Take in the sights along the Cape Fear River on a narrated tour, or plan an evening of fun or romance on a dinner cruise! Make this a memorable event for you and your guests! HENRIETTA III offers a suitable tour or cruise for any occasion!
Join locally renowned actors and ghost hunters on a journey through haunted Wilmington. Take a walking tour or go on a haunted pub crawl to hear the tales of murder and mayhem that cause many to consider Wilmington, North Carolina one of the most actively haunted cities in the world!
Tours start on Market Street, between Water & Front Streets, Wilmington, NC | 910-251-8889
Take a tour of downtown Wilmington with Horsedrawn Carriage and Trolley Service. As seen in Southern Living magazine, your costumed driver will narrate your unique adventure along the riverfront and past stately mansions of historic Wilmington with rescued horses. Private carriage, trolley, or evening coach services are available. Learn more at www.horsedrawntours.com.
Tour Wilmington, North Carolina on your very own Segway! Choose from several different tours that highlight the spectacular sights in Wilmington. Don’t miss your chance to glide through town on a Segway and visit historic sites, the riverfront boardwalk or scenes from Wilmington’s very own TV Shows – Dawson’s Creek and One Tree Hill!
Tours depart from Water St between Market & Dock Streets - GPS Location: 15 South Water St. | 910-763-4483
Take a 45 minute guided tour with The Wilmington Trolley Company to learn all about the homes, people and events that make Wilmington, North Carolina such a remarkable city! Discover TV & movie locations, beautiful mansions, museums, Civil War Shipyards and more! Learn more at www.wilmingtontrolley.com!
Wilmington, North Carolina | 910-547-8252
Mahanaim Adventures are your expert guides for kayaking and backpacking adventures in Wilmington and the Cape Fear region of North Carolina. They will make the arrangements and provide the knowledge, expertise, equipment, & other essentials so that you are free to create memories, build bonds and experience the adventure of a lifetime. Just bring along an adventurous spirit! Learn more at www.mahanaimadventures.com.
503 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28401 | 910-251-3700
Bellamy Mansion is one of North Carolina’s best examples of antebellum architecture built on the eve of the Civil War by free & enslaved black artisans. After the fall of Fort Fisher in 1865, Federal troops commandeered the house as their headquarters during the occupation of Wilmington. Now the house is a museum that focuses on history & the design arts. It offers tours, exhibitions & an informative look at historic preservation in action. Learn more at www.bellamymansion.org.
126 South Third Street, Wilmington, NC 28401 | 910-762-0492
The Latimer House, built in 1852 by local merchant Zebulon Latimer, is open to the public as a house museum exemplary of upper-class life in Wilmington during the Victorian period. The Historical Society of the Lower Cape Fear invites you to take a step back in time on a tour of the Latimer House and beautiful gardens. Explore 14 rooms that contain over 600 historic objects including jewelry, tableware, tools, ephemera, furniture & more! Learn more at www.hslcf.org.
10200 US Highway 17, Wilmington, NC 28411 | 910-686-9518
One of America's oldest peanut plantations, Poplar Grove offers daily tours of the 1850 manor house. Outdoors there are live demonstrations of old time crafts, historic buildings, exhibits, and farm animals. The plantation has a gift shop, picnic and playground area, wedding and party facilities, craft meetings, festivals and a restaurant on site. Next door to Poplar Grove is 63 acre Abbey Nature Preserve with over two miles of wooded trails. Learn more at www.poplargrove.com.
The Wilmington Riverwalk is a scenic boardwalk along the riverbank in downtown Wilmington. This one mile boardwalk will eventually run from bridge to bridge. Located around the Riverwalk are numerous restaurants and shops for Wilmington visitors to explore. From the Riverwalk visitors can also catch a ride on Henrietta III for a tour up and down the coast, or simply stroll and enjoy the beauty Wilmington North Carolina has to offer.
Wilmington has no shortage of gorgeous sandy beaches for folks to explore. Wrightsville beach is a fisherman's haven with five miles of white sand to fish the plentiful Atlantic waters. Thousands make this Wilmington Beach their vacation destination for swimming, sunbathing, surfing and more. Carolina Beach is loaded with entertainment and things to do for the entire family. Soak up the sun surfing, kayaking, swimming and boogie boarding on this famous beach or see the beach an entirely different way on the "surrey" bike that seats up to 8 riders. Carolina Beach also offers outstanding nightlife at Seaside Amusement Park. Enjoy carnival style rides and live entertainment as local bands perform on the Pier. Kure Beach dives further into the Carolina coast with guided backpacking or canoeing tours through the creeks, rivers and marshes of this lovely area. Take in the sights and sounds from the Kure Beach Pier or challenge family members to a friendly competitive game in one of the recreation areas. These are just a few of the many beaches that adorn this sunny Carolina coast, click here for more information on other local beaches.
Every Day from 3:00PM – 5:00PM
Ever wonder how your favorite beer was brewed? Take a peek at the process on a tour of Front Street Brewery in Downtown Wilmington NC. Enjoy a FREE tour and beer tasting during your visit - we highly recommend the food as well. Learn how they brew their beer as they explain the brewing process in their very own brewery. There's quite an interesting and unique method behind making one of America's favorite beverages. You'll have a new appreciation for beer after learning about this intricate process, or may even be inspired to brew your own. Visit the Front Street Brewery website for additional information. The events team agree, definitely one of our favorite gathering spots! Click here for more information!
20 Orange Street Wilmington, NC 28401 | (910) 762-1669
The Cape Fear Serpentarium is one of the most interesting things to do and see in downtown Wilmington, NC. The snakes that are featured at the Serpentarium are some of the rarest and seldom seen in the world. This unique facility located in the downtown district of historic Wilmington, NC houses venomous snakes on display including the rattlesnake, cobras and many more. Visitors can view live snake feedings, learn about the habitat of the snake and snake reproduction, as well as find out about the numerous snake species which inhabit NC, the US and the world. Click here for more information.
1121 North Lake Park Boulevard | Carolina Beach, NC | (910) 458-2999
Visit Wilmington’s Seaside Amusement Park and hop on some of your favorite rides including the ferris wheel, titl-a-whirl, scrambler and more! Bring along your camera and take some snapshots of the spectacular view from the top of the ferris wheel!
5320 Oleander Drive Wilmington, NC 28403 | (910) 791-0666
There is something for everyone at the Jungle Rapids Fun Park! Check out the Go-Karts, Laser Tag, Rock Climbing Wall and Minigolf! Continue your adventures at the water park where you can visit the waterfalls, speed slides, million gallon wave pool and lazy river!
Cape Fear Playhouse | 613 Castle St. Wilmington, NC 28401 | 910-367-5237
A non-profit community theater company which has been presenting high-quality, thought provoking live theatrical productions for over 15 years. In 2009, they moved into their own home, the Cape Fear Playhouse, in the heart of the Castle Street Art & Antique District. They present a mix of comedy & drama, with a Classic play every fall which ties into the local school curriculum. Auditions are open to anyone & volunteers are always welcome. Learn more at www.bigdawgproductions.org.
516 North 4th Street, Wilmington, NC 28401 | 910-538-2939
Built in 1888, the elegantly restored & refurbished Brooklyn Arts Center at St. Andrews is a stunning Wilmington event venue! Watch many of the best dancers, singers, comedians, rock bands & more perform at the Brooklyn Arts Center or plan your own event! With 50-foot cathedral ceilings, original brick & plaster walls, & an exceptional balcony, it is a spectacular setting for your wedding, reception, fundraiser, banquet, or other special event! Learn more at www.brooklynartsnc.com.
4569 Technology Drive #3, Wilmington, NC 28405 | 814-360-4676
Interested in learning from the experts? Based on 20 years of teaching experience, City Ballet offers classes & workshops for students of all ages & experience levels. The City Ballet offers incredible opportunities to perform in professional level productions that are based on great classic literature. City Ballet of Wilmington performances are complete theatrical works of art, with engaging music, vivid scenery & costumes, & compelling stories. Visit www.cityballetofwilmington.org for upcoming performances and class opportunities.
1902 Wrightsville Ave, Wilmington, NC 28403 | Box Office 910-232-6611
Porch Theatre Company is a zany blend of written dialogue and improvised laughs for Mystery & Comedy Dinner Theatre. Featuring improvisation, audience interaction, and comical wordplay, the shows provide a unique experience for all audiences. Their theatrical repertoire includes show spoofs, murder mystery who-done-its, holiday shows and other zany themes that are showcased in a professional way with costuming, props, and prizes. Learn more at www.porchtheatre.com.
310 Chestnut Street, Wilmington, NC 28401 | 910-632-2241
Visit Thalian Hall, one of the most significant theatres in the United States, to experience Wilmington’s most captivating events ranging from music to ballet & theatre, from pop, jazz, folk & country music to the finest in domestic, independent & foreign films. Thalian Hall is the site of recitals, awards ceremonies, film festivals & charity events and is considered “home” to a large number of theatre & performing companies. Click here for more information and events. Visit www.thalianhall.com for more details.
Schwartz Center, 610 N. Front Street, Wilmington, NC 28411 | 910-791-6523
For the past 4 years, the Wilmington Sea Dawgs have been "unleashing the excitement" of professional basketball in the Port City. Their record has awarded them a place in the post-season play-offs every year. Playing in the up-and-coming Continental Basketball League, the Sea Dawgs play an exciting brand of fast-paced hoops. Bring the entire family to a Sea Dawgs game & enjoy all the high-flying dunks & sharpshooters this new league has to offer. Learn more at www.wilmingtonseadawgs.com.
Root for the Wilmington Sharks Baseball Team as they play against teams from North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia in the Coastal Plain League. Watch and cheer as these college players get their chance to refine their skills with the use of wooden bats!
Fun things to do in
Wilmington North Carolina!
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Things to do in Wilmington North Carolina – Experience top Wilmington NC attractions and things to do in Wilmington, North Carolina at beautiful beaches, historical sites, and local hot spots along the Cape Fear Coast. Museums, music venues, restaurants, and more provide fun things to do in Wilmington, NC for people of all ages and interests. Tour Wilmington, North Carolina by trolley, boat, or on foot to learn more about this fascinating Southern city. Check out our top 25 attractions things to do in Wilmington and start exploring today!
- Wilmington, North Carolina Attractions -
Enjoy Wilmington’s hidden treasures and local hot spots as you spend time along the North Carolina Coast. Step back in time and let history come alive through stories and pictures aboard the USS North Carolina Battleship. Discover underwater sights and sounds at Fort Fisher Aquarium, and explore houses and museums in historic downtown Wilmington. Don’t let the fun stop there! Have some fun in the sun at Wilmington’s gorgeous beaches, dine at delicious Wilmington restaurants, and check out Wilmington’s vibrant nightlife at favorite local music venues. There are so many fun and exciting things to do in Wilmington, and we hope that you have time to experience them all!
History of Wilmington Attractions - So how did it all begin? Wilmington’s oldest attraction opened its doors in 1858. Thalian Hall is one of the most significant theatres in the United States and has been in almost continuous use since it first opened. In 1898, the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science was founded by a group of local women who wanted to preserve the objects and memories of the Civil War. The Museum began in one room, staffed only by volunteers. Today, The Cape Fear Museum is known as the oldest history museum in North Carolina and has grown into a professionally run American Association of Museums accredited institution, housing more than 50,000 objects.
In 1958, the announcement of the USS North Carolina Battleship’s impending scrapping led to a statewide campaign by citizens of North Carolina, inviting yet another historical attraction to Wilmington. The Save Our Ship Campaign was successful and the Battleship arrived in October of 1961. At this point, Wilmington’s incredible attractions needed just one thing to draw tourists from all over the country. In 1990, Interstate 40 completed construction between Raleigh and Wilmington, North Carolina. With the third longest major east-west interstate leading tourists straight to the North Carolina Coast, Wilmington became one of the fastest developing cities in America and the rest is history. Today, thousands of people visit Wilmington each and every year to experience the unique attractions and breathtaking scenery that make this incredible coastal city a popular tourist destination.
Imagine the fierce combat and daily life of the crew members on board the USS North Carolina Battleship in the Pacific during World War II. Follow the arrows and climb the ladders to explore 9 levels of the Ship! Step back in time and watch history come alive through the oral histories, photographs and mementos found on board the Ship! Click here for more information.
Visit the Fort Fisher Aquarium to experience the sights and sounds of the Cape Fear Waters! Get your chance to touch a sea star, meet a sea turtle, visit with the stingrays, come face to face with alligators, and chat with a scuba diver! During your visit, don’t forget to stop by and meet Luna – a rare albino alligator! Don't miss one of Wilmington's favorite destinations. Fort Fisher aquarium - just 15 minutes from Downtown Wilmington! Click here for more information.
Take a tour of this 50-acre film lot that has been home to more than 350 productions. 28 Days, I know What You Did Last Summer and The Jackal are just a few of the many films that have called Screen Gems Studios their home. Click here for more information about Screen Gems Studios and upcoming productions.
Our Top 25 Wilmington, North Carolina Things to Do!
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Featured Attraction:
Battlefield Live Wilmington
3910 Market Street, Wilmington, NC | 910-338-1142
Battlefield Live Wilmington is the MOBILE Laser Tag company. Inspired by popular video games such as Call of Duty and Battlefield Series, we bring those games to life! Simulating up to 69 different weapons, our phasers fire a harmless infrared beam like your TV remote. Available for birthday parties, bachelor parties, team building, fundraisers, etc. We come to you! This is
"Not Your Daddy's Laser Tag". Visit our Battlefield HQ at 3910 Market Street, behind PawnUSA. Open daily at 3PM. Open Late. Visit www.BattlefieldLiveWilmington.com for more information.
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