ship tour in wilmington nc

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Guided Tours

Guided tours of the Battleship North Carolina are available daily beginning at 9 am.  Tour reservations are available online and must be booked at least 36 hours prior to your visit .

Walk-up tours are subject to tour guide availability.

The Showboat Tour

City at Sea Tour

Topside Tour

Big Bang Tour

Fully Guided Experience

Explore 9 levels of the ship from the Main and Secondary Plotting rooms to the Bridge. The tour includes the Engine Room, Turret II Barbette, Main Deck, 2 nd and 3 rd Decks, and the 1 st Platform plus four levels above Main Deck to the 04 Level. This is the tour that will leave you amazed at this powerful engineering marvel. The Full Guided Tour does require going up and down several ladders (stairs) and is not recommended for visitors with mobility issues.

» Tours begin at 9 am, Monday – Saturday. » This tour is approximately 3 – 3 ½ hours long. » Online prices include Battleship admission. 

► Adults (12 & older) — $38 ► Senior (65 & older) — $34 ► Military (Active/Retired w/ ID) — $34 ► Children (Ages 6 – 11) — $30 ► Children 5 & Under — Free ► Friends of the Battleship Member — $18

Second Deck Experience

See what it was like aboard a floating city! 2,300 sailors and officers lived and worked aboard this floating city at sea. The tour includes living spaces, sick bay, mess decks, ship’s stores, barber shop, enlisted and officer galleys, and so much more. Go back in time and live the experience!

» Tours begin at 9 am & 11 am daily. » This tour is approximately 90 minutes long. » Online prices include Battleship admission.

► Adults (12 & older) — $26 ► Senior (65 & older) — $22 ► Military (Active/Retired w/ ID) — $22 ► Children (Ages 6 – 11) — $18 ► Children 5 & Under — Free ► Friends of the Battleship Member — $9

Above Deck Experience

(for those with limited mobility).

There is plenty to discover on the Topside Tour! Learn about the Battleship’s history, operations, armament, equipment, and life at sea. You will tour the Main Deck and up 4 levels to the Pilot House (Bridge). Along the way, you will learn about the Admiral’s Cabin, Combat Information Center, and Signal Bridge. In the event of inclement weather, a portion of this tour may be moved inside the Ship. This tour requires going up and down several ship ladders (stairs).

Tour the Battleship’s Gun Systems

This tour is an overview that focuses on the Battleship’s 16-inch and 5-inch gun systems. You will have the opportunity to follow the general procedure for firing the guns, from target identification and acquisition in the Combat Information Center and fire control directors to the development of the fire control solution in Main and Secondary Battery Plot. A visit to the powder magazines, projectiles handling space, and the gun house completes the process that ended with a REALLY big bang. The Big Bang Tour does require going up and down several ladders (stairs) and is not recommended for visitors with mobility issues. 

» Big Bang Tours are available only on Saturdays with reservations. » This tour is approximately 3 hours long. » Online prices include Battleship admission. » Each tour is limited to 6 participants.

► Adults (12 & older) — $32 ► Senior (65 & older) — $28 ► Military (Active/Retired w/ ID) — $28 ► Children (Ages 6 – 11) — $24 ► Children 5 & Under — Free ► Friends of the Battleship Member — $13.50

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USS NORTH CAROLINA

History Museum

Street Address: 1 Battleship Road Wilmington, NC 28401

Telephone: 910.399.9100

HOURS & TICKETING

Under typical circumstances, the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA is open every day of the year, including all holidays, as the Ship serves as a memorial.  On Christmas Day the Ship opens at noon. 

No advance reservations are required. Tickets are sold on site at the Battleship.

Ticket Sales

8:00 am – 4:00 pm until further notice.  Ship closes at 5:00 pm.

The tour is self-guided and is well-marked so that you can tour at your own pace.  We recommend allowing at least two hours for the tour, but for the true enthusiast, you can spend much more time than that.  Click here for Guided Tours. 

Adults: 12 & over: $14.00* Seniors:  65 & over: $10.00* Military:  Active or retired, military spouses & dependents, with ID cards: $10.00* Children:  6 through 11: $6.00* Children:  5 & under: Free

Friends of the Battleship Members:   Free

Ticket sales end one hour before closing.  Click here for details on policies regarding cancellations and refunds.

The Battleship gladly accepts cash, VISA, MasterCard or Discover.  It does not accept personal checks.  It does not accept  cash at this time. 

GROUP ADMISSION

For groups of 10 or more visitors paying by a single source, the per-person group rates are as follows:

Adults:  12 & over: $10.00* Children:  6-11: $5.00* Children:  5 & under: Free

Groups are encouraged to make reservations to ensure receiving the discounted rate. To make a reservation or to receive more information, please call 910-399-9101.

ADA (AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT)

If assistance is required, 1 accompanying adult is admitted free with each ADA admission. These prices apply to visitors arriving as part of groups or as individuals.

Adults: 12 & over: $6.00* Children: 6-11: $3.00* Children: 5 & under: Free

USS NORTH CAROLINA (BB-55)

World War II was called “the good war“ – the war of good versus evil. But while the United States and its Allies were victorious, that victory was bitter-sweet.  The USS NORTH CAROLINA (BB-55), 1941-1961, played an important role.

Aerial Video © Lifted.Pictures

The price of freedom was high. No one knows exactly how many were killed, wounded or missing between September 1939 and September 1945, but death toll estimates ranged upwardly to 22 million. Financial costs exceeded one trillion dollars. (The United States spent about $250 million per day on the War – ten times the amount it had spent on all its previous wars put together.) Property damage estimates exceeded $239 trillion. The war involved 50 countries, and its effects were felt by all nations.

The War’s battlefields spanned the globe. Major battles occurred on the soils of Asia, Europe and Africa, as well as on the waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Mediterranean. Men died in the jungles of Pacific islands, in the hills of China, in the deserts of Libya, and on the plains of France.

World War II, the most destructive war in history, began on September 1, 1939 with the invasion of Poland by Germany. The war ended on September 2, 1945 with Japan’s surrender after the atomic bomb drops on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and exactly three years eight months, and twenty-two days after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor.

THE VJ OBSERVANCE

September 2, 1945 marked the end of World War II.  President Harry Truman proclaimed it VJ (Victory Over Japan) Day.

In 1995, the USS NORTH CAROLINA Battleship Memorial, located in Wilmington, North Carolina was selected as one of five designated host sites for the United States’ observance of the fiftieth anniversary of VJ Day.  It is a fitting honor in that the USS NORTH CAROLINA was the most decorated United States Battleship of World War II ; and today is a State memorial to the veterans of that War, enshrined with the names of over 10,000 North Carolinians from all branches of military service who gave their lives.

Each VJ Day Observance is a time to pause and reflect, a time to rejoice, a time to give thanks for the blessing of freedom, a time to honor our veterans and a tie to remember their fallen comrades.

From her keel (backbone) to the crow’s nest, the USS NORTH CAROLINA is nearly 200 feet high or about the height of a 14-story building . From bow to stern, she is more than 728 feet long or nearly the length of two and one-half city blocks.  Her width is 108 feet.

It took six years from the authorization to build the USS NORTH CAROLINA until she was “Pacific bound.” Authorization to build her, along with her sister ship, the USS WASHINGTON, was contained in an act of Congress passed June 3, 1936. Prior to her construction, the Brooklyn Navy Yard had to be expanded and reinforced.  The keel of BB55, the USS NORTH CAROLINA, was laid on October 27, 1937. It was the first new battleship keel to be laid by the United States Navy in 16 years.

It took hundreds of workmen almost four years to construct her. She is built of thousands of tons of steel and displaces over 40,000 tons when loaded.

While she was under construction, World War II commenced. She was launched on June 13, 1940, and commissioned on April 9, 1941 under the command of Captain Olaf. M. Hustvedt.

USS NORTH CAROLINA fires her after 40.6 cm/45 guns during her shakedown cruise, June 1941. © U.S. Navy

40 MONTHS IN COMBAT

When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, the Battleship NC was in New York.  Training was accelerated and on June 5, 1942, she was “Pacific bound.”  She spend 40 months in combat, and according to the Japanese propaganda broadcaster “Tokyo Rose,” was sunk six different times.

Truth is, the USS NORTH CAROLINA steamed 307,000 miles during her wartime duty, consuming more than two million gallons of fuel. She was a mighty ship. Her powerful guns could send a 2,700 pound shell through the air for more than twenty miles.

USS NECHES (AO-47) refueling USS NORTH CAROLINA in the mid-Pacific Ocean, November 30, 1944. © U.S. Navy

She distinguished herself in the Pacific Theater of World War II by engaging in every major campaign from the time of her arrival at Pearl Harbor in July of 1942 until the war’s end. She fought from Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands through the Gilberts, Marshalls, Carolines, New Guinea and the Marianas; the Philippines, Iwo Jima and Okinawa; to Japan and to victory in Tokyo Bay. She earned fifteen battlestars – more than any other United States battleship.

USS NORTH CAROLINA firing a salvo at a land target during the Battle of Okinawa, April-June, 1945. © U.S. Navy

During World War II, the USS NORTH CAROLINA survived a torpedo hit on September 15, 1942 and a typhoon on December 18, 1944. In September 1961, she was saved from the scrap metal dealers thanks to the citizens of North Carolina.

BATTLESHIP NC’S BRAVE CREW

Nearly 2,000 officers and men, including a detachment of United States Marines, were needed to run the sophisticated and complicated equipment aboard  the USS NORTH CAROLINA. The men were divided into 22 departments and either were directly involved in warfare, or worked in a support capacity to keep the mini-city afloat.  See the many WWII naval combat artifacts on the ship.

© Lifted.Pictures

THE MEMORIAL

“Save Our Ship” became the cry of North Carolinians when the United States Navy announced its intention to scrap the USS NORTH CAROLINA in 1961.

Saving the ship as a State war memorial became a reality thanks to the visionary leadership of James S. Craig, Jr., then Governor Luther H. Hodges, the

USS NORTH CAROLINA Battleship Advisory Committee, Governor Terry Sanford and Hugh Morton coupled with the $330,000 donated by the citizens of North Carolina.

The ship was towed down the East Coast from Bayonne to the Cape Fear River, was moored at her present berth on October 2, 1961 and was dedicated as a State war memorial on April 29, 1962.

Battleship NC

Wilmington, North Carolina is the first American World War II Heritage City .

President Harry S. Truman

The following is a quote from President Harry S. Truman in his address to the Armed Forces of the United States throughout the world over the Armed Forces Radio Service and major networks on April 17, 1945.  President Truman spoke at 10 p.m. from the White House.

“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid.  They have earned our undying gratitude.  America will never forget their sacrifices.”

Thank You to all who served on the USS NORTH CAROLINA.

Showboat Podcasts

Prepare your family for the visit by listening to the battleship podcasts and reviewing the historic photographs and summaries prepared by the U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command:

Key Events in World War II

September 1, 1939 Germany invades Poland.

September 17, 1939 Soviet Union invades Poland.

May 10, 1940 Germany launches attack against Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, and France.

August 13, 1940 Germany launches attack against Britain.

June 22, 1941 Germany invades the Soviet Union.

December 7, 1941 Japan, allied with Germany, attacks the United States at Pearl Harbor.

December 8, 1941 U.S. and Britain declare war on Japan.

June 7, 1942 U.S. defeats Japan in the Battle of Midway.

February 2, 1943 Soviet Union defeats Germany in the Battle of Stalingrad.

June 6, 1944 D-Day, Operation Overlord, General Eisenhower commanded the Allies’ attack against German occupation along the coast of Normandy, France.

August 25, 1944 Allies defeat Germany and liberate France.

April 30, 1945 Soviet Union captures the city of Berlin, Germany.

May 8, 1945 Germany surrenders ending the war in Europe.

September 2, 1945 Japan surrenders ending the war in the Pacific and World War II.

USS NORTH CAROLINA firing her main batteries during World War II, date unknown. © U.S. Navy

USS NORTH CAROLINA at sea in the Hawaiian Islands area, March 1943. © U.S. Navy

USS NORTH CAROLINA launched at the New York Navy Yard, June 1940. © U.S. Navy

USA TODAY named the USS NORTH CAROLINA one of the Top 10 “Best North Carolina Attractions.”

The Battleship NORTH CAROLINA is a top tourist destination.  Don’t miss it.

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Guided Tours

The Friends of the Battleship  North Carolina  provides guided tours of the ship that are available for purchase on most days of the week. 

All guided tours are led by volunteers who have completed a comprehensive battleship training course and have been certified to conduct tours onboard Battleship North Carolina .

Tours may be purchased online and are available daily at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Tours reserved online must be booked at least 36 hours prior to your visit. 

Tours may be purchased at the ticket window on the day of your visit  but are subject to tour guide availability.  Tour times can only be guaranteed for tours booked online.

Proceeds from guided tours help the Friends fund programs, acquisitions, and restoration of Battleship  North Carolina.

Group Tours

Special tours for groups of 10 or more are also available with prior arrangements. 

For more information email us at [email protected]

The Showboat Tour

City at Sea Tour

Topside Tour

Big Bang Tour

Fully Guided Experience

Explore 9 levels of the ship from the Main and Secondary Plotting rooms to the Bridge. The tour includes the Engine Room, Turret II Barbette, Main Deck, 2 nd and 3 rd Decks, and the 1 st Platform plus four levels above Main Deck to the 04 Level. This is the tour that will leave you amazed at this powerful engineering marvel. The Full Guided Tour does require going up and down several ladders (stairs) and is not recommended for visitors with mobility issues.

» Tours begin at 9 am, Monday – Saturday. » This tour is approximately 3 – 3 ½ hours long. » Online prices include Battleship admission. 

► Adults (12 & older) — $38 ► Senior (65 & older) — $34 ► Military (Active/Retired w/ ID) — $34 ► Children (Ages 6 – 11) — $30 ► Children 5 & Under — Free ► Friends of the Battleship Member — $18

Second Deck Experience

See what it was like aboard a floating city! 2,300 sailors and officers lived and worked aboard this floating city at sea. The tour includes living spaces, sick bay, mess decks, ship’s stores, barber shop, enlisted and officer galleys, and so much more. Go back in time and live the experience!

» Tours begin at 9 am & 11 am daily. » This tour is approximately 90 minutes long. » Online prices include Battleship admission.

► Adults (12 & older) — $26 ► Senior (65 & older) — $22 ► Military (Active/Retired w/ ID) — $22 ► Children (Ages 6 – 11) — $18 ► Children 5 & Under — Free ► Friends of the Battleship Member — $9

Above Deck Experience

(for those with limited mobility).

There is plenty to discover on the Topside Tour! Learn about the Battleship’s history, operations, armament, equipment, and life at sea. You will tour the Main Deck and up 4 levels to the Pilot House (Bridge). Along the way, you will learn about the Admiral’s Cabin, Combat Information Center, and Signal Bridge. In the event of inclement weather, a portion of this tour may be moved inside the Ship. This tour requires going up and down several ship ladders (stairs).

Tour the Battleship’s Gun Systems

This tour is an overview that focuses on the Battleship’s 16-inch and 5-inch gun systems. You will have the opportunity to follow the general procedure for firing the guns, from target identification and acquisition in the Combat Information Center and fire control directors to the development of the fire control solution in Main and Secondary Battery Plot. A visit to the powder magazines, projectiles handling space, and the gun house completes the process that ended with a REALLY big bang. The Big Bang Tour does require going up and down several ladders (stairs) and is not recommended for visitors with mobility issues. 

» Big Bang Tours are available only on Saturdays with reservations. » This tour is approximately 3 hours long. » Online prices include Battleship admission. » Each tour is limited to 6 participants.

► Adults (12 & older) — $32 ► Senior (65 & older) — $28 ► Military (Active/Retired w/ ID) — $28 ► Children (Ages 6 – 11) — $24 ► Children 5 & Under — Free ► Friends of the Battleship Member — $13.50

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The Henrietta III Riverboat Cruise

Cape Fear Riverboats offers a unique venue for weddings, wedding receptions, anniversaries, birthdays and family reunions. Great for school, church, and club outings, as well as corporate functions. Have an evening of fun or romance on one of our dinner cruises, or take in the sights along the beautiful Cape Fear River in Wilmington, NC on one of our narrated sightseeing cruises… many options for a memorable event, suitable for any occasion.

“Welcome Aboard” is the motto of HENRIETTA III’s Captain Carl Marshburn and crew as they strive to offer the finest in Southern hospitality. A favorite for locals and visitors, HENRIETTA III is “the place” for special occasions in Wilmington, NC

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Project 543 tells the story of unique spots across North Carolina we hope will become some of your favorite places. Why 543? Because that’s the number of miles from Manteo, on the coast, to Murphy, in the mountains, and is traditionally considered to be the width of our state. The entries in this project are in no particular order, and we’ll add to them each week. Check in often to find inspiration for your next trip, or start planning today at VisitNC.com .

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Man the guns of the world’s greatest sea weapon

Visitors to coastal North Carolina can man the guns of what was, at the time of her commissioning, considered the world’s greatest sea weapon. The Battleship North Carolina is moored near downtown Wilmington’s historic river district and its island beaches. The ship is one of the most popular attractions in the state, having fought in every major naval offensive in the Pacific during World War II. Visitors can walk the decks and experience the daily life and fierce combat faced by the crew. Self-guided tours of the ship are available daily and special programs allow visitors to discover and build a personal connection through behind-the-scenes tours, in-depth programs of the ship’s inner-workings, reenactments, special programs for professional military education and more. Many people believe the Battleship North Carolina to be haunted, so it’s no surprise that one of the most popular nearby events is the Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington, a nationally acclaimed tour of the city’s most actively haunted homes and burial grounds, complete with eerie tales and true paranormal stories.

Battleship North Carolina

Battleship North Carolina, Battleship Road Northeast, Wilmington, NC

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Wilmington Water Tours presents: Bizzy Bee Water Taxi

Water taxi service from 2 locations in wilmington.

• Departs from The Battleship every 30 minutes!

Wilmington Water Taxi Service

The Bizzy Bee is the only water taxi service in Wilmington! We have 3 landings along the Cape Fear River in downtown Wilmington; The Battleship NC, Market Street and Chandlers Wharf on the Riverwalk between Orange and Ann St. Our water taxi stops at each landing at least once per hour.

We Also Offer Private Water Taxi Services!

We shuttle from 2 locations right on the Historic Riverwalk downtown. One is the bottom of Market street, near the Info booth, the other is bottom of Orange street near our shop.  If coming to Wilmington to take one of our narrated cruises, the Water Taxi will shuttle you from the battleship or bottom of market to our bigger boat, The Wilmington.  If paying for narrated cruise on taxi, then your cruise on on the taxi is free to the Wilmington.

Bizzy Bee Water Taxi pick-up & drop-off locations

Bizzy Bee Water Taxi is Operated by Wilmington Water Tours!

Wilmington Water Tours offers diverse and fun cruises and private charters on the Cape Fear River all year long. Cruises include wildlife sightseeing, historical story-telling, sunset cruises, wine tasting cruises and more. Come join us on the water!

Wilmington Water Taxi

Quick Details

• Clock Duration: Varies
• Users Ages: All Ages

Wilmington’s Only Water Taxi Service

All aboard the Bizzy Bee! We have four landings along the Cape Fear River in downtown Wilmington. Our water taxi stops at each landing at least once per hour. Book online today to reserve your spot!

Hourly Stops

Chandlers Wharf :50

Battleship North Carolina :05 & :35

Market Street :20 & 40

Related Cruises

• Users All Ages
• Clock 4 Hours

Black River Cruise

Join us for a four-hour excursion on the Black River complete with breathtaking scenery.

• Clock 1.5 Hours

Full Moon Cruise w/ Live Music

The movement of the tides and moon energizes and stirs the imagination on this evening tour.

20 Best Things to Do in Wilmington, NC (See, Eat, Drink, Stay)

W ilmington was our first real getaway from Raleigh when we first moved to North Carolina in 2004 and we instantly fell for its charm, history and beautiful riverfront location. 

Although a port city with a coastal location, those venturing to Wilmington should not just use it as a base for exploring the nearby beaches, as it turns out there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Wilmington, NC!

Growing up in Australia, we were fans of Dawson’s Creek and One Tree Hill (both filmed in Wilmington), and that’s how we first came to know of this historical port city and have since visited several times.

Wilmington has plenty to offer; from its historic architecture to a bustling riverfront atmosphere. It offers warm, Southern hospitality and a laid-back vibe. It’s the perfect vacation destination in NC – here’s what you can do in the city.

1. Coffee at Bespoke Coffee & Dry Goods

2. explore wilmington riverwalk, 3. take a horsedrawn carriage ride of historic wilmington, 4. sightseeing cruise of the cape fear river, 5. check out the bellamy mansion museum, 6. tour the battleship north carolina, 7. explore the museum of the bizarre, 8. go shopping in downtown wilmington, 9. relax in airlie gardens, 10. admire the stanley rehder carnivorous plant garden, 11. get lost in brooklyn arts district, 12. wander around the cargo district, 13. catch a sunset on the river, 14. relax at a brewery in wilmington, 15. explore the wilmington beaches, 16. fort fisher state recreation area, 17. cool off at jungle rapids family fun park, 18. learn at cape fear museum of history and science, 19. admire vintage trains at wilmington railroad museum, 20. catch a show at thalian hall center for the performing arts, brunch at the basics, gourmet burgers at platypus & gnome, seabird restaurant, tacos at beer barrio, indochine restaurant, rooster & the crow, front street brewery, ice cream at kilwins, wake n’ bake donuts, where to stay in wilmington, getting to wilmington from raleigh, video on things to do in wilmington, final thoughts, things to do in wilmington nc.

Park your car at the hotel, you won’t need it for most of the time exploring downtown Wilmington. We just love destinations where we can walk everywhere!

Then get ready to explore the city’s National Register Historic District which spans 230-plus blocks of churches, classic architecture, moss-draped live oaks, brick-lined streets and historic homes.

Whenever we visit Wilmington or pass through on road trips we always stop at Bespoke Coffee who makes our favorite coffee in the city.

Not only is their coffee good but the space is aesthetically pleasing with a black and white modern design that invites you to sit for a while – locals tend to gravitate here with their laptops and work online.

There is a Triangle area connection here too! They use Durham’s Counter Culture Coffee, and if you’ve got young kids, ours enjoys their hot chocolates and smoothies, and our teen their chai latte.

• Address: 202 Princess Street 
• Website: BespokeCoffee.com

We miss being by the water having grown up in Australia and so our favorite activity in Wilmington is to simply stroll along the pedestrian-friendly Riverwalk lined with shops and cafes and the Port City Marina. 

The Wilmington Boardwalk is 1.75 miles long , but you don’t have to walk that far and I recommend you at least do the section from Market Street to Nun Street to get a close up view of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.

We then like to double back on S Front Street to access some of the downtown area’s favorite historical shops, colorful buildings and restaurants. 

You can also walk the Riverwalk to Market Street (about a 15-minute walk) and enjoy views of the Battleship North Carolina (also known as USS North Carolina) across the river.

Hot Tip:  Wilmington takes awhile to wake up so take advantage of the early hours to have the riverfront area almost all to yourself (easy to do when you stay overnight on the Riverfront).

A relaxing and great way to start your trip to Wilmington is to take a horse drawn carriage ride through historic downtown Wilmington and learn about the history of this port city.

We learned that 30 years ago this district was dilapidated and you could have bought a house for around $10,000 – but you’d need cash as no bank was willing to loan money for this run down area!

So, the people came together to call it a historic district which then gave them access to federal money and grants to restore the buildings and fast forward to today and now it’s an expensive and well-sought area to live.

Black plaques on homes signify they are over 100 years old , and anything new that now gets built in downtown Wilmington must blend in with the historic look and feel. 

You’ll learn all of this and more on one of eight different routes. Prominent homes we passed were the oldest home in Wilmington (284 years old) and the childhood home of President Woodrow Wilson.

NOTE: If you’re wondering about the wellbeing of the horses, the horses are well looked after, ours were two rescue horses from Amish County in Philadelphia. The tour company, Springbrook Farms has saved 18 draft horses in their 35 years of business. 

• Reservations are not needed for the tour. 
• Address: They leave from the end of Market St near the water
• Website: HorseDrawnTours.com

When you visit a port city on a river, I highly recommend you get a perspective from the water. In Wilmington, we enjoyed a relaxing hour onboard a sightseeing Cruise with Cape Fear River Boats .

The Captain J.N. Maffit boat tour took us upriver to where the Cape Fear River forks before turning back south past the pastel-colored shops and historical buildings of Downtown Wilmington on our left, and Battleship North Carolina on our right.

Commentary included a brief overview of Wilmington’s history from the early explorers to Modern day ships from all over the world, and also learned more about the geography of the region, including the fascinating story of Eagle Island – it was once filled with rice fields until river dredging turned the freshwater to salt and destroyed the industry.

We learned about more recent history too. Since the 1980s, Wilmington has been an active film production hub, supporting feature films, TV shows, and independent productions and is known as “Hollywood East” or “Wilmywood” to the locals.

Lastly, we got a good look at the shipping industry that gives Wilmington the name, Port City.

If you’re wondering how the Cape Fear River got its name, old merchants would notice the approaching shallow cape and would turn their boats around, only to run aground on the shoals. They would list on their charts that it was a Cape to be Feared.

Book your tickets in advance here.

• Address: 101 South Water Street
• Website: cfrboats.com

Embark on a self-guided audio tour of the 10,000 sq. ft and 22 room Bellamy Mansion that was built primarily by enslaved and free black artisans for the Bellamy family from 1859 to 1861.

They do retell the story tastefully and do a good job of sharing the truth of the slave story and help develop that understanding and empathy.

The tour begins outside the mansion and then moves to the two-story brick, slave quarters – one of the best preservered ones in the country. You then move up the five levels of the home to see how the Bellamy family lived.

The elaborate parlor room is impressive, as was the Belvedere, the small room that was responsible for creating natural air conditioning by capturing the natural breeze and sending it down to the rest of the house.

The magnificent magnolia tree at the side of the house in the small garden offers a peaceful place to rest under its shade. 

All up it took us about one hour to tour by ourselves, but you can join a 90-minute guided tour.

Even our kids enjoyed this property and I feel it’s a worthy family-friendly experience and recommend you add it to your list of Wilmington things to do. 

• Address: 503 Market Street
• Website: BellamyMansion.org

If you’re traveling with kids in Wilmington, then one of the most popular attractions for kids in Wilmington is the tour of the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, one of the first of ten battleships to join the American fleet in WWII.

In case you don’t know, during World War II North Carolina participated in every major naval offensive in the Pacific area of operations and earned 15 battle stars.

This battleship was considered the world’s greatest navy ship and you’ll be mesmerized exploring the ship and seeing the sailor’s and officer’s quarters and mess hall, as well as the vast amount of artillery on the expansive deck.

You can tour 9 different levels and arrows guide you along the self-guided tour. See the engine room and learn about navigation!

Off the ship, be sure to walk around the perimeter on the SECU Memorial Walkway – you may even see an alligator or two! The views of Downtown Wilmington opposite the river are impressive. 

Allow at least an hour here, but if you’re really into Navy ships you could easily spend several hours.

• Address: 1 Battleship Road
• Website: BattleShipnc.com

If you like to visit quirky and unique museums, put the Museum of the Bizarre on your itinerary, and if you have a teen like us, she found it particularly interesting!

You only need about 30-60 minutes to tour this small museum in downtown Wilmington which focuses on the strange, unusual or collectable oddity.

On display are life-size movie characters, artifacts like Alexander Hamilton’s hair and Houdini’s ouija board, shrunken heads, bizarre creatures from the Circus like the goat brothers, a cast model of Regan from the exorcist, and a real life cauldron discovered in Pennsylvania that without warning blasts out a fiery steam to make you jump.

Another fun element is the laser trail game and mirror maze with fun music we danced away too as we slowly made our way through the confusing hall of mirrors. 

• Address: 201 South Water Street
• Website: museumbizarre.com

For those that like to browse stories and do a spot of shopping, there is a good selection of local stores in the downtown area and beyond to just wander around.

During your walk along the Riverfront, keep an eye out for the small City Market, a historic landmark and retail destination since 1880. There’s a melange of specialty shops as well as art and craft galleries inside.

Pop into City Gypsy Boutique who sell unique art from over 30 local artisans, fair trade, and boutique items including apparel, accessories, jewelry, crystals, pottery, and home décor, and much more!

Also in downtown Wilmington is the Cotton Exchange which is housed within eight restored buildings connected by brick walkways and an open-air courtyard giving a 19th Century Port City vibe from when Cotton was King – there are 30 unique specialty shops and restaurants.

If you love gardens, you can get lost among the the 67 acre private garden, Airlie Gardens, consisting of formal gardens, walking trails, seasonal blooms, centuries-old oak trees, artistic sculptures and peaceful waterways. 

Over 200 species of birds have been observed within the gardens, and don’t miss the famous Airlie Oak (c.1545), the largest Live Oak in North Carolina at 128 feet high. 

You can also enjoy a seasonal Summer Concert Series and the holiday favorite Enchanted Airlie. 

Spring time is a great time to visit these gardens, as they have 75,000 azaleas that bloom fro  mid-March through mid-April – a site well worth seeing, and smelling!

• Address: 300 Airlie Rd, Wilmington
• Website: AirlieGardens.org

If you’re looking for a hidden gem that not many tourists know about, then I present to you the Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden .

This is exactly what it says on the tin; it’s a garden full of carnivorous plants.

Set on approximately 0.728 acres of land, this tiny garden features only plants that get their nutrients from small animals and protozoans, such as Venus Flytraps, Pitcher Plants and Sundews.

It opened in 2011 and is accessible by walking the Gary Shell Cross-City Trail in the Piney Ridge Nature Reserve. There is a boardwalk that runs through the garden where you can admire the plants from a safe distance, and plenty of signage telling you what you’re looking at.

There’s no entrance fee and no staff managing the garden. If you have kids, make sure they look but don’t touch the plants!

• Address: 3800 Canterbury Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403
• Website: https://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/

Located on the historic north side of downtown Wilmington, the Brooklyn Arts District is anchored by the Brooklyn Arts Center + The Annex.

Our local friend who lives in nearby Carolina Beach took us for a quick tour of this neighborhood and we’d love to explore more.

Originally constructed in 1888 as St. Andrews Church, the Brooklyn Arts Center was the center of Wilmington’s Brooklyn neighborhood for nearly a century and St. Andrews school building was completed in 1910. 

Today, both buildings have been restored and refurbished as an event venue that plays host to live music and concerts, weddings, art shows and vintage flea markets.

Whilst here, be sure to pop into Edward Teach Brewing for a pint of beer. Housed in an historic building that was originally built as a fire engine house, and has also been used as a boxing gym and a police station – there’s a nice outdoor patio area too.

And, just up the road is the local’s favorite ice cream joint, Boombalatti’s Homemade Ice Cream which was a hit with our kids!

This is a cool and evolving neighborhood in Wilmington. It gets its name due to the business being housed inside reused shipping containers and they’ve done a very creative job with the design.

Explore a variety of shopping and dining establishments including End of Days Distillery , Wilmington’s very first craft distillery.

Take a seat – inside or out – in the communal dining courtyard and choose from eight rotating taps at Alcove Beer Garden .

Or, grab a coffee or tea at the Blue Cup Roastery , dine at Mess Hall , which offers a variety of burgers and tasty vegan options, and stop by Cheesesmith for artisanal grilled cheese sandwiches.

During our visit there was also an outdoor market plus live music. This neighborhood reminds me of a similar concept called Container Park in downtown Las Vegas. 

• Address: 1605 Queen St, Wilmington
• Website: CargoDistrict.com

One of the best free things to do in Wilmington is to watch the sunset down by the Wilmington Riverfront, an activity we’ve been doing as a family for years.

You have a few options; the free option is to stroll along the boardwalk and find a spot to watch the sun go down over the river, or you can eat at any of the Wilmington restaurants along the riverfront, or take a sunset cruise.

Be sure to book ahead for one of the restaurants, especially on a weekend or holiday period, as they do get busy and some won’t take you in unless you are eating.

One place we have eaten at many times is Elijah’s Restaurant and they have an affordable kids menu.

We did, however, manage to get a small cocktail table on the deck of the beautifully restored Pilot House Rest to enjoy a sunset drink. Although we had to get our own drinks from the bar, a minor inconvenience to watch the beautiful sunset.

With 20+ breweries in the Wilmington area, beer lovers are not short of a spot for a good pint. 

Flytrap is a popular neighborhood brewery in the booming Brooklyn Arts District – you’ll find some local art hanging on the walls! It’s a family-friendly brewery with a large outdoor beer garden and a lovely spot to rest with an ice cold local brew. 

They specialize in American and Belgian style ales, and I thoroughly enjoyed their light and refreshing Belgian Blonde.

They also have unique natural wines and flavored sparkling waters for the kids. 

Front Street Brewery also serves up quality craft beers, as does the aforementioned Edward Teach Brewing (you can walk here from Flytrap).

Flying Machine Brewing and Wilmington Brewing Company are on my list for when we return. For a full list of breweries go here.  

Wilmington is near three beautiful beaches in North Carolina and once you’re done with the riverfront, one of the most popular things to do in Wilmington is hit up the nearby beaches and take in the serene auro of the Atlantic Ocean. 

Our favorite is Wrightsville Beach, but Carolina Beach to the south is also colorful and very family-friendly. So is Kure Beach and Masonboro Island.

Each beach location has great options for food, and various beach activities you can do like paddle boarding and surfing lessons.

Wrightsville Beach

The closest beach to Raleigh and just 12-miles from downtown Wilmington, Wrightsville is our favorite beach that reminds us so much of back home in Australia.

Known for its laid back coastal living , this is a barrier island (4-miles long) and offers all your beach activities plus watersports on the intracoastal waterway, not to mention some excellent restaurants and bars.

Read More : 1 day itinerary for Wrightsville Beach

Carolina Beach 

Carolina Beach is one of the best family beaches in North Carolina with its famous wooden beach-side boardwalk, restaurants and amusement rides, craft coffees, tiki bars and summer concerts.

This Carolina beach town pops with color and is a fun-loving and free-spirited family destination just 20-minutes from downtown Wilmington.

If you enjoy hiking, there are a few beautiful walks in the Carolina Beach State Park, which are a combination of forest and beach walks. The entire Cape Fear area is full of natural beauty, not just the beach.

Read More : What to do in Carolina Beach 

Located just 18 miles south of Wilmington is the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area . This state park is known for its ruins of Fort Fisher, a former battlement that played a major role during the American Civil War.

It’s also an adventurers playground. You can go four-wheel driving along the beach, walk along the trails through the salt marshes, surf from the beach, or go camping.

In the warm months, the beach is also known to be a nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles.

• Address: 1000 Loggerhead Rd, Kure Beach, NC 28449
• Website: https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/fort-fisher-state-recreation-area

On a hot summers day, the best place to cool off is at Jungle Rapids, a water park and amusement park in Wilmington. The park is only open from May to September, so check the park’s website before visiting for opening hours.

Zip down water slides, challenge your friends to a game of laser tag, or compete in a game of mini-golf. There are also go-karts, mini bowling, and a rock climbing wall.

• Address: 5320 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403
• Website: https://junglerapids.com/

The Cape Fear Museum is a well curated, interactive museum dedicated to history and science.

It offers a mix of temporary and permanent exhibitions, telling the story of some of science’s greatest achievements.

You can learn about the history and discoveries of the Hubble Space Telescope, learn about Cape Fear’s history, the anatomy of the Giant Ground Sloth, or learn about space exploration.

They also have hands-on STEM exhibits for kids, and hold regular workshops and educational programs for little ones, too!

• Address: 814 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401
• Website: https://www.nhcgov.com/548/Cape-Fear-Museum

For those who are fascinated by railroad travel, the Wilmington Railroad Museum has a great collection of vintage trails and railroad memorabilia.

You can climb abroad a 100-year-old steam locomotive, learn about the people who worked on the railroads in Wilmington, and let your kids play with the model train set!

• Address: 505 Nutt St. Wilmington, NC 28401
• Website: https://www.wrrm.org /

If you’re looking for things to do at night, then you can’t go wrong with watching a show at one of the most historic theaters in NC.

Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts was built in 1858 and features a combination of Classical Revival and Late Victorian design elements.

It often has community theater programs, especially musical theater, and there’s also a cinema.

Check the website to see what’s on when you visit.

• Address: 310 Chestnut St, Wilmington, NC 28401
• Website: https://www.thalianhall.org/community-theatre

Restaurants in Wilmington NC

There are plenty of places to eat in Wilmington to satisfy all food tastes, whether you desire traditional Southern cuisine, seafood, Mexican, pub style burgers – you name it, it’s all here in Wilmington!

There are over 40 locally owned restaurants in Wilmington in the River District alone lining the Riverwalk, Front Street, and beyond. 

Here are some places we ate and loved!

If you visit Wilmington on the weekend and crave brunch, one of the most popular brunch spots in Wilmington is The Basics on N Front Street.

Here you’ll find a wide variety of Southern inspired breakfast dishes including crab cake benedict, and cajun shrimp and grits, but other breakfast favorites like Mediterranean scrambled eggs, and blueberry pancakes. And, brunch always pairs nicely with a delicious dragon fruit mimosa or Irish coffee!

Booking your table ahead is recommended, or arrive a few minutes before the 10am opening time as this place gets busy.

• Address: 319 N Front St
• Website: TheBasicsWilmington.com

As an Australian, how can I pass up the opportunity to dine at a restaurant named after one of our favorite native animals, and what makes this a worthy place to eat in Wilmington is its unique focus on exotic game meats and burgers!

Menu favorites include wild boar, elk and bison. We ordered the two most popular items on the menu: the elk burger and the ostrich sandwich , and our teen enjoyed her juicy Bacon Bacon burger . 

And, the smoky wild boar soup was delicious, choose to have a bowl for an appetizer or sub it in as your main meal’s side for an extra price. 

They even have our favorite Aussie meat, kangaroo on the menu occasionally – we missed it by a week. 

NOTE: they have extensive gluten free options, almost every item on the menu could be adapted, even with gluten free chicken tenders for the kids!

• Address : 9. S Front St
• Website: PlatypusAndGnome.com

The fact that we couldn’t get a table at Seabird tells you that this is one of the best restaurants in Wilmington, and came highly recommended by our Instagram followers when we put the call out for recommendations. 

This historic downtown Wilmington restaurant has a focus on a seasonal seafood menu with ingredients found in North Carolina.

Tastefully decorated and a modern space with full-length subway tiles, blue toned aquatic artwork on the walls, porthole windows on the swinging doors into the kitchen, and blue upholstered chairs. 

While we didn’t eat here, we did find a way to experience Seabird – we were thrilled to discover that they’re another great coffee option in Wilmington with baristas who know how to make a proper latte, so snuck back one morning. And, they use Counter Culture Coffee from Durham.

Seabird has a limited breakfast menu plus grab-and-go biscuits and pastries. Book ahead for dining in. 

• Address: 1 S Front St, Wilmington
• Website: Seabirdnc.com

If you love tacos and margaritas, grab a seat at one of the colorful tables on the sidewalk (or indoors) and enjoy this craft-beer infused Mexican restaurant. 

With choices like a catfish po’boy and beer braised beef tacos and pulled pork on your nachos, bowls and burritos, there’s a Southern flair. And the food is colorful, affordable, and unusually large for a taco!

Beer is the other focus of this restaurant with a local brew finding its way into almost every dish! 

And, they even had a delicious French toast dish on the brunch menu which our exceptionally fussy tween eater devoured. Note: Sundays has an all-day brunch menu. 

• Address: 34 N Front
• Website : BeerBarrionc.com

Speaking of popular restaurants, you won’t find a more in-demand Wilmington restaurant than Indochine, a Thai and Vietnamese restaurant located a 10-minute drive from historic downtown.

We’ve attempted to eat here twice now, with no booking, and the wait time was estimated at 2-3 hours each time. As we were driving back to Raleigh both evenings, that was too long so opted for takeout.

We lived in Bangkok for 6 months teaching English and LOVE Thai food and were excited to put Indochine to the test, and while waiting for our order did a walk through of the interior and exterior and the exotic, art-filled setting with a gorgeous outdoor garden and gazebo area it took us back to our days in Thailand. 

Let us know if you’ve dined at Indochine in the comments? Next time we’ll make a booking well ahead of time, and recommend you do too!

• Address: 7 Wayne Dr, Wilmington
• Website: IndochineWilmington.com

Located in an industrial brick building, this restaurant and bar focuses on hearty Southern staples with their fried chicken being a stand out (huge portions), and the mashed potato is incredible.

Other popular dishes include the Loaded Cheese Fries, Cheesy grits, Shrimp or catfish Poorboys, fried green tomato BLT, fried cabbage, and the burger!

Sit on the sidewalk, indoors, at the bar, or in their nice courtyard space. Variety of cocktails and beer on offer!

• Address: 225 S Water St Suite G & H, Wilmington
• Website: RoosterandTheCrow.com

Opened since 1995, this downtown Wilmington restaurant and microbrewery offers upgraded pub grub, house beers and daily tours of the brewery.

Front Street Brewery is North Carolina’s 7th brewery to open and Wilmington’s longest operating brewery. With nearly 20 breweries now in the area, FSB is still the Original! 

Enjoy made from scratch food and craft beer pairings in a historic building on, you guessed it, Front Street.

• Address: 9 N Front St, Wilmington
• Website: FrontStreetBrewery.com

Besides the aforementioned Boombalatti’s, the other local favorite ice cream shop is Kilwins and you can’t escape the irresistible smell as you wander past on Market St towards the riverfront, your kids will drag you in there in an instant.

We’ve been taking our 14 year old to Kilwins since she was two, so it’s a very nostalgic place for us to revisit with each trip to Wilmington. 

And it’s not just ice cream here, there’s a very tempting selection of chocolates and dozens of fresh confections and treats on display – you’ve been warned! 

• Address: 16 Market Street
• Website : Kilwins.com

For another treat, take your kids to Wake n’ Bake Donuts in downtown Wilmington. They make Voodoo Doughnut style with gourmet fillings and unusual flavors. They also bake a gluten-free donut for those who are intolerant like Caroline, which wasn’t too bad.

• Address: 114 Princess St, Wilmington
• Website: Wakenbakedonuts.com

Other places to eat in Wilmington

We haven’t personally dined at the below listed restaurants, but they come recommended from our online community. On our list for next time:

• Cape Fear Seafood Company
• The Copper Penny
• Slice of Life Pizzeria & Pub
• Taqueria Los Portales

If you are looking for accommodation in Wilmington, our hotel of choice is typically the Embassy Suites by Hilton Riverfront . It’s possibly the nicest of the Embassy Suites we’ve stayed in, modern and stylishly decorated. 

The location is great, an easy 10-minute walk to downtown along the riverfront, and your stay comes with a buffet breakfast that has a decent array of offerings including omelet’s made to order, pancakes, grits and pastries. 

Their suites are spacious and great for families like ours, and if you work remotely you’ll appreciate the living room/office space. 

They also have afternoon happy hours, where you can get two drinks, including standard well drinks, and the Cloud 9 Rooftop bar is a top spot for sunset drinks and panoramic views over the river. See current rates here.

For other hotels in Wilmington, we liked the look of The Ballast Hotel a block up the river and a little more expensive. The Aloft and Best Western were also next door to the Embassy and looked good – location wise at least!

And, if you want to stay in Wrightsville Beach and drive into Wilmington, you can’t beat the Blockade Runner Beach Resort for the ultimate beach vacation!

The port city of Wilmington is in the Southeastern corner of North Carolina in New Hanover County and is a popular coastal city with a current population of about 124,892 (2024).

If you’re wondering how far is Wilmington NC from Raleigh, it’s almost directly south (about a 2 hour drive), 3.5 hours drive Southeast of Charlotte, and about 1.5 hours Northeast of Myrtle Beach.

To get to Wilmington from Raleigh, you can either drive or get a bus. There is a Greyhound Bus that takes 3 hours 5 minutes and departs from Raleigh Bus Station and New Bern Avenue.

If you prefer to drive, drive along the I-40 E from N Blount St and Hammond Rd, and it will take you directly to Wilmington – easy!

Click here for rates and availability if you need a rental car.

Fun Fact: Interstate 40 (I-40) starts or ends in Wilmington and goes all the way to Barstow, California. At a length of 2,556.61 miles, I-40 is the third largest component in the interstate highway system. We have driven it as far as Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Want more inspiration on activities and things to do in Wilmington? Watch our video on what we got up to on our vacation there!

With rich history and plenty of charm, we like to say that Wilmington, North Carolina, is a smaller version of Charleston or Savannah – oodles of Southern Charm with a vibrant, unique personality and plenty to do. 

In this guide, we’ve focused mostly on the historic Wilmington Riverfront District, plus other districts within a short drive. We’ve of course added the two closest beaches, which you must make sure you visit if this is your first trip to Wilmington.

I hope this guide helped you figure out what to do in Wilmington and gave you some inspiration. If you have any questions, please leave a comment down below.

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