Road trips from Wilmington

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.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$25–$50 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

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.

FoodViewsRelaxed

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.

FoodRelaxedQuiet

$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking

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.

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.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$20–$50 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

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.

FoodCocktailsLive music

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.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals

$5–$10 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

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.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals

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.

$0–$15 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

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.

OutdoorsSportsAnimals

$20–$40 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

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.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

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.

FoodViewsRelaxed

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.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed

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.

Outdoors

Masonboro Island Reserve

Masonboro Island Reserve is a natural, undeveloped barrier island best reached by boat for a day of beachcombing, birdwatching, or hiking. Expect to spend at least 4 hours exploring, bringing all your own supplies, at no cost other than transport.

$10–$15 typical2 hr visitmoderate parking

Historic District

Bellamy Mansion Museum

Spend about an hour exploring this historic mansion and its grounds, a good daytime activity that pairs well with other downtown Wilmington sightseeing. Expect to spend $10-15 per person for admission.

ArtsHistoryOutdoors

Riverfront

The Cotton Exchange

The Cotton Exchange is a good stop for a mixed shopping and dining experience, especially if exploring historic downtown. Plan for about 1-2 hours; spending can range from browsing to a full meal and purchases.

FoodShoppingHistory

$0–$40 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Arts & Culture

Battleship North Carolina

The Battleship North Carolina is a 2-3 hour educational outing, good for families or solo exploration, offering historical insights and river views. Expect to spend $10-15 per person on admission.

ArtsHistoryOutdoors

$10–$15 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Riverfront

River 128 Restaurant

This upscale riverfront restaurant is suitable for a romantic dinner or special occasion. Expect a 90-minute meal with prices typically ranging from $50 to $100 per person.

FoodViewsRomantic

$50–$100 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Arrowhead Park

Arrowhead Park is ideal for a free, relaxed outdoor activity, such as a walk or picnic. Expect to spend about an hour here and possibly combine it with other local outdoor spots.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed