Wilmington is a beautiful port city known for its scenic beauty, historic monuments, boardwalks, and tasteful restaurants. A short term rental stay shouldn’t only be about work! If you find yourself in Wilmington for a few days during a business trip, or are planning to spend a couple of days with family, make sure you don’t miss out on all the captivating activities it has to offer! We’re sharing some of our favorite things to do in Wilmington:

1. Battleship North Carolina

If you’re a fan of history, the battleship North Carolina should be your first stop in Wilmington! Moored across the river from downtown Wilmington, the refurbished WWII Battleship is a historic attraction you don’t want to miss. The battleship stands as a memorial to the 11,000 North Carolinians who gave their lives during the war. 

The battleship’s self-guided tour begins on the Observation deck and features nine levels, mess decks, gun turrets, sick bay, powder storage and more. This historic memorial is open every day throughout the week from 8 am – 5pm. The general admission cost for adults is $14 and $6 for children. 

2. Riverwalk

The Riverwalk is a famous boardwalk on the Cape River Waterfront. This boardwalk was originally designed in the 1980s with the intention to attract more visitors to the historic area, a purpose that definitely succeeded. It stretches from Nunn Street to the Isabella Holmes Bridge and is considered one of Wilmington’s most famous attractions.

The Riverwalk is also lined with a vast variety of markets, galleries, boutiques and restaurants, certainly guaranteeing an enjoyable afternoon out. It is also the location for Wilmington’s weekly Farmer’s Market. 

3. Airlie Gardens

The Airlie Botanical Gardens, located two miles west of Wrightsville Beach, boasts 67 acres of land. The gardens were established in the early 1900s and have been a popular tourist attraction for the past 100 years.

The gardens are named after the tall Airlie Oak which dates back to 1545. They feature a combination of both formal and informal gardens, walking trails, historic sculptures, and a view of the Bradley Creek. Whether you want a peaceful garden stroll, picnic in the sun, or a day appreciating nature, this spot is perfect for you!

4. Bellamy Mansion

The Bellamy Mansion Museum is a non-profit educational institution located in downtown Wilmington. With a mixture of Neoclassical architectural styles, the Mansion is one of North Carolina’s finest examples of architecture.

The mansion sprawls over 10,000 square feet and is surrounded by a beautifully designed Victorian garden. The garden itself is an attractive tourist destination with oyster shell paths and magnolia trees. 

The mansion offers visitors a chance to walk through history with guided tours. It has also become host to several cultural and educational programs throughout the year. The Bellamy Mansion is open Tuesday through Sunday. The admission ticket is $14.98 for adults and $7.49 for students. 

5. Wilmington Railroad Museum

The Wilmington Railroad Museum is located on 505 Nutt St, and is an excellent tourist attraction especially if you have children. The museum has an expansive collection of displays and fun activities for both children and adults.

Visiting the museum is a fun and interactive way to learn about the impact of railroads in local and national history. In addition to being highly educational, the museum also features one of the finest interactive model railroad layouts. You can get the chance to climb on a real life size caboose and a 100-year old steam locomotive!

Contact Us For a Short Term Rental in Wilmington, NC!

Wilmington is a beautiful and historic city full of exciting attractions to visit! We can help you find the perfect short term rental in Wilmington that will feel like home away from home! Contact us today at 336-299-1312 or fill out the form below.