Even if you’ve never been to Wilmington, there’s a good chance you’ll recognize its sights. That’s because this region of North Carolina’s southern coast has hosted 400+ TV and film productions. In the mood for action on the water? Try surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking and more on island beaches.

Look & Feel

Highlights

  • 3 Family-Friendly Island Beaches
  • “Hollywood East” TV & Movie Sights
  • Airlie Gardens
  • Wilmington Historic District
  • Surfing & Water Sports
  • Battleship North Carolina

Weather

Winter 58°
Spring 74°
Summer 88°
Fall 76°

Getting Around

Municipalities

Getting There

Interstate 40
Interstate 140
Wilmington International Airport (ILM)

Things To Do

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beaches, waterfalls, state & national parks, etc.

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15 of the Coziest Spots to Eat and Drink

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5 Picturesque Summer Beach Vacations

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Directory

Attractions & Activities in this region

5 Offseason Beach Trips

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Places to Stay in this region

6 Memorial Day Weekend Getaways

Trip Idea
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instagram icon @chrisbarnardlandscapes
user icon @chrisbarnardlandscapes

Coquina Rocks- Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. --- The coquina rocks make up an awesome section of rocky shore near Fort Fisher. For this shot, I waited for low tide and sunrise to coincide. I woke up at 4am and made it just in time to beat the rising sun. I used a polarizing filter stacked on a 6- stop ND filter to smooth out the crashing water and bring out the bright green algae. --- #northcarolina #photography #landscapephotography #visitnc #landscapelover #landscape_captures #landscapes #landscape_photography #pixel_ig #landscape_hunter #landscape_lovers #landscapecaptures #getlost #landscapephotomag #ig_landscape #optoutside #discoverearth #explorenc #earthfocus #ourplanetdaily #earthofficial #backpackermag #hiking #exploreamerica #americathebeautiful #ourwild #saltlife

#VisitNC@VisitNC

instagram icon @pmacmiller
user icon @pmacmiller

If the path is beautiful, don’t ask where it leads. 🚶🏻‍♂️ - - - - #onlyincb #naturalnorthcarolina #onlyinnorthcarolina #northcarolinaliving #northcarolinaoutdoors #northcarolinalife #northcarolinacoast #northcarolinabeaches #ncoutdoors #visitnc #discover_carolinas #ipulledoverforthis

#VisitNC@VisitNC

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Places to Eat & Drink in this region

7 Bucket-List Phenomena

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Events in this region

11/29/2024 - 12/22/2024

Merry and Bright: A Holiday of Lights at the Grove

Wilmington
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5 Amazing Spring Break Destinations

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instagram icon @aaronkoenig
user icon @aaronkoenig

Not quite ready for the early sunsets but at least they’re always beautiful on WB • • • #dji #djimavicair #aerialphotography #drone #dronephotography #drones #dronestagram #droneoftheday #dronefly #onlyinnorthcarolina #fromwhereidrone #dronelife #bybirdeye #dronefolio #dronesdaily #mavicair #dronepilots #droneshot #djiglobal #fromabove #celebratingnc #nc #wb #whatsupwilmington #wrightsvillebeach #beach #ocean #northcarolina #visitnc #wilmingtonnc

#VisitNC@VisitNC

The Reel Cafe

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Wilmington
instagram icon @wakenbakedonuts
user icon @wakenbakedonuts

Now that’s a showstopper! #wakenbakedonuts #wilmingtonnc #bestdonuts #carolinabeachnc

#VisitNC@VisitNC

Outdoor Dramas to Enjoy Under the Stars

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2/1/2025

Johnnie Mercers Pier Dogfish Tournament

Wrightsville Beach
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Firsts That Last

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Offshore Fishing From the North Carolina Coast

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instagram icon @jmujules09
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I'm always a sucker for river cities, and Wilmington is no exception. 😍 #wilmingtonnc #wilmington #visitnc #travel #riverwalk

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Good Hops Brewing

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Carolina Beach

6 Must-Do Activities For an Exceptional Wrightsville Beach Spring Getaway

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Explore Diverse Coastal Landscapes in Wilmington and Island Beaches

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Wrightsville Kayak Company

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Wrightsville Beach

Beach Biking: 3 Ways to Explore the North Carolina Coast

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