Wilmington · New Hanover County, NC
Cheap things to do in Wilmington
Scout analyzed 91 Wilmington places and surfaced the ones that actually fit cheap day out.
Places analyzed
91
Matches
24
Typical spend
$30
Typical visit
1.4 hr
Scout-verified spots
Riverfront
Hidden Grounds Coffee
Hidden Grounds Coffee is a good stop for a quick coffee or light snack, suitable for a solo break or a casual meet-up. Expect to spend $5-$15 per person for about 30-60 minutes.
Food & Drink
On Thyme Restaurant
On Thyme is a casual restaurant suitable for a relaxed meal. Expect to spend $20-40 per person for an hour-long visit, perhaps before or after a stroll in the Castle Street Arts & Antiques District.
Riverfront
Maroon Monkey Coffee
Maroon Monkey Coffee is a good spot for a quick coffee break or to grab a beverage to go while exploring downtown. Expect to spend 30 minutes and around $5-15 per person.
Beaumont
Indochine Restaurant
Indochine is a good choice for a dinner outing, offering Thai and Vietnamese cuisine in a unique garden setting. Expect to spend 90 minutes and $25-50 per person for a meal here, and reservations are recommended for prime times.
Food & Drink
Casa Blanca Coffee Roasters
Casa Blanca Coffee Roasters is a good stop for a solo coffee break or a casual meeting, fitting well before or after errands. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and between $5-$15 per person.
Food & Drink
The Kitchen Sink
The Kitchen Sink is a casual restaurant suitable for a relaxed meal. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $15-$30 per person for a main dish and a drink.
Food & Drink
South Front Tavern
South Front Tavern is a solid spot for a casual meal or drinks with friends, fitting well for a dinner outing before or after exploring the South Front District. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $25-50 per person.
Outdoors
Lake Waccamaw State Park
Lake Waccamaw State Park is ideal for a half-day outdoor excursion, offering trails and lake views for free. It pairs well with a picnic and can be a main family activity or a stop on a longer trip.
Food & Drink
True Blue Butcher and Barrel
True Blue Butcher and Barrel is an excellent choice for an upscale evening meal, ideal for a romantic dinner or celebrating a special event. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours and budget $75-150 per person for a quality steakhouse experience.
Food & Drink
Bitty & Beau's Coffee
This coffee shop is good for a casual coffee break or a light snack. Expect to spend 30 minutes and under $15 per person for drinks and pastries.
Historic District
Luna Caffè Roasters
Luna Caffè Roasters is suitable for a relaxed morning coffee or a quiet afternoon work session, typically costing $5-15 per person for an hour-long visit. It pairs well with a stroll through the surrounding neighborhood.
Riverfront
Caprice bistro
Caprice Bistro is a good choice for a romantic dinner or special occasion, offering French cuisine in a cozy setting. Expect to spend $50-100 per person for an evening meal lasting around 1.5 hours.
Historic District
Anne Bonny's Bar and Grill
Anne Bonny's is a floating barge bar & grill on the Cape Fear River, good for a casual meal with a view, live music, and regional seafood. Expect to spend $20-50 per person for a 1.5 hour visit, and parking can be moderate downtown.
Airlie
Airlie Gardens
Airlie Gardens is ideal for a leisurely 1.5-hour outdoor stroll among azaleas and lakes, costing around $5-10 per person for entry. It pairs well with a picnic or a meal at a nearby restaurant in Wilmington.
Outdoors
Greenfield Park
Greenfield Park is ideal for a free, relaxed outdoor adventure, perfect for families or a solo walk. Expect to spend an hour or two enjoying the scenery, potentially pairing it with a picnic.
Outdoors
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area is ideal for a half-day to full-day outdoor excursion, suitable for families or solo adventurers. Entry is free, but parking or off-road vehicle permits may incur a small cost.
Outdoors
Long Leaf Park
Long Leaf Park is a good destination for a free, active family outing or a solo walk, especially on a nice day. Plan for 1-2 hours of walking trails, playing sports, or enjoying a picnic.
Riverfront
The Fork 'N' Cork
The Fork 'N' Cork is a solid choice for a casual meal of burgers and drinks, fitting well into an evening downtown before or after other activities. Expect to spend 1-1.5 hours and around $20-40 per person.
Riverfront
24 South Coffee House
This downtown coffee shop is good for a relaxed start to the day or a mid-afternoon break. Expect to spend about an hour and $5-15 per person for a drink and light snack.
Riverfront
Rooster & The Crow
Rooster & The Crow is a good spot for a relaxed meal of Southern staples, whether for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch. Expect to spend 90 minutes and $25-60 per person.
Outdoors
Dram Tree Park
Dram Tree Park is good for a short, free outdoor stroll to see river views, suitable for all ages. It can be a brief stop before or after visiting other downtown Wilmington attractions.
Riverfront
Circa 1922
This is a good spot for an upscale dinner or cocktails, especially for a date or a girls' night out. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and about $50-100 per person.
Riverfront
Voyce Bistro
Voyce Bistro is suitable for a dinner outing with friends or family, particularly for celebrating. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $40-$80 per person for a full meal and drinks.
Outdoors
Wade Park
Wade Park is a good free option for a family outing or solo walk, offering trails and a boardwalk through wetlands. Expect to spend 1-2 hours walking and enjoying nature, weather permitting.
Under $35
Cheap dates and low-spend afternoons.
Worth the splurge
When the night needs to land.
Outdoors
Patio, trail, or open-air.
No reservation needed
Walk in tonight.
What Scout found
- 60 of the 91 analyzed Wilmington places fit cheap day out.
- 32% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
- 42% have easy parking.
- Dominant moods: Relaxed, Social, Scenic, Upscale, Quiet, Adventurous.
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