One Weekend In Wilmington: A 3-day Wilmington Itinerary
Wilmington is easily one of the most beautiful cities on the North Carolina coast but is often forgotten by many travelers. It is a superb place for relaxing and learning about history, with a peaceful atmosphere with idyllic beaches, hiking trails, marshlands, and enough history to be the first-ever American World War II Heritage Site. This weekend guide to Wilmington will showcase all the best features this city has to offer, plus all the insider tips.
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Table of Contents
How do I get to Wilmington?
To get to Wilmington, visitors have the option to drive themselves, which is a gorgeous drive once off the highways, or fly. Wilmington International Airport (ILM), is just outside of the city and is the closest and most convenient by far. Once arrived, visitors can take a cab, take the Wave Bus 207, or rent a car to drive the downtown area.
Tip!! Use the DiscoverCars search engine to find the best deals on rental cars in Wilmington!
What is the best time to visit Wilmington?
Wilmington is best enjoyed with good weather conditions. March-May and September-November are when rates are usually at the lowest, and temperatures aren’t as humid. Summertime is considered the high season, which brings the most crowds and hottest temperatures.
While Wilmington is in the southern part of the country, visiting during the winter months may bring a damper to your trip due to colder weather conditions. Winters in North Carolina can often be frigid.
Where should I stay in Wilmington?
When visiting North Carolina, there are 2 main choices for accommodation: downtown or beachfront.
If you want a more peaceful or relaxed vibe, staying at Wrightsville beach is your best option. There are various guesthouses and hotels all up the coast, such as the Blockade Runner Beach Resort.
Or you can stay downtown and have easier access to transport and locations within the city. Visitors can even opt to stay waterfront here by the riverwalk at the Embassy Suites Wilmington Riverfront Hotel, boasting a rooftop bar and free breakfast.
Sample 3-Day Wilmington Weekend Itinerary
Day 1 in Wilmington:
Morning:
Start your weekend in Wilmington by hopping on a boat to Masonboro Island Reserve, which is only 5 miles away. This is a great start to the day as you are surrounded by nature and flourishing plants and wildlife. Walk around, take it all in, and see how many different animals you can spot.
Afternoon:
Head back to the mainland, straight to Wrightsville Beach. The most popular beach in the Wilmington area is the ideal place to spend the afternoon. Eat some lunch at one of the various beachfront restaurants, and then take a dip in the ocean and kick back for a while.
Evening:
After a peaceful day filled with nature and outdoor activities, spend the night out in Wilmington at the Mayfaire Town Center. This is one of the top places to spend an evening, as there is a movie theater, wonderful places to eat, and many stores to make your shopping experience just a little better than usual.
Day 2 in Wilmington:
Morning:
Begin your second day in Wilmington at one of the top parks in all of North Carolina, Carolina Beach State Park. Head south and nature lovers will get the chance to see a real-life Venus Flytrap in the wild, which is uncommon in most state parks. Hiking options and swimming are available too, so there is something for everyone.
Afternoon:
After your nature fix for the day, continue south to Kure Beach. As this beach is not as popular as the previous Wrightsville Beach, there will be less people, has beautiful views, and a pier. Eat some lunch at one of the various beachfront restaurants, and then take a dip in the ocean and kick back for a while.
Evening:
Stay late on the beach to catch a beautiful sunset on the coastline, and then head back to downtown Wilmington. Plan ahead and make reservations at the Pork City Chop House, one of the best steakhouses in the state. This is by far one of the greatest meals one can have in Wilmington. After dinner, most likely it will be ready for bed.
Day 3 in Wilmington:
Morning:
First, grab a coffee to start your morning at Bitty & Beau’s. A cherished coffee house in Wilmington that helps promote and acknowledge people with disabilities. After spending a lot of time in nature, opt to go downtown for your final day in Wilmington. Start your morning by the seas at the USS North Carolina Battleship. This is one of the greatest Navy Vessels in the United States ever used, and is open for daily tours, inside and out; it’s definitely an impressive site!
Afternoon:
Next, head over to the Wilmington Riverwalk. There are a lot of great things to see, and free things as well that one can take part in all afternoon here. Walk the Riverwalk itself, and try out the different attractions all around. You never know what you might see. There are various restaurants and cafes all around the area as well to eat lunch or take a rest.
Evening:
A visit to Wilmington isn’t complete without a night spent in the Historic District. Learn about real American history and discover the historic roots of the city, see vintage homes, and churches that are still in fabulous shape for their age. You can even take a tour through the district on a carriage or trolley. There are various restaurants and shops throughout the area, so don’t forget any souvenirs you may want to take home.
Looking to add a little competition into your last night in Wilmington?! Try a scavenger hunt around the city.
Other things to do in Wilmington
- Kayaking on Zeke’s Island: Another nearby island, Zeke’s Island, is perfect if you are looking for a relaxing, calm afternoon. Take out a kayak or canoe, and paddle around the island admiring the scenery. Make sure you stay for a sunset on the shoreline.
- North Carolina Aquarium: If traveling to Wilmington with kids, a stop at the aquarium is a must!
- Cameron Art Museum: One of the most impressive things in Wilmington. If you are interested in Art and History, this is a great place to visit. It is also in the same place where ‘Battle of Forks Road’ took place.
- Cotton Exchange Shopping Center: If you love shopping, then this is a ‘can’t miss’ spot when in Wilmington. The mall has shops and boutiques, unlike chain and retail stores, full of southern charm. There are also multiple restaurants and pubs for a quick bite or drink.
- New Hanover County Arboretum: The best tourist attraction in Wilmington for plant lovers, the Arboretum is a must-visit. It is filled with different gardens, all for different climates, each with its own vibe and atmosphere. It is a great place to clear your mind or relax.
Other Tips to know before visiting Wilmington:
While Wilmington is a very pedestrian-friendly city, it is still too big to be on foot the entire time. There are public buses within Wilmington, but you may consider a rental car for more convenience.
KEEP READING:: Want to explore more of the beautiful Southeast? Check out this Fall Waterfall road trip through TN, NC, and GA or spend another NC weekend in Asheville!
3-day Wilmington, NC Weekend Trip Itinerary Recap:
- Day 1: Masonboro Island, Wrightsville Beach, Mayfaire Town Center
- Day 2: Carolina Beach State Park, Kure Beach, Pork City Chophouse
- Day 3: Bitty and Beau’s, NC USS battleship, Wilmington Riverwalk, Historic Wilmington
One Weekend In Wilmington Isn’t Enough
As you can see, there’s SO much to do in Wilmington that one weekend would never be enough to see it all. You can customize your 3-day Wilmington itinerary based on what interests you. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of entertaining activities to create your own fun-filled, jam-packed adventure weekend in Wilmington!
What else would you add to this “One Weekend in Wilmington” Itinerary?
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