~20-30 minute drive to the beaches from downtown Wilmington. All beaches offer public access - Carolina beach (has a boardwalk) - Kure beach (has an aquarium and nature preserve) the beaches are a bit rockier down this way and beautiful! - Wrightsville beach (water-front restaurants + shopping)
Stroll along the Riverwalk and enjoy the Cape Fear River. There are plenty of boutiques, art galleries, bars, cafés and restaurants. Our favorite place on the river is Gelarto - best gelato in NC!
WWII Battleship self-guided tours. Open daily 8am-5pm