Wilmington, NC Travel Guide: Riverwalk, Beaches, ILM Tips

TL;DR:

Walk the 1.75-mile Riverwalk along the Cape Fear River.
Tour the WWII Battleship North Carolina across from downtown.
Hit nearby beaches, with Wrightsville Beach 8–13 miles away.
Fly into ILM with service from American, Delta, and United.
Use our simple 2-day plan, packing list, and transit tips.

Wilmington sits on the Cape Fear River with three beaches nearby. It blends a brick-lined historic core, a growing food scene, and easy water access.

This guide gives you quick wins for a weekend or a short break, plus tips for families and first-timers.

Snapshot: what Wilmington is known for

Riverwalk. A 1.75-mile wooden boardwalk runs along the Cape Fear River, from Nun Street to the Isabel Holmes Bridge. It has ranked among USA Today’s top riverwalks over the last decade.
Battleship North Carolina. A restored WWII battleship sits across from downtown. Tours cover nine levels and take about two hours.
Easy beach access. Wrightsville Beach is roughly 8.5 miles from Wilmington by the official tourism board, with common drive times of 15–25 minutes.
ILM airport. Wilmington International Airport has commercial service from American, Delta, and United.

When to go

Spring and fall bring mild temps and thinner crowds. Summer has the best beach weather but higher prices. Winter is quiet and budget friendly, with cool river breezes.

Getting there and around

By air. Fly into ILM. The airport lists American, Delta, and United as carriers with nonstop links to several hubs. Check schedules before you book.

By road. I-40 runs into Wilmington. US-17, 74, 76, 117, and 421 connect the coast and inland cities.

Local transport. Ride-hail works well downtown and to beaches. If you plan to beach hop or chase sunrise and dinner downtown, rent a car.

Top things to do

1) Stroll the Riverwalk

Start at Market Street and meander south. Watch boats, stop for coffee, and time sunset near Riverfront Park. The full Riverwalk is 1.75 miles, with views of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge and the battleship across the water.

Why go now: The Riverwalk keeps landing national “best of” nods, most recently ranking third in a 2025 USA Today 10Best poll, which reflects steady upgrades and waterfront energy.

2) Tour Battleship North Carolina

Cross to Eagles Island to board BB-55. Climb through gun turrets, radio rooms, and crew spaces. Most of the tour is indoors, so it works even on rainy days. Plan at least two hours.

Tip: Go early to avoid lines, then ferry or drive back for lunch on the river.

3) Hit the beaches

Wrightsville Beach is the closest, with 44 access points, surf lessons, sailing, and a 2.5-mile jogging loop. It is 8.5 miles from Wilmington by the tourism board’s directions page.
Carolina Beach offers a classic boardwalk vibe and family rides.
Kure Beach is quieter, near the Fort Fisher area and aquarium.

4) Gardens, museums, and film sites

Add Airlie Gardens in spring, the Railroad Museum for kids, and a film-location walking tour for movie fans. Wilmington’s screen scene leaves markers around downtown.

One great weekend in Wilmington

Day 1, Friday

Afternoon: Arrive at ILM. Check in downtown. Sunset walk on the Riverwalk.
Dinner: Pick a riverfront spot.

Day 2, Saturday

Morning: Coffee and biscuits downtown.
Late morning: Drive to Wrightsville Beach for swimming or a sailing lesson. Return by mid-afternoon.
Evening: Dinner back downtown, then a night stroll on the boardwalk.

Day 3, Sunday

Morning: Tour Battleship North Carolina. Budget 2 hours plus photo stops back on the Riverwalk.
Lunch: Seafood near the river. Head out.

Where to stay

Downtown keeps you on the Riverwalk with easy dining and bars. Boutique inns fill historic homes, while larger hotels sit on the water.

If you prefer sand views, choose Wrightsville Beach and drive into town for dinners. For quieter nights, look at Kure Beach.

A standout bed-and-breakfast option, C.W. Worth House, won USA Today’s 10Best B&B award in 2025, praised for a restored 1893 home and farm-to-table breakfasts near the Riverwalk. Book early for peak weekends.

Eat and drink

Keep it simple: shrimp and grits, fresh fish, oysters in season, and house-made biscuits. Riverfront patios are popular, but side-street spots can be faster and cheaper.

Breweries and cocktail bars cluster downtown. Always check ID rules and closing times.

Beach distance and transit quick facts

From downtown Wilmington	To	Distance	Notes
Riverwalk	Battleship North Carolina	Across the river	Short drive or rideshare, great skyline view from Riverwalk.
Wilmington	Wrightsville Beach	~8.5 miles	Official tourism directions put it at 8.5 miles via Eastwood Road.
Wilmington	Carolina Beach	~15–16 miles	Plan for traffic in summer weekends.
Wilmington	Kure Beach	~18–20 miles	Quieter vibe near Fort Fisher.

Practical tips

Parking. Downtown decks and metered spots sit close to the Riverwalk. Beach lots fill by late morning in summer.
Sun and storms. Bring SPF 30, a hat, and a light rain jacket.
With kids. Do the battleship in the morning while energy is high, then run the Riverwalk and grab ice cream.
Accessibility. Portions of the Riverwalk are flat and wide. The battleship has ladders and tight spaces, so plan ahead.

Costs to expect

Battleship tickets. Check current rates on the official site and budget 2–3 hours.
Parking. Downtown by the hour, beach day rates in peak season.
Beach gear. Chairs and umbrellas rent near main accesses.

Why it matters

Wilmington gives you a two-for-one trip. You get a walkable riverfront city with history and food, plus beaches a short drive away. The airport keeps travel simple, and a car unlocks the coast. For a long weekend, it is an easy win that fits many budgets.