Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Downtown Wilmington charms visitors with its historic riverfront magic and timeless character. Stroll the mile-long Riverwalk where seagulls call and riverboats drift past antebellum mansions and Victorian storefronts. The gorgeous Thalian Hall anchors a district where gas-lit streetlamps illuminate cobblestone streets and centuries-old architecture.
Southern cuisine rules the food scene with farm-to-table restaurants and waterfront seafood joints keeping hunger at bay. Boutique hotels and B&Bs housed in converted mansions offer cozy spots to crash after exploring the compact, walkable grid or catching a show at the Wilson Center.
Stroll along Cape Fear River's scenic boardwalk where historic charm meets waterfront beauty. The Riverfront District buzzes with shops and eateries tucked into 18th-century buildings. You'll spot the impressive USS North Carolina Battleship while exploring cobblestone streets dotted with museums, the Wilson Center, and the historic Bellamy Mansion.
Waterfront dining serves up fresh seafood with river views, though prices reflect the prime location. Most attractions are within easy walking distance despite the charming but uneven cobblestones. The free downtown trolley connects major sites, and boutique hotels in restored historic buildings offer period charm with modern comforts.
Cobblestone streets lead past grand antebellum mansions and Victorian homes to the scenic Cape Fear Riverwalk in Wilmington's Historic District. Thalian Hall anchors the cultural scene with performances while horse-drawn carriages transport visitors through centuries of preserved architecture. History buffs can explore the Bellamy Mansion Museum while shoppers browse galleries housed in converted cotton warehouses.
The district offers Southern cuisine and fresh seafood in restaurants with river views. A free downtown trolley connects major sites, though the compact area is easily walkable despite some uneven cobblestones. Charming bed and breakfasts in historic mansions provide authentic lodging options with period furnishings and personal service.
Photo by Sean T.
Open Photo by Sean T.
Wrightsville Sound
Wrightsville Sound gives you the best of both worlds - coastal calm just minutes from Wrightsville Beach's sandy shores. The tree-lined streets and waterfront views create a peaceful retreat where you can kayak along the Intracoastal Waterway or take a quick drive to the beach. Nearby attractions include New Hanover County Arboretum and the charming Wrightsville Beach Museum of History.
This neighborhood is primarily residential, with vacation homes and condos rather than hotels. You'll need a car to access dining options and shopping, which are limited within Wrightsville Sound itself. The quiet atmosphere and natural beauty make it perfect for travelers seeking an authentic coastal living experience away from tourist crowds.
Brooklyn Arts District
Brooklyn Arts District pulses with creative energy in revitalized industrial spaces. Artists work in studios with floor-to-ceiling windows while colorful murals cascade down brick walls. The Brooklyn Arts Center at St. Andrews anchors this vibrant scene, where art walks fill streets with browsing locals. Craft breweries in converted warehouses pour local brews beside pop-up markets buzzing with handmade goods.
Farm-to-table restaurants occupy historic buildings with exposed beams and industrial charm. Boutique inns and artist loft rentals offer stylish stays with original artwork. The district is walkable with limited public transit, though downtown trolleys connect to Wilmington's historic waterfront just a short stroll away.
If you'd like to get a taste of Wilmington student life, check out University of North Carolina at Wilmington, located 4.7 mi (7.6 km) from central Wilmington. Hotels.com travelers also say the area is full of friendly people and has lots of nice beaches.
The centre of Leland is home to cultural attractions like Battleship North Carolina, so you might want to stop by during your stay. Hotels.com travelers also say the area is full of friendly people and has lots of nice beaches. If you want to experience more of the culture Leland has to offer, head to Riverwalk, Cape Fear Community College, and Wilmington Convention Center.
Explore the great outdoors at Greenfield Lake Park and Gardens, a lovely green space in Wilmington. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the shops in this family-friendly area.
Enjoy a show at Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, a theater with a story to tell in Wilmington. Wander the beautiful beaches and riverfront in the area.
You can study the exhibits at Bellamy Mansion Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Wilmington. Stroll along the seaside or attend a sporting event in the area.
Explore the historic riverfront, lined with colorful shops and seafood restaurants serving fresh local catch. Tour the decommissioned WWII battleship USS North Carolina or take a scenic cruise along the Cape Fear River.
Wilmington is great for one-of-a-kind experiences especially the Fort Fisher aquarium and all the trails that can be walked. There's a couple of beaches in the area. My husband and I also love to go to the battleship. We love this area in general.
Porshe
8.0/10
Good
Beautiful old downtown, other areas are modern to outdated and in need of a makeover. Traffic and population is overwhelming, but basically anything you want or need is there, just give yourself time. Beaches are close by. Lots of great restaurants.
John
10.0/10
Excellent
We have always loved Wilmington. Between having family here and first meeting here it has held a place in our hearts. Lots of awesome food downtown and all over. Lots of history. And if you want one of the best burgers, go eat at Rebellion!
Paige
10.0/10
Excellent
Wilmington is beautiful, with many good places to eat, a lively nightlife downtown, and beaches nearby. (I recommend Pleasure Island.) Wilmington has great architecture, an interesting history, and a large historic area.
G
10.0/10
Excellent
Wonderful place. River walk, several beaches. Good seafood and other restaurants. Interesting history. Great place to live. Lived there in the '80's. Continual improvement.
Jeff
8.0/10
Good
Wilmington trip was very good. Enjoyed downtown, the USS North Carolina, and multiple beaches (Carolina and Kure). Local food/bars were spot on. I will definitely be coming back
Daniel
10.0/10
Excellent
Lots of great food and excursion options. Something for everyone. Access to Beaches within driving distances. Downtown is a must!
Judith
10.0/10
Excellent
Historic downtown with riverwalk, great restaurants, access to beaches. Careful to check parking prices in advance.
Cassandra
10.0/10
Excellent
Wilmington riverwalk is the BEST place to go as a couple. We have really enjoyed being able to walk everywhere.
Anonymous traveler
10.0/10
Excellent
Loved going to Fort Fisher, doing the trolley tour through historic downtown and eating seafood.
Check out reviews of Wilmington hotels guests love
Tru by Hilton Wilmington
10/10 Excellent
"Well, hello a whole bunch of servicemen. They seemed to be the experts from some other base, traveling as a working unit, so this was not a party hotel for visitors of enlisted men. Clean, quiet, self parking, a breakfast with all the usuals -- plus the freezer had something I could eat for dinner the night we arrived, which is rare given that I can't eat wheat or dairy. "
"The lady at the front desk, Tammy, was SO kind to me and my son. She was so accommodating of our dog and she was super sweet to answer all our questions. She made the stay so wonderful. "
If you need the flexibility to change your travel plans to Wilmington, most hotels provide refundable* bookable rates. You can see these accommodations by searching our site and using the "fully refundable" filter to narrow the results down.
Where should I stay in Wilmington if I want a budget-friendly accommodation?
Where can I stay in Wilmington if I want a vacation home instead of a traditional hotel?
If you want a good alternative to a hotel, look over our selection of 563 vacation homes. In addition, there are 153 apartments and 130 condos.
What will the weather in Wilmington be like during my trip?
July and August are typically the warmest months in Wilmington when the average temp is 78°F. January and February are the coldest months when the average temperature is 51°F. August and September are the months with the most rain.
Why should I book my Wilmington accommodation with Hotels.com?
There are lots of reasons to book your Wilmington trip with us: our free cancellations on selected hotels gives you flexibility, and with One Key™, our rewards program, you will be able to earn and use OneKeyCash™* on all eligible bookings such as hotels, car rentals, flights, vacation rentals and more on Hotels.com, Expedia and Vrbo.
Find out more about Wilmington
Find out more about Wilmington
Visitors really like Wilmington, especially its beaches, historical sites, and restaurants. Plan a fun excursion to Trask Coliseum and Eagle Point Golf Club while here. There's plenty more to see, including sights like Battleship North Carolina and Wilmington Convention Center.
