Things To Do
Airlie Gardens
Explore 67 acres containing formal gardens, wildlife, ten acres of lakes, more than 75,000 azaleas, the tall Airlie Oak which dates back to 1545, and a seasonal butterfly house all located two miles west of Wrightsville Beach. Walk the trails or ride a tram to discover landscapes where something is always in bloom. Special special events include monthly Self-Guided Bird Hikes (Gardens open 8:00 a.m.), Summer Concert Series, and winter’s Enchanted Airlie featuring thousands of lights.
Wilmington Riverwalk
Stroll along nearly two-miles of scenic walkway alongside the historic Cape Fear River. Stretching from Nunn Street to the Isabella Holmes Bridge, lined with an assortment of markets, unique boutiques and art galleries, the Riverwalk is home to outdoor cafes and narrated tours. The marina at the north end accommodates larger vessels, with an outdoor concert venue as well as a restaurant featuring spectacular river and sunset views. One hotel with a roof top view has opened and there is another one currently under construction nearby. The Riverwalk is open year-round, featuring over 200 close-by shops, restaurants and attractions. Conlon Pier is a popular spot for catching views of the river, and is the only spot along the Riverwalk where fishing is allowed.
Battleship NC
Explore the refurbished WWII Battleship starting with the Observation Deck. The self-guided tour features nine levels of living spaces, mess decks, gun turrets, powder storage, sick bay, and more. Serving as a memorial for the 11,000 North Carolinians who died during the war, the Battleship is open every day. Docent led tours are available year round for additional charge. This is an historic adventure you don't want to miss. The SECU Memorial Walkway around the Battleship is now open Battleship hours and is accessible and free to the public.
North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
Stunning exhibits of aquatic environment and wildlife connect you with the natural world. Explore marine life from salt marshes and tidal pools to a two-story open ocean exhibit featuring sharks, rays and eels. Discover a family of Asian otters frolicking in their playful habitat. Meet Luna, a rare albino alligator, and a rescued bald eagle. Feel the smooth skin of a gliding stingray and come face-to-face with a loggerhead sea turtle. Stroll through the Aquarium's outdoor garden and discover aquatic wildlife at dive shows and animal encounters. Explore more with outdoor adventures and camps. The gift shop carries a variety of puzzles, games, shirts, sweatshirts, collector’s items, stuffed animals, souvenirs, posters, toys, and much more. Visit one of North Carolina's most popular attractions located 15 miles south of Wilmington on U.S. 421, south of Kure Beach and less than a mile from the Fort Fisher Ferry terminal.
Battle House Laser Combat
Battle House Laser Combat was established in 2013 to introduce a more sophisticated and engaging form of tactical combat laser tag that is tactical in nature and utilizes high tech, realistic equipment and gaming props for a truly memorable gaming experience. Our first location opened in October 2014 in the Chicago suburbs of Lake Barrington, Illinois. One year later our second location was opened in Wilmington, NC. In 2019 our third and fourth Battle Houses were opened in Waukesha, WI and Fayetteville, NC. All locations offer a gaming experience that is mission-based, team orientated, challenging and just a lot of fun. The indoor arenas are massive and purposely designed to create a simulated urban, close quarters combat environment for nearly all ages