things to do in wilmington

Wilmington, North Carolina, is a charming coastal city with a rich history, beautiful beaches, and a thriving arts and culture scene. Here are some things to do in Wilmington:

Beaches and Outdoor Activities

1. Beach Relaxation: Enjoy the sun, sand, and surf at one of Wilmington’s many beaches, including Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Figure Eight Island.
2. Riverwalk: Take a stroll along the Cape Fear River on the Wilmington Riverwalk, a 1.5-mile path perfect for walking, jogging, or biking.
3. Airlie Gardens: Explore the beautiful gardens, walking trails, and scenic views of the Cape Fear River at Airlie Gardens.
4. Wilmington River Park: Visit the Wilmington River Park for kayaking, paddleboarding, or fishing.

History and Culture

1. Bellamy Mansion Museum: Tour the historic Bellamy Mansion, a stunning example of Greek Revival architecture.
2. Wilmington Historic District: Explore the charming historic district, featuring beautiful antebellum homes and buildings.
3. Cape Fear Museum: Learn about the region’s history, art, and science at the Cape Fear Museum.
4. Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts: Catch a performance at this historic theater, which hosts a variety of shows and concerts.

Arts and Entertainment

1. Screen Gems Studio Tour: Visit the famous Screen Gems studio, where many popular TV shows and movies have been filmed.
2. Wilmington Film Festival: Attend the annual Wilmington Film Festival, which showcases independent films and filmmakers.
3. Thalian Hall: Catch a performance at this historic theater, which hosts a variety of shows and concerts.
4. Riverlights: Enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment at the Riverlights complex.

Food and Drink

1. Seafood: Enjoy fresh seafood at one of Wilmington’s many restaurants, such as The Pilot House or The Fish Hook.
2. Breweries: Visit local breweries like Wicked Weed Brewing or New Anthem Brewing Company.
3. Food Tours: Take a guided food tour to sample the best of Wilmington’s cuisine.
4. Cape Fear Farmers Market: Visit the Cape Fear Farmers Market for fresh produce, baked goods, and local products.

Family-Friendly Activities

1. North Carolina Aquarium: Explore the marine life and interactive exhibits at the North Carolina Aquarium.
2. Wilmington Children’s Museum: Engage in hands-on learning and play at the Wilmington Children’s Museum.
3. Airlie Gardens: Take a scenic drive or hike through the beautiful gardens.
4. Wrightsville Beach: Enjoy the beach and water sports at Wrightsville Beach.

Other Attractions

1. Fort Fisher State Historic Site: Visit the historic fort, which played a significant role in the Civil War.
2. Cape Fear Museum of History: Learn about the region’s history and culture at this museum.
3. Wilmington Riverwalk: Take a stroll along the riverwalk and enjoy the scenic views.
4. Tanger Outlets: Shop at this outlet mall, featuring a variety of stores and restaurants.

These are just a few of the many things to do in Wilmington. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, outdoor activities, or food and drink, there’s something for everyone in this charming coastal city.