Why Are Wilmington Tourist Attractions Attractive?

But are Wilmington's tourist attractions attractive, really? Answering a question with another question is probably the shortest way to run away from it. In Part 1 we touched on a few of the delights of Wilmington; read on for more inspiration to help you decide what to do and see here on the North Carolina coast.

Wilmington is not your average tourist destination — it's a tourist haven, where every tourist, old or young, big or small, will find something fascinating to make a memory of. From the river walks to the boardwalks, the water sports to the gardens, you name it: there is a basket-full list of things to do.

River Walks, Boardwalks and Piers

Make sure you take a walk along the mouth of the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean — one of the most beautiful scenes you will ever come across. If you have never seen what happens when a giant river is swallowed by a mammoth ocean, you need to come and watch the Cape Fear surrender to the Atlantic, in a place lined with shops and cafés, along a boardwalk that national heritage gurus have declared a must-walk. Capture the moment with a swing in the ocean-front park, and delve into the many pleasures the natural beauty provides alongside these amazing waters. Enjoy eating out in the moonlight, or take a breeze as you dine on delectable smoked prawns in the sunshine. And go see the historic piers, a classic fishing spot.

Water Sports

Utilize the waterways fully! Have a ton of fun with the overwhelming number of water-sports activities on offer. There are experienced surfing guides, in case you don't know how to go about it. Explore the waters of the Cape Fear River and the salt marshes by paddleboard; enjoy kayaking at its best. And don't stop there — be creative and try the underwater sports too.

Paddleboards, kayaks, salt marsh — the waterways, fully utilized.

Family Fun

This is the best place to bring the whole family for a memorable experience, with activities for every age group. Some will love sliding in the water parks; others will find solace at the battleship, reminded of the events of WWII — and the list is endless. There are kid-friendly museums, too.

Places like the Wilmington Railroad Museum and the Children's Museum of Wilmington will leave your little ones with fascinating moments to narrate to their peers for the rest of their lives.

Cape Fear Serpentarium, on the other hand, is a good place for the family to mingle while seeing the more than 150 animals and rare creatures found here. From snakes and lizards to crocodiles — name it, and you will find amazing creatures you never knew existed.

Also take the family to Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park for a go at the splash pool, the wave pool, and the river as it lazily flows by. Slither down the slippery water slides — they are great fun.

Other Things to Do

Don't forget Airlie Gardens: 67 acres of beautiful period gardens and wildlife, 10 acres of lakes, walking trails, and the famous Airlie Oak — more than 470 years old. You may prefer to ride a tram while exploring the vast grounds. The garden is open throughout the year and runs various other activities, including monthly bird-spotting hikes and summer concerts. Taste the roasted oysters, and don't miss the spectacular winters of Enchanted Airlie, featuring thousands of lights.

"This garden is open throughout the year."

And you can't dare miss the Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design, which offers the most spectacular examples of antebellum architecture.

The number of things to do here runs into the dozens — and they are not merely things to do, but things to be truly experienced. Given how spectacular and memorable these experiences are, you won't want to miss out. By now you can probably concur: there are more than enough attractions in this beach city.