Are you planning a trip to the North Carolina coast and wondering what to do in Wilmington? I’ve got you covered with this roundup of fun things to do in Wilmington, NC! This charming coastal town has something for everyone, from history buffs to food connoisseurs, shopaholics, and nature lovers. Here’s my ultimate guide to spending an afternoon in Wilmington.

Visit a Coffee Shop

Visiting a local coffee shop is, in my opinion, one of the best ways to familiarize yourself with a new city. After hearing about Hidden Grounds Coffee on social media, I had to check it out! This funky dinosaur-themed coffee spot has a small but aesthetic interior full of dino decor and merch. There was a line out the door when I arrived on a Saturday morning, but it was entirely worth the wait.

I tried an iced oat milk Boot Scootin’ Berry latte, a spring specialty drink—it was SO yummy and perfect for the season. The outdoor space is where Hidden Grounds really shines. There’s ample seating and lush greenery, creating the illusion of a tropical oasis right in the heart of Wilmington.

Walk Around Historic Downtown

Wilmington’s Historic Downtown area (the River District) is perfect for strolling around. It’s incredibly picturesque, with classic Southern architecture, cobblestone streets, and towering trees. For waterfront views, hop on the Riverwalk, which follows the Cape Fear River for about two miles. Downtown Wilmington also has many bookstores, clothing boutiques, art galleries, bars, music venues, and restaurants to discover.

Explore The Cargo District

For a unique change of scenery, check out the Cargo District. Many of the shops and restaurants in this community are housed in shipping containers, giving it a cool and trendy vibe. Check out Hello, Love and The Plant Outpost for quirky gifts and home items. There are also many food and drink options—I got some Italian ice from Sunset Slush, which was deliciously refreshing. I’d definitely love to return and try some other Cargo District eateries.

Grab Lunch

Wilmington is full of tasty restaurants to satisfy any and all of your cravings. I grabbed lunch at The Half, a casual sandwich shop, during my visit. The friendly and inviting eatery has all kinds of unique sandwich creations. I thoroughly enjoyed The Clara, a vegan option with chickpea salad and vegetables on rye bread. It was perfectly creamy, crunchy, salty, vinegary, and slightly sweet. Yum! I’ve also eaten at Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar, a low-key but fun hangout spot with fresh, flavorful seafood.

Enjoy the Outdoors

You can’t go to Wilmington without getting outside for a bit. There are three nearby beaches—Carolina, Kure, and Wrightsville—if you want some surf and sand. Another great option is the Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden, a small park teeming with pitcher plants and venus flytraps. I’ve also heard good things about the New Hanover County Arboretum, but haven’t made it there yet.

Shop for Local Goods

Don’t forget to stock up on some local goods while in Wilmington! When the weather is nice, the city frequently hosts outdoor festivals and events where you can shop for food, art, crafts, clothes, and more. I also highly recommend Biggers Market, which carries a wide array of produce, snacks, baked goods, meats, and dairy products from local vendors.

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I hope this travel guide to things to do in Wilmington inspires you to plan a trip! Let me know your favorite Wilmington activities and restaurants in the comments.