Wilmington Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Wilmington which includes an administrative building
Wilmington which includes a fountain
Battleship North Carolina showing heritage elements as well as a small group of people
Wilmington
Wilmington featuring café lifestyle

Climb aboard a World War II battleship in this port city and catch a show at a theater that pre-dates the American Civil War.

The city of Wilmington lies on the Cape Fear River on North Carolina’s eastern coast. One of its main attractions is the 1-mile-long (1.6-kilometre) Riverwalk. Several scenic beaches are just outside the city.

Due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, much of the local economy relies on the port trade. A thriving film and television industry has developed as well. Wilmington has many museums, cultural centers and a World War II battleship that has been converted into a war memorial.

Attend a theatrical event at Thalian Hall, the city’s main centre for the performing arts. The structure’s majestic façade has striking columns and a grand pediment. Appreciate the elaborate décor as you walk through the spacious building, which dates back to 1858. Attend one of several weekly productions across the three main venues. 

See the USS North Carolina battleship at the port. Imagine the ship in use during World War II as you pass through nine levels and the crew’s living quarters. Tour the entire ship, including the engine room, to learn about the functions and missions of this gigantic battleship.

Visit the large historic district of the city, which comprises around 230 blocks. Dine at a restaurant on the bank of the Cape Fear River. Browse the items offered at the boutiques along the boardwalk.

Try the Riverwalk for excellent views of the city’s river and a romantic sunset. The nearby Cotton Exchange of Wilmington is a shopping centre consisting of historical 19th and early 20th-century buildings. 

Enjoy a peaceful afternoon at Airlie Gardens. Take a tram through the picturesque grounds.

Summers are hot and very humid in Wilmington, while winters are mild. Reach the city by land, water or air. Fly into the international airport, drive or take a bus or dock your boat at one of the nearby beaches.

Wilmington is a laid-back region that attracts travellers with its blend of scenic landscape and historical monuments.

Where to stay in Wilmington

Wilmington which includes an administrative building

Downtown Wilmington

Downtown Wilmington is known for its stunning river views, and with sights like Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College and Cape Fear River, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Wilmington.

Downtown Wilmington
Wilmington which includes an administrative building

Wilmington Historic District

Wilmington Historic District is known for its stunning river views, and with sights like Live Oak Bank Pavilion and Cape Fear River, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Wilmington.

Wilmington Historic District
Wilmington which includes an administrative building

Riverfront District

If you're spending some time in Riverfront District, Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College and Live Oak Bank Pavilion are top sights worth seeing.

Riverfront District
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Landfall

While there might not be top attractions in Landfall, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Mayfaire Town Center and Wrightsville Beach Museum of History.

Landfall
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Wrightsville Sound

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Wrightsville Sound and surrounding area, you can visit New Hanover County Arboretum and Mayfaire Town Center.

Wrightsville Sound
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Seagate South

While there might not be top attractions in Seagate South, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park and New Hanover County Arboretum.

Seagate South
Sleep Inn

Sleep Inn

2.5 out of 5
5225 Market St, Wilmington, NC
The price is ₹7,055 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
₹7,055
₹7,973 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,019 reviews)
"Clean"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Sleep Inn
Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

4 out of 5
301 N Water St, Wilmington, NC
The price is ₹12,407 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹12,407
₹14,020 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,217 reviews)
"On the boardwalk and great outside area"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Comfort Inn University

Comfort Inn University

2.5 out of 5
151 S College Road, Wilmington, NC
The price is ₹9,293 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
₹9,293
₹10,501 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,168 reviews)
"Just the air conditioning not working properly"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Comfort Inn University
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Kasa Southside Wilmington

Kasa Southside Wilmington

4 out of 5
2910 Midtown Way, Wilmington, NC
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Riverwalk and Wrightsville ...
9/10 Wonderful! (124 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay. Check in and out was easy. More comfortable than a hotel for a family. Lots of space."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Kasa Southside Wilmington
The Hive

The Hive

4 out of 5
505 N 2nd St, Wilmington, NC
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Wilmington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Riverwalk and Wilmington Railroad ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (9 reviews)
"The contactless entry was problematic. The code wouldn't work for my room and I had to call three times before someone picked up to help me. It took another several minutes for them to fix it remotely. Then, the bathroom was locked from the inside and there was no one on site to get me in. Once all ..."

Reviewed on 12 Jun 2025

The Hive
Water Street Retreats

Water Street Retreats

3.5 out of 5
106 N. Water St., Wilmington, NC
Stay at this 3.5-star condo in Wilmington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Riverwalk and City Stage Theatre ...
7.8/10 Good! (230 reviews)
Very nice
"It was very nice. Couldn't beat the location."

Reviewed on 5 Jun 2025

Water Street Retreats
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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