Weekend Getaway Guide for Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina

After Michael and I moved to Charlotte, I made an effort to strike up a conversation with people to ask about their favorite weekend getaway destinations.

The big ones came up of course: Asheville, Charleston, Raleigh, and Durham.

But one other city was consistently mentioned:

Wilmington

Just over three hours from Charlotte by car, Wilmington was once the state’s largest city (it’s now the eighth largest by population). We had every intention of visiting during our first warm season in the Carolinas, but ultimately delayed our visit for over two years thanks to COVID-19.

When I say we spent the entire winter of 2022 chomping at the bit to make our very first visit to the region, I mean it. Wilmington proper is not coastal, but its neighboring beach towns (Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach) operate somewhat seasonally.

So unlike visiting the beaches in our home state of Florida, which tend to have a majority of businesses open year-round, we waited until the weather warmed at the end of April for our visit.

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Portions of our visit to Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach were generously hosted by the team at Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau, but as always, all opinions expressed here are my own.

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And I have to say, I’m so glad we did. With daytime highs in the eighties and cool but comfortable evenings, it felt like the universe was imploring us to spend all our time outdoors. Thankfully, Wilmington and the neighboring beaches offer ample opportunity to do just that.

During our entire weekend in the area, we only dined inside once. Everywhere we went, restaurant patrons spilled onto the sidewalks, reveling in the perfect temps. I may be biased, but mid-to-late Spring seems like the perfect time to visit the Wilmington area.

But even if you’re visiting at another time of year, here are my recommendations for a weekend in Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach:

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WILMINGTON SIGHTS + ATTRACTIONS

Wilmington Water Tours

Wilmington Water Tours | 212 S Water St, Wilmington, NC 28401

Wilmington Water Tours offers a wide variety of tours on the Cape Fear River, from bird-watching to wine-tasting cruises. We took the popular Eagle Island Cruise, heading north on the river to see downtown Wilmington from a new perspective and to view the Battleship North Carolina.

Our guide shared with us that the river was once freshwater, but after dredging it for shipping this part of the river is now brackish, ultimately altering the life of the nearby plants and animals. Even if learning about geography, history, and ecology is not your thing, it’s a great way to beat the heat and there’s a bar onboard! Tours start at just $15 for adults and $7 for kids – less than the cost of a movie, and far more entertaining.

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Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington

Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington | 8 Market St Suite B, Wilmington, NC 28401

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, don’t skip a Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington while you’re in town! The 90-minute tour leads you through Wilmington’s streets straight into the past thanks to immense research efforts. Our guide Joe was knowledgeable and engaging, bringing both history and lore to life.

The Ghost Walk included spooky stories of talking busts, flickering lights, and moving books – and plenty of photo opportunities should the supernatural decide to appear in our grainy nighttime images. Each tour makes around five stops, and there are approximately thirty possible stops in total. Guides can change up the route if you’ve taken the tour before, so you’ll likely never have the same experience twice! Be sure to report back if you see any spooky activity – I’d love to hear from you.

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Cameron Art Museum

Cameron Art Museum | 3201 S 17th St, Wilmington, NC 28412

A visit to the Cameron Art Museum (CAM) is a must for any art lover, and if you’re not one already, the museum’s approachable size and fascinating exhibits may just make you change your mind.

My favorite exhibit was State of the Art, featuring over 700 contemporary works from artists across North Carolina (it reminds me of all of the great work I’ve shared through Art Search Charlotte!). There’s a $5 additional charge to visit the exhibition, but I promise it’s well worth skipping an extra latte for.

If you have time to linger, the CAM Cafe menu looks amazing, and there’s a gift shop with works by local artists. On a beautiful day, be sure to visit the sculptures outside in the Art Park and USCT Sculpture Park, located at the historic Forks Road Civil War site. There you’ll find Stephen Hayes’ Boundless, honoring the men of the United States Colored Troops whose efforts ultimately led to the fall of Wilmington and its capture by the Union (their faces are cast from the faces of local men with ties to the area).

While outside, pop into local artist Minnie Evans’ gatehouse to see some of her works and hear her tell her story.

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WILMINGTON FOOD + DRINK

Anne Bonny’s Bar & Grill

Anne Bonny's Bar & Grill | 106 S Water St, Wilmington, NC 28401

After spending many childhood summers on the Atlantic coast in Florida, I felt right at home at Anne Bonny’s Bar & Grill. It’s a riverside spot (not on the beach), but the atmosphere and menu took me right back to those coastal restaurants.

The menu leans heavily toward fish and shellfish, and the floating restaurant adds to the waterside charm. Both the Crab Cake Reuben and Yo-Ho Po’ Boy were excellent lunchtime fare, but they also serve burgers and chicken sandwiches if seafood isn’t your thing.

Reservations are not available for small parties, so arrive earlier than you want to eat in case there’s a wait. When we arrived for lunch, there was about a 45-minute wait to be seated. No matter, as there are plenty of places in the surrounding blocks to explore, and the staff will text you when it’s time to head over to eat.

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Floriana

Floriana | 2 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401

Dining at Floriana is truly a memorable experience. Not only was my meal one of my very favorite meals in the state of North Carolina (more on that in a moment!), but the outdoor balcony seating makes for a unique date night. The little pocket balconies seat two and overlook the street or the river, and each is closed off from the rest of the restaurant by a door.

Dining felt a little like being in a performance – in a fun way! – and I definitely recommend dressing for the occasion (or at the very least, leaving short skirts at home and bringing a pair of sunglasses – you’re welcome!). I feel like a restaurant could easily rely on its unique setting and let the food take a backseat, but that’s not the case here.

The meal starts with a beautiful plate of bread and garlicky pesto that lets you know that they really care about the quality of ingredients. Burrata paired with broccoli and pickled onions was a new-to-me combo for an appetizer, and I’m not sure I ever want to eat it another way.

But by far the standout items were our entrees, and we wound up in a heated debate over whose meal was better: my deeply flavorful and impeccable Lamb Gnocchi or Michael’s bright and spicy Sunday Gravy. At the end of the meal, we both felt like winners. Pro-tip: visit on a Sunday or Wednesday for half-priced bottles of wine!

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Aloft Coffee Bar

Aloft Coffee Bar | 501 Nutt St, Wilmington, NC 28401

Our hotel room coffeemaker sat unused because we couldn’t deny the chance to visit the Aloft Coffee Bar downstairs. Guests and the public alike huddled around to order their morning fix – which at first seemed unusual, but then we learned that all of the items are made in-house.

It’s hard to beat a homemade bagel and a fresh cup of coffee first thing in the morning (particularly when you don’t have to make them yourself)!

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The Basics

The Basics | 319 N Front St, Wilmington, NC 28401

The Basics is located in The Cotton Exchange of Wilmington, right in the heart of downtown. But if you think “basic” means boring, well, The Basics isn’t basic at all.

The lunch menu is a fun mix of sandwiches, salads, and Southern dishes and every day there are three specials (the Improv salad, a burger, and their fish dish, which they call Hook). We both had a tough time deciding what to order because everything sounded good, but eventually, Michael ordered the special burger (which included an onion ring that day), and I ordered the Fried Chicken BLT.

Truthfully, we probably could have shared an entree; the portions at The Basics are just that generous. But that didn’t stop us from ordering a slice of Hummingbird Cake for the road! If you’ve never had the Southern cake before, this was a standout version.

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Bespoke Coffee & Dry Goods

Bespoke Coffee & Dry Goods | 202 Princess St, Wilmington, NC 28401

I’m a sucker for a good hipster coffee shop, and couldn’t resist Bespoke Coffee & Dry Goods‘ siren song of whitewashed brick and alt milks. There are two sides to the shop – the coffee bar and the, well, bar bar – so theoretically you could spend all day at Bespoke (and judging by the sheer number of laptops we saw, many people do).

If you’re in need of a caffeine fix in downtown Wilmington, here’s your answer!

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BOUTIQUE SHOPPING IN WILMINGTON

Edge of Urge

Edge of Urge | 18 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401

I visited the Raleigh location of Edge of Urge way back in 2019 but didn’t have much time to spend browsing their selection of local and indie goods. This time I made up for my misstep by visiting twice.

I could have left with so many wonderful things, but exercised some restraint and just purchased a pennant banner for Meow’s room and a hair clip that came in very handy throughout the trip.

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Unleashed, the Dog & Cat Store

Unleashed, the Dog & Cat Store | 2 S Front St, Wilmington, NC 28401

We are leaning in hard to pet parenthood and stopped into Unleashed to see what unique cat toys and treats were on offer. They carry a unique selection of goodies for both dogs and cats, so you can pick up a souvenir for your best friend back home.

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Historic Downtown Wilmington Artisan Market

Historic Downtown Wilmington Artisan Market | 1 S Front St, Wilmington, NC 28401

In Wilmington on a Sunday? Make your way down Front Street to catch all of the vendors at the Historic Downtown Wilmington Artisan Market. The artisans rotate, but during our visit, we saw lots of locally-made jewelry, candles, and home decor!

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WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH SIGHTS + ATTRACTIONS

Airlie Gardens

Airlie Gardens | 300 Airlie Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403

A visit to the area isn’t complete without a stop at Airlie Gardens, especially in spring. These historic public gardens are the perfect spot to get a little lost. The staff has worked to maintain the site’s natural greenery, and it’s such a treat to wander the paths throughout the 67-acre property that includes both fresh- and saltwater (a tram is available if your feet get tired!).

The crown jewel of the gardens is the Airlie Oak, the largest Live Oak in North Carolina (it’s nearly five centuries old!), but there are also plenty of other flowering plants, trees, and wildlife that deserve your attention. During my visit, I saw many families enjoying time on picnic blankets spread on the grass – it sure would be a lovely place to lose track of time.

Art plays a major role at Airlie Gardens, as it was where artist Minnie Evans once worked (you can see her painting of the Airlie Oak here). Don’t miss the chance to linger over the Bottle Chapel, a work of art dedicated to her. I enjoyed watching the kids and teens around me delighting in all of the hidden pieces embedded in it – and discovering my own quiet joys as well.

To ensure you have the chance to visit, book tickets online in advance (and if you’re a local, New Hanover County Residents receive free admission on the first Sunday of each month).

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Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours

Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours | 109 Causeway Dr, Wilmington, NC 28405

Two boat tours in one weekend? Absolutely! Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours operates multiple tours daily, ranging from fishing cruises to birding cruises to dolphin sunset cruises. Since we were just in the area for the weekend, we opted for the one-hour Masonboro Island Nature Cruise.

It was the perfect complement to our river cruise, and we enjoyed learning about the area’s real estate and scoping out some oystercatchers. You may want to bring a jacket as the wind can feel a bit chilly (and you also may want to bring a local beverage, as the boat is BYOB!).

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Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach

Of course, the beach is an attraction all on its own! We happily dragged our folding chairs out of the trunk and plopped down to watch the surfers catch the waves (the water was a bit too chilly to join them).

Wrightsville Beach offers over forty paid parking lots – you can find them on the map here – and parking is a consistent $5 per hour everywhere. If you plan to stay the whole day, I recommend parking wherever is most central for your plans, and paying the full-day price of $25. Download the Flowbird parking app ahead of time and hit the sand faster.

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WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH FOOD + DRINK

Drift Cafe

Drift Cafe | 114 Causeway Dr, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

Drift Cafe‘s new Wrightsville Beach location is the perfect place to fuel up before a day of excursions! The coffee is excellent, but if you’re not into it, they offer several tea lattes as well.

Everything on the menu was tempting, but an ice-cold acaí bowl was the best way I could imagine starting a hot sunny day. Drift Cafe’s version features fruit, granola, and coconut atop the sweet-tart base. There is ample seating inside and out, which is nice for easing into the day over an extended breakfast.

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Lighthouse Beer & Wine

Lighthouse Beer & Wine | 220 Causeway Dr, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

I only had a moment to pop into Lighthouse Beer & Wine before setting out on our Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tour, but the staff were immensely helpful in recommending a couple of local beers for the boat (plus they had the goodest boy on staff!).

Next time we’re in the area, I hope to have more time to poke around and stock up!

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Oceanic

Oceanic | 703 S Lumina Ave, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

Oceanic is located along the famous Crystal Pier (if you’ve ever seen the opening credits of Dawson’s Creek, you’ve seen the underside of the pier!), and as one might guess, serves up a lot of local seafood on their menu. If the weather is nice, I highly recommend sitting on the beachfront, as it makes for good people- and wave-watching.

We bowed to the atmosphere with an order of shrimp tacos (I had high expectations after returning from Mexico a few days prior – and I’m happy to say these were the perfect beach tacos) and the local crab dip. Your server will ask if you want an order of hushpuppies (they’re on the house!) and the only acceptable answer is yes. The Oceanic has a private parking lot for guests, but if it’s full you may need to drive to one of the paid parking lots nearby.

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EAST Oceanfront Dining

EAST Oceanfront Dining | 275 Waynick Blvd, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

EAST Oceanfront Dining in the Blockade Runner Beach Resort was the nicest possible way end to our day at Wrightsville Beach. Executive Chef Stephen Ollard serves a well-edited menu, with nightly specials that vary based on seasonal ingredients and the day’s catch.

My fresh-caught flounder was grilled to perfection – if you’ve ever attempted to grill fish, you know there’s an easy-to-cross line that takes your fish from tender and juicy to rock-hard and dry. The fish in this dish was 100% the former.

My sweet darling partner can’t resist a burger (unless, perhaps, he’s presented with a quesadilla), and he marveled at the quality of the beef. Though the prices are somewhat elevated thanks to the location, quality of the food, and experience of the kitchen team, we also found the portions to be extremely generous.

If you’re able, dine outside on the canopied patio. Diners have the chance to look out over the immaculate grounds, and I highly recommend spending a little time before or after your meal exploring the property. The hotel’s unique location between the sound and the ocean gives it a surprising opportunity to create a gorgeous landscape, and the team at the Blockade Runner has transformed the space into a stunning outdoor living room.

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BOUTIQUE SHOPPING IN WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH

Beanie + Cecil

Beanie + Cecil | 1904 Eastwood Rd # 108, Wilmington, NC 28403

Beanie + Cecil is located in Lumina Station (a unique retail and dining plaza – it won Coastal Living’s first-ever Contextual Design award!) near Wrightsville Beach and offers an exquisitely curated selection of products from designers like Rachel Comey, Mara Hoffman, and Nili Lotan.

Even if you’re feeling a bit salty from the beach and hesitant to try anything on, a stroll through the shop is a beautifully calming experience.

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Oliver

Oliver | Lumina Station, 1900 Eastwood Rd Suite 40, Wilmington, NC 28403

Also a part of Lumina Station, Oliver is where I’d likely shop most of the time if I were a local. Oliver carries brands like St. Agni, A.L.C., AGOLDE, James Perse, and ba&sh – and there’s even a men’s section. Luckily for me (but perhaps not my wallet) Oliver offers free shipping in the continental U.S.

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REDIX

REDIX | 120 Causeway Dr, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

REDIX is a bit of a Wrightsville Beach institution – they’ve been open since 1969. The unassuming storefront carries all of your beach needs (including a few things you probably didn’t even notice you forgot!), and some fun local gifts, too.

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WHERE TO STAY IN WILMINGTON

Aloft Wilmington at Coastline Center

Aloft Wilmington at Coastline Center | 501 Nutt St, Wilmington, NC 28401

The Aloft Wilmington at Coastline Center was the perfect launchpad for exploring downtown Wilmington. It’s located near Cape Fear Community College at the northern end of the Riverwalk (a path that stretches nearly two miles along the river, and deposits you right in the heart of downtown), which coming from Charlotte was a blessing, as we didn’t have to drive through the pedestrian-filled streets.

Although the hotel itself is only a few months old, a portion of the building is housed in the century-old Coastline Center. The design of the hotel uses the mix of old and new to its advantage – adding modern touches like neon displays, cozy booth seating, and a hip lobby bar without covering up the beautiful exposed brick or expansiveness of the space.

Our room was located on the top floor across the corridor from the rooftop bistro aView. Despite the popularity of the bar, noise was never an issue thanks to a heavy door dividing the hotel rooms from the public space.

As for the room itself, we were delighted to find a smart layout that maximized every inch of space without leaving us feeling cramped (you can catch a walkthrough of our room at the Aloft in my Instagram Stories Highlight). Ample clothing storage is provided in the open wardrobe, and in place of a bulky iron and ironing board, the Aloft offers a compact steamer. Instead of the standard lounge chairs, our room included a corner dinette with a small round table – perfect for eating (there’s a mini-fridge and single-serve coffeemaker) or getting a little work done.

Getting ready for the day was a cinch as there were multiple full-length mirrors in the room, so neither of us had to fight to get in front of one. Most importantly, the king bed was ultra cozy and was topped with our choice of firm and plush pillows. Need a little fresh air? Our city view boasted a balcony (something I’m seeing less of these days, so it was a pleasant surprise!).

In true Aloft style, most of the action occurs outside of the room, encouraging guests to treat common areas like a living room. From firepits on the outdoor patio to a rooftop bar overlooking the Cape Fear River to pool tables and lawn games and plenty of seating and outlets for co-working, it’s tempting to just stay in and enjoy your accommodations!

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WITH MORE TIME IN WILMINGTON + BEACHES

From the moment we arrived in Wilmington, our “must-do” list just grew longer.

I wouldn’t change a single thing about our weekend, but I have these items down for our next visit:

• Touring some of Wilmington’s historic homes
• Tackling the Wilmington Ale Trail
• Checking out the Cape Fear Museum
• Exploring the Battleship North Carolina
• Catching an outdoor concert at the Live Oak Bank Pavilion
• Taking a surfing lesson
• Getting outside at the local arboretum
• Hunting for Venus fly traps at Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden
• Waving hello to the fish at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher,
• Hitting up a few more shops like Bloke Apparel & Supply for Michael and Local Shade for lots of slow-fashion goodness for me.

Finally, Wilmington has a rich –  and like many Southern cities, traumatic – history, however, the city makes an effort to dive into the discomfort and discuss the past rather than sweep it under the rug. For my next visit, I already have the Wilmington.tours app downloaded and hope to book a tour through wilmingtoNColor.

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WILMINGTON + WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH TRAVEL TIPS

Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is located just minutes from downtown and is currently served by five major airlines. Alternatively, you could fly into Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), and drive two hours.

Either way, you’ll probably want a car if you plan on leaving downtown Wilmington at all. Parking in downtown Wilmington is paid parking, with both metered spots and parking decks. At the time of publication, parking at the city decks on Market Street and 2nd Street is free for the first thirty minutes, and on-street meters are free after 6:30 p.m. and all day on Sundays (but be sure to check here for any updates).

Parking in Wrightsville Beach is entirely paid-parking from March 1 through October 31, from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. (note: some lots are paid-parking until 8 p.m.; check here for updates). There are six public restroom points along the beach, and if available, I recommend parking in one of the nearby lots for ease of access.

Just like in Charlotte, I noticed a sharp increase in aggressive drivers when approaching (and within) the city (but unlike Charlotte, the roads are actually patrolled). In the downtown area, particularly around the community college, we noticed many students crossing the streets without checking for cars (it appears some things never change – this was also an issue in our college town). Just drive with a little extra caution.

My packing list for this trip can be found right here, but I want to give an extra reminder to pack a hat and sunscreen (and apply it more liberally than you might think!). Our April visit was a bit too early for mosquitos, but past beach experience makes me want to recommend packing some for your trip just in case.

And of course – plan to return! A weekend simply isn’t enough time in this gem of a place.

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FINAL THOUGHTS ON VISITING WILMINGTON AND WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH

As a born and raised Floridian, there will always be a part of me that feels called to the coast. Wilmington provides the perfect mix of riverfront and beach access, a plethora of wonderful restaurants, and more than enough reasons to return. I can’t wait for my next visit to this incredible destination – and I can’t wait to hear your travel stories.

Thank you to the team at Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau for hosting our weekend getaway in your beautiful city – we can't wait to return! No matter the destination, the local tourism bureau should be your first stop.

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Questions for you

Do you believe in ghosts? Would you ever take a Ghost Walk?

When was the last time you visited the beach?

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