Amazing Things To Do In Wilmington, North Carolina
It had been ten years since I last visited Wilmington, North Carolina. Todd and I recently had the opportunity to return, and we were impressed! I had been impressed in 2014 and was thrilled to relive my enthusiasm for Wilmington on my latest visit.
Here are some of the top things to do in Wilmington, North Carolina.
*Thank you to the Wilmington CVB for hosting us- as always, my opinions are mine and nobody else’s.
Wilmington is located along the coastline of the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River to the west.
The Intracoastal Waterway, with marshes and lakes, make up other areas surrounding Wilmington. We came in from the west on US Highway 74, off of Interstate Highway 95, with Wilmington as our final stop.
Airlie Gardens
300 Airlie Road
Wilmington, NC 28403
910-798-7700
airliegardens.org
I am a huge fan of gardens, and Airlie Gardens did not disappoint. Gardens are the perfect year-round attraction, as they always look different.
We visited in early March, and spring felt like it was coming to life. The grounds are immaculate, including more than 67 acres of magnificent gardens. We enjoyed a self-guided walking tour. We were limited on time; I’d suggest allowing a minimum of three hours for a self-guided walking tour.
Bellingrath Gardens- Holiday Lights
Airlie Oak Lawn was a favorite of mine, as the almost 500-year-old Airlie Oak tree welcomes guests.
I was blown away by the beauty of this tree. I can only imagine how beautiful the Airlie Oak Lawn is once the azaleas are blooming. Pergola Garden also won me over, as it was a peaceful area in the gardens. Tip: Order your tickets online.
Bellamy Mansion Museum
503 Market St
Wilmington, NC 28401
910-251-3700
bellamymansion.org
The Bellamy Mansion Museum is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. You step into history in the Carriage House Visitor Center, two-story slave quarters, and the five-story mansion. A self-guided tour (an English-guided audio tour accessible with a smartphone or paper tours) and premium in-person tours are available. The premium tours last around 90 minutes, and it should be noted that stair climbing is part of the tour.
The two-story slave quarters, main house, and gardens have been well kept. You can explore the mansion from the basement and upward.
If you are on a self-guided tour, you will find docents throughout the tour. Ask them any questions you may have, as they are a wealth of knowledge. If you enjoy history, architecture, and curiousity, you will enjoy the Bellamy Mansion Museum.
Cape Fear Museum of History and Science
814 Market St
Wilmington, NC 28401
910-798-4370
nhcgov.com/548/Cape-Fear-Museum
The Cape Fear Museum of History and Science is a gem of a museum. A highlight of my visit was learning that Michael Jordan grew up in Wilmington. It was one of those “Who knew?” moments. His story is shared as you enter the Michael Jordan Discovery Gallery. The gallery focuses on ecosystems and how youngsters can take care of our earth. The hands on experiences are highlights for all visitors in this gallery.
You cannot miss the Giant Ground Sloth, a replica of a creature that lived up to 1.5 million years ago where Wilmington is today. It’s large, fascinating, and fun to view from above. It should be noted that the original skeleton is housed in Raleigh, in the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.
History is showcased through Cape Fear stories. From arrowheads to slavery, Wilmington is showcased through many years in the museum. Learn how schools, businesses, and Wilmington continued to grow after Emancipation. The 20th century changed through medicine, work, and technology. The people of Wilmington are showcased in many ways throughout this museum.
Battleship North Carolina
1 Battleship Rd
Wilmington, NC 28401
910-399-9100
battleshipnc.com
Battleship North Carolina offers an experience all of its own. We climbed, crawled, and enjoyed the crew stories that are told throughout the ship.
Wilmington Railroad Museum
505 Nutt St
Wilmington, NC 28401
910-763-2634
https://www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/listing/wilmington-railroad-museum/565/
Railroad buffs of all ages will enjoy a visit to the Wilmington Railroad Museum. With numerous interactive displays and model trains, the museum is a train lovers dream come true. Wilmington history, as well as railroad history make up the museum.
Be sure to look up and watch the train go round and round in the gift shop area. Take note of the 1883 warehouse that is home to this incredible museum located in the heart of town.
Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington
8 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
910-794-1866
hauntedwilmington.com
The Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington is the original #1 rated local ghost tour. You don’t want to miss out on this attraction. As the sun goes down, you will gather at the Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington sign, on the riverfront at Market and Water Streets. We quickly learned that we now look at buildings differently, after participating in a ghost tour.
Our guide greeted us and gave us a fantastic ghost tour of Wilmington. Todd and I were the only two on the tour, which made it a private tour. Stories from the Bellamy Mansion, which we had visited earlier in the day, made our day complete. It was as though we made a full circle tour. Earlier in the day, we visited the mansion without a “ghostly” feeling, and evening brought an “eerie” feeling.
Tours typically sell out in the summer months, so you should plan accordingly. Wear your favorite walking shoes, dress for the weather, and be prepared for an educational, haunting ghost tour.
No matter how you spend your time in Wilmington, North Carolina, I know you will be planning a return visit before you leave the town. The history, culture, and art are all incredible. Stay tuned for a story on dining and lodging- WOW! We continue to talk about the delicious food we ate in Wilmington. Combined- our experience, lodging, and meals are ranked a 15/10.
SaraB
Latest posts by SaraB (see all)
- Amazing Things To Do In Wilmington, North Carolina - April 7, 2025
- Best Lodging In Brooksville, Florida – LULU Street Retreat - March 28, 2025
- Best Places To Unwind In Gulf Shores & Orange Beach - March 24, 2025
