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Trip guides › North Carolina › Wilmington, NC

Things to do in Wilmington, NC: 2 local trip ideas

2 ready-made day trips in Wilmington, NC: foodie and hidden gems. Each one strings together a handful of stops in order.

FoodieHidden Gems
Foodie trip

A Foodie Walk in

5 stops · about 7 hr of stops · ~$110 per person

Enjoy a perfect culinary day in Wilmington, NC, tracing a continuous walking route through the historic downtown from hearty Southern breakfast staples to a curated seafood dinner.

  1. 1

    Dixie Grill

    116 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401, USA
    Dixie Grill, Wilmington, NC

    Try the legendary Southern-style sweet potato pancakes or the Dixie Benedict.

    ★ 4.4 on Google · about 1 hr 15 min · ~$18 per person · Directions
  2. 2

    Old Wilmington City Market

    119 S Water St, Wilmington, NC 28401, USA
    Old Wilmington City Market, Wilmington, NC

    Stroll this historic 1879 corridor to browse regional jams, local crafts, and specialty snacks.

    ★ 4.5 on Google · about 1 hr · ~$15 per person · Directions
  3. 3

    The Basics

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

    Indulge in scratch-made Southern comfort classics like gourmet shrimp and grits for lunch.

    ★ 4.5 on Google · about 1 hr 15 min · ~$22 per person · Directions
  4. 4

    The Cotton Exchange

    321 N Front St, Wilmington, NC 28401, USA
    The Cotton Exchange, Wilmington, NC

    Explore specialty food shops, olive oil tastings, and candy storefronts in historic brick buildings.

    ★ 4.5 on Google · about 1 hr 30 min · Directions
  5. 5

    Seabird

    1 S Front St, Wilmington, NC 28401, USA
    Seabird, Wilmington, NC

    Savor exceptional local oysters and chef Dean Neff's celebrated seasonal seafood dishes.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 2 hr · ~$55 per person · Directions
Hidden Gems trip

Arts, Antiques & Repurposed

5 stops · about 7 hr 30 min of stops · ~$90 per person

Skip the crowded riverfront for a day exploring Wilmington’s creative under-the-radar neighborhoods, centering on the historic Castle Street Arts District and the industrial Cargo District.

  1. 1

    Luna Caffè Roasters

    608 Castle St, Wilmington, NC 28401, USA
    Luna Caffè Roasters, Wilmington, NC

    Grab a house-roasted espresso and a pastry in this cozy, dog-friendly spot with exposed brick walls.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 1 hr · ~$12 per person · Directions
  2. 2

    Curated On Castle Vintage Market

    604 Castle St, Wilmington, NC 28401, USA
    Curated On Castle Vintage Market, Wilmington, NC

    Browse eccentric local mainstays like Gravity Records, Jess James + Co, and Modern Love for vintage treasures.

    about 1 hr 30 min · Directions
  3. 3

    CheeseSmith

    624 S 17th St, Wilmington, NC 28401, USA
    CheeseSmith, Wilmington, NC

    Feast on gourmet, inventive grilled cheese sandwiches like the 'Maple Bacon' at this Cargo District cult favorite.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 1 hr · ~$18 per person · Directions
  4. 4

    The Cargo District

    1605 Queen St, Wilmington, NC 28401, USA
    The Cargo District, Wilmington, NC

    Explore this hip, industrial enclave of shipping containers housing plant shops, bookstores, and craft bars.

    ★ 4.6 on Google · about 2 hr · ~$15 per person · Directions
  5. 5

    Olivero

    522 S 3rd St, Wilmington, NC 28401, USA
    Olivero, Wilmington, NC

    Indulge in wood-fired Italian and Spanish dishes with New Orleans soul, crafted by a James Beard nominee.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 2 hr · ~$45 per person · Directions

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