Summary
Wilmington, North Carolina, is located along the banks of the only river that flows directly into the Atlantic Ocean. The city features a 39-foot deep water commercial port, whose water direction shifts every six hours. Alongside the port, Wilmington is adorned with historic markers and numerous noteworthy attractions, including the Battleship.
More than 500 films and TV shows have been produced in this southern coastal region, rendering Wilmington a favored tourist destination as visitors flock to experience these sights. Furthermore, several plantations in the vicinity serve as excellent day trip locations. Below is a curated list of 15 exceptional excursions from Wilmington ideal for families and couples.
1. Charlotte
Situated in the Piedmont region, Charlotte is North Carolina’s largest city, positioned just a few miles east of the Catawba River and south of Lake Norman, the state’s most expansive artificial lake. The residents are often referred to as Charlotteans.
Noteworthy attractions in Charlotte include the Carowinds amusement park and the expansive Green Space Park, which encompasses 120 acres, featuring an 11-acre lake along with trails, volleyball and basketball courts, baseball and tennis fields.
2. Lumberton
Lumberton is positioned along the Lumber River and was established in 1787 by John Willis. It is often referred to as the “Gateway to Southeastern North Carolina” or “The Main Street of the East Coast” because of its proximity, only 20 minutes north of the South Carolina border, and its midpoint location between Florida and New York, making it a preferred stop for travelers seeking shopping and dining options.
A highlight of the community is the Robeson County History Museum, built in 1908, alongside the Robeson County Public Library that features a dedicated local history and genealogy room.
3. Greensboro
This North Carolina city was formerly known as Greensborough until 1895 when the name was adjusted to Greensboro in honor of a patriot general from the Revolutionary War. The city is a component of the Piedmont Triad and is conveniently located not far from Wilmington.
Greensboro boasts a reputation as an excellent place for both exploration and residence, with its downtown area currently undergoing a vibrant transformation with an increase in music venues and bars.
Significant attractions in the city comprise the Greensboro Science Center, the Greensboro Coliseum Complex, and the Greensboro Swarm. Once you visit this “Gate City,” you may find it difficult to depart due to the abundance of recreational and entertainment options, including around 170 public gardens and parks.
4. Charleston
This historic seaport city, the oldest and largest in South Carolina, is situated at the geographical center of the state’s coastline. The peninsula is formed by the convergence of three rivers—Ashley, Cooper, and Wando—flowing into the Atlantic Ocean.
Founded in 1670 as “Charles Town,” the city later transitioned to its current name, Charleston. Its historic downtown features centuries-old buildings with height restrictions in place that preserve the skyline’s charm.
Charleston attracts numerous local and international tourists, owing to its rich historical significance and remarkable architecture. Historically, it is noted that nearly half of all slaves brought to America entered through Charleston.
5. Wilmington Railroad Museum
This museum preserves the history of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad as well as the broader narrative of railroading in the southern United States. It features artifacts that date back to the 1840s.
At its peak, the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad extended for an impressive 161 miles. Displays at the museum include a life-size caboose, a century-old steam locomotive, and a model train recognized by the Guinness World Record as the longest model train.
Family visitors will find enjoyment in the train-themed playground within the museum.
6. Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is situated in South Carolina, approximately 119km from Wilmington, in a region known as the “Grand Strand.” Previously referred to as New Town, Myrtle Beach has developed into a major tourist hotspot renowned for its expansive beaches, numerous challenging golf links, upscale shopping outlets, and exceptional dining choices.
This destination presents an array of activities and stands as one of the east coast’s premier family vacation locations. The Myrtle Beach State Park offers unspoiled beaches, nature trails, and camping opportunities.
7. Raleigh
The city of Raleigh derives its name from the well-known English adventurer and soldier, Sir Walter Raleigh. As the home of North Carolina’s largest university, North Carolina State University, and the first historically black university, Shaw University, Raleigh covers an area of 142.8 square miles and is nicknamed the “City of Oaks” due to the abundance of oak trees in the area.
Since 1959, it has also been referred to as the “Triangle,” owing to its geographical positioning. Raleigh is a wonderful destination for visitors, rich with numerous museums, educational institutions, cultural sites, and sports franchises.
8. Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens
This building, dating back to the colonial era, serves as both a museum and an opportunity for visitors to explore Georgian architecture while gaining insight into the lives of residents in pre-revolutionary Wilmington.
Occupying a modest 0.7 acres, the museum showcases antiques from the 18th and 19th centuries. The gardens include a rose garden, medicinal herb garden, kitchen garden, and an orchard with pomegranate and fig trees.
Among the houses built in the 1770s, only three remain, with the Burgwin-Wright House standing as the only one open to the public. Built for John Burgwin, a government official, planter, and merchant, the house offers a glimpse into the past.
9. Castle Hayne
Located in the northwestern part of Wilmington, Castle Hayne invites visitors to explore its rich history, which is named after Captain Roger Haynes. The captain purchased a 1,000-acre tract of land and encouraged foreign immigrants to cultivate it. Prior to World War II, the area was the largest producer of fresh-cut flowers in the United States.
Castle Hayne is conveniently situated just outside city limits, making it an excellent choice for a day trip from Wilmington.
10. Battleship NC
The WWII Battleship is one of the most popular attractions in North Carolina. This iconic landmark is essential for all visitors to the state. The USS Battleship NC serves as a movable landmark occupying a significant portion of the waterfront docks.
Recognized as one of the best museum ships worldwide, it commenced construction in 1937 and was completed in 1940. Over its many battles, this ship received 15 battle stars with only 10 men lost in action.
Commissioned in 1942, it was among the first of ten ships to join the American fleet during WWII, carrying 144 officers, 2,190 military personnel, and 100 marines. The ship was decommissioned five years later, in 1947.
Guests can explore this vessel, gaining insight into the life of Marines aboard. Various displays showcase photos and artifacts commemorating the 11,000 individuals who sacrificed their lives during the war.
11. Poplar Grove Plantation
As one of North Carolina’s oldest plantations, Poplar Grove spans over 15 acres in Scott Hill, near Wilmington. The property was initially owned by the widow of Cornelius Harnett, who then transferred ownership to the Foy family in 1795. This plantation was occupied by the Foy family for six generations until 1971.
The plantation contains a 12-room mansion constructed in 1850 by enslaved individuals for Joseph Mumford Foy, alongside a blacksmith shop, smokehouse, and exhibits on peanut production.
Currently, the plantation is managed by the Poplar Grove Foundation.
12. Airlie Garden
Garden enthusiasts should visit Airlie Garden to admire the beauty of these historical gardens established in 1886. Spanning 67 acres, they feature scenic sculptures, modern structures, lakes, formal gardens, pines, oaks, and diverse ecosystems that provide habitats for various animals.
Designed by German landscape architect Rudolf Topel for the Pembroke Jones family, it was acquired by New Hanover County in 1998.
This premier garden includes a 2,700-square foot butterfly house, home to hundreds of butterflies, including monarchs and giant swallowtails.
13. Leland
Leland was established as a town in North Carolina in 1989, situated to the north of Brunswick County, west of the Brunswick River.
The area became increasingly popular among tourists due to being the filming location for several movies, including ‘Maximum Overdrive’ and ‘Domestic Disturbance.’
This village spans 19.9 square miles, with human settlement dating back to 1853.
14. The Riverwalk
Featuring a mile-long boardwalk along the Cape Fear River, The Riverwalk offers picturesque views and accessibility to historic and artistic venues, as well as shopping and dining options.
The riverside terraces include benches for relaxation, allowing visitors to enjoy the stunning scenery.
15. Bellamy Mansion
This edifice is renowned as one of the most exquisite homes constructed in North Carolina prior to the Civil War. The Bellamy Mansion was built by enslaved individuals for Dr. Bellamy, his wife, and their children. Dr. Bellamy was both a physician and a prominent businessman.
Having withstood over 150 years of history, this house continues to convey stories about the enslaved individuals who resided in the restored quarters nearby.
