Experience the magic of North Carolina's coast! Wilmington, NC and its three stunning island beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach - offer incredible attractions, restaurants, water sports, and outdoor adventures perfect for families and beach lovers.
Historic downtown Wilmington captivates visitors with its cobblestone streets, antebellum mansions, and vibrant riverfront district. Wilmington's Riverwalk ranks as the top attraction, featuring scenic Cape Fear River views, restaurants, and shops. The Historic District showcases beautifully preserved architecture, while popular attractions include Airlie Gardens, Battleship North Carolina, and Bellamy Mansion Museum.
Annual festivals like Riverfest and the world-famous North Carolina Azalea Festival attract crowds year-round, making Wilmington NC entertainment diverse and exciting. Family attractions include interactive museums, aquariums, nature centers, riverfront parks, and seasonal events like outdoor movies and farmers markets.
Wrightsville Beach NC stands as the premier destination for water sports and beach activities. Top activities include grabbing coffee from Hidden Grounds and shopping at the Cargo District. Wrightsville Beach offers sailboat tours, Masonboro Island excursions, and waterfront dining at the Oceanic pier restaurant. This beach town excels in surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, and sailing opportunities.
Greenfield Lake Park provides scenic destinations just south of historic downtown, offering peaceful hiking trails and nature photography opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Carolina Beach Boardwalk features amusement park rides, seasonal events, fireworks, restaurants, bars, and shopping in a vintage seaside setting. Carolina Beach State Park, located 12 miles south of Wilmington, spans 761 acres with marina facilities and nearly 9 miles of hiking trails. The park serves as home to the unique Venus flytrap and offers diverse habitats with Cape Fear River views.
Carolina Beach State Park features nearly 9 miles of easy-to-walk trails winding through distinct habitats, including bike-friendly paths. Freeman Park Recreation Area welcomes 4WD vehicles for beach driving adventures, while Kure Beach provides quieter family-friendly coastal experiences.
Wilmington NC restaurants range from casual beachside grills to upscale riverfront dining establishments. The historic downtown district features farm-to-table restaurants, craft breweries, and international cuisine options. Beach town restaurants specialize in fresh seafood, with tiki bars and waterfront establishments creating perfect settings for sunset dining.
Carolina Beach State Park marina provides excellent boating access, while numerous other marinas throughout the area support fishing charters, sailing, and water sports rentals. Hiking trails near Wilmington include maritime forest paths, river trails, and coastal nature preserves.
Fitness centers and gyms throughout Wilmington and beach communities offer modern facilities, while outdoor fitness opportunities include beach volleyball, surfing lessons, and nature-based activities.
Whether seeking historic charm, beach relaxation, or outdoor adventures, Wilmington NC and surrounding beaches deliver authentic coastal experiences. Spring and fall are considered ideal visiting seasons, though the mild climate makes year-round exploration enjoyable. From downtown Wilmington's cultural attractions to three distinct island beaches, this region provides endless opportunities for memorable North Carolina coast adventures.
231,214 people live in New Hanover County / Wilmington , where the median age is 40.1 and the average individual income is $46,083. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
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There's plenty to do around New Hanover County / Wilmington , including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Imaginary Cakes, Sugar Crystals Baking Company, and Eat at Eastside.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining · $$ | 3.17 miles | 15 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 3.26 miles | 10 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 2.9 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Shopping | 4.02 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 4.23 miles | 12 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.55 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 4.06 miles | 13 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.69 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.88 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 3.39 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 2.33 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 2.98 miles | 9 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.68 miles | 9 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 2.44 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 3.18 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 3.14 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
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New Hanover County / Wilmington has 102,376 households, with an average household size of 2.2. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in New Hanover County / Wilmington do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 231,214 people call New Hanover County / Wilmington home. The population density is 1,202.64 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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