Wilmington

Travel Guide

Wilmington featuring an administrative building
Wilmington showing a fountain
Battleship North Carolina which includes 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 theatre 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 Cape Fear River and Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College, 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, Live Oak Bank Pavilion and Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College 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 SUP.

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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Northside

Though Northside may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Live Oak Bank Pavilion and Brooklyn Arts Center at St. Andrews.

Northside
Sleep Inn
Sleep Inn
2.5 out of 5
5225 Market St, Wilmington, NC
The price is S$119 per night from 30 Jun to 1 Jul
S$119
30 Jun - 1 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Staff was professional and quick to help. The elevator broke down, so we had to use the stairwells. Beds were comfortable. Rugs need to be shampooed desperately!"

Reviewed on 8 Jun, 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 S$209 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
S$209
7 Jul - 8 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,183 reviews)
"Great location Bathroom sink to shallow"

Reviewed on 8 Jun, 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$146 per night from 15 Jun to 16 Jun
S$146
15 Jun - 16 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,113 reviews)
"It was nice and clean, the staff are super nice!"

Reviewed on 7 Jun, 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 WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Riverwalk and Wrightsville ...
9/10 Wonderful! (114 reviews)
"One of the nicest places I stayed. Definitely better than a standard hotel."

Reviewed on 17 May, 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 WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Riverwalk and Wilmington Railroad ...
"Amazing place, we can’t wait to go back!"

Reviewed on 16 Apr, 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 WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Riverwalk and City Stage Theatre ...
7.8/10 Good! (228 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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