Find cheap flights to Wilmington from $174

A port city along the North Carolina coast, Wilmington’s rich history, vibrant arts scene and lovely beaches make it an interesting destination for all sorts of tourists. The best times to visit Wilmington are in March – May, when temperatures are comfortable at 65 – 85 degrees Fahrenheit and accommodation and flights haven’t reached their summer peak. September – November is another great time to visit, after the summer crowds have gone home, and with daily high temperatures in the range of 68 – 85 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll be sure to enjoy events like the Pleasure Island Seafood, Jazz and Blues Festival and the Cape Fear Kite Festival. Summer is busy, with high temperatures and room rates to match. The winter months offer a respite from both high temperatures and high prices, other than during the holiday period around Christmas. It can be chilly though, with daily highs around 55 – 65 degrees Fahrenheit, so take a wetsuit for paddle boarding or wind-surfing in the ocean.

Although some neighborhoods are very pedestrian-friendly, many of Wilmington’s attractions are spread out, making driving the best way of getting around. Buses are another option for exploring the city, or you can easily arrange a cab or Uber ride.

Public Transportation

Wave Transit operates 14 bus routes across the city and to surrounding communities. One-way bus fare is $2.00 USD, and you may purchase your ticket on the bus, but they only take cash and don’t give change, so be sure to have the exact amount. Alternately, you can purchase a day pass for $5.00 USD and enjoy unlimited rides. There is also a free trolley service, with 10 downtown stops at places like the public library and the convention center. It runs every 20 minutes, Monday to Friday, from 7:10 a.m. to 8:50 p.m.; on Saturday, from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; and on Sunday, from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Taxis

Taxis are easily arranged in Wilmington, from companies such as Wilmington NC Taxis, Port City Taxi, and MMM Coastal Taxi. Flag drop is $3.00 USD, with a charge of $1.30 USD per mile, and a waiting charge of $25.00 USD per hour. Uber and Lyft services also operate in the area.

Things to do and places of interest in Wilmington NC

As a major port, Wilmington was originally a trade and manufacturing center, but now, tourism is becoming more important to the city’s economy. Visitors have much to choose from when planning a trip to Wilmington. Here are a few ideas for your itinerary.

• With miles of coastline and 3 nearby beaches, remember to pack your swimsuit! Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach and Carolina Beach are all excellent places to work on your tan or participate in some water sports. Go surfing, paddleboarding and kayaking, or simply wander along the beach and feel your tension drain away.
• Tour the USS Battleship North Carolina, a former military vessel that has been decommissioned and transformed into a museum, located on the edge of the downtown waterfront. You can enjoy a guided or a self-guided tour of nine levels of former living spaces, sick bay, mess decks, gun turrets, powder storage and more.
• Cape Fear Museum is another must-see. As the oldest museum in North Carolina, it has been enlightening visitors since 1898, with exhibits dedicated to life in the Cape Fear area.
• Spend time in the historic district, which is one of the largest districts listed with the National Register of Historical Places.There are 875 buildings, 38 sites, and 3 structures in the historic district, which was developed after Wilmington was laid out in 1737.
• Stroll along the Riverwalk, 1.75 miles of scenic walkways along the Cape Fear River in Downtown Wilmington where you will find several notable landmarks, as well as shopping, dining and access to public parks.
• Catch a performance at the Thalian Center for the Performing Arts, an 1858-dated grand hall, which hosts a full calendar of diverse entertainment, including Shakespearean plays, poetry jams, symphony concerts, musicals, comedies and dramas, and even specially selected films.
• Time your visit around one of Wilmington’s many special events. Come in October for Riverfest, a free, family-oriented celebration featuring craft vendors, concessions booths, a children’s play area and entertainment with Saturday night fireworks. Visit in February for the North Carolina Jazz Festival. Founded in 1980, it’s one of the oldest jazz festivals in the US.

Tips and tricks for visiting Wilmington NC

Wilmington is known as ‘Hollywood East’ because of a burgeoning film and TV industry. You might be interested to know that a number of movies and shows have been filmed here, including “Dawson’s Creek,” “One Tree Hill” and “Iron Man 3”. If you plan to visit more than one historic home, you can save money by purchasing a three-house Passport ticket for $30.00 USD.