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Wilmington Travel Guide

Travel here like a pro.
Last Updated
:
January 1, 2024
by
Editorial Staff
Static Shot Over Highways and Downtown City Skyline Wilmington Delaware
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As regular folks on a budget, when our colleagues said they’d found cheap flights to Wilmington, North Carolina we thought – isn’t that just some sleepy Southern town we’d wander around for 30 minutes before getting bored? Well, strap in folks…because this little river city packs a punch far above its small size class!

Between waterfront walks, free house peeking at antebellum mansions, getting starstruck on Hollywood of the East movie sets and stuffing ourselves silly with mouthwatering BBQ, we felt like we’d stumbled into a Southern fairy tale village! And did we mention the beaches?? We may or may not have taken a few wrong turns but finding ourselves on sandy shores with that famous Southern sun shining down felt just right.

And the adventures in Wilmington don’t stop in town – beyond the city limits we traded tall buildings for winding rivers through otherworldly marshes. As our trusty riverboat captain told bad jokes over the PA we saw dolphins playing alongside as though giving us their own little “welcome to Wilmington!” show.

We won’t even get started on the seriously legit food scene because we’re getting hungry just thinking about it…Besides, did we mention the beaches? And the best part…experiencing all this Southern charm and hospitality that won’t break the bank. So if you’re looking for a big bang for your travel bucks with a good dose of downhome fun added in, Wilmington just might be your next overlooked diamond in the rough! Stick around for more insider tips for planning an amazing getaway on the cheap.

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About Wilmington

Aerial view of Downtown in Wilmington, North Carolina
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Wilmington is a thriving coastal city that is based in North Carolina. The town has a unique southern vibe and offers a variety of activities for tourists. The town has a rich history and is a popular beach vacation destination.

Wilmington was once a major port town. The town is a great place for visitors to learn about history and visit historical sites. It is also a great place for family fun. The city has an exciting riverfront with shops and restaurants.

Downtown Wilmington is home to a 230-block historic district. This district is filled with live oak-lined streets and beautiful Victorian and antebellum architecture. The district is one of the largest in the country.

Downtown Wilmington is home to hundreds of local shops and restaurants. Shops along the waterfront offer art galleries, antiques, and local handmade products. Many of the shops are small boutiques.

A favorite downtown activity is the old-fashioned trolley ride. This 45-minute tour takes you past local museums and past Bellamy Mansion.

Another great way to explore Wilmington’s historic district is to take a horse drawn carriage ride. This is an easy way to learn about the town’s history and to get some exercise.

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Why Go to Wilmington

Wilmington, North Carolina
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Located along the Cape Fear River, Wilmington is a coastal town with a rich history. It’s a culturally diverse city with a plethora of activities for visitors. Whether you’re visiting for the day, a weekend, or a week, you’ll find plenty to do.

Wilmington was a center for the arts. The Historic District is a beautiful collection of cobbled streets and historic homes. You can explore the district by bike, walking, or even horse-drawn carriage.

The Wilmington Railroad Museum has a collection of artifacts, including a 100-year-old steam engine. There are also a number of interactive exhibits for kids. There are also real cabooses on display. The museum is open by appointment.

Wilmington was once the largest American film and television production center behind Los Angeles. You can enjoy an old-fashioned trolley ride that will take you past many popular film locations.

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is a favorite among families. You’ll find exhibits that focus on the Cape Fear River and freshwater and saltwater species. You can also go to the Kiddie Splash Pool.

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Best Time to Go

Downtown Wilmington, NC at night
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Located on the Atlantic coast of North Carolina, Wilmington is a city that is rich in history, culture, and nature. While Wilmington is an excellent place to visit in any season, summer is a great time to go. During this season, the weather is pleasant and the rates for accommodations and travel are reasonable. However, the weather can be quite humid, so it is a good idea to visit during a time when the weather is not at its hottest.

Aside from being an excellent port city, Wilmington also has some notable landmarks. One of the city’s most iconic sights is the battleship Delaware, which dates back to the early twentieth century.

Another sight that deserves a mention is the city’s signature art museum, the Cameron Art Museum. It is located at 3201 South 17th St., and features a collection of permanent works by renowned artists.

The city is also home to the Thalian Center for the Performing Arts, a 19th century-themed grand hall that is the home of Shakespearean plays, musicals, and special films.

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How to Get Around

Wilmington on map
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Getting around Wilmington is easy, thanks to a multitude of public transportation options. It is a relatively compact city, making it easy to get around by foot. There are also plenty of bike trails, and many are located right in the city.

The Wilmington train station is one of the busiest in the country. It is part of the Amtrak network, with trains heading north to New York City, and south to Baltimore. It is also home to a number of Amtrak Northeast Regional trains, which travel to Philadelphia.

Wilmington is also served by Greyhound bus lines, which operate out of the train station. The station is located at 505 Cando Street. These buses operate from Monday to Friday, with shorter service on weekends.

One of the best ways to get around Wilmington is on the Port City Trolley. The trolley is free, and runs every 20 minutes on weekdays and every 40 minutes on weekends. The trolley stops at many of the city’s main attractions.

The Wilmington Riverfront is a local hotspot, and visitors can choose from a variety of restaurants. The area is also home to several outlet shops.

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Best Restaurants

Best Restaurants in Wilmington
Brasserie du Soleil

Whether you are looking for a high-class restaurant or a place with great drinks, Wilmington, NC has what you need. Wilmington restaurants range from traditional American fare to exotic cuisines.

There are a number of restaurants in Wilmington that serve French, Italian, and Japanese food. Wilmington restaurants are known for their fresh seafood. Restaurants also serve vegetarian and vegan options.

A few of the top restaurants in Wilmington include the Brasserie du Soleil, Fifth and Castle, Roko Italian Cusine, and Indochine. Each has a unique, elegant atmosphere and great food.

The Brasserie du Soleil has a classic French-European menu. The Fifth and Castle features upscale comfort food. It’s also known for its signature cocktails.

The Roko Italian Cusine uses fresh local ingredients. The menu includes classic northern Italian dishes. The restaurant’s menu changes seasonally. The menu features a variety of vegetarian options, as well as gluten-free options.

Another Wilmington, NC restaurant that serves seafood is the Seabird Cafe. It offers seafood from local fishermen. This restaurant is located in Marina Village along the Wilmington Riverwalk. The menu features a wide range of seafood, including fried oyster chopped salad, clam spaghetti, smoked catfish, and oyster pie. The restaurant also has a full bar.

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Things to Do

Wilmington, North Carolina Riverwalk
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Located in southern North Carolina, Wilmington is a city that offers plenty of things to do and see. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, including museums, parks, shopping, and more. Wilmington is also a great place to visit with children.

In addition to shopping, Wilmington offers a wide range of restaurants. Some of the best options include Elijah’s Restaurant, Taqueria Los Portales, and Flaming Amys. Elijah’s serves an affordable kids menu. Taqueria Los Portales offers authentic Mexican cuisine.

You can also visit the Wilmington Riverwalk. This walkway runs along the Cape Fear River. The walkway is a popular place for strolling and dining. There are also a number of historic buildings along the walk.

The Cotton Exchange, located on Front Street, is a shopping area with shops that sell local arts and crafts, as well as antiques and other products. There are 30 specialty shops here.

Another popular activity is the old-fashioned trolley ride. This trolley takes you past local museums and buildings, including the Bellamy Mansion.

Another Wilmington attraction is the Museum of the Bizarre. This museum features life-size movie characters and other strange oddities. It also has an exhibit featuring a real cauldron discovered in Pennsylvania.

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Neighborhoods to Know

Buildings and Homes Wilmington North Carolina
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Whether you’re looking for waterfront views, a peaceful break from the city center, or access to the beach, you’ll find the perfect neighborhood to suit your needs in Wilmington, North Carolina. A growing community, this coastal city has undergone decades of residential development and is now a hub for artists and other creative professionals.

Known as one of the most affordable seaside communities in the Eastern U.S., Wilmington is a family-friendly neighborhood. Residents enjoy easy access to Fort Fisher, Carolina Beach, and Wrightsville Beach. It is also home to a number of upscale shops, restaurants, and businesses.

The Water Street neighborhood offers a great view of the Cape Fear River. It is also close to many amenities, including Cape Fear Community College, the Cape Fear Museum of Natural Science and History, and Echo Farms Golf and Country Club. It also has an abundance of historic homes.

The Cape neighborhood is a great option for new homeowners or those looking to upgrade. The community offers seven miles of private streets, perfect for biking, walking, and golfing with your neighbors. You’ll also find access to clean, uncrowded beaches. It’s also close to Carolina Beach and Kure Beach. It’s an ideal neighborhood for young couples and established families looking to settle down.

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Weather

Wilmington, North Carolina
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Located on the Atlantic Ocean, Wilmington, NC, US is an attractive destination for visitors seeking the sun and sand. However, it can also be hot and humid during the summer months. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid the heat and enjoy a more comfortable visit.

Wilmington, NC, US, enjoys a growing season that typically lasts from February to November. There are few months where the average rainfall accumulates over the course of the month. This is due in part to the area’s topography, which is a flat, relatively flat region. Within 50 miles of Wilmington, the region is covered by water (44), trees (35), and artificial surfaces (87%).

The average monthly rainfall is not as significant as one might expect. However, there are some months with higher rain totals than others. These include November, which has an average rainfall of 2.9 inches. It’s also the month with the lowest average rainfall of all the other months.

The Wilmington weather forecast for the next week consists of little or no precipitation. A high pressure cell will deliver dry skies through Tuesday.

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Editorial Staff
Editorial Staff at TravelMasta is a team of travel knowers led by Tengku Adam with over 6 years of experience. We have been learning about travel since 2017, and we are optimistic about becoming the largest travel resource site in the industry.

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