Local Information

For our guests who are not familiar with the Wilmington area, we have provided some of our local attractions and business that may be of service during your stay.

USS North Carolina

Moored in quiet dignity and majesty the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, across the river from downtown Wilmington, beckons visitors to walk her decks. Envision the daily life and fierce combat her· crew faced in the Pacific Theatre during World War II.

Step back in time and let history come alive through the crews’ stories. Discover and build your personal connection by steering the ship, starting her engines or even firing the guns. The Battleship N·ORTH CAROLINA - It's Your Experience.

Bellamy Mansion

 The Bellamy Mansion is one of North Carolina's most spectacular examples of antebellum architecture built on the eve of the Civil War by free and enslaved black artisans, for John Dillard Bellamy (1817-1896) physician, planter and business leader; and his wife, Eliza McIlhenny Harriss (1821-1907) and their nine children. After the fall of Fort Fisher in 1865, Federal troops commandeered the house as their headquarters during the occupation of Wilmington. Now the house is a museum that focuses on history and the design arts and offers tours, changing exhibitions and an informative look at historic preservation in action.

Cape Fear Museum

Cape Fear Museum of History and Science is the oldest history museum in North Carolina. Since its founding in 1898, the Museum has grown and changed. It began collecting confederate relics, and now collects images and artifacts that help us understand the history, science and cultures of the region.

Airlie Gardens

Established in 1901, Airlie Gardens is a valuable cultural and ecological component of New Hanover County and North Carolina history. In 1999, a grant from the Clean Water Management Trust Fund, the commitment of the New Hanover County Commissioners, the cooperation of the previous owner (the Corbett family), and the support of local residents made possible the County’s purchase and restoration of Airlie’s 67-acres of gardens.

Cape Fear Riverboats

We offer a unique venue for holiday parties, weddings, wedding receptions, anniversaries, birthdays and family reunions. Have an evening of fun or romance on one of our dinner cruises, or take in the sights along the beautiful Cape Fear River in Wilmington, NC on one of our narrated sightseeing cruises, river tours, or adventure excursions ... many options for a memorable event, suitable for any occasion.

Wilmington Railroad Museum

For more than 125 years, railroading was Wilmington's chief industry.· In 1840 the Wilmington & Weldon Railroad was completed and was the longest continuous rail line in the world at 161 miles long.

Near the turn of the 20th century several railroads up and down the eastern seaboard, including the Wilmington & Weldon, merged to become the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad.· The ACL company headquarters was located here in Wilmington.

The Childrens Museum of Wilmington

The Children's Museum of Wilmington stimulates children's imagination, curiosity and love of learning.

The Children's Museum of Wilmington celebrates the joys of childhood by providing magical and playful experiences for children of all ages. The Museum serves children ages 0-10 and their adult company. Our goal is for all our visitors to learn amazing things about themselves and the world where we live, through informal, playful hands-on and child-directed experiences. In our warm and inviting environment, children and the adults who bring them find ample opportunities to explore and better understand the arts, sciences, culture and more, through engaging exhibits and programs.

Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park

Located between Downtown Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, Jungle Rapids is Wilmington's coolest place to play offering something for everyone!

Cape Fear Serpentarium

The Cape Fear Serpentarium is a unique facility located in the downtown district of historic Wilmington, NC. Founded in 2001 by expert herpetologist Dean Ripa, the Serpentarium is a 10,000 square foot structure which features 54 displays which house over 40 venomous species of snakes, 5 large bays featuring giant constrictors, and three full-fledged interior habitats housing 3 species of crocodile. Other displays are the homes for several large and exotic species of lizards.
In all, there up to 150 animals on display at any given time.

Wilmington Area Beaches

With a name like Cape Fear, you might wonder about stepping into the water. But North Carolina's southern coast has long soothed (not scared) visitors. Take your pick from pristine, undeveloped stretches or busy seaside scenes. And don't be afraid. The area got its name long ago from captains who ran their ships aground due to shifting shoals where the Cape Fear River meets the ocean.

Fort Fisher

Until the last few months of the Civil War, Ft. Fisher kept North Carolina's port of Wilmington open to blockade-runners supplying necessary goods to Confederate armies inland. By 1865, the supply line through Wilmington was the last remaining supply route open to Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. When Ft. Fisher fell after a massive Federal amphibious assault on January 15, 1865, its defeat helped seal the fate of the Confederacy

NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher

The Aquarium was established to promote an awareness, understanding, appreciation, and conservation of the diverse natural and cultural resources associated with North Carolina’s ocean, estuaries, rivers, streams, and other aquatic environments.

There’s always a reason to visit the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Whether it’s to see a daily dive show, animal encounter or feeding or to schedule a behind the scenes tour.