Things To Do In Wilmington NC: The Best Sights, Family-Friendly Activities, And Tours That Last More Than One Day
- GAT TEAM

Wilmington, North Carolina, is a beautiful coastal city with a lot of history, Southern charm, and natural beauty. This city has a lot to offer, whether you’re going on a family vacation, a weekend getaway, or even a multi-day trip from Nashville to Wilmington. From scenic boardwalks and historical landmarks to sandy beaches and kid-friendly attractions, there are countless things to do in Wilmington NC that cater to all kinds of travelers.
Begin at the Wilmington Riverwalk
The Wilmington Riverwalk is the best place to start if this is your first time visiting. Along the Cape Fear River, this beautiful mile-long boardwalk is lined with restaurants, small shops, and local art installations. It’s one of the prettiest places to visit in Wilmington, NC, and anyone who wants to experience the city’s downtown vibe should go there. You can eat at a restaurant by the water, listen to live music or take a riverboat cruise to see the city from a different angle.
Visit the USS North Carolina Battleship
History buffs and families will love the USS North Carolina, which is one of the most famous World War II battleships that has been turned into a museum. People can walk around the decks of the ship, look into the crew’s quarters, and see the engine rooms. It’s one of the most interesting and enjoyable things to do in Wilmington, North Carolina, for many people. It teaches you something while you do it.
Take it easy at Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach is only a few minutes from downtown and has miles of sandy beach, clear water, and endless things to do outside. If you want to swim, surf, paddleboard, or relax on the beach, this is the best place in Wilmington to do things that involve the ocean. The beach is also a fun place to be in the summer because it has seasonal events, live music, and food festivals.
Wander Through Airlie Gardens
Airlie Gardens is a public garden with 67 acres of walking paths, lakes, sculptures, and hundreds of different kinds of trees and flowers. It’s the best place for people who love nature, want to take pictures, or want to relax. The gardens are an excellent place for couples and solo travelers to relax in Wilmington, NC. The butterfly house is fun for kids, and the old live oaks covered in Spanish moss are beautiful for adults.
Go to the Bellamy Mansion and other old buildings
There are a lot of antebellum buildings and preserved homes in downtown Wilmington that tell the story of the city’s past. The Bellamy Mansion Museum is a beautiful example of neoclassical architecture and gives us a look at what life was like in North Carolina in the 1800s. Moreover, This is one of the more interesting things to do in Wilmington, NC, for people who want to learn about culture and history. If you want to learn more about Wilmington’s history, you should also visit the Burgwin-Wright House and Latimer House.
Bring the kids to the Fort Fisher North Carolina Aquarium
There are a lot of things to do with kids in Wilmington, NC, if you’re traveling with them. The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is one of the best places to go. It’s only a short drive from downtown. There are touch tanks, sea turtles, and a lot of other marine life exhibits at the aquarium that are fun for both kids and adults. Families love it because it’s both fun and educational.
Take a ghost tour or ride the Wilmington Trolley
Take the Wilmington Trolley Tour to get a different view of the city. It takes you to important historical sites while a knowledgeable guide tells you about the city’s history and culture. If you’re going to be there at night, you should take a ghost tour of the historic district. If you like local legends and ghost stories, these spooky trips are some of the most fun and interesting things to do in Wilmington, North Carolina.
The Cotton Exchange is a place to shop and eat
The Cotton Exchange is a shopping and dining complex inside restored 19th-century buildings. It’s a great place to relax. There are locally owned shops, galleries, and cafes in this area. It’s a great place to find one-of-a-kind gifts, have a leisurely meal, or walk around on the cobblestone paths. Anyone who likes shopping or being in historic places should definitely put it on their list of things to do in Wilmington.
Do you like movies? Take a Look at Wilmington’s Movie History
Did you know Wilmington has a thriving film and TV production scene? Dawson’s Creek, One Tree Hill, and many movies have all been filmed in the city, which is also known as “Hollywood East.” You can even go on a guided walking tour to see some of the places where the movie was filmed. Also, this is one of the more surprising but very popular things to do in Wilmington, NC, for people who like movies and pop culture.
Plan a trip that lasts more than one day from Nashville to Wilmington
If you live in Tennessee or nearby, a multi-day tour from Nashville to Wilmington is a great way to see the area without having to worry about planning every little thing yourself. These tours usually include transportation, lodging, and admission to the best sights, making them a convenient and educational way for travelers to see everything Wilmington has to offer. It’s great for groups, older people, and anyone who likes to travel in a planned and organized way.
Take a guided tour across the US To See More
Wilmington is just one of the many amazing places that are waiting to be found. You can see coastal towns, historic cities, beautiful mountain areas, and more on a guided tour of the US. The experts will take care of all the details. Guided group travel is a stress-free way to see it all, whether you’re interested in Southern charm, cultural heritage, or outdoor adventures.
If you’re ready to explore Wilmington and other beautiful destinations across the country, look no further than Great American Tours. We specialize in curated, comfortable, and thoroughly planned travel experiences designed for those who want to relax and enjoy the journey. From a multi-day tour from Nashville to Wilmington to guided tours across the USA, we make group travel effortless and unforgettable.