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50+ Awesome Things to Do in Wilmington and Nearby (Bucket List)

Published by Christina Riley. Last Updated on August 8, 2024.

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Wilmington is known not only for its incredible downtown along the Cape Fear River but also for the awesome beach towns nearby. There are so many fun things to do in Wilmington NC, on both the sea and shore.

While you most definitely can enjoy the beaches, we’ve listed some other fun attractions in Wilmington that you might want to explore!

They include the area’s wonderful restaurants, breweries, beaches (of course), and much more.

Wilmington Waterfront aerial view

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Our guide covers all of the above (and more), from Wilmington to each of its neighboring beach towns.

With so many activities awaiting, planning a trip to Wilmington can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve organized this guide into the following sections:

  • Where is Wilmington, NC?
  • The History of Wilmington
  • Where to Stay in Wilmington
  • Annual Events
  • Things to Do in Wilmington, NC, This Weekend
  • Restaurants
  • Breweries
  • Things to Do near Wilmington, NC
    • Carolina Beach
    • Wrightsville Beach
    • Kure Beach
    • Masonboro Island
  • More Things to Do in Wilmington (Travel Guides)

You can continue reading about the Port City’s location or skip ahead to any of these sections that feature unique things to do in Wilmington and nearby!

Whether you’re a new resident, a frequent visitor, or a local, we’re leaving no detail behind. If you live in the Wilmington area and are wondering, “What are the best things to do near me?” we think this NC travel guide will help you out!

Read More: 50 of the Best Day Trips from Raleigh (Fun Getaways!)

Where is Wilmington, North Carolina?

map of North Carolina with Wilmington highlighted
Image Credit: David Benbennick, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Before sharing the best things to do in Wilmington, we think you should know a bit more about its location and a few fun facts about our Port City.

  • Wilmington is located in New Hanover County on the North Carolina coast.
  • If you look at a map, you’ll notice that Wilmington is where I-40 ends and that the city lies along the Cape Fear River.

You can visually travel to Wilmington with our Eastern NC Map and our North Carolina Travel Map.

The History of Wilmington NC

Wilmington Waterfront aerial view

Visiting historic sites is one of our favorite things to do in downtown Wilmington and nearby, but you can read about the city’s history before visiting. Here are some interesting things that have happened in Wilmington.

  • Before it was Wilmington, Native Americans occupied much of the area for thousands of years.
  • After the Tuscarora War between 1711 and 1715, more European settlers began arriving in North Carolina.
  • In 1729, settlers established a town where Wilmington stands today, naming it “New Carthage.”
  • Additional name changes to New Liverpool and New Town followed in the 1730s.
Riverwalk in Wilmington
  • In either 1739 or 1740, the town was named “Wilmington” in honor of Spencer Compton, the Earl of Wilmington.
  • Wilmington grew into an important Port City because of its location along the Cape Fear River.
  • Wilmington was the scene of the first armed resistance against the British (1765), occupation by the British (1781) and the Union (1865), and a horrible coup attempt and riot (1898).
Horse Carriage in Wilmington
  • The city’s history is recognized throughout Wilmington’s revitalized downtown and beyond. Visitors and residents view Wilmington as a thriving (and scenic) city and gateway to some of North Carolina’s most popular beach destinations.
  • Today, Wilmington’s main industries include:
    • Shipping (hence the nickname “Port City.”)
    • Tourism
    • Manufacturing
    • Movie and TV production (hence the nickname “Wilmywood.”)

Read More: Important Facts About North Carolina

Where to Stay in Wilmington

The Cove House boats Wilmington
The Cove

You will want to make it a weekend or more, so of course, we have some recommendations on where to stay in Wilmington!

  • Hotels: If you want a beautiful hotel experience in the heart of downtown, here are two suggestions:
    • Hotel Ballast in Wilmington. Right along the riverfront, the views of the Battleship North Carolina are stunning when the sun rises.
    • Blockade Runner in Wrightsville Beach. Overlooking the channel and in a less populated area than downtown, it is easy to get to the beach and relax from one of their stunningly comfortable rooms.
    • The Hive is a beautiful boutique hotel just one block from the Wilmington riverfront that offers contactless check-in and stylish suites for couples.
The Hive Wilmington
The Hive
decor in The Hive Wilmington
  • Rentals: There is also no shortage of beautiful oceanfront accommodations, whether you’re looking in Kure Beach, its neighbor Carolina Beach, or in Wrightsville Beach. Enjoy sunrise over the ocean waves and still be close to all of the wonderful things to do in Wilmington!
    • If you want a super unique place to stay in Wilmington, check out The Cove! These floating houseboats sit along the riverfront and went viral on our Instagram!
  • Rental Companies: We’ve stayed in a couple of rentals managed by Palm Air Realty, in case you’re searching for a specific company. They offer a variety of properties, homes, and condos to help plan your trip to Wilmington!

Read More: Airbnbs in Wilmington

Annual Events in Wilmington (and Nearby)

Enchanted Airlie

No matter when you visit Wilmington, there’s something fun going on. Here are a few annual events we think you should keep an eye out for.

Note that these events could be postponed or canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.

Read More: Colorful Fall Hikes in North Carolina (+ 20 Beautiful Places to Explore!)

Things to Do in Wilmington NC This Weekend

Princess St crossing in Wilmington, NC

Those events certainly deserve a spot on your calendar. These are things to do in Wilmington NC this weekend and throughout the year. We’ve also included surrounding areas but will focus more on them in our “Near Wilmington” section.

Airlie Gardens

Address: 300 Airlie Rd, Wilmington, NC
Website

Airlie Gardens Wilmington pergola garden

Airlie Gardens is one of the best outdoor things to do in Wilmington, no matter when you visit!

The 67 acres of historic gardens make for a beautiful experience all year long, with the huge oak trees and romantic Spanish moss as a stunning backdrop for your photos.

Walk the paths through the different gardens, check out the bug zoo, or attend one of their seasonal events, like the Airlie Oyster Roast! And don’t forget to come back at night in December for the holiday tradition of Enchanted Airlie.

Read More: The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens in North Carolina

More New Hanover County Parks

Airlie Gardens is managed by New Hanover County, which also maintains a few other parks:

  • Arrowhead Park (300 Airlie Rd, Wilmington, NC)
  • Cape Fear Museum Park (814 Market St, Wilmington, NC)
  • Long Leaf Park (314 Pine Grove Dr, Wilmington, NC)

Battleship North Carolina

Address: 1 Battleship Rd NE, Wilmington, NC
Website

Looking up toward the top of a battleship in North Carolina
an alternative view of the blue-gray battleship

Sitting across from the Riverwalk is the Battleship North Carolina, a memorial to all North Carolina ships and Carolinians who served during World War II. Attend the monthly Battleship 101 for an educational and interactive experience or go on a self-guided ship tour.

Visiting Battleship North Carolina is on everyone’s NC Bucket List.

Read More: 50+ Easy Day Trips from Fayetteville (Great Getaways!)

Beaches

The coastline and sand dunes near Masonboro Island
Masonboro Island.

Wilmington is the perfect gateway to amazing beaches, which we’ll cover in more detail below. There are more than a few that you can reach by boat (like Masonboro Island), which we’ll mention shortly.

In the meantime, here’s a quick list of beaches you can reach by car, all within an hour of Wilmington:

  • New Hanover County (east)
  • Onslow and Pender Counties (north)
  • Brunswick County (south)

Read More: The Best Beaches in North Carolina (Our Personal Picks)

Bellamy Mansion

Address: 503 Market St, Wilmington, NC
Website

Home to the only preserved slave quarters in the United States, Bellamy Mansion is a required visit for your inner history enthusiast.

Learn about the Bellamy family and the enslaved people at the mansion while touring the 10,000-square-foot home and gardens constructed in 1861. 

Boat Tours

Inside of a boat during boat tour at Wilmington. The guide is speaking into a microphone and sharing details about the area.

You can take a boat tour anywhere in the Wilmington area. Several different excursions await, including romantic sunset cruises, eco-history tours, and Full Moon rides.

We’ve done a few of these and highly recommend a boat tour in Wilmington.

Here are a few boat tour companies in Wilmington and nearby:

Cameron Art Museum

Address: 3201 S 17th St, Wilmington, NC
Website

Looking for some indoor fun while at the beach? The Cameron Art Museum offers indoor and outdoor exhibits to engage your mind.

With visiting and permanent exhibitions, there is always something interesting to see here!

The Cape Fear Museum of History and Science

Address: 814 Market St, Wilmington, NC
Website

Cape Fear Museum

Learn all about the region that surrounds Wilmington at the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science! In addition to local history, you’ll find exhibits on space, music, and even rare memorabilia from local celebrity Michael Jordan! 

Read More: The NC Museum of History in Raleigh (+7 Things We Love About It!)

Children’s Museum of Wilmington

Address: 116 Orange St, Wilmington, NC
Website

our little girl playing with a train set at the Children's Museum
a girl in a gray sweater playing with some stuffed animals

Head to the Children’s Museum of Wilmington for hours of hands-on fun! Walking in, you’ll first be greeted by the giant boat structure, where children are encouraged to interact and learn about the ocean.

There are exhibits for all age groups, even toddlers. Don’t forget to check out the outdoor garden; if you hear some barking, it’s probably coming from the veterinarian’s office!

Read More: Amazing Children’s Museums in North Carolina

Fishing Charters

The Wilmington area’s waters teem with fishing opportunities, from inshore and surf fishing to offshore charters. We will cover the piers you can fish from in each individual beach town shortly.

In the meantime, here are Wilmington-area fishing charters and their departure points:

Read More: 8 Beautiful Brunswick County Beaches to Explore

Ghost Tours

Searching for the creepiest thing to do in Wilmington? We think Haunted Wilmington will help you.

Haunted Wilmington offers two tours, including:

Read More: 15+ Enchanting Ghost Tours in NC for You to Join!

Indoor Games and Entertainment

Inside the Carolina Beach arcade. There are claw machines and other games
Carolina Beach Arcade.

While we always cross our fingers for great weather, some days aren’t meant for outdoor adventures.

Luckily, Wilmington and its surroundings have a great lineup of arcades, bowling alleys, trampoline parks, and escape rooms to keep you entertained.

Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park

Address: 5320 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC
Website

Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park is one of the most fun-filled things to do in Wilmington, especially with kids!

Most people come for the water park, but you can also play laser tag, bowl, play arcade games, enjoy rock climbing, and much more! This portion of the park is open year-round!

Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park water park dates for 2023 are:

  • May 20, 21, 27, and 28 
  • Open seven days a week from June 9-August 28
  • September 2-4 and 9-10

Movie Location Tour

Wilmington’s second name is Wilmywood.

Why? Because so many movies and television shows were filmed here! Dawson’s Creek, One Tree Hill, and Iron Man 3 are just some of the Hollywood films and TV shows filmed here.

Film lovers can take a self-guided tour to where these shows were filmed and experience their favorite shows for themselves!

Read More: Movies Filmed in North Carolina

Museum of the Bizarre

Address: 201 South Water St, Wilmington, NC
Website

The Museum of the Bizarre is great, especially if you love science and oddities. Check out the Crystal Skull of Knowledge and Fort Fisher Mermaid, but more awaits inside.

You can stick to the museum side or challenge yourself with a walk through the Lazer Vault Maze. Either way, we think you should add this to your list of things to do in Wilmington.

Read More: 100+ Unique Things to Do in North Carolina

New Hanover County Arboretum

Address: 6206 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC
Website

The New Hanover County Arboretum is one of our favorite free things to do in Wilmington. Enjoy the seven acres of gardens here, which are lovely for a walk throughout the year.

If you’re traveling with kids, the Arboretum has an adorable garden with a playhouse, pipe organ, and sandbox.

Before you visit, don’t forget to check the Arboretum’s website to see exactly what flowers are in bloom!  

Paddling

Kayaking to Zeke's Island with Kayak Carolina!
Kayaking to Zeke’s Island with Kayak Carolina!

Paddling (via kayak or SUP) is one of the most fun ways to get out on the water, especially in the Wilmington area.

Some of these outfitters offer tours, but that could change due to staffing and other unforeseen circumstances.

We suggest you call in advance and be patient, especially if the weather doesn’t cooperate on the day of your planned adventure.

Poplar Grove

Address: 10200 US-17, Wilmington, NC
Website
Temporarily Closed

Poplar Grove is among the last remaining peanut plantations in the United States and one of the most memorable things to do in Wilmington. Its caretakers do a wonderful job of highlighting the entire history of the plantation, including the stories of its enslaved people.

Join Poplar Grove for a tour of the Manor House to learn about life on a coastal plantation, or come out for a special event, like their Paranormal Tours!

Read More: 25+ Important Places to Visit and Learn About Black History in North Carolina

The Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden

Address: 3800 Canterbury Rd, Wilmington, NC
Website

Venus fly traps growing natively near Wilmington

Did you know that Venus flytraps only grow natively in Wilmington and the 60-mile radius around it? There are some pretty interesting reasons behind this, which you can learn at The Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden!

See their Venus flytraps, pitcher plants, and more while learning about the microclimate of Wilmington!

The park is also ADA accessible and sits on 39 acres of land protected by the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust and the landowners, the Oleander Company. The garden is less than an acre, and visitors are encouraged to visit during the daytime. 

More Wilmington Parks & Greenways

The City of Wilmington manages the Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden and many more parks. Here are a few more you should know about:

  • Arrowhead Park (720 Arnold Rd, Wilmington, NC)
  • Gary Shell Cross City Trail (City Wide, 15 Miles)
  • Greenfield Park (1739 Burnett Blvd, Wilmington, NC)
  • Halyburton Park (4099 S. 17th St, Wilmington, NC)
  • Long Leaf Park (314 Pine Grove Dr, Wilmington, NC)
  • Ogden Park (615 Ogden Park Dr, Wilmington, NC)
  • Riverfront Park (10 Cowan St, Wilmington, NC)

Wilmington Railroad Museum

Address: 505 Nutt St, Wilmington, NC
Website

a huge model railroad display at the Wilmington Railroad Museum

The Wilmington Railroad Museum is one of our favorite places to see model trains in person. With a children’s play area, huge model railroad displays, and a real steam engine and caboose, this is heaven on Earth for our little one.

Wilmington Railroad Museum Fun Fact: they broke the Guinness World Record in 2011 for the world’s longest model train! 

Read More: The NC Transportation Museum in Spencer (and 3 Reasons to Go Now!)

Wilmington Riverwalk

The Riverwalk at Wilmington, where city meets water

The Riverwalk is at the heart of Wilmington, where the city meets the water. Here, you’ll find restaurants, shops, and beautiful views of the Cape Fear River.

Spanning 1.75 miles, the walking is easy, scenic, and one of the first things to do in Wilmington for visitors and residents alike!

Wilmington Sharks Baseball

Address: 2149 Carolina Beach Rd, Wilmington, NC
Website

The Wilmington Sharks are the city’s summer collegiate baseball team that plays in the Coastal Plain League. If you’re like us, you’ll find Minor League Baseball more fun to watch than the big leagues.

That’s partly because the players seem more approachable and down to earth.

Also, games are more affordable, especially for Sharks games, which kick off in May!

Restaurants in Wilmington

Ceviches Wilmington restaurant

Since you are on North Carolina‘s coast, you will want to dig into some fresh seafood! From the famous seafood chowder at Michael’s to the Calabash-style fried fish at Jack Mackerel’s, there are plenty of delicious restaurants in Wilmington and all the nearby beach towns.

Here’s a quick breakdown of where we like to go:

  • If you are looking for delicious eats in downtown Wilmington, you can’t go wrong with Front Street Brewery and Wake ‘N Bake donuts.
  • For upscale eats and local seafood, we highly recommend Seabird. Bring a friend and indulge in the seafood tower.
  • For a themed experience, check out Hidden Grounds Coffee- a dinosaur packed coffee shop.
  • Carolina Beach has the amazing Michael’s Seafood and the waterside Stoked Restaurant.
  • Our go-tos in Wrightsville Beach are Ceviche’s and the Oceanic Restaurant.
  • Of course, we can’t leave out Flaming Amy’s, with locations in Wilmington and Carolina Beach.

Read More: 20+ Carolina Beach Restaurants (Great Food for All!)

Wilmington Breweries

a pint of beer from Wrightsville Beach Brewery

If you’re parched and looking for a pint, don’t forget to check out some of our favorite Wilmington-area breweries!

We love the laid-back vibe at Wrightsville Beach Brewery (6201 Oleander Dr, Wilmington) and the oh-so-delicious pints at Flying Machine (3130 Randall Pkwy, Wilmington).

Here are a few more breweries that we enjoy:

Read More: The Best North Carolina Breweries

Things to Do Near Wilmington NC

a person fishing on the beach in Wilmington NC. There is a full cart of coolers, fishing rods, and a tacklebox

We mentioned above that Wilmington is home to some fantastic beaches, but there are also so many wonderful things to do after you’ve had some fun in the sun.

Below, we will outline all the fun things to do in Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach beyond the sand!

Read More: 100+ Unique Things to Do In North Carolina (Your NC Bucket List)

Carolina Beach

Carolina Beach is home to many of the best things to do in Wilmington, especially with kids. Here’s a breakdown of some of our favorite spots.

Walk the Boardwalk

The Boardwalk at Carolina Beach
a small shopping street lined with benches

If you go to Carolina Beach and you don’t walk the boardwalk, are you even there? The oceanfront boardwalk is beautiful all year round and perfect for making memories.

With restaurants, shopping, and amusement rides, there is plenty of fun on the Boardwalk. And yes, waiting in line at Britt’s Donuts when it’s open during the busy season is a must; you won’t regret it!

Read More: 20+ Carolina Beach Restaurants (Great Food for All!)

Carolina Beach State Park

Address: 1010 State Park Rd, Carolina Beach, NC
Website

Walking along a boardwalk over the marsh at Carolina Beach State Park

With nearly nine miles of trails that snake through different habitats, Carolina Beach State Park is a fun thing to do in Wilmington NC! The trails are flat and easy and give a great representative look at the diverse ecosystems found in the Cape Fear region.

Also, Carolina Beach State Park is one of Wilmington’s best places for water access! Fish, kayak, rent a boat, or enjoy the slapping sounds of the water from nearly anywhere.

This is a unique feature that many of the state parks in North Carolina can’t claim! 

Read More: Excellent Day Trips from Wilmington Within 2 Hours

Freeman Park Recreation Area

Address: 1800 Canal Dr, Carolina Beach, NC
Website

Only accessible via a four-wheel-drive vehicle, Freeman Park is a more adventurous thing to do in Carolina Beach. Make sure to apply for a day pass and enjoy a more natural setting for fishing, swimming, and searching for shells!

Freeman Park is also an excellent place to camp at Carolina Beach, so come with your tent and smores!

Read More: 20+ Great Things to Do in Carolina Beach (and Nearby!)

More Carolina Beach Parks

Freeman Recreation Area during sunset
Freeman Recreation Area

Freeman Recreation Area is a great spot on the sand, but here are a few more Carolina Beach Parks you should also know about:

  • Carolina Beach Lake Park (400 S Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC)
  • Island Greenway (Mike Chappell Park, 501 Dow Road South, Carolina Beach, NC)
  • Joseph Ryder Lewis Jr. Park (1018 N Lake Park Blvd Carolina Beach, NC)
  • Mike Chappell Park (501 Dow Rd S, Carolina Beach, NC)

As you can see, Carolina Beach has a great mix of free and cheap things to do in Wilmington’s surroundings. What does the rest of the area hold?

Kure Beach

Staying in Kure Beach is one of our favorite things in Wilmington. Does that count?

The vibe here is chill compared to Carolina Beach next door. Don’t sleep on Kure, though, because it’s also a gateway to interesting places.

Fort Fisher State Historic Site

Address: 1610 Fort Fisher Blvd S, Kure Beach, NC
Website

The Civil War battleground at Fort Fisher State Park

The largest amphibious assault of the Civil War occurred at Fort Fisher, which is a big reason why everyone should visit this historic site. The Visitor’s Center has incredible exhibits detailing the two Civil War battles that happened here.

It’s also a great starting point to learn about Wilmington’s place in history beyond the war. 

Fort Fisher also serves as a beautiful outdoor recreational spot! Six miles of beaches and walking trails attract many divers who wish to explore many of the shipwrecks just off the coast.

A popular locale for birders and wildlife lovers, there are so many ways to explore Fort Fisher, and we rank it as one of our top things to do in Wilmington!

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area

Address: 1000 Loggerhead Rd, Kure Beach, NC
Website

Wilmington NC beaches near Fort Fisher

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area is an amazing State Parks site, home to five miles of beach, a mile-long trail, fishing, and off-roading. It’s also a great spot for a picnic, with more than 20 tables available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher

Address: 900 Loggerhead Rd, Kure Beach, NC
Website

a small child exploring the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher
NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher.

One of the best things to do in Wilmington with kids is the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher! This location highlights the ecosystem of North Carolina, has a fun touch tank with horseshoe crabs and starfish, and a giant shark tank.

Our little one loves exploring both the indoor and outdoor activities at the NC Aquarium and asks us to go every time we are in Wilmington. 

Read More: NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores (5 Important Tips to Enjoy!)

Kure Beach Oceanfront Park

Address: 105 Atlantic Ave, Kure Beach, NC
Website

Home to Kure Beach’s largest public green space, the Kure Beach Oceanfront Park is a great place to enjoy the ocean away from the beach!

Located next to the Kure Beach Fishing Pier, an open-air pavilion sets the stage for concerts and events, a walking path, and even a play space for children!  

Read More: 7 Wonderful Aquariums in North Carolina and How to Visit them All!

Kure Beach Fishing Pier

Address: 100 Atlantic Ave, Kure Beach, NC

Carl and out daughter sitting on a bench at the pier near Kure Beach

Speaking of the 711-foot pier, it is one of the best attractions in Kure Beach! Whether you are looking to fish all day, charter a fishing excursion, or check out the catch of the day, it’s a fun experience.

Make sure you have a North Carolina fishing license before casting your reel! 

Read More: How to Explore the NC Oyster Trail (10+ Adventurous Ways!)

Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach sits north of the other beach towns, and also north of Masonboro Island. You’ll find more upscale places to stay, but that doesn’t mean this place isn’t approachable.

Here are our favorite things to do in Wrightsville Beach.

Read More: 30+ Amazing NC Coastal Towns (+ Things to Do in Each One!)

Blockade Runner Sailing School

Address: 275 Waynick Blvd, Wrightsville Beach, NC
Website

a group of sailboats from the Blockade Runner Sailing School

The Blockade Runner Sailing School is an excellent option for sailing lessons because why wouldn’t you want to sign up for that? Ages 13 and up are welcome to try sailing; no previous experience is required!

Try for an hour or go all-in with a two-day basic keelboat sailing certification course.

Crystal Pier

Address: 703 S Lumina Ave, Wrightsville Beach, NC

a wide, yellow-tined pier on Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach’s Crystal Pier stretches 475 feet into the Atlantic Ocean. The Oceanic Restaurant is here; you can also free walk or fish from the pier.

Unless it’s closed for a private event, the Crystal Pier is open from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm.

Walk the John Nesbit Loop

The 2.5-mile John Nesbit Loop (known as “The Loop”) is one of the most popular things in Wrightsville Beach for locals and tourists alike! This paved path circles the Intracoastal Waterway and even passes by Wrightsville Beach Park.

If you are a runner or just looking to stay active on vacation, this is the perfect spot!

Johnnie Mercer’s Pier

Address: 23 E Salisbury St, Wrightsville Beach, NC

Wrightsville pier drone
Johnnie Mercer’s Pier.

Johnnie Mercer’s is North Carolina’s only concrete fishing pier. It’s also one of the longest fishing piers in the Cape Fear region.

First constructed in the 1930s, Johnnie Mercer’s has been rebuilt several times due to the devastating hurricanes that have hit the area. Today, the pier is filled with plenty of anglers and is open for the public to walk and enjoy. 

Admission to the pier costs $2/adult and $1/child.

Wrightsville Beach Museum of History

Address: 303 W Salisbury St, Wrightsville Beach, NC
Website

Really want to dive deep into the history of the area?

The Wrightsville Beach Museum of History details the 100-year history of Wrightsville, including hurricanes and the rise of tourism in the 1920s and 30s, as well as detailed history and artifacts on the area’s surfing scene. 

North Wrightsville & Shell Island

two decorated mailboxes on the beach in North Carolina

Looking for a more isolated beach experience? Lean in a little closer, and we’ll tell you a secret.

Shell Island and a stretch of undisturbed shoreline are on the northern end of Wrightsville Beach. This remote scenic space stretches from Shell Island Resort to the northern Wrightsville Inlet.

You may also have heard of the Wrightsville Beach Mailbox, where you can drop off a love letter!

Masonboro Island

Masonboro things to do in Wilmington

Taking a boat tour to Masonboro Island Coastal Estuarine Reserve should be at the top of your list of things to do in Wilmington! Completely undeveloped with over 5,600 acres of beach, salt marsh, and tidal flats, the wildlife viewing opportunities here are incredible.

Go shelling, search for dolphins and ghost crabs, or enjoy the 8.4 miles of empty shoreline. This isolated beach is the perfect way to reconnect with the outdoors and what North Carolina must have looked like long ago before mass tourism.

Take the Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours Masonboro Shuttle to reach the island. Captain Joe will provide you with some history and interesting tidbits you won’t find anywhere else!

WBST also has many other options, including some fantastic educational tours for kids!

Read More: Eastern North Carolina (and 100+ Awesome Places to Visit)

Ready for These Fun Things to Do in Wilmington?

You might first consider Wilmington the gateway to beautiful beaches and delicious restaurants. While it is both, we think you’ll find that there is also a lot of other stuff to do!

Whether you want to learn more about history, spend time outdoors, fish, or find kid-friendly attractions, Wilmington is the perfect vacation spot all year long!

We’ve outlined over 50 things to do in Wilmington this weekend and throughout the year, but we would love to hear from you. What do you like doing in this area? Is there something that we should add?

Feel free to let us know in the comments section. You can also share your photo adventures in our North Carolina Travel Facebook Group!

More Things to Do in Wilmington NC, and Nearby (Travel Guides)

We’ve featured many of these fun things to do in Wilmington and nearby in our collection of NC Travel Guides. Here are a few of them.

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