Wilmington, North Carolina is a picture-perfect coastal city with many things to offer for locals and tourists, alike. This port city is imbued with history and character, making it the perfect spot for those seeking to explore a fun new place. From its charming downtown to its booming food scene, Wilmington has something for everyone. Continue reading to discover the must-visit spots while in Wilmington:
Beaches
The Wilmington area is home to several beautiful beaches, including Wrightsville, Carolina, and Kure. Each of these beaches offer something unique for visitors.
- Wrightsville beach is home to Johnnie Mercer’s Pier, the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History, and “The Loop,” a 2.5-mile walking trail around the beach town.
- Fans of Carolina Beach flock to the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, Carolina Beach State Park, and Britt’s Donuts, a spot famous for its homemade donuts. Kure Beach is another great place to visit.
- Kure Beach is home to the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, Fort Fisher State Historic Site, and the Kure Beach Pier.
Local Food
The food scene in Wilmington is bustling with restaurants, food trucks, and fine dining spots. This coastal city boasts a wide variety of cuisine, including Chinese, Indian, Vietnamese, New American, locally caught seafood, and much more. From vegan fine dining to award-winning barbeque, Wilmington has delicious food options for everyone. Here are our top restaurant recommendations:
- Seabird – Quaint seafood restaurant nestled in downtown Wilmington
- The Green House – Vegan fine dining restaurant featuring menu with locally grown ingredients
- Poe’s Tavern – Wrightsville beach New American joint with large hamburger menu and outdoor seating
- Indochine Restaurant – Award-winning Thai and Vietnamese spot with extensive menu
Outdoor Attractions
Wilmington is home to many outdoor attractions that are perfect for families, couples, and individuals seeking adventure. The Battleship North Carolina, Airlie Gardens, and Cape Fear River Boats are just a few of the many outdoor attractions that welcome people of all ages.
- The Battleship – Located across the river from downtown Wilmington, the Battleship welcomes visitors to explore the inside of this historic naval ship.
- Airlie Gardens – This 67-acre garden filled with native trees and flowers welcomes visitors all year round to enjoy its natural beauty.
- Cape Fear River Boats – The Cape Fear River Boats offer 1-hour scenic cruises on the Cape Fear River and 4-hour nature cruises on the Black River.
Historic Downtown
Wilmington’s historic downtown features cobblestone streets, traditional Southern homes, and a variety of local shops and boutiques. But there’s much more to downtown Wilmington than just sight-seeing. This area has a several must-visit spots, including:
- Wilmington Riverwalk – This two-mile long walkway overlooks the beautiful Cape Fear River, Isabel Holmes Bridge, and historic downtown Wilmington.
- Live Oak Bank Pavilion – Located at the end of the Wilmington Riverwalk, the Live Oak Bank Pavilion is an impressive outdoor amphitheater that hosts concerts large and small throughout the year. If you enjoy music and like to spend time outside, try to catch a concert at this venue.
- The Cotton Exchange – The Cotton Exchange comprises eight historical buildings dating back to the 19th century, and is home to many small businesses and restaurants. You don’t want to miss out on this unique shopping experience!
Ready to call Wilmington your new home? Contact River Bluffs today! Our friendly team of brokers and realtors look forward to helping you find the new home of your dreams!