Experience the latest and most exciting additions in Wilmington, a premier Southern destination where historic charm blends seamlessly with new offerings. In 2025, immerse yourself in the beauty of the Carolina coast while enjoying fresh adventures that elevate this beloved riverfront city. Discover these exciting updates and make your visit truly memorable.
Eats and Drinks
The Cargo District is expanding their culinary offerings with a brand-new to Wilmington food experience: the Cargo District Food Court. Sinful Cupcakes is currently open in the three-story court with The Copper Penny, Zeke’s Beans & Bites, Seoul Sushi and more local favorites slated to join this year. In addition to restaurants, Cargo District Food Court will also feature a combination arcade and bar.
The family- and dog-friendly Tap Yard Wilmington features a 1-acre beer garden, indoor bar and live music with more on the way. Operating limited hours currently, the hot spot is expected to be fully open this spring. Expanding from Raleigh, Tap Yard Wilmington’s menu includes craft beer (with only North Carolina beers on tap), cocktails, wine and spirits, and hosts rotating food trucks, open mic nights and trivia nights.
New Exhibit and Tours
The Cape Fear Museum of History & Science's newest exhibit invites visitors to imagine themselves in the role of aviators. “Aim High: Soaring with the Tuskegee Airman” is an interactive exhibit that combines real artifacts with hands-on play. Organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in collaboration with the Smithsonian's National Air & Space Museum, it explores the rich history of African Americans in aviation. The exhibit is open through Sept. 7.
Looking ahead to the back half of the year, WilmingtoNColor Heritage Tours will offer new seasonal tours: a Dark History Halloween Tour and Holiday Soul Santa Tour. In addition to the seasonal tours, WilmingtoNColor is adding the Seabreeze tour, which will begin in spring 2025, highlighting the rich history of Freeman Park in nearby Carolina Beach.
Indoor Recreation
High-flying adventure seekers can get a safe, immersive skydiving experience at iFly Wilmington. Learn the art of flying from certified instructors in a state-of-the-art wind tunnel. Ages 3 and up are welcome!
Try your hand at one of the fastest growing sports out there – along with local brews – at Pickle & Taps. With eight standard courts and two championship courts, there is plenty of room for competitors and spectators alike to get their pickleball game on. Courts are available for reservations, tournaments and leagues for players of all ages and skill levels. After a few matches, of-age players can refuel at the bar, which offers a delicious selection of local beers and snacks.
Game Over Escape Rooms puts an international twist on immersive escape rooms with four themed rooms: School of Magic, inspired by Harry Potter; Lost City of Atlantis, Horror Circus and Illuminati. Originally created in Greece, each room challenges you to solve riddles, find hidden objects and decipher ancient stories to unravel the mystery. All four promise a next level realistic, fanciful experience.
Wheels Up
ILM will welcome two new airlines early this year. Beginning in February, Breeze Airways will offer four nonstop routes to Hartford, Conn.; Fort Myers, Fla.; Orlando, Fla.; and Providence, R.I. Beginning in April and continuing through October, JetBlue will offer a daily, seasonal flight to Boston (BOS).
Avelo Airlines will expand its presence at ILM by adding three more nonstop routes to Boston/Manchester, N.H. (MHT); Nashville, Tenn. (BNA); and Rochester, N.Y. (ROC). Once up and running, this will bring Avelo’s total to 11 nonstop flights.
With an exciting array of new attractions and experiences, Wilmington promises an unforgettable visit in 2025. From sampling new eats and drinks to uncovering history through fresh tour options, new indoor recreation options and places to stay, there's something for everyone. Plan your trip this year and discover your new Wilmington favorites!
Wilmington’s three nearby island beaches are also welcoming a wave of offerings in 2025. Check out what’s in store for Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach.
For ongoing updates about these offerings and future additions in Wilmington, visit this webpage.
