Wilmington North Carolina Travel Guide (9 Epic Things to do)

Wondering How to Visit Wilmington? You’re going to need this Wilmington North Carolina Travel Guide!

Heading to Wilmington this summer? Whether you’re looking to relax on the sandy beaches, stroll around the lovely historic downtown area, or explore the forests nearby, there is so much to see and do!

Visiting Wilmington is one of those things you’ve got to do at least once. If you’re in the Myrtle Beach area, or driving through, you should consider visiting this lovely North Carolina city!

This Wilmington North Carolina Travel Guide will show you everything there is to see and do in the Wilmington area. Plus, you’ll find ways to make your visit a bit more budget friendly as well!

So, what are you waiting for? Keep reading to find out more about Wilmington…

Wilmington North Carolina Travel Guide

#1: Battleship North Carolina

The Battleship North Carolina began construction in 1937, and was commissioned by 1941, the first US naval ship to be build in 16 years. This WWII-era battleship saw combat all across the Pacific Theatre, before becoming decommissioned 1947.

Naval buffs will enjoy doing a self-guided tour around the various decks, crew rooms, engine rooms, and more. Spend at least a couple of hours here!

#2: Historic District

As one of the older cities in the US, Wilmington has plentiful 18th and 19th century architecture in the Historic District, stemming all the way back to when the city was under British rule.

#3: Wilmington Riverwalk

In Wilmington’s downtown lies the riverwalk, a lovely promenade filled with all sorts of shops and restaurants along the Cape Fear River. Spend a pleasant afternoon or evening enjoying a meal, doing some shopping, and perhaps even catching some live music!

#4: Wrightsville Beach

Once you’ve spent a day exploring the city, the beach is calling. Wrightsville Beach is arguably one of the best beaches in all of North Carolina, rivaling those up in the Outer Banks. Wide, sandy, and all around relaxing, come here to soak up some of North Carolina’s warm Atlantic water.

#5: Green Swamp Preserve

Filled with pine trees, savannahs, and the endangered Venus flytraps, pitcher plants, and more.

#6: Carolina Beach

Carolina Beach is yet another lovely Wilmington-area beach you should check out. It’s several miles south of Wrightsville Beach, and a good alternative.

Wilmington North Carolina Travel Guide – Nearby Destinations:

#7: Outer Banks

North Carolina’s Outer Banks are a several hour’s drive north of Wilmington, and packed with so many awesome things to see and do. Whether you want a relaxing beach getaway, lighthouse hopping tour, Wright Brothers fan, there’s plenty to see and do.

#8: Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach makes an excellent day trip from the Wilmington area. Explore the beaches, amusement parks, shops, restaurants, and more.

#9: Charleston

You just can’t find a city more classy than Charleston. Old brick houses line cobblestone street in this historic port city. Catch a ferry out to Fort Sumter to see where the Civil War kicked off, and take a sampler tour of the city’s great cuisine.

Traveling to Wilmington on a Budget – What to Bring:

Flying to Wilmington?  Why pay, when you can score FREE airfare?  When you use Swagbucks, you can get free gift cards for Delta Airlines, which flies into Wilmington International Airport.

Overall, this is the the best way to reduce the cost of your airfare to North Carolina.  I’ve been a member of Swagbucks for about 10 years now, and it’s still one of my favorite ways to earn Free airline gift cards!

Here’s how it works:

• Sign up with Swagbucks
• Then start earning Swagbucks SB Points.  There are so many EASY ways to earn Swagbucks!  You can earn by Searching the Web {just like you would using Google}, Taking Surveys, Using Coupons, Shopping Online, Watching Videos, etc.  I typically earn an easy $25 each month on Swagbucks!
• Cash in your Swagbucks SB Points for Free Delta Gift Cards!

How to Get Free Uber Rides in Wilmington:

If you’re flying into Wilmington for a quick city break; or you have an extended layover and you don’t plan on renting a car, you can simply call an Uber to come pick you up from the airport and take you into the city.  My favorite trick is to cash in Swagbucks points for Free Uber gift cards!

Here’s how it works:

• Sign up with Swagbucks
• Then start earning Swagbucks SB Points.  There are so many EASY ways to earn Swagbucks!  You can earn by Searching the Web {just like you would using Google}, Taking Surveys, Using Coupons, Shopping Online, Watching Videos, etc.  I typically earn an easy $25 each month on Swagbucks!
• Cash in your Swagbucks SB Points for Free Uber Gift Cards!

How to Save Money on Wilmington Accommodation:

Your accommodation can take up a huge chunk of your Wilmington trip budget, so saving money here is extremely important. Go give these Hotel Hacks to Save Money a read so you don’t have to worry about overspending. 🙂

Related: Hotel Hacks to Save Money

Looking for even more great travel tips? Go check these out…

Vacation Travel Safety Tips

Staying Healthy While Traveling

Best Suitcase Packing Tips

Long Haul Flight Tips

Cheap Flight Hacks

Beating Jet Lag

Bucket List Trips

Now that you’ve read this Wilmington North Carolina Travel Guide, don’t miss out any more!  Follow along with Never Ending Journeys for more fun Travel Tips, Easy Recipes, and Decor Hacks!

What was YOUR favorite part of this Wilmington Travel Guide??  And what are your favorite things to do in the Wilmington area?