Stretching nearly two miles from Nun Street to the Isabella Holmes Bridge, Historic Downtown Wilmington's Riverwalk winds along the picturesque Cape Fear River and features local boutiques, markets, cafes, art galleries and scenic cruises just steps off the walkway. Developed in the early 1980s, the Riverwalk features a number of excellent restaurants, along with a vibrant collection of sculptures and murals by local artists, including a 15-foot-tall Venus flytrap sculpture. Discover everything you need to know with this guide to exploring the Riverwalk.

Starting on the South End

Near the intersection of Nun and South Water Street, the southern end of the Riverwalk is filled with restaurants, specialty shops and much more. Explore Chandler’s Wharf, an upscale historic shopping and dining complex featuring local eateries and boutique stores. Browse artisan shops, handcrafted jewelry and unique gifts. For curious minds, visit the Museum of the Bizarre, located just off the Riverwalk. This museum is home to unusual exhibits, including Houdini’s Ouija Board and the Crystal Skull of Knowledge. You can also challenge yourself and your friends to the laser vault challenge, one of the museum’s interactive exhibits for a memorable adventure.

Wilmington Water Tours sets off on the southern end of the Riverwalk offering daily cruises along the Cape Fear River. Whether you prefer a historic, narrated tour or a serene sunset ride, there’s a cruise to suit every interest. For added charm, book a boat ride with live music and immerse yourself in the captivating scenery on the waterfront. The Bizzy Bee Water Taxi transports visitors up the Riverwalk from the Chandler’s Wharf Dock to Market Street and across the Cape Fear River to Battleship NORTH CAROLINA. The refurbished WWII-era vessel is moored on the other side of the waterway, creating Instagrammable views visible from the Riverwalk.

 

Anchoring the southern end of the Riverwalk, Pilot House Restaurant is one of the oldest continually operating restaurants in downtown. This traditional seafood spot stands as the Riverwalk's sole bar and is known for its unparalleled riverside views and patio sunsets. The neighboring Elijah’s Oyster and Fish Camp has been a local favorite for classic fish and seafood dishes since 1984. The George on the Riverwalk showcases seasonal options with an outdoor dining space that provides unparalleled views of Battleship NORTH CAROLINA. For specialty cocktails, visit Sauce’d and indulge in delicious drinks and its famous french fries while overlooking the waterfront.

 

Meet in the Middle

As you continue along the Riverwalk towards the intersection of Market and Water Street, you'll discover the heart of downtown Wilmington with unique landmarks, local eateries and shops, as well as iconic works of art. Here, you'll find "Southern Hospitality,” a 15-foot-high Venus flytrap sculpture that highlights the indigenous species. Close by, fans of the popular TV show, One Tree Hill  can stop by the  “Naley Bench,” where Nathan famously gave Haley the Cracker Jack bracelet. Take a self-guided walking tour to explore other nearby filming locations to recreate other epic scenes from the show. For a more in-depth look at local landmarks featured in popular film and TV productions, join a local guide on the Wilmywood Movie and TV Location Walk starting along the Riverwalk. This tour visits film sets and locations, highlighting why the area has been dubbed "Hollywood East."

 

For a guided tour of the area's historic homes and downtown neighborhood, Springbrook Farms, located at the foot of Market Street offers walk-up horse-drawn carriage tours with rescued Percheron draft horses. Hear the eerie tales of Wilmington's past on the Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington. The nightly walking tour starts at the ghost walk sign found near the intersection of Market and Water Streets. Cape Fear Riverboats, Wilmington’s oldest continuously running river cruise, offers year-round sightseeing tours and sunset cruises aboard the Henrietta, a two-story vessel docked along the Riverwalk.

 

While exploring the Riverwalk along Market Street, you'll come across a variety of unique shops offering keepsakes to memorialize your trip. The Black Cat Shoppe is a locally-owned store filled with unusual toys and fun novelty gifts for all ages. Close by, Edge of Urge offers fun, unique items including handmade and independent designer clothing, gifts and jewelry. Candles Etc. is an eclectic shop with artistic finds featuring a large selection of smoke-free candles made on-site. Stop in to smell one of its signature scents, Riverwalk Stroll, named after the historic locale.

 

For a unique dining experience, enjoy a private balcony overlooking the Riverwalk at Floriana, an Italian bistro serving dishes made with seasonal ingredients sourced from local purveyors. Or, dine directly on the water at Anne Bonny's Bar and Grill, Wilmington's only floating restaurant. Located at the foot of Dock Street, the transformed barge becomes enclosed during the colder months for a year-round experience. Across the Riverwalk from Anne Bonny's, Lazy Jack's Ice Cream Shack is a seasonal walk-up ice cream shop offering soft-serve creations. A few more steps north on the Riverwalk,GelaRto scoops up award-winning gelato and sorbet.

Nearing the North End

The journey along the Riverwalk continues towards the northern end, perfect for peaceful strolls along the river. Conlon Pier is a popular spot for catching views of the waterway and is the only place along the Riverwalk where fishing is allowed. Further along, Port City Marina, a full-service marina for large and small vessels, features The Pier at Port City Marina, which provides breathtaking views and hosts Friday Night Live! on the Pier, a summer concert series. Embarking from the marina, BrewBoat is a 100% green paddleboat cruise where passengers provide the pedal power that propels the boat along the Cape Fear River, or rely on the boat’s solar-powered electric motor to experience the unique views of the Riverwalk.

 

A few steps off the Riverwalk, the Wilmington Railroad Museum highlights the history of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. See model trains in action, explore a life-size caboose and ring the bell of a 100-year-old steam locomotive.

Anchoring the northern end of the Riverwalk, Riverfront Park is a 6.63-acre waterfront park featuring a large plaza, playground, garden, trails and a seasonal water feature. The park's outdoor amphitheater, Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park, is a state-of-the-art Live Nation venue hosting national touring acts.

Enjoy the scenic views of the northern end of the Riverwalk at aView Rooftop Bistro or Cloud 9, both provide sweeping views of the Cape Fear River and are perfect spots to enjoy the sunset. Bringing vibrant Tex-Mex flavors to Wilmington's riverfront, Tequila Comida and Cantina Waterfront features over 40 craft cocktails and is known for the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the river. Marina Grill offers fantastic waterfront views and a wide variety of dishes, craft beers and seasonal cocktails. Across the street, Nautical Bowls serves up superfood bowls including acai and pitaya-based creations.

 

Waterfront Accommodations

Explore all that the Riverwalk has to offer with a stay at one of downtown Wilmington's waterfront hotels. Hotel Ballast, one of Hilton’s boutique Tapestry Collection properties, highlights Wilmington’s nautical past. Neighboring each other on the northern end, aLoft Wilmington at Coastline Center, Best Western Plus Coastline Inn and Embassy Suites Wilmington Riverfront Hotel provide convenient access to the Riverwalk. For a unique experience, The Cove Riverwalk Villas is a houseboat community directly on the Cape Fear River, near Port City Marina.

 

With a variety of offerings, including unique shops, waterfront restaurants, cruises and more, downtown Wilmington's Riverwalk is a portal to discovering the area's historic and coastal charm.