Wilmington, NC is a popular retirement destination. What could be better than a bustling cultural center right on the beach? Whether you want to relax by the coast with a good book, sightsee Wilmington’s various historical and cultural attractions or keep active with local classes and group activities, this town has something for everyone. Take a peek at our list of fun activities in Wilmington, NC below and give something new a try today!
Relax on the Beach
There are three beautiful island beaches in Wilmington where you may relax on the white sands or go for a swim. All three beaches, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach, are worth visiting. New Hanover County is situated between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean in the southeast part of North Carolina. Wilmington, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach are all popular tourist destinations in New Hanover, because of their rich history and plenty of adventure opportunities. New Hanover’s miles of beautiful coastline provide a wide range of outdoor activities, from boating and fishing to swimming and surfing on some of the state’s most beautiful beaches.
Attend a Show at Thalian Hall
One of the country’s oldest theatres, the Thalian Hall Centre for the Performing Arts, is located in Wilmington’s downtown. Ballets and plays will be performed, as well as musical events and film festivals. Thalian Hall hosted roughly 250 performances in 2015. Thalian Hall Centre for the Performing Arts aims to foster a culturally dynamic community by utilizing the arts to provide education, entertainment, and inspiration. It provides a diverse range of educational, entertainment, and cultural programs, as well as serves as a major regional resource for quality spaces, equipment, and services, while also preserving Wilmington’s cultural heritage for future generations.
Tour the USS North Carolina Battleship
The North Carolina Battleship, anchored across the river from Downtown Wilmington, offers guided tours of the WWII-era ship, which feature oral history, historical pictures, and artifacts. You will even get the chance to steer the vessel! The Riverwalk provides convenient access to some of the downtown area’s favorite retailers and restaurants, as well as major attractions like the USS North Carolina Battleship, which is stationed along the docks and cannot be missed. Wandering around the town, which is only across the cobblestoned street, you may easily visit a number of local boutiques, souvenir stores, houseware enterprises, and even a sweets store. There are a number of local cafés, bistros, and diners with riverfront patio seating that would make a lovely stop to take in the sights.
Take a Walk along Wilmington’s Riverwalk
The NC Battleship and the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge are both located in Downtown Wilmington, along a long wooden boardwalk that runs beside the Cape Fear River. You may relax on the seats and enjoy the landscape, or eat at one of the many restaurants that line the promenade. Downtown Wilmington’s Riverwalk is a show-stopper of a promenade and a one-of-a-kind attraction in and of itself. The Riverwalk, which began as a way to increase interest and tourism in Wilmington’s historic Downtown’s Cape Fear River waterfront areas in the 1980s, has grown to encompass a full mile of scenic boardwalk hugging the riverfront’s borders, providing you with endless views and easy access to some of the city’s most beloved attractions.
