8 Ways to Savor a Winter Weekend in Wilmington and Island Beaches

Wilmington and its island beaches shine in summer, when waves and warmth make remarkable visits. But North Carolina’s largest coastal city doesn’t cool off when the summer sun fades. Thanks to mild temperatures, there is plenty to do, see, eat and experience all year long.

Find the Perfect Place to Lay Your Head

Find the Perfect Place to Lay Your Head

Whether you’re beachside or downtown, choose from a host of vacation rentals and hotels that accommodate any budget or group. Enjoy modern conveniences with a historical backdrop at ARRIVE Wilmington, recognized as a 2024 MICHELIN One Key hotel. After you check in, be sure to grab a cocktail at the courtyard Gazebo Bar and relax by the firepits. Onsite, you’ll find Dram Yard’s intimate dining room, serving elevated Southern cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. (Don’t forget to ask about the elephant that stayed for a day about a century ago!). The rooms – from couple-sized minis to a family-sized loft – are full of natural light and filled with small touches such as bathrobes and Apple TVs. ARRIVE also sits just a few tree-lined blocks from the 2-mile Riverwalk, which meanders along the Cape Fear River. You’ll find shops, galleries, and locally owned restaurants and night spots here.

 

Order Drinks and Take in a View

Order Drinks and Take in a View

Speaking of the Riverwalk, you’ll find plenty of refreshments there. For a great view of Cape Fear River different than the one offered downtown, adventure on down the river’s bend to Smoke on the Water. Tucked away but still right on the water, the restaurant’s deck offers outdoor tables perfect for sampling a beer or cocktail and taking in sunset views. For more river views, step off the Riverwalk onto the floating Anne Bonny’s Bar and Grill for a signature frozen cocktail, or head to Tequila Comida & Cantina Waterfront at Port City Marina to indulge in its vast tequila library. Ascend to one of downtown’s rooftop bars, Cloud 9 or aView Rooftop Bistro, to pair craft cocktails with picture-perfect views.

 

Visit Local Craft Breweries and Distilleries

Visit Local Craft Breweries and Distilleries

From bourbon tastings and solar-powered brews to a brewery with a disc golf course, the area has a variety of unique breweries and distilleries to visit. Enjoy a beer that benefits the environment at Wilmington's first solar-powered brewery, Mad Mole Brewing, or learn about the native Venus flytrap over a Belgian-style ale at Flytrap Brewing. And there’s more than just beer: End of Days Distillery, Wilmington’s first grain-to-glass craft distillery, offers public tours and tastings by reservation. Rebellion NC and Front Street Brewery, Wilmington’s oldest brewery, offer some of the best bourbon in the South, and guests can nosh on pub favorites and more at both spots.

 

Savor the Renowned Food Scene

Savor the Renowned Food Scene

Make plans to dine at Seabird from James Beard Outstanding Chef nationwide finalist Dean Neff. Seabird highlights Chef Neff’s expertise in farm-to-fork cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients and the area’s diverse local seafood. Seabird is located in a historic building in downtown Wilmington near the Riverwalk. A few blocks away, order the hot roasted pork sandwich at Copper Penny, where Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” discovered what locals already knew: The beer-battered onion rings – and chicken wings – are next level.

 

Explore Historic and Artsy Neighborhoods

Explore Historic and Artsy Neighborhoods

A horse-drawn carriage ride is one of the best ways to see the more than 230-block National Register Historic District, one of the country’s most expansive and home to the city’s only public example of colonial-era construction: Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens. Repurposed warehouses and churches on downtown’s north side make up Brooklyn Arts District, where you can take in a concert or find your new favorite vintage item during seasonal events at Brooklyn Arts Center at St. Andrews. Choose from several restaurants in the South Front District, where older buildings and warehouses have been transformed into trendy eateries, including Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria, which made Southern Living’s “Top 13 Things to Eat” list before it even opened. In Castle Street Arts District, shop fashions that mirror its founders’ rock ‘n’ roll and surfing vibes at Half United – where your purchase helps feed children in need – or stop by Gravity Records to find a new treasured vinyl. Explore shops and restaurants nestled in shipping containers in the Cargo District, Wilmington’s newest neighborhood.

 

Take in History or a Museum

Take in History or a Museum

Named the country’s first WWII Heritage City, Wilmington’s storied past and present can be explored through a variety of notable historical and cultural attractions. Battleship North Carolina, which served in every major naval offensive in the Pacific area of operations during WWII, is a must-see when visiting the area. Today, the battleship serves as a memorial for the 11,000 North Carolinians who died in the war and offers self-guided tours through its nine levels. Continue learning at several historic house museums or at Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, NC’s first history museum, where you’ll find artifacts and remnants to help understand the history, science and cultures of the region. And the kids will love the lively learning experiences at the Children’s Museum of Wilmington. If art is more your speed, celebrate more than 50 years of arts education at Cameron Art Museum, which has rotating exhibits and community programs, along with the nation’s first United States Colored Troops (USCT) Park.

 

Enjoy the Outdoors

Enjoy the Outdoors

Blue Clay Bike Park, recently updated and graded for biking enthusiasts, offers something rarely seen on the coast: elevation changes. Plus, the hard-packed beginner run and its almost 8 miles of trails are the most extensive you’ll find locally. Follow the former Historic Beach Car Line’s tracks along the 11-mile River to the Sea Bikeway, which starts at the Riverwalk and winds along quiet and busy roads. Cycle, run or walk your dog along any section of the 15-mile Gary Shell Cross City Trail. It’s mostly traffic-free and links popular destinations citywide, from sweeping Intracoastal Waterway views at Heide Trask Drawbridge to UNC Wilmington to James E.L. Wade Park. And trails under picturesque Spanish moss-laden live oaks greet you at the 250-acre Greenfield Lake Park and Gardens, where you can also fish, play pickleball and tennis, or have a picnic.

 

Choose From Three Island Beaches

Choose From Three Island Beaches

The temperatures might be cooler, but the possibilities for fun beach activities in winter are still endless: Rent kayaks and bicycles from area outfitters. Embark on an eco-adventure at Wrightsville Beach aboard a catamaran, or head to barrier islands such as Masonboro Island or Zeke’s Island for a fun day of bird-watching and shell-collecting. Paddle calm waters through salt marshes along the Intracoastal Waterway, or take a guided stand-up paddleboard tour with Paddle NC or Wrightsville SUP. Choose from nearly 9 miles of coastal trails at Carolina Beach State Park, or opt for a shorter walk along Kure Beach’s Basin Trail at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. With all those options, winter just might turn into your favorite time of year to visit.

 

After your trip, your photos can help you remember all that’s still waiting in Wilmington and its island beaches – including water sports, museums, tours and cruises, and kid-friendly attractions – so it’ll be easy to plan your next unforgettable getaway or family vacation.

This article was produced in partnership with, and all photos are courtesy of, Wilmington and Beaches CVB.