed swag along the way.
Bars, Breweries and Nightlife
Oden Brewing Company
This family-owned brewery from Greensboro opened its second location in a restored stable and livery building on Dock Street. The vibe is cozy and dog-friendly, with a rotating lineup of beers, cider, seltzer, wine and canned cocktails.
Part brewery, part surfboard workshop, Savard is one of Wilmington’s most unique additions, set in a restored historic building near the Riverwalk. Grab a brew from the full bar and watch surfboards being made, or play giant yard games on the covered porch.
Opened in late 2025 by the team behind The Underfront Company, Cinch Billiards is a retro-inspired bar on the Riverwalk. Grab a craft cocktail or beer while shooting pool, watching a game at the bar or hanging out on the riverfront patio.
K-Town Karaoke
Opened in fall 2025, K-Town Karaoke is Wilmington’s first karaoke bar with private rooms. Take the mic on the main stage, or book a private room with disco balls and iPads loaded with tens of thousands of songs. The full bar serves over-the-top, music-themed drinks like the “Top Gun” “Danger Zone” shot, complete with a mini performance from the bartenders!
String & Key - Dueling Piano & Guitar Bar
Singalongs take center stage at this downtown dueling piano and guitar bar. Grab a seat to watch pianists and guitarists trade riffs, or give your best shot at karaoke. Live shows run several nights a week, with specialty handcrafted cocktails like “The Piano Man” available at the bar.
3. Tours & Cruises
Wilmington Walking Tours
Several new experiences launched in 2025, including the Wilmington Speakeasy & Prohibition Tour. This year, the company is adding a Social District Historic Pub Crawl in the Brooklyn Arts District, new mural and dive bar tours in nearby Carolina Beach and interactive options like scavenger hunts in the Cargo District.
Journeys Wilmington
Journeys Wilmington has expanded beyond walking tours to offer guided riding tours centered on African American history. These experiences spotlight significant sites across several Wilmington neighborhoods, with customizable itineraries in nearby Carolina Beach and Kure Beach.
Wilmington True History Tours
In early 2026, Wilmington True History Tours will introduce a new American Revolution-focused walking tour led by a UNC-Wilmington historian, just in time to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. The experience explores Wilmington’s pivotal role in the fight for independence and the broader Lower Cape Fear region.
Wilmington Water Tours added film-themed cruises in 2025, diving into the city’s on-screen legacy with specialty river tours focused on local film history and horror movies. Join the A250th: "'Outlander' in the Cape Fear" Water Tour on March 7 and May 10 for a cruise led by Hunter Ingram, host of the popular podcast, “Burgwin-Wright presents…'Outlander’ in the Cape Fear.”
Wilmington Outdoor Adventures
Now operating year-round, Wilmington Outdoor Adventures expanded its winter offerings and added Shark Tooth Island as a new kayaking destination. Its Seaside Squirts youth camp is also set to return in summer 2026 with expanded weeklong sessions.
With a host of new hotels, restaurants, bars and tours, Wilmington is full of fun experiences to enjoy in 2026. Whether you’re sipping cocktails by the river, singing karaoke with your best buds or uncovering the city’s history on a guided tour, you’re sure to find a new favorite adventure.
Check out these pages to see what’s new in our nearby island beaches:
For ongoing updates about these offerings and future additions in Wilmington, visit this webpage.
