About Wilmington
Wilmington is a port city in New Hanover County, North Carolina, United States. With a population of 115,451 as of the 2020 census, it is the eighth-most populous city in the state. The county seat of New Hanover County, it is the principal city of the Wilmington metropolitan area, which includes New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender counties. As of 2023, the region had an estimated population of 467,337.
Places to visit in Wilmington
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Battleship North Carolina
Museum · 3 mi from centreA World War II battleship moored across the Cape Fear River from downtown, where self-guided tours explore the decks, gun turrets, engine rooms and crew quarters below.
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Wilmington Riverwalk
LandmarkA boardwalk along the Cape Fear River in the historic district, lined with restaurants, shops and benches with views of the battleship across the water.
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Wilmington Historic District
HistoricA large area of nineteenth-century homes, churches and commercial buildings near the river, best explored on foot, by horse-drawn carriage or on one of the trolley tours.
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Airlie Gardens
Park · 5 mi from centreFormal gardens near Wrightsville Beach with lakes, azaleas, sculpture and shady walking paths, along with a giant live oak estimated to be several centuries old and a garden honoring folk artist Minnie Evans.
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Wrightsville Beach
Beach · 7 mi from centreA barrier-island beach town just east of the city, popular for surfing, paddleboarding and swimming, with a long, walkable sandy shoreline and a fishing pier.
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Fort Fisher State Historic Site
Historic · 17 mi from centreSouth of the city, the earthwork remains of a Confederate fort that once protected Wilmington's port, with a visitor center, interpretive trail and coastal views.
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Bellamy Mansion Museum
HistoricA grand antebellum mansion downtown that also preserves rare urban slave quarters, offering a balanced look at the lives of everyone who lived and worked on the property.
Where to stay in Wilmington
Popular hotels in Wilmington, out of 86 properties you can book.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront
From $347 per night
Holiday Inn Resort Lumina On Wrightsville Beach
From $156 per night
Home2 Suites Hilton Wilmington Wrightsville Beach
From $148 per night
Wingate By Wyndham Wilmington
From $107 per night
Best Western Plus Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach
From $99 per night
Hampton Inn Wilmington-University Area/Smith Creek
From $109 per night
Best Western Plus Coastline Inn
From $207 per night
Hilton Garden Inn Wilmington Mayfaire Town Center
From $104 per night
DoubleTree by Hilton Wilmington, NC
From $108 per night
Beau Rivage Golf & Resort
From $134 per night
Hampton Inn & Suites Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach
From $127 per night
Homewood Suites By Hilton Wilmington/Mayfaire
From $137 per night
Best time to visit Wilmington
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Wilmington is April and October to November, when average daytime highs are around 68–75°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Wilmington weather forecast
- Wed 11 Nov 73° 50° 2%
- Thu 12 Nov 73° 55° 7%
- Fri 13 Nov 60° 46° 1%
- Sat 14 Nov 55° 40° 0%
- Sun 15 Nov 56° 38° 0%
- Mon 16 Nov 59° 40° 6%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/New_YorkUTC−5
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Wilmington
These are the airports closest to central Wilmington. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- ILM Wilmington International Airport3 mi (5 km) from the city centre
Getting around Wilmington
DelDOT's network of DART First State buses serve Wilmington and adjacent areas in northern New Castle County, but these are designed primarily for commuters. DART First States buses primarily operate Monday through Friday with several routes offering Saturday service and a few routes offering Sunday service. Fares for DART First State buses are $2.00 per ride and transfers are not issued.
Wilmington travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Wilmington?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Wilmington is April and October to November, when average daytime highs are around 68–75°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
What is the weather like in Wilmington?
July is usually the warmest month in Wilmington, with average highs of 88°F (31°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 36°F (2°C). The wettest month is typically August, with about 264 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Wilmington?
Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (5 km) from the centre of Wilmington.
What time zone is Wilmington in?
Wilmington uses the America/New_York time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Wilmington?
DelDOT's network of DART First State buses serve Wilmington and adjacent areas in northern New Castle County, but these are designed primarily for commuters. DART First States buses primarily operate Monday through Friday with several routes offering Saturday service and a few routes offering Sunday service.
What are the best places to visit in Wilmington?
Top sights in Wilmington include Battleship North Carolina, Wilmington Riverwalk, Wilmington Historic District and Airlie Gardens. A World War II battleship moored across the Cape Fear River from downtown, where self-guided tours explore the decks, gun turrets, engine rooms and crew quarters below.
Where should I stay in Wilmington?
Popular areas for hotels in Wilmington include Wilmington. Well-reviewed options include Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront and Holiday Inn Resort Lumina On Wrightsville Beach.
How many hotels can I book in Wilmington?
Destina Holidays currently lists 86 properties in and around Wilmington, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
