Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Wilmington?

Q: Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Wilmington?

A weekend is usually not enough time to experience the welcoming city of Wilmington, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the beaches, the famous sights and museums, the historic old town, and the food. And you'll want even more time to just relax at the beach, too. So, you'll likely want more than a weekend, as many tourists set aside around two to five days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Wilmington?

Many visitors spend two to five days in Wilmington during their trip. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because your journey calls for making the most of every moment. The city offers the chance to lounge on the beach, spend time at the museums, browse around the old town, and sample the delicious cuisine.

Wilmington is a port city in North Carolina with access to several great beaches. The city has a nice Historic District with restaurants and shops, but it's also close to several great beaches such as Wrightsville Beach. This is a great destination for a combination of local charm and fun beaches.

Do you have one or two days to visit Wilmington? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is one day enough time in Wilmington?

As a small city, Wilmington offers plenty of activities and attractions for visitors. One day is probably not enough time to enjoy the beach and other activities. You will likely feel rushed to see the beaches, the famous sights and museums, the historic old town, and the food. To thoroughly enjoy your trip, you'd need more time, as most vacationers schedule two to five days to fully experience the welcoming city. Nevertheless, if time is of the essence, we have some nice suggestions for your visit.

How to spend a day in Wilmington

The beautiful beaches await you in Wilmington, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

A few tour suggestions include:

Black Water Adventure Cruise ($33)
Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach ($50)
Sunset Harbor Cruise Tour ($50)

You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Wilmington?

A weekend is usually not enough time to experience the welcoming city of Wilmington, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the beaches, the famous sights and museums, the historic old town, and the food. And you'll want even more time to just relax at the beach, too. So, you'll likely want more than a weekend, as many tourists set aside around two to five days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.

Wilmington, NC

How to spend 2 days in Wilmington

If you have more than a weekend (two to three days) in Wilmington, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.

Perhaps the most famous spot in Wilmington is the Battleship North Carolina, so make sure you set aside some time to check it out. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.