10 Fun Things To Do Near Wilmington, North Carolina (New Hanover County)
If you’re dreaming about salty air, laid-back Southern charm, and streets filled with history,
Wilmington, North Carolina should be high on your travel list. This coastal city in
New Hanover County has a little bit of everything: beaches, old brick buildings, riverfront views, and some seriously good food.
Whether you’re planning a long weekend or a full week at the beach, here are
10 fun things to do in and around Wilmington to help you build the perfect itinerary.
1. Stroll the Wilmington Riverwalk
If you do only one thing in downtown Wilmington, make it the
Wilmington Riverwalk.
This wooden boardwalk runs along the Cape Fear River and is packed with:
- Riverfront restaurants and bars
- Benches with gorgeous sunset views
- Local shops and galleries
- Street musicians and casual entertainment
It’s an easy, flat walk, so it works for almost everyone—kids, grandparents, stroller-pushers, and couples out for a date night.
Want a simple plan? Grab a coffee or ice cream, then wander along the river for 20–30 minutes. Stop when you see a spot that looks inviting. That’s usually how the best Wilmington evenings start.
2. Relax on Wrightsville Beach
Just about 10–15 minutes from downtown Wilmington,
Wrightsville Beach feels like a classic East Coast beach town.
Here’s what you can do:
- Swim or boogie board in the waves
- Walk the beach at sunrise (totally worth waking up early)
- Rent a board and try surfing or paddleboarding
- Fish off Johnnie Mercers Pier
The sand is soft, the water is usually pretty clear for the Atlantic, and there’s a relaxed, friendly vibe. If you’re traveling with a family, it’s an easy place to spend an entire day without anyone getting bored.
3. Tour the Battleship North Carolina
Moored right across the river from downtown is one of Wilmington’s most famous landmarks: the
USS North Carolina Battleship.
You can actually go onboard and explore:
- The main deck with huge guns and open river views
- Sleeping quarters and mess halls
- The engine room and other tight, below-deck spaces
It’s a self-guided tour, so you can move at your own pace. Kids tend to love all the ladders, narrow hallways, and little nooks, and history buffs will appreciate the World War II stories.
If you go in summer, it can get warm inside the ship, so bring water and go earlier in the day if you can.
4. Wander the Historic Downtown Streets
Wilmington’s
historic downtown feels like a movie set in the best possible way—cobblestone-style streets, old brick buildings, and porches covered in greenery.
Take your time exploring:
- Front Street – the main strip with shops, bars, and cafes
- Dock Street and Market Street – full of historic homes
- Hidden alleyways and side streets lined with old trees
You don’t really need a set plan. Just walk, look up at the old buildings, and pop into any store that catches your eye. If you like photography, bring your camera—there are cool doors, balconies, and murals everywhere.
5. Visit Airlie Gardens
About a short drive from downtown in New Hanover County,
Airlie Gardens is a peaceful escape when you want a break from the sand and city streets.
This 67-acre garden features:
- Massive live oak trees draped in Spanish moss
- Colorful flower beds and seasonal blooms
- Lakes, walking paths, and butterfly-friendly plants
- The famous Airlie Oak, estimated to be over 400 years old
It’s the kind of place where you slow down without even trying. Walk a few of the easy trails, sit by the water, and just let your shoulders drop. If you’re traveling as a couple, it’s a very romantic stop. If you’re with kids, they’ll enjoy the open space and wildlife spotting.
6. Step Inside History at Bellamy Mansion Museum
If you’re curious about Wilmington’s past, the
Bellamy Mansion Museum downtown is worth your time. It’s a restored 19th-century home with striking white columns and wide porches.
Inside, you’ll learn about:
- Pre–Civil War architecture and design
- The families who lived here
- The enslaved people who lived and worked on the property
This isn’t just a pretty house; it’s also a thoughtful look at Wilmington’s complicated history. Guided and self-guided tours are available, and the grounds around the mansion are also beautiful to walk through.
7. Explore Fort Fisher & Carolina Beach
Just a bit farther down the coast from Wilmington, still in New Hanover County, you’ll find
Carolina Beach and
Fort Fisher. It makes a perfect day trip.
Here’s a simple way to spend a day:
- Morning: Enjoy the sandy shores at Carolina Beach
- Afternoon: Visit Fort Fisher State Historic Site to walk the Civil War earthworks and learn about local history
- Late Afternoon: Stroll the Carolina Beach Boardwalk for classic beach-town snacks
Fort Fisher also has ocean views and walking trails shaded by twisted live oaks. If you like combining nature and history, this area checks both boxes.
8. Check Out the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
While you’re down near Fort Fisher, don’t skip the
North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher—especially if you’re traveling with kids or if you get a rainy beach day.
Inside the aquarium, you’ll find:
- Sharks, rays, sea turtles, and local fish
- Interactive exhibits where kids can touch certain sea creatures
- Displays about shipwrecks and coastal ecosystems
It’s big enough to be interesting but not so large that you feel worn out. Most people spend 1–2 hours here, which pairs nicely with some time at the nearby beach.
9. Eat Your Way Through Wilmington’s Food & Craft Beer Scene
Wilmington has quietly turned into a
great food and craft beer town. You’ll find everything from casual taco joints to upscale Southern-inspired spots.
A few ideas:
- Try fresh local seafood—shrimp, oysters, or a fish sandwich
- Grab brunch in downtown Wilmington or near Wrightsville Beach
- Visit a local brewery or beer garden for a pint and live music
The best way to discover places? Ask locals. Bartenders, baristas, and shop owners are usually happy to share their favorite hidden gems. You can also plan a simple “walk and taste” night along Front Street, stopping in wherever looks busy and inviting.
10. Take a Ghost Tour or Film Location Walk
Wilmington has a long history and a strong film and TV background—it’s often called “Hollywood East.” So it makes sense that two fun evening activities are:
- Ghost tours through historic downtown streets
- Film and TV location walks highlighting shows and movies shot in the area
Night walking tours are a good way to see a different side of the city. You’ll hear stories you might not read on a signboard and notice details you’d otherwise walk right past.
If you like a little spooky fun (nothing too intense) or you’re a movie buff, this is a great way to end one of your days in Wilmington.
Planning Your Trip to Wilmington, NC
Here are a few quick tips to make your visit smoother:
- Best time to visit: Late spring and early fall are sweet spots—warm but not too crowded. Summer is great for beach time but busier and hotter.
- Getting around: A car makes it easier to hop between downtown, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Fort Fisher.
- Where to stay: Downtown Wilmington if you love walkable restaurants and nightlife; Wrightsville Beach or Carolina Beach if you want to wake up next to the ocean.
Wilmington and New Hanover County give you the best of both worlds: historic streets and modern restaurants, plus beaches and boardwalks just a short drive away.
What Would You Add to the List?
Have you been to
Wilmington, North Carolina or somewhere else in
New Hanover County?
- Did you discover a hidden beach access?
- A favorite coffee shop or brewery?
- A tour or activity that surprised you?
Share your tips and experiences in the comments—they help other travelers plan better trips. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend who’s thinking about a North Carolina beach vacation.
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