Things to Do in Wilmington NC

A living postcard of Southern landscape design since 1886, Airlie blends centuries-old oaks, seasonal blooms, public art and birdlife. Open daily with rotating exhibits and nature walks, it’s frequently highlighted by regional travel editors and the local CVB.

CAM pairs timely exhibitions with the powerful Boundless sculpture honoring United States Colored Troops on the very ground they fought. Recent shows center contemporary voices; critics praise the museum’s community focus and landmark outdoor memorial.

Walk nine decks of a World War II icon moored across from the Riverwalk. Open daily, this state historic site regularly earns national accolades, including USA Today 10Best recognition, and anchors local commemorations year-round.

A locally researched, 90‑minute night tour through alleys and burial grounds led by longtime Wilmington storytellers. Operating year-round, it’s cited by local media and tourism pros as a can’t-miss way to experience the Port City after dark.

Owned by longtime river advocates, these catamaran cruises blend ecology, history, and film lore—recently adding sold‑out movie history trips. Local outlets regularly spotlight the tours as a breezy, insightful way to see the Cape Fear.

An 1858 jewel where locals still pack the house for plays, dance, concerts, and classic-cinema series. Recognized by national outlets for its architecture and programming, it remains a living stage for Wilmington’s creative community.

Step inside an 18th‑century urban plantation home atop a 1744 jail. Daily tours, night walks, and garden events connect colonial Wilmington to today; local media frequently features its lively programming and preservation efforts.

A beloved indie bookstore with author events and a literary history walking tour that traces writers across downtown. Praised by locals and travel writers for its character and curation, it’s pure Wilmington lore between stacks.

Housed in a restored 1940s Quonset hut, this award‑winning craft distillery hosts free tours, cocktail classes, and tastings. Recent accolades and press confirm its role in the city’s small‑batch spirits scene and Castle Street revival.

Chef Dean Neff’s seafood temple champions small-scale NC fishers and seasonal coastal cooking. Featured in Eater Carolinas and celebrated by national awards, it’s a downtown cornerstone for oysters, thoughtful cocktails, and true sense of place.

Community-owned since the 1980s, this co‑op anchors a producer‑only Saturday market with SNAP access, local growers, and pop‑up makers. It’s where many chefs and residents shop—an easy, delicious way to meet Wilmington’s food community.

The nonprofit behind Wilmington’s renowned Cucalorus festival runs year‑round screenings, labs, and themed series at its 65‑seat cinema. Local stations and arts media regularly spotlight its summer slates and special community film events.