Things to Do in Wilmington

North Carolina's number one tourist attraction. Moored in quiet dignity and majesty the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, across the river from downtown Wilmington, beckons visitors to walk her decks. Envision the daily life and fierce combat her crew faced in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. Tours are offered daily, special events take place often, and a gift shop is on-site. Visit www.battleshipnc.com for more information.

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! Visit ncaquariums.com for more information.

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, The Jackal, and Iron Man 3 are just a few of the many films that have called Screen Gems Studios their home.

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! Seasonal operation and special events occur frequently, call for more information.

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!

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.

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

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.

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

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.

The Wilmington Riverwalk is a scenic boardwalk along the riverbank in downtown Wilmington. This one mile boardwalk will eventually run from bridge to bridge. Located around the Riverwalk are numerous restaurants and shops for Wilmington visitors to explore. From the Riverwalk visitors can also catch a ride on Henrietta III for a tour up and down the coast, or simply stroll and enjoy the beauty Wilmington North Carolina has to offer.

Wilmington has no shortage of gorgeous sandy beaches for folks to explore. Wrightsville beach is a fisherman's haven with five miles of white sand to fish the plentiful Atlantic waters. Thousands make this Wilmington Beach their vacation destination for swimming, sunbathing, surfing and more.

Carolina Beach is loaded with entertainment and things to do for the entire family. Soak up the sun surfing, kayaking, swimming and boogie boarding on this famous beach or see the beach an entirely different way on the "surrey" bike that seats up to 8 riders. Carolina Beach also offers outstanding nightlife at Seaside Amusement Park. Enjoy carnival style rides and live entertainment as local bands perform on the Pier.

Kure Beach dives further into the Carolina coast with guided backpacking or canoeing tours through the creeks, rivers and marshes of this lovely area. Take in the sights and sounds from the Kure Beach Pier or challenge family members to a friendly competitive game in one of the recreation areas. These are just a few of the many beaches that adorn this sunny Carolina coast.

Downtown Wilmington NC sites and sounds - Tour historic homes, beautiful gardens, churches, and haunted areas of Wilmington! See the Downtown Wilmington sights on foot or discover Wilmington, North Carolina on a horse drawn carriage, trolley tour or leisurely riverboat cruise. From the Bellamy Mansion to the Children's Museum, there are activities and attractions for all ages and interests in Downtown Wilmington NC.

Ever wonder how your favorite beer was brewed? Take a peek at the process on a tour of Front Street Brewery in Downtown Wilmington NC. Enjoy a FREE tour and beer tasting during your visit - we highly recommend the food as well. Learn how they brew their beer as they explain the brewing process in their very own brewery. There's quite an interesting and unique method behind making one of America's favorite beverages.

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!

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.

UNC Wilmington, the states coastal university is dedicated to learning through the integration of teaching and mentoring with reasearch and service.

Supporting Cape Fear Community College is a learning center that focuses on a comprehensive 2 year degree program.

The Wilmington Ice House North Carolina ice skating rink serves as a local venue for hockey teams and individual figure skaters. Youth teams, college teams, and adult hockey teams compete at the Wilmington Ice House in Wilmington, North Carolina throughout the year. In addition to competitive athletes, the Wilmington Ice House offers skating lessons and skate sessions to the general public.

10 Convention Center Drive Wilmington, NC 28401