Best things to do in downtown Wilmington, N.C.
I’m a big fan of Wilmington, N.C. I attended college there and fell in love. Not hard to do considering my love of the beach. Now my husband and I visit downtown Wilmington often, which is located on the Cape Fear River. The downtown waterfront boasts a lovely pedestrian-friendly Riverwalk full of shops, outdoor cafes, rooftop bars, and the Port City Marina. If you are flying into Wilmington International Airport (ILM), it’s only about an 8 minute drive to get to downtown. Once you arrive in downtown Wilmington, you can walk everywhere. There are so many things to do, see, eat, and great places to stay! Here’s just a few of my favorites.
What to do:
Walk the Riverwalk – a great start to any morning is to stroll along the Riverwalk. It’s the city’s #1 tourist attraction and has been extended in recent years to nearly 2 miles of scenic walkway. You will find art galleries, tours,bars,shopping, and plenty of great eats. If you are there at Christmas time, be sure to get a photo in front of the outdoor Christmas tree!
What to eat:
We start our day with a breakfast bagel/sandwich at Bagels on Pointe Downtown, formerly known as Tugboat Tony’s Bagel Café located at 106 N. Water Street. It’s a family owned café on the riverfront downtown. We grab a coffee and sandwich and start our walk.
The Copper Penny is our go-to location always. Great affordable food in a relaxed setting with nightly food and drink specials located at 109 Chestnut Street, downtown Wilmington. They have also been featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
Front Street Brewery located two blocks from the riverfront is another one of our go to places. It has been downtown since 1995. Great food, craft beer, and on the list of best bourbon bars in America for 2022. Be sure to try the featured bourbon flight of 3 half pours for the bourbons of the month!
Ice cream at Kilwins – A visit to downtown Wilmington would not be complete without a stop for ice cream at Kilwin’s Ice Cream and Candy Store located on 16 Market Street downtown Wilmington. They make fudge, chocolate, and waffle cones in house. The aroma will entice your senses the minute you walk in!
Where to stay:
The NEW Aloft Wilmington Hotel at Coastline Center has become our most recent favorite place to stay. Opening in November 2021, as a boutique hotel in the Marriott Chain. It’s the perfect location to walk everywhere downtown. Be sure to visit the open air rooftop with with view, appropriately named, aView, featuring tapas and shareable plates.
Try the Purple Heart drink – a lovely combination of shimmery pomegranate juice, lime juice, elderflower liqueur, Ketel One vodka, and dry ice!
Just down from the Aloft Wilmington at Coastline Center, is the Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront. It is located next to the Convention Center. A great location and property with or without a convention overlooking the Cape Fear River and the Battleship North Carolina. They also boast amazing views of the Cape River at their 9th Floor Rooftop bar, Cloud 9. It’s a covered but open rooftop bar, so hours are seasonal and based on weather. It’s a must-do item when in town.
We have also stayed many times at The Courtyard by Marriott Downtown/Historic District located at the corner of Grace and Second Streets. As a matter of fact, staying here is how we “discovered” The Copper Penny. We walked out the back door to the hotel and around the block, and we arrived at the Copper Penny!
Across the block from the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown/Historic District is the Hampton Inn Downtown Wilmington at 225 Grace Street. This is another prime location for walking and exploring the Riverfront.
There are so many great places to stay, restaurants to enjoy, and things to do in downtown Wilmington. You’ll need to keep going back, like we do.
What are you waiting for?
