You Cannot Miss These Things To Do In Wilmington, NC (With Tour And Travel Tips And Tricks)

Nov 28, 2024

Last Updated on: Jul 3, 2025

USA

The Memorial Day weekend in 2024 saw an influx of tourists in Wilmington, NC. This even led to temporary employment in the community, with local businesses recruiting more staff to serve more tourists. 

Connie Nelson, the director of Public Relations at Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau, has acknowledged this seasonal staffing along with the daily efforts of the lifeguards. 

However, the surge in tourists during the Memorial Day Weekend is one of many high points for tourism in this port city. It has always been consistent with its tourism scenario and, is even on the rise recently. 

Further, as the location for films like Dawson’s Creek and Iron Man 3, it has earned the nickname “Hollywood East.” So, it’s a favorite among movie buffs.

Moreover, Wilmington, the historic port city on the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean, offers a wonderful fusion of city tours, culinary explorations, historic tours, and endless outdoor activities. 

Therefore, being named the “South’s Best City On The Rise in 2024”  did not surprise those interested in Wilmington tourism. 

At Tour and Travel, we have curated some of the best things to do in Wilmington, NC. We want to keep it helpful for all types of travelers. So, we have covered nature and beach experiences, exploring  Wilmington’s historic places and culinary scenes. 

Best Things To Do In Wilmington, NC For History Buffs

Best Things To Do In Wilmington, NC For History Buffs

Wilmington, or North Carolina’s Port City, has a long association with history. It takes us back to the Colonial times and since 1739, it has been serving as an important trade and commerce center. 

Moreover, the city was associated with the Civil War, the American Revolution, and World War II. Today, you can visit the following historic sites here.

1. Bellamy Mansion Museum

Bellamy Mansion Museum

Operating Hours: 10 AM to 4 PM

Entry Fee: $7 to $15 (Based on Age Groups and Special Groups, Free for Members and Children Below 5)

Contact Number: +1 910-251-3700

Founded in 1994, the Bellamy Mansion Museum will complete its 30th year in 2024. Today, it stands tall as an example of the finest antebellum architecture in North Carolina. 

The museum is housed in a 19th-century mansion owned by Dr. John Bellamy. He lived here with his wife and 10 children. Further, around 115 enslaved people worked for Dr. John Bellamy, and nine resided here.

So, along with the main property of 22 rooms, you must also take a tour of the slave quarters.

Another attraction of the museum is the Bellamy Gift Shop. You can buy plates, spoons, fridge magnets, ornaments, caps, books, bow ties, and other souvenirs from here. 

Tour And Travel Note

A Premium Tour of the museum is available. If you are an adult, you will have to buy a ticket for $20 for the Premium Tour.

Students can collect their Premium Tour tickets at $10. However, Premium Tour tickets are not sold online. You have to check the availability and buy yours by calling +1 910-251-3700 (Extension: 308). 

2. Battleship North Carolina

Battleship North Carolina

Operating Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM

Entry Fee: $6 to $14 (Based on Age Groups and Special IDs, Free for Children Below 5)

Contact No: +1 910-399-9100

Battleship North Carolina is the most tragic reminder of World War II. It had 15 stars, and today, it remembers 10000 men and women of North Carolina sacrificing their lives to protect America’s freedom in World War II. 

Today, the battleship in downtown Wilmington is a common attraction for history enthusiasts. A tour of Battleship North Carolina will take you at least 2 hours. However, you can spend longer.

Furthermore, you can attend interactive programs at Battleship North Carolina throughout the year. These courses are free; you just need to pay the regular admission fee.

Tour And Travel Note

As a history enthusiast, you can support the preservation of Battleship North Carolina. It does not have the regular backing of the USA government. You can be of great help as a donor. 

3. Wilmington Railroad Museum 

Operating Time: 10 AM to 4 PM

Entry Fee: $8 to $12 (Based on Age and Special Groups, Free for Children Below 2 Years)

Contact Number: +1 910-763-2634

Wilmington Railroad Museum is a place to explore history and indulge in nostalgic activities. Here, you can climb on an old steam locomotive of 110 years.

Further, in this museum, you will learn about the railroad development in Wilmington and the people working on the railway. 

Moreover, the Children’s Hall in this museum has interactive models. Your little ones will love those fun models and customized train tables. 

Tour And Travel Note

You can get the Polar Express Tickets on Sale on the official website of the Wilmington Railroad Museum. The Polar Express fun takes place every weekend from Thanksgiving Day to New Year. 

You will need to pay $5 and a Processing Fee for taking part in this event. The activities include “a reading of the Polar Express,” a surprise visit of Santa Claus and indulging in hot chocolate and cookies. 

Did You Know?

Built on 1st May 1979, the Wilmington Railroad Museum completed its 45th year in 2024. 

4. Cape Fear Museum of History & Science

Operating Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM (Tuesday To Saturday), Sunday 1 PM to 5 PM

Admission Fee: $5-$8 (Based on Age Groups), Free for Members and Children Below 5 Years, Reduced Fee for NARM and ASTC Participants

Contact Number: 910-798-4370

If you want to know about the culture, history, and science of Lower Cape Fear, the Cape Fear Museum of History & Science will be your go-to destination. You will find over 57000 objects here.

It has photographs, a collection of oral history, and digital yearbooks for shedding light on history, science, and culture. 

Did You Know?

Wilmington became the first designated “American World War II Heritage City” in the USA. It was designated on 2nd September 2020 to commemorate the 75th year of World War II coming to an end.
The city got this designation after meeting all the criteria laid out by Congress to preserve the WWII heritage. The city also recognized the veterans and preserved many wartime facilities. 

Things To Do In Wilmington, NC: Enjoy Nature, Beaches And Outdoor Activities In Wilmington, NC

Things To Do In Wilmington, NC

Indulging in the beach experience is one of the best things to do in Wilmington, NC. You can visit the following beaches here.

  • Wrightsville Beach
  • Kure Beach
  • Carolina Beach

Wilmington’s fun water activities include Surfing, fishing, chartering, and cruising. You can also just relax at the beaches and enjoy fun moments with your family. 

March to May and September to November are the best times to visit Wilmington beaches, as the temperature is moderate during these months. 

Things to Do in Wilmington, NC, For Foodies And Drink Enthusiasts

Culinary tourism is one of the best things to do in Wilmington. The Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours are already famous. In these tours, you will visit and explore eclectic restaurants and try their assortments of food.

The city is also great for drink enthusiasts with local breweries. Here, we have curated the names of some places to eat and drink in Wilmington, NC. 

1. Michael’s On The Waterfront

Phone Number: (910) 769-4252

Opens at: 11:30 AM

Michael’s On The Waterfront is a family-owned restaurant. you will find the best American cuisines with a coastal Carolina twist Here. The BBQs and pub fries here are the stars. And don’t forget to try the crab and lobster delicacies here.

Furthermore, Michael’s Bar has wines and beers. You can even try the curated cocktails with seasonal flavors. 

2. Copper Penny

Phone Number: (910) 762-1373

Operating Hours: 11 AM to 9 PM

It is one of the best American restaurants and bars in Wilmington. You can try here classics like fish and chips and French onion soup.

Further, they make amazing steaks and chicken tenders. 

3. The Rooftop Bar

Phone Number: (910) 833-5886

Operating Hours: 5 PM to 2 AM

The corn fritters at The Rooftop Bar are amazing, and their chunks of shrimp are delicious. Drunken shrimp is another favorite of mine here. 

Also, you will get the best pina colada here. 

4. Rumcow

Phone Number: +1 910-769-4659

Operating Hours: 5 PM to 9 PM

Fall cocktails are great at Rumcow. Further, you must try avocado fries and chicken and waffles here. 

Exploring The Art And Culture Of Wilmington: One Of The Best Things To Do In Wilmington, NC 

As the designated historic district of the state, Wilmington also has an evolving landscape of art and culture. I have already mentioned places like Bellamy Mansion Museum, Wilmington Railroad Museum, and Cape Fear Museum of History & Science. 

However, the city also has many happening centers for performing arts. Here is a quick overview for you.

1. Thalian Hall Center for Performing Arts

Contact No: +1 910-632-2285

John Montague Trimble, one of the pioneering theater architects of the 19th century, designed this performing art center. In fact, today, it is the only surviving theatre designed by him. 

This center for performing arts is a converted city hall and it has around 500 performances each year. You can visit this Center for Performing Arts on a guided tour. 

2. The Wilson Center At Cape Fear Community College

Contact No: +1 910-362-7999

The Wilson Center has been the host of The Wilmington Symphony, Kinky Boots, and many other Tony Award winning symphonies. 

So, spending an evening here watching a comedy or Broadway show is an experience in itself. 

3. Kenan Auditorium

Contact No: +1 910-962-3500

The Kenan Auditorium is at UNCW or the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Throughout the year, it houses more than 150 dance performances, musicals, and theatricals. 

Also, you can attend the brilliant University productions and award-winning events at Kenan Auditorium. 

4. Brooklyn Arts Center

Contact No: +1 910-859-4615

Visiting the  Brooklyn Arts Center is like indulging in sheer nostalgia and stories of history. It is a 19th-century church converted into a center for performing arts. 

It also has a beautiful private courtyard where you can click beautiful photographs. 

Upcoming Events At Wilmington, NC

Here are some important events in Wilmington, NC, in 2024. So, mark the venues and dates. 

EventVenueDates
HadestownThe Wilson CenterOngoing, till November 27, 2024
Comedian Cipha SoundsDead Crow Comedy Room | Lush LoungeOngoing, till November 23, 2024
BUZZWORTHY! Art in the GardenAirlie GardensOngoing, till December 31, 2024
30th Anniversary Cucalorus FestivalVarious Venues (Historic Downtown Wilmington)Ongoing, till November 24, 2024

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Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

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Here are the beautiful locations you can visit.  • Asheville, NC Temperature: 0-11 °Celsius View this post on Instagram A post shared by RomanticAsheville (@romanticasheville) Blessed by the Blue Ridge Mountains and their snowy peaks, Asheville in North Carolina is a winter wonderland. It is also home to the Biltmore Estate, the largest privately owned property in America. It is decorated with lights for Christmas.  • Charleston, SC Temperature: 10-25 °Celsius View this post on Instagram A post shared by Official Account of Charleston (@charlestonsc) The Holiday Parade of Boats and Holiday Festival of Lights are two of the biggest attractions in Charleston in December.  Furthermore, the Charleston City Market is fun to explore, with Charleston having fewer crowds in December.  Along with these, you can also pick your favorite based on the best places to visit during early December and late December or during the Christmas days.  Places to Visit in the USA in Early DecemberPlaces to Visit in the USA in Late December• Leavenworth, Washington• New York City• Las Vegas, Nevada• San Diego California• Bethlehem, Pennsylvania• Frankenmuth, Michigan The places to visit in the USA in Late December are also the most Christmassy destinations in the country.  The Best Places To Visit In December In The USA: How A 7-Day Itinerary Will Look Like? From arriving in New York City to spending beach days in Hawaii, this is how your 7-day itinerary of December holidays in the USA will look.  DaysLocationActivitiesInsider Tip Day 1New York City• Visiting the Christmas Tree and Fun at the Ice Skating Rink at the Rockefeller Center• Exploring the Bryant Park Winter Village and its beautiful Christmas Markets• Watching a Broadway show in the evening and taking a stroll of the 5th AvenuePlan Your Stay at Midtown ManhattanBook the Slot for Your Ice Skating Rink in AdvanceDay 2Asheville, North Carolina• Take a Morning Flight to Asheville from New York City via Charlotte. • Explore the River Arts District to have the best coffee and find local crafts. • Visit the Biltmore Estate, turning into a Christmas Wonderland in December.• Enjoy the local brews and live jazz music in the evening. Find a Cozy Cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains for the Most Romantic Experience.Day 3Charleston, South Carolina• Drive for 4.5 hours or take a short flight from Asheville to Charleston. • Explore Rainbow Row, King Street, and The Battery.• In the evening, visit the historic James Island County Park’s Festival of Lights. Plan a stay in a boutique hotel in the Historic District. Day 4Miami, Florida• Fly to Miami for 2 Hours• Spend the morning at South Beach.• Visit Little Havana for the best Cuban food and coffee.• Enjoy a sunset cruise in the Biscayne Bay.Explore and book the transportation options well in advance, as the public transportation options are limited. Day 5Florida Keys• Drive through the Overseas Highway for 2.5 hours to reach the Florida Keys from Miami. • Stop at Key Largo for photos.• Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home in Key West. Find an accommodation in Key West. Day 6Aspen, Colorado• Fly to Aspen from Florida via Denver. • Enjoy snowboarding and skiing at Aspen Snowmass. Don’t miss the best hot chocolate and cocktails served at the mountain lodges here. Day 7Oʻahu, Hawaii• Take an overnight flight to Honolulu.• Explore Diamond Head Crater and Waikiki Beach.• Relax at Hanauma Bay in the afternoon.• End your day with a luau dinner. Larger crowds and higher prices are a concern while visiting Oʻahu in December. So, make your bookings early.  Things To Keep In Mind For A Trip To The USA In December First of all, don’t rush! You don’t have to cover all the places and touch upon all the landmarks.  1. Spend Some Time In The Places You Visit  You must take it slow to connect to local people and soak in the unique charm of the place you are visiting.  For example, Bethlehem in Pennsylvania is known as the Christmas City of the USA. You can spend a good 3-4 days here, exploring its history, German-inspired traditions, and the open-air Christmas markets or Christkindlmarkts.  2. Consider Advanced Booking And Registration  Furthermore, when you are going to places such as Yosemite National Park and Zion National Park in December, you will need a reservation. This is essential considering the increase in visitors in December and the road blockage/accessibility due to snowfall.  However, advanced booking will also be required for museums such as the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe. These tickets get sold out daily. 3. Monday Blue Is Real In The USA  Many places in states such as Arizona and Texas remain closed on Mondays. Furthermore, many popular restaurants may not offer full-fledged services until midweek.  What Are The Best Places To Visit In December In The USA? Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the best places to visit in December in the USA.  1. Where Is It Cheap To Fly In December? Major cities such as New York, Chicago, and Atlanta are cheap to fly to in December. Furthermore, warm weather destinations such as California and Florida are also cheap to fly to in the month of December. Furthermore, you can book a flight ticket on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, or make the booking at least 2 months in advance to get the best deals.  2. What US State Has The Best Weather In December? Hawaii and Florida have the best weather in the USA in December. These two locations are sunny and cheap in December, with places such as Maui and the Florida Keys being the main attractions. Hawaii has an average of 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, and Florida has an average temperature of 15 to 24 degrees Celsius in December.  3. Where Is The Best Place In America To Spend Christmas? Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is the best place in America for Christmas. Known as the Christmas City of the USA, Bethlehem was founded in 1741 on Christmas Eve. Furthermore, in 1747, the first Christmas Tree in the USA was recorded. Further, Bethlehem stands out with its old-world charm and unique architecture. Moreover, you can explore the open-air Christmas markets here. 

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What Are The Best Hikes Sedona With Waterfalls? Know The Gorgeous Trails

BY  Sibashree Sep 22, 2025

Sedona has red rock formations caused by the deposition of limestone and sandstone since ancient times. These rocks have the signature red and orange colors because of the trapped hematite or iron oxide in the rock layers.  When this iron oxide comes in contact with water or air, it acquires the bright colors. Furthermore, the unique formations of these rocks come from the rampage of air and other weather elements over the years.  These rock formations further trap rainwater, which flows as waterfalls through the creeks and canyons. You will especially notice more waterfall formations after the storms.  Now, with so many waterfalls in Sedona, many beautiful hiking tracks lead to these cascades of water. The Seven Sacred Pools and Munds Wagon Trail are some of the most prominent examples of the best hikes Sedona with waterfalls.  In this Tour and Travel Blog, we will explore those beautiful trails with water and other pretty trails for the ultimate adventure.  Table of contentsWhat Are The Best Hikes Sedona With Waterfalls? Don’t Miss These Beautiful Trails1. Slide Rock2. Seven Sacred Pools3. West Fork Of Oak Creek Trail4. Grasshopper Point Trek Through Allens Bend TrailOther Best Hikes Sedona For The Perfect Adventure And Photo Op1. Cathedral Rock Trail2. Airport Mesa Loop Trail3. Devil’s Bridge4. Fay Canyon Trail5. Soldier’s Pass TrailBest Hikes Sedona: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What Are The Best Hikes Sedona With Waterfalls? Don’t Miss These Beautiful Trails  Waterfalls in Sedona are ephemeral in nature, and the power and water volume of these waterfalls depend on seasonal rainfall or snowfall on the higher altitudes. The autumn season, from September to November, or the spring season from March to May, is the best time to visit the waterfalls in full glory.  So, if you are planning to explore the best hikes Sedona with waterfalls, schedule your trip right.  1. Slide Rock Elevation Gain: 104 Feet Length: 0.3 Miles Difficulty: Moderate Starting Point: State Park in Arizona Ending Point: State Park in Arizona Starting near the apple barn, the Slide Rock trek route offers a wonderful view of the State Park in Arizona.  At the end of the trek, have all the fun at the natural water slide.  2. Seven Sacred Pools Elevation Gain: 100 Feet Length: 1.1 Mile Difficulty: Easy Starting Point: Soldier Pass Trailhead Ending Point: The Pools The seven sacred pools are formed by rainfall getting trapped in the red rock formations of Sedona. These pools are essential for the local ecosystem as a source of water for the local wildlife.  In fact, the “Sacred” part in the name of these pools came from the Yavapai and Apache people here, who considered these pools holy as water resources for the local human and animal tribes.  Hard-packed rocks mostly form the trail, and people with all levels of hiking skills can explore these routes. However, you cannot swim in these holes.  On the way, you will also come across the Devil's Kitchen sinkhole. It is a big natural sinkhole. 3. West Fork Of Oak Creek Trail Elevation Gain: 5,316 to 5,325 feet Length: 3 Miles (One Way) Difficulty: Easy Starting Point: Call of the Canyon Day-Use Area Ending Point: The Canyon Walls With 13 water crossings, the West Fork of Oak Creek Trail is one of the best hiking routes in Sedona. You can wet your feet and walk, and at the end of the trek, you will find a swimming hole.  The trail is sandy, and the bright canyon walls will always accompany you. So, you will get multiple photo opportunities while exploring the trail.  4. Grasshopper Point Trek Through Allens Bend Trail Elevation Gain: 68 Feet Length: 1.1 Miles Difficulty: Easy Starting Point: Grasshopper Point Picnic Area, On the Southwest of the Parking Lot Ending Point: Casner Canyon Trailhead View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jamie Young | Travel w/ Teens (@justsimplywander) This is one of the most relaxing trek routes in Sedona. You start walking through the Allens Bend Trail and follow the Oak Creek Trail to end your trek at Casner Canyon Trailhead.  Furthermore, Grasshopper Point has a beautiful swimming hole and picnic tables. So, it is an ideal place to rejuvenate and enjoy a great start to the trek route. Other Best Hikes Sedona For The Perfect Adventure And Photo Op Do you want to explore some more exciting hiking trails in Sedona? Check out the following options.  1. Cathedral Rock Trail A 1.5-mile round trek of the Cathedral Rock Trail is the best thing to do if you want to capture the beauty of Arizona during Sunset.  The trail officially comes with an “Easy” difficulty tag. However, some parts of the trail are very steep.  2. Airport Mesa Loop Trail The Airport Mesa Loop Trail is one of the easiest loop trails in Sedona. Also, it is quite an experience to find a 3-mile loop trail circling the airport.  Furthermore, you will just have to walk for 5 minutes from the airport to reach the rocks, and then you can climb a small staircase to reach the top of the rock and enjoy the view of the surroundings.  3. Devil’s Bridge Devil’s Bridge is probably the most popular hiking trail in Sedona. This 4-mile trek route comes with an easy-to-moderate difficulty level.  Furthermore, during the trek, you will find some of the biggest rock formations in Arizona. Also, this is a favorite stopover for roadtrippers traveling to Texas from California.  4. Fay Canyon Trail This 2.6-mile round trek along the canyon floor is one of the best hikes Sedona. Further, once you reach the trail's end, you will find a riverbed. After you cross the river bed, you can climb the rock standing before you.  The trail has a medium difficulty level. However, once you reach the top of the rock, you will get excellent photo opportunities.  5. Soldier’s Pass Trail View this post on Instagram A post shared by Paul (@naturebypaul) The Soldier’s Pass trail has pools that literally become the secret pools in the dry season. As you hike through the trail, you may find many caves, arches, and a huge sinkhole.  The 4.5-mile round trail comes with an easy-to-moderate challenge level. However, the route to the caves is a little confusing. So, follow the exact coordinates for an easy hike.  Best Hikes Sedona: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the best hikes in Sedona.  1. What Is The Most Beautiful Hike In Sedona? For me, the Cathedral Rock Trail and the Devil’s Bridge Trail are two of the most beautiful hiking trails in Sedona. The Cathedral Rock Trail stands out with its vortex energy, and it offers wonderful sunset views. On the other hand, Devil’s Bridge has all the popular viewpoints and arches.  2. Which One Is Better, Cathedral Rock Or Devil’s Bridge? It’s difficult to choose a favorite between the Devil’s Bridge and Cathedral Rock. Now, Devil’s Bridge has its own glamor, and it houses some of the biggest rock formations in Arizona. It is also a popular stop during California to Texas road trips. On the other hand, Cathedral Rock is a steep hiking route, and it offers you the best opportunity to take wonderful sunset photos. 3. Are There Any Hikes With Swimming Holes In Sedona? Yes, Sedona has many hikes with swimming holes. The Crescent Moon Ranch at the Red Rock Crossings and The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek are some of the best examples of hikes with swimming holes in Sedona. You can also explore areas such as the Bootlegger Picnic Area or the Grasshopper Point to find swimming holes and water spots for relaxation. 4. What Are The Best Sedona Swimming Holes? The best Sedona swimming holes are the Crescent Moon Ranch, Grasshopper Point, and The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek. The Crescent Moon Ranch is amazing for the views of the red rock formations. You can enjoy jumping from cliffs into a waterhole at the Grasshopper Point. Moreover, the Crack at Wet Beaver Creek offers beautiful vistas and a relaxing swimming spot. 5. What Are The Easy Hikes In Sedona For The Elderly? The Sedona Main Street District is one of the easiest hikes in Sedona for elderly people. The road is paved, making it easier for them to hike through. The West Fork Trail is also suitable for elderly hikers and beginners. 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