Attractions in Wilmington, North Carolina - Wilmington's favorite attractions and local hot spots! Swim, kayak, fish and sunbathe along the beautiful Cape Fear Coast at one of Wilmington's six sandy beaches. Take a stroll along the River walk in downtown Wilmington, stop for a bite to eat at local restaurants and listen to live music at a lounge or bar.
Tour the city on a trolley, riverboat cruise or on foot to see the beautiful gardens, historic homes, and magnificent mansions. Visit the museums, movie studios and aquarium and attend Wilmington's favorite annual festivals! From the Jungle Rapid Family Fun Park to the USS North Carolina Battleship, there are attractions and activities to entertain people of all ages and interests!
MUSEUMS
Bellamy Mansion
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.
Latimer House
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.
Poplar Grove Plantation
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.
PERFORMING ARTS
Big Dawg Productions
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.
Brooklyn Arts Center at St. Andrews
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.
Porch Theatre Company
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.
Thalian Hall
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. Learn more at www.thalianhall.com.
TOURS
Cape Fear Riverboats
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!
Ghost Tours
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!
Horsedrawn Tours Wilmington
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.
Segway Tours
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!
Wilmington Trolley Tours
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!
FAMILY FUN PARKS
Carolina Beach Amusement Park
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!
Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park
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!
SPORTS
Wilmington Sea Dawgs
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.
Wilmington Sharks
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!
BEACHES
Wilmington, North Carolina is home to some of the most beautiful beaches along the Carolina Coast! Swim, surf, kayak, fish, and more with family and friends on these breathtaking beaches. Stroll along the boardwalk, grab an ice-cream cone and take in the beautiful scenic views! Click here for a complete list of Wilmington’s finest beaches!
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Mahanaim Adventures
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.
FEATURED ATTRACTIONS
Airlie Gardens
Take a self guided tour of the breathtaking views at the Airlie Gardens. Discover beautiful formal gardens that bloom year round, wildlife, historic structures and sculptures! You will even get your chance to view the 462 year old Airlie Oak! The Gardens are well known for their collection of over 100,000 azaleas that bloom throughout the winter and early spring!
Fort Fisher Aquarium
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!
Screen Gems Studios
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. Visit sets of the CW Network show One Tree Hill during this one hour walking tour
USS North Carolina Battleship
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!
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