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

Things To Do

Close Filters

Location

Interest

haunted places, events and travel ideas

furniture, museums, gaming, film sites, etc.

Refine Search

restaurants, food tours, breweries, wineries, etc.

Refine Search

historic sites, cherokee history, ghosts, etc.

Refine Search

theme & water parks, gems, zoos, aquariums, etc.

Refine Search

parks, beaches and fun for 4-legged visitors

beaches, waterfalls, state & national parks, etc.

Refine Search

camping, hiking, fishing, water sports, etc.

Refine Search

romantic attractions, spas, health & wellness, etc.

Refine Search

golf, motorsports, horseback riding, etc.

Refine Search

Season

Content Type

Back

Filter Arts & Entertainment

Back

Filter Eat & Drink

Back

Filter History & Heritage

Back

Filter Kids & Family

Back

Filter Natural Attractions

Back

Filter Outdoor Adventures

Back

Filter Romantic Getaways

Back

Filter Sports

Where the Road Ends, Adventure Begins: Feel Renewed by These Places to Travel by Ferry

Trips That Transform
story icon

6 Ways to Enjoy Wilmington and Island Beaches

List
story icon

6 Memorial Day Weekend Getaways

Trip Idea
story icon
Directory

Attractions & Activities in this region

Cape Fear Riverboats

Listing icon
Wilmington
Directory

Places to Stay in this region

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area

Listing icon
Kure Beach

11 Real-Life Ways to Experience ‘The Choice’ by Nicholas Sparks

List
story icon
2/1/2025

Johnnie Mercers Pier Dogfish Tournament

Wrightsville Beach
Event icon
Directory

Places to Eat & Drink in this region

Directory

Events in this region

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

Floriana Wilmington

Listing icon
Wilmington

Take a Nicholas Sparks Tour of the North Carolina Coast

Trip Idea
story icon
instagram icon @wakenbakedonuts
user icon @wakenbakedonuts

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

#VisitNC@VisitNC

Sea Turtle Attractions on the Coast

Article
story icon

3-Day Coastal Winery & Vineyard Getaway

Trip Idea
story icon

Camping on the Coast

List
story icon

Firsts That Last

Video
video play icon

Winter Fun at Coastal State Parks

List
story icon
instagram icon @jmujules09
user icon @jmujules09

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

#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

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

Discover NC’s Film Hub in Wilmington

List
story icon

Beach Biking: 3 Ways to Explore the North Carolina Coast

Article
story icon
3/29/2025 - 3/30/2025

Feast Wilmington 2025

Wilmington
Event icon
Filter