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With its barrier-island beaches and historic riverfront, Wilmington is a destination of contrasts. The coastal city and its nearby beaches are full of a wide array of experiences suited for various interests. From its wildlife and aquatic adventures to its history, arts, culture and cuisine, these treasured experiences — some new and some old — will have you seeing the area in a brand-new way this summer.
Listicle View
Go on a Water Adventure
Start by stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) or kayaking the Cape Fear River, coastal waterways and salt marshes — and put a fun twist on it with Wrightsville SUP’s nighttime LED tour. Then up the challenge and learn how to surf from a certified instructor with years of experience. Or hop on a relaxing brunch cruise with Soundside Adventures and sip on a mimosa while taking in Masonboro Island views. Find all these activities and so much more in Wrightsville Beach, the birthplace of surfing in North Carolina that’s known for world-class water sports on crystal blue waters.
Find Your Artistic Side
The Cameron Art Museum features six to eight rotating exhibits (works by Salvador Dali, Minnie Evans and Jonathan Green have been on display before), as well as multiple sculptures and artistic seating outside. Inspiration continues throughout the attraction itself, which is a historic Civil War site and home to “Boundless,” a statue commemorating the United States Colored Troops. Nearby, public art fills the streets thanks to the Carolina Beach Mural Project’s 20-plus murals and counting, along with an annual MuralFest each May. See the island’s creativity with Wilmington Walking Tours’ Carolina Beach Mural & History Tour or request a mural-focused outing through Tasting History Tours. Back in Wilmington, Fourth Friday Gallery Nights offer another easy way to explore the city’s downtown districts and meet local artists.
Explore Parks and Trails
Keep your eyes peeled for native carnivorous plants, like the Venus flytrap, found only in the Wilmington area at the Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden or the Flytrap Trail at Carolina Beach State Park. Or hike and bike other trails like the Gary Shell Cross-City Trail, River to Sea Bikeway and Blue Clay Bike Park. And when you’re strolling downtown Wilmington later, check out Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park, which features a splash pad, urban gardens and a live music venue on the Cape Fear River.
Take a History Lesson
Step aboard Battleship North Carolina for an adventure through nine levels of World War II history in Wilmington, the nation’s first World War II Heritage City. Afterward, explore the 230-block National Register Historic District with Springbrook Farms’ guided carriage tour or follow local storytellers through downtown with Wilmington True History Tours, a guided option with routes focused on the city’s Revolutionary War and Civil War eras. Continue the history lesson at Fort Fisher State Historic Site in Kure Beach, where a major renovation debuted at the end of 2024 with a brand-new visitor center, updated exhibitions and restored grounds. Back downtown, Cape Fear Museum of History & Science is set to reopen in its new space in summer 2026, adding another fresh stop for curious travelers.
Savor the Region
Wilmington’s food scene moves from waterfront views to chef-driven dining with ease. Dine al fresco along the riverfront at spots like River 128 Restaurant and Pilot House Restaurant, order the fresh catch at Shark Bar & Kitchen, or settle in by the Intracoastal Waterway at Dockside Restaurant in Wrightsville Beach. Downtown, James Beard-recognized talent includes Dean Neff at Seabird, Sunny Gerhart at Olivero and Keith Rhodes, whose local footprint includes Catch and Voyce Bistro. For a summer taste of the coast, book an Oyster Farm Tour & Tasting with Epic Excursions. Or head to the Cargo District’s food court, where AstroDogs and I Love Empanadas showcase the city’s growing culinary creativity.
Explore ‘Hollywood East’
Wilmington’s screen credits run deep, and a three-day set-jetting itinerary makes it easy to follow the action from downtown streets to coastal backdrops. Explore “One Tree Hill” locations by pedal-assist e-bike with a Wilmington Bike & Brews tour, or join the Wilmywood Movie & TV Location Walk for a 90-minute stroll through sites seen in “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” “Dawson’s Creek,” “Iron Man 3” and more. Fans can also step inside TRIC Nightclub, now offering self-guided tours with replica sets and “One Tree Hill” photo ops. And with “The Summer I Turned Pretty” movie expected to film in the area, Wilmington’s star power keeps rolling.
Get Some Rest
Stay close to the coast in refreshed spaces with plenty of style. In Wrightsville Beach, Lumina at Wrightsville Beach, a Holiday Inn Resort, completed a full renovation and rebrand in 2023 with oceanfront rooms, resort pools and easy beach access. Also in Wrightsville Beach, Trailborn Surf & Sound reopened in 2025 after a renovation and rebrand that brought a boutique feel to the island. Along Wilmington’s Riverwalk, The Cove Riverwalk Villas offers floating vacation rentals and is expanding with more luxury houseboats this year. In Carolina Beach, the Oceaneer Hotel recently reopened after extensive renovations, adding pet-friendly accommodations and full ADA compliance.
Just Breathe
Start the day with a deep breath and a front-row view of the coast. Kure Beach Yoga offers beach classes for solo reset time or group flow, while Salty Dog Yoga and Surf leads yoga, Pilates and barre classes in Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and the Wilmington area. In Wrightsville Beach, Wrightsville SUP adds balance work to the mix with SUP yoga on the sound, and BeUnlimited brings seasonal yoga to Crystal Pier. Wilmington also offers a history-rich twist on the practice with seasonal yoga classes aboard Battleship North Carolina, where movement, mindfulness and waterfront views come together in one unforgettable setting.
This article was produced in partnership with, and all photos are courtesy of, Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau.