Surrounded by the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean, Wilmington is home to unique ecosystems and coastal environments, inviting exploration along its numerous and scenic park trails and pathways that crisscross the best of the Carolina coast. 

Enhance the romance this Valentine’s Day and escape to Wilmington, where you can explore the scenic Riverwalk, unwind during a spa day with your significant other and enjoy a weekend of relaxation, adventure and delicious dining.

February is the month of love, but that celebration is not reserved just for couples. Born as a pop culture reference during a 2010 episode of “Parks and Recreation,” Galentine’s Day (February 13) has become an occasion for women to come together and rejoice in the bonds of friendship.

Wilmington is ready to rock with concerts, festivals and other events that have been a trademark of the destination for decades. With so many exciting and varied events to choose from, a getaway here will certainly prove to be much more than just a typical coastal vacation.

Having covered the Wilmington film industry for more than seven years as a journalist, I can almost guarantee that you’ve been scared by something that was shot in Wilmington.

Scuba Diving magazine Readers Choice Awards consistently rank North Carolina as a top spot for U.S. wreck-diving. The coastal waters surrounding Wilmington and its island beaches afford a bevy of shipwrecks that interpret the region’s maritime heritage. In this two-part series, Dr. Gordon P. Watts, Jr. (N.C.’s first underwater archaeologist) takes us on a dive back in time to explore sunken blockade runners.

Discover Wilmington’s storied past and present with a wide variety of notable historical and cultural attractions to explore from colonial-era residences to what was once considered the world’s greatest sea weapon. Take a tour of the city’s historic sites to be transported back in time or wander through one of the many museums to get a look inside the area’s history, science, art and more, making for perfect indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy.

Thanks to easy access via numerous interstates, Wilmington—and its three island beaches—is the perfect quick-trip destination for road trippers from both North Carolina and nearby states.

For centuries, African Americans were in the majority in the Wilmington area. So, if you want to understand the region’s history, then you need to study the experiences and contributions of our Black community members.  Cape Fear Museum can help!

Finding a perfect and safe place to stay for your summer vacation doesn’t have to stress you out. From full-service hotels and resorts with amenities to cozy vacation rentals, bed and breakfasts, boutique hotels and more, Wilmington and its island beaches offer a wide array of accommodation options