Best hotels in Wilmington
Courtyard by Marriott Wilmington Downtown
229 North 2nd Street, NC, 28401
Based in the heart of Downtown, this chic hotel offers a warm welcome to Wilmington. Stylish rooms combine comfort and convenience with luxury bedding and complimentary toiletries. Enjoy a filling breakfast or casual evening meal at the hotel Bistro and spend your downtime lounging by the outdoor pool.
Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
301 North Water Street, NC, 28401
Trendy rooms are decorated in cool blues and sandy neutrals to showcase the city’s nautical charm, while the hotel’s waterfront restaurant serves Southern fare and seafood. Take a swim in the outdoor pool overlooking Cape Fear River and cozy up by the firepit to watch the sun set over the Battleship North Carolina.
Graystone Inn
100 South 3rd Street, NC, 28401
Soak up the spirit of historic Wilmington at this upscale early 20th-century mansion. Period-style rooms are uniquely designed, featuring four poster beds, antique furnishings and fireplaces. Relax on the veranda and enjoy freshly cooked breakfasts, including the Inn’s signature key lime-stuffed French toast.
Best restaurants in Wilmington
PinPoint Restaurant
114 Market Street, NC, 28401
With its seasonal menu and locally sourced ingredients, PinPoint Restaurant showcases the best of Wilmington’s farmers and fishermen. The airy dining area creates a casual setting for you to enjoy creative Southern dishes, such as fried chicken with smoked cauliflower and local seafood tagliatelle.
Cape Fear Seafood Company
5226 South College Road, NC, 28412
On your way back from Carolina Beach, stop by the Cape Fear Seafood Company. Start with a few small plates like crab dip, buffalo shrimp and crispy calamari. Enjoy the catch of the day – grilled, blackened or broiled – or the signature Cape Fear shrimp and grits.
Caprice Bistro
10 Market Street, NC, 28401
Sample French dishes and delicacies in this cozy bistro, moments from the Wilmington Riverwalk. Try traditional escargot in garlic and mussels mariniere with frites. For dessert, the macarons with chocolate mousse will transport you to a Parisian tearoom.
What to do in Wilmington
Battleship North Carolina
1 Battleship Road Northeast, NC, 28401
Experience life on the Battleship North Carolina – a World War Two battleship moored on the Cape Fear River. Take a tour of the deck and climb ladders to different levels. Plus, learn about the crew from stories, photographs and mementos of their time onboard.
Airlie Gardens
300 Airlie Road, NC, 28403
Explore the 67-acre Airlie Gardens, which date back to 1884. Admire tulips in the spring and the mighty Airlie Oak in the fall, then surround yourself with turtles, hummingbirds and native butterflies in the dedicated garden exhibits.
Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park
5320 Oleander Drive, NC, 28403
Get ready for an action-packed day in Wilmington, filled with slides and rides for all ages. Brave the 30-feet climbing wall, race around in go karts and play classic arcade games. In the summer, make a splash down the water park racers and float along the lazy river.