Step back in time on Wilmington's historic riverfront where cobblestone streets wind past antebellum mansions and Victorian shopfronts. Stroll the mile-long Riverwalk to watch boats glide along the Cape Fear River. Thalian Hall's ornate facade anchors this district where gas-lit streetlamps illuminate centuries-old architecture. The walkable city centre grid makes exploring easy with boutique shops and art galleries housed in converted historic buildings. Upscale Southern cuisine and seafood restaurants offer waterfront dining options. Maritime history buffs will appreciate the area's museums while theatre lovers can catch performances in beautifully preserved venues.
The Riverfront District in Wilmington captivates visitors with its scenic boardwalk along the Cape Fear River. Historic 18th-century warehouses now house galleries and boutiques beside the impressive USS North Carolina Battleship. Cobblestone streets wind past Federal and Victorian architecture, creating an intimate atmosphere where water views frame every experience. Stroll the Cape Fear Riverwalk to discover upscale seafood restaurants and local shops selling nautical gifts. The historic Cotton Exchange and Bellamy Mansion showcase the area's rich past. Evening brings a sophisticated scene with twinkling lights reflecting on the water.
Step into Wilmington's Historic District, where cobblestone streets wind past elegant antebellum mansions and Victorian homes. The Cape Fear Riverwalk showcases converted cotton warehouses now housing galleries and shops. Horse-drawn carriages add old-world charm to this waterfront gem. This walkable district offers Southern cuisine in historic buildings and seafood restaurants with river views. Thalian Hall anchors a vibrant cultural scene with live performances and art exhibitions. The free city centre trolley makes exploring easy, connecting you to museums, boutiques, and the scenic boardwalk.
Wrightsville Sound offers a peaceful coastal retreat just minutes from Wilmington's bustle and Wrightsville Beach's sandy shores. This tranquil residential area borders the Intracoastal Waterway, providing scenic views and a laid-back atmosphere. Charming homes line tree-shaded streets where Spanish moss sways in the gentle breeze. Water activities define life here with private marinas and calm waters perfect for paddleboarding and kayaking. Visitors stay in holiday rentals ranging from modest homes to luxury waterfront properties. The neighborhood's authentic coastal character and proximity to attractions like Airlie Gardens make it an ideal base for exploring.
While there might not be top attractions in South Front District, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Greenfield Lake Amphitheater and Greenfield Lake Park and Gardens.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Wilmington
Riverwalk
9.2/10 (225 reviews)
Stroll along this 1.75-mile boardwalk for panoramic views of the Cape Fear River and historic city centre. Discover waterfront dining, art installations, and access to attractions like the Battleship North Carolina.
Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park
8.2/10 (259 reviews)
This family fun park combines a seasonal water park featuring a million-gallon wave pool with year-round attractions like go-karts and laser tag. Arrive early to secure shaded seating areas during summer months.
Battleship North Carolina
9.2/10 (1,231 reviews)
Explore America's most decorated WWII battleship, a floating museum anchored in Wilmington. Journey through nine levels of naval history, from gun turrets to crew quarters, on this immersive self-guided tour.
Mayfaire Town Center
9.0/10 (898 reviews)
This upscale open-air shopping complex offers over 90 premium stores and restaurants in a beautifully landscaped setting. Enhance your visit with a film at the luxury Regal IMAX theatre featuring plush reclining seats.
Wilmington Convention Center
8.4/10 (425 reviews)
This maritime-inspired convention centre offers Cape Fear River views and space for 2,000 guests. Explore the adjacent Riverwalk before attending events in the grand ballroom or 30,000-square-foot exhibit hall.
Live Oak Bank Pavilion
8.0/10 (4 reviews)
This riverside amphitheatre showcases diverse concerts against the scenic Cape Fear River backdrop. Enjoy performances from 7,200 capacity seating with premium sound and multiple dining options.
Greenfield Lake Amphitheater
This lakeside amphitheatre hosts concerts from local bands to national artists in a natural park setting. Enjoy performances under the stars with food trucks and refreshments enhancing the vibrant atmosphere.
Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College
5.8/10 (7 reviews)
This premier venue hosts Broadway shows, concerts, and comedy in a state-of-the-art auditorium with excellent acoustics. Arrive early to enjoy the architectural grandeur before experiencing world-class entertainment.
"Everyone who worked at the front desk from our initial visit to the last was nothing but polite and helpful. The room was exactly what we needed and had all the amenities to make our stay wonderful. The breakfast bar had some diverse options too which we heavily enjoyed. The pool was perfect for us to enjoy with our little one who really loved his time in the water. One of the nights we decided to not go out for dinner cause of the storm and instead ate at the restaurant attached to the hotel...
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.
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.
You'll find cheap prices on Expedia for your Wilmington escape. However, factors like your choice of hotel, the season and length of stay will influence how much your holiday to Wilmington costs.
What are the cheapest months to go to Wilmington?
You can usually find lower rates and better availability in December, January and February. Take a look at our cheap Wilmington holiday packages and you could get some great off-season deals.
How many days is enough for Wilmington?
We recommend planning a Wilmington holiday for around 2 days. This will allow you time to tick off top attractions such as Thalian Hall Centre for the Performing Arts and Cape Fear Museum, and check out neighbourhoods like Wilmington Historic District and River District. You might even be able to fit in one or two day trips beyond Wilmington.
How to find the best Wilmington package deals?
Begin your search for a Wilmington package deal by entering your destination and preferred travel dates under our "Packages" tab. Then apply some filters, like "Property type" and "Popular locations," to fine-tune the results to your exact needs. You can also sort by "Package discount" and discover offers that come with huge savings. If you don't find the ideal Wilmington package deal straight away, just play around with your dates and search again. Remember that deals are only available for a limited time, so book early and get your Wilmington getaway off to a flying start.
Is it cheaper to book a Wilmington holiday as a package?
Expedia holiday packages are designed to help you keep more cash in your pocket. Bundle your hotel, car rental and flight into one great-value price and you could save hundreds of dollars. You'll usually snag a better deal than booking each component individually. And you'll still get the freedom to create a customised Wilmington holiday by choosing your preferred airline, accommodation type and car class.
When to book a holiday package to Wilmington?
If you're planning a spur-of-the-moment Wilmington trip, check out our last-minute deals that can be booked up to one week before you take off. Prefer not to wait until the last minute? You can land awesome deals on your hotels and flights by booking well in advance.
How to plan a trip to Wilmington?
Pick the best time to travel: Your schedule, preferred season and the type of weather you like can all impact your decision on when to travel to Wilmington.
Plan your budget wisely: In addition to the cost of your accommodation, you should consider other expenses too. These include flights, food and transportation. Also, set aside a little extra for unexpected costs that may crop up during your trip to Wilmington.
Decide how many days away: Start by listing all the sights and activities you'd like to get to in Wilmington. Then, estimate how long you'll need for each, including any travel time.
Bundle your flights and hotel: Epic destination, check. Length of stay, check. Now all that's left is to pick a Wilmington holiday package that brings all your bookings together.
* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.