Following our southeastern NC beach adventure from Wrightsville Beach to Ocean Isle, I thought it would be helpful to dedicate this post to fun things to do in the greater Wilmington NC area.
Nestled on the banks of the Cape Fear River, and just a short drive from the Atlantic Ocean’s crystal shores, Wilmington offers an ideal base camp for your coastal NC adventures.
Traveling through history…
Wilmington boasts a rich history, stretching from the Colonial period through the Civil War, World War II, and beyond. Founded in 1739 and named in honor of Spencer Compton, the Earl of Wilmington, its prime location on the Cape Fear River has long established it as one of the oldest and most vital port cities along the eastern United States.
During The American Revolution, Wilmington, like its neighboring port city of Historic Brunswick Town, was a stronghold for the Patriot cause. With the introduction of The Stamp Act in 1765, residents in the Cape Fear region felt betrayed by the British crown for taxing them without parliamentary representation. Both Wilmington and Brunswick Town as trading ports and business centers particularly felt the brunt of the taxes (a form of tariff) and were quick to protest against ‘British tyranny.’
According to an article in the North Carolina Gazette newspaper in November 1765, there was a huge outcry against the new Stamp Act. One November night, almost 500 people gathered to hang an effigy of a failed former prime minister, Lord Bute, who was a hated advisor to King George and supporter of the Stamp Act. After burning the effigy in a tar barrel, they then marched through town, rallying others to come out of their homes and drink to ‘Liberty, Property and No Stamp Tax,’ followed by three huzzahs (colonial version of ‘hooray’).
Considering the total population of Wilmington at that time was only around 1200 people this was a huge turnout.
When William Houston, the royal tax collector for North Carolina, William Houston showed up in Wilmington on November 16th, 1765 on personal business, the crowd of around 400 demanded to know if he planned to enforce the Stamp Act. He was more slippery than an eel with his answer: “(he) should be very sorry to execute any Office disagreeable to the People of the Province.” The people then escorted him inside the court house where he resigned for fear of the crowd.
Today you can travel back in time to Wilmington’s Colonial past at several historic sites, including The Burgwin-Wright House, Historic Brunswick Town and Moore’s Creek Bridge NHP.
In the Civil War, Wilmington served as a major Confederate port providing supplies for the inland war effort. When it fell to Union troops in 1865, this dealt a fatal blow to The Confederacy, which surrendered later that year. You can learn about the area’s tumultuous Civil War History at Fort Fisher State Historic Park and Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Park.
During World War II, Wilmington played a vital role, both serving as a port getting supplies to Great Britain, as well as being a center for shipbuilding. Wilmington was given the honor of being named an American World War II City by the U.S. Government in 2020 for its war time contributions. Learn more here.
Visitors to Wilmington can immerse themselves in World War II history with a visit to the USS North Carolina Battleship.
Today Wilmington is a thriving community with a population of over 120,000 souls. It continues to serve as a major port city. What draws tourists to Wilmington is the mix of beachside living, arts and culture and dynamic history that continues to evolve.
Lights, Camera, Action…Wilmington has been dubbed ‘Hollywood East,’ having a large film community. Hundreds of television shows and movies have been filmed in the port city including One Tree Hill to Iron Man.
Planning your ADVENTURE:
When planning your Wilmington Adventure, I recommend breaking it up into two parts. Dedicate a portion of your stay in the area to really diving into exploring Wilmington – the city itself. From its iconic riverfront to funky shopping centers, performing arts centers and historic spots – Wilmington is worth savoring.
The second portion of your Wilmington area adventure should be focused around the area beaches like Wrightsville and other regional excursions.
Depending on your location, Wilmington is only a two hour drive down I-40 from Raleigh. This makes for an easy plan trip to Raleigh, then drive down to the coast.
Wilmington has four seasons, while warmer than Raleigh and the Piedmont regions of NC, Wilmington can get chilly in the winter. I personally enjoy visiting the beach from November to February when the rates are lower and it is not as crowded. That being said, if you are looking for sun, sand and to jump in the ocean I recommend June through mid-September.
Quick Tip: Don’t forget the sunscreen. Even if you are just meandering Wilmington’s Riverfront, you can easily get burned, especially in the summer heat.
Fun Things To Do:
Why it’s near-impossible to compile an exhaustive list of Must-See Wilmington sites, hopefully these ideas will get you started.
Wilmington Riverwalk:
Located in the heart of the city, Wilmington’s Riverwalk has been dubbed one of the most beautiful riverfronts in the United States. The Riverwalk follows two miles of riverfront access along The Cape Fear River. The walk is lined with a variety of cool shops and local restaurants. You can also take a Riverboat Cruise along the Cape Fear. The Riverwalk along with the interconnected downtown district is charming and provides peaceful views of The Cape Fear, especially at sunset. While there are tons of great local restaurants along the riverwalk, my personal favorite is Elijah’s.
Airlie Gardens: Explore 67 acres of enchanting formal gardens with more than 75,000 brilliant colored azaleas, camellias and magnolias, 500 year old live oak with a tapestry of Spanish moss, a seasonal butterfly house and countless garden trails. A trip to Aerie feels like you are entering into a Monet painting. Airlie is conveniently located only two miles west of Wrightsville Beach, the gardens offer a variety of fun activities year round for all-ages from bird hikes, tram rides, concerts and more. Plan your visit here.
History Comes Alive:
Battleship North Carolina: Travel back in time to World War II as you step aboard the Battleship North Carolina. Moored permanently on The Cape Fear River in Wilmington, the 36,000 ton retired battleship served in every major naval offensive in the Pacific theater of operations during World War II, earning 15 battle stars. The massive battleship has been authentically restored and serves as a tribute to the 11,000 North Carolinians who died fighting for freedom in WWII. They paid the ultimate sacrifice in their service.
Battleship North Carolina is perfect for families, with wonderful interactive exhibits transporting you back to what life was like on the ship. Visitors can explore the ship’s nine levels; climbing inside gun turrets, marveling at early computers, seeing where the crew ate, slept and worked. For me the highlight is hearing stories of crew members and their experiences on the ship. These were men who were thrust into dangerous times and acted with courage and fought the good fight. Hearing their life stories gives me courage and hope. Book your Battleship North Carolina Adventure here
Cape Fear Museum of History and Science:
Discover North Carolina’s first history museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate offering a world of exploration right here in Wilmington! Journey through the past, delve into the region’s culture, and marvel at the museum’s remarkable residents, including a 20-foot-tall giant ground sloth. Engage with interactive exhibits like the Space Place, where you can try on an astronaut suit, and be inspired by the Michael Jordan Discovery Gallery. With year-round educational programs for all ages and dynamic special exhibitions, such as the fascinating scale model of the 1863 Wilmington waterfront, there’s always something new to discover. As a Smithsonian Affiliate, the museum provides unparalleled access to national treasures and innovative educational partnerships. Click here to learn more.
Wilmington Railroad Museum:
All aboard as you choo-choo into railroad history and adventure. The Wilmington Railroad Museum invites you to learn the history of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad and Southeastern American railroading. Interactive displays share the fascinating history of railroads in southeastern NC; explore a life-size caboose, ring the bell of a 1911 Baldwin Steam Locomotive and see over 20 running model trains – all housed in a historic 1883 warehouse. Learn more here: https://www.wrrm.org/
Historic Homes:
Burgwin-Wright House:
Built in 1770, on top of the old city jail, this elegant Georgian home is the only Colonial-era home in Wilmington open to the public. A visit to The Burgwin-Wright House transports you back to the eve of the American Revolution and the first years of The United States of America. Built for merchant, planter and government official John Burgwin, all rooms are furnished with 18th and 19th century antiques. You can even see the old sub-basement jail cells, from the site’s former life as the city jail. The property is home to a freestanding kitchen with massive hearth. In the Colonial era many homes had a separate kitchen to protect the house from fire and also to prevent the home from getting too hot in the summer months. Plan your visit here.
Bellamy House: Built between 1850-1861 as a mixture of Neoclassical, Greek Revival and Italianate styles, The Bellamy House, at over 10,000 square feet, is one of North Carolina’s finest examples of historic antebellum architecture. Learn more here.
Poplar Grove Plantation:
A treasure trove of over 200 years of history, Poplar Grove Plantation is proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places and within the National Park Service’s Gullah Geechee Corridor. This beautifully restored plantation house, nestled on approximately 14 acres, is where the grace of the South meets a profound past. Explore its historical links to the French Huguenots, the American Revolution, the Civil War, and the rich heritage of the Gullah Geechee culture. Plan your visit here.
Revolutionary to Civil War Sites:
Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson:
Learn more about the history of Brunswick Town from our recent post.
Now a NC Historic Site, Brunswick Town tells the story of one of the most important Colonial Ports in the Southeast. Brunswick Town served as the Capital of NC, before it was destroyed by British Troops and Loyalist sympathizers during the American Revolution.
The ruins of Brunswick Town were later transformed into Civil War Confederate Fort Anderson. Official site.
Moore’s Creek Bridge National Battlefield:
Moores Creek National Battlefield is a battlefield managed by the U.S. National Park Service. The park commemorates the 1776 victory of a thousand patriots over about eight hundred loyalists at Moore’s Creek. Official NPS website
Fort Fisher State Historic Park:
Learn about one of the darkest times of American History at this Civil War site. Fort Fisher was one the most important ports for the Confederacy, helping them to get much needed supplies during the war effort. By 1865, the supply line through Wilmington was the last remaining supply route open to Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia. When Ft. Fisher fell after a massive U.S. amphibious assault on January 15, 1865, its defeat helped seal the fate of the Confederacy.
Fort Fisher State Historic Park is home to an amazing history museum, where you can learn about the men who lived and fought at Fort Fisher. You can also walk through earthworks and see cannons as they would have been used during the war.
What’s great about Ft. Fisher is right alongside both The Cape Fear River and The Atlantic Ocean.
Growing up we’d take day trips to Fort Fisher to picnic on the small public beach and walk to the nearby aquarium. While the beach access is limited and too rocky for swimming – you can’t beat the beautiful views. As you enjoy the ocean breezes it’s hard to imagine this was once the site of one of the largest land-sea battles of the Civil War.
Plan your Fort Fisher visit here.
NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher: Dive into a world of aquatic beauty and wildlife encounters! Explore the diverse marine life, from the shallows of salt marshes and tidal pools to the depths of a dramatic two-story open ocean exhibit teeming with sharks, rays, and eels. Watch playful Asian otters tumble and swim, and marvel at the unique sight of Luna, the albino alligator, and a magnificent rescued bald eagle. Experience the gentle glide of a stingray beneath your fingertips and come face-to-face with a majestic loggerhead sea turtle. Wander through the tranquil outdoor garden and be captivated by live dive shows and animal encounters. For a deeper dive, discover the aquarium’s thrilling Behind the Scenes Tours, outdoor adventures, and immersive camps. Official Website.
Art Lives in Wilmington
The Coastal views and fiery azaleas have long inspired artists to flock to the Wilmington area. The city has tons of galleries featuring talented local artists like Daisy Faith Art…a few of my favorite artist haunts include:
- Cameron Art Museum https://cameronartmuseum.org/ The Cameron Art Museum (CAM) provides a cultural gathering place that enriches the lives of museum visitors and the community through high-quality exhibitions.
- Bryland Gallery: Nestled in downtown Wilmington, the Bryand Gallery is a North Carolina arts and crafts gallery that pays tribute to the state’s rich artistic heritage.
- Art in Bloom: The gallery presents an eclectic mix of original paintings, ceramics, sculpture, blown glass, stained-glass mosaics, photography, jewelry
Catch a show at The Historic Thalian Hall Theatre, which dates back to 1858 or UNCW’s Wilson Center.
Fun in the Sun:
Carolina Beach State Park: Uncover a unique riverside ecosystem just twelve miles south of Wilmington. Did you know that the carnivorous Venus flytrap plant originates from this part of North Carolina and can be found inside Carolina Beach State Park. Kayak the Cape Fear River, or go on a nature walk – no matter what your itinerary you’ll have fun at the NC State Park. Official website
Day at The Beach
My previous post offered beach tips spanning the coastline from Wrightsville Beach to Ocean Isle – check it out here.
Wilmington is surrounded by amazing beach access, from nearby Wrightsville and Carolina Beaches to regional beach access at Oak Island, Bald Head Island, Sunset Beach, Holden Beach and Ocean Isle, etc…
My favorite beach near Wilmington is Wrightsville, given its convenience and prime beach access. Usually we’ll stay at one of Wrightsville’s oceanfront hotels (usually in the off season due to cost) and enjoy a meal at The Oceanic. The Oceanic has one of the best coastal views you’ll find anywhere. The oceanfront restaurant has its own pier that stretches into The Atlantic Ocean.
If you are staying in The Wrightsville area, I recommend the following hotels:
- Shell Island – every suite/condo is ocean front! Love staying here!
- Holiday Inn Lumina – oceanfront views and great restaurant on site
- Trailborn (formerly Blockade Runner) – Oceanfront with restaurant onsite.
- Sandpeddler (across the street from The Oceanic) – not oceanfront, but you still can hear the ocean from your room and are only steps away from beach access.
- Surf Suites – family friendly hotel with oceanfront views.
- Hampton Inn – Wrightsville near Lumina Station – this hotel is just over the bridge on the mainland, but is still a great hotel. We used it as a basecamp for our last adventure in the area.
To plan your NC Beach Trip I recommend the following links:
Wilmington Beaches Tourism Site
Visit Brunswick County Beaches
Southport is another charming community south of Wilmington that I recommend visiting. Walk the historic riverfront as The Cape Fear finds its way to The Atlantic Ocean; stroll the retail district with cute local shops.
Thanks for joining us for this Wilmington adventure…don’t forget to subscribe to the blog below for the latest posts
Meet Adele Lassiter, the travel enthusiast behind American Nomad Traveler. This blog is where she shares her love for history, cool museums, art, and travel tips. And when she’s not writing, Adele is also a talented singer-songwriter with a passion for Americana music. Her new album is available here: adelelassiter.bandcamp.com
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