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WILMINGTON ATTRACTIONSOur Favorite Things To See & Do
Tucked between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean, Wilmington is a vibrant, progressive city defined as much by its past as it is by its present. Here, horse-drawn carriages and historic homes coexist in perfect harmony with modern hotels and movie studios. In fact, thanks to the sprawling EUE/Screen Gem Studios, the largest TV and movie production facility outside of California, Wilmington is nicknamed Hollywood East. No trip here is complete without exploring its 230-block National Register Historic District, strolling the scenic Riverwalk, and climbing aboard the USS North Carolina, a WWII battleship.
History
Cape Fear Museum of History & Science (1 mile)
814 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401 | (910) 798-4370
With a large collection of preserved objects and artifacts related to science, history and culture, Cape Fear Museum promises a fun-filled day for the whole family.
Wilmington Railroad Museum (0.2 miles)
505 Nutt St # 6, Wilmington, NC 28401 | (910) 763-2634
A magical and memorable trip that all generations will enjoy, this historical museum showcases the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad through train models, including a full-size steam engine.
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Wilmington Railroad Museum (0.2 miles)
505 Nutt St # 6, Wilmington, NC 28401 | (910) 763-2634
A magical and memorable trip that all generations will enjoy, this historical museum showcases the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad through train models, including a full-size steam engine.
Beaches
Kure Beach (18.4 miles)
Sometimes called Pleasure Island, Kure Beach’s small-town beach vibe is perfect for families. Don’t miss the fishing pier (the oldest on the Atlantic) and historic fort.
Wrightsville Beach (10.1 miles)
Regularly voted North Carolina’s best beach, this family-friendly beach just 10 miles east of Wilmington is a favorite spot for surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and other watersports.
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Carolina Beach (15.3 miles)
Drive a few miles south to find free-spirited Carolina Beach, a low-key beach with plenty of events, live tunes, and laid-back boardwalk fun.
Arts & Culture
Cameron Art Museum (6.3 miles)
3201 S 17th St, Wilmington, NC 28412 | (910) 395-5999
The Cameron Art Museum in downtown Wilmington features fixed and rotating exhibits and a robust arts education program.
Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts (0.4 miles)
310 Chestnut St, Wilmington, NC 28401 | (910) 632-2241
Considered one of the oldest and most beautiful theaters in the country, this old-world venue stages 250+ arts performances each year.
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Bellamy Mansion Museum of History & Design (.07 miles)
503 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401 | (910) 251-3700
A stunning example of antebellum architecture, the Bellamy features self-guided and docent-led tours, changing exhibits, and seasonal “Jazz at the Mansion” concerts.
Only In Wilmington
USS North Carolina (BB-55) (3 miles)
1 Battleship Rd NE, Wilmington, NC 28401 | (910) 251-5797
Take a self-guided tour of this WWII battleship that serves as a memorial for the 11,000 North Carolinians who died during the war.
Wilmington Riverwalk (0.3 miles)
Wilmington, NC 28401
This pedestrian-friendly, 1.75 mile stretch along the Cape Fear River is home to dozens of shops, outdoor cafes, art galleries, and charming boutiques.
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North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher (21.4 miles)
900 Loggerhead Rd, Kure Beach, NC 28449 | (910) 772-0500
Rediscover the natural world at one of the region’s top attractions. With an array of sea life ranging from eels to sharks and baby sea turtles, experience fun the entire family will love.
Breweries
Quench your thirst with local craft beer for all taste buds in one of the fastest-growing beer markets in the entire state or take a self-guided tour on the Wilmington Ale Trail.
