Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Wilmington?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 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 3, 4, or 5 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 3 days enough time in Wilmington?

As a small city, Wilmington offers plenty of activities and attractions for visitors. Three days 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 charming city. Nevertheless, if time is of the essence, we have some nice suggestions for your visit.

How to spend 3 days 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:

Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach ($50)
Sunset Harbor Cruise Tour ($50)
Eagles Island 50 minute Narrated Boat Cruise ($24)

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.

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.

You'll find a few good museums and historic landmarks here, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.

Is 4 days enough time in Wilmington?

For many visitors, four days in Wilmington would be just the right amount of time to enjoy the beach and other activities. In fact, lots of tourists spend roughly two to five days in the charming city to check out the amazing beaches and terrific museums and landmarks. Below we have some suggestions on how to spend your time here.

Wilmington, NC

How to spend 4 days in Wilmington

If you have more than 4 days in Wilmington, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.

The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

A few tour suggestions include:

History and Architecture Walking Tour ($25)
2-Hr, 30-Min Tour de Wilmington E-Bike Tour/Sightseeing/History ($65)
Wilmington Speakeasy and History Tour ($30)

Is 5 days enough time in Wilmington?

With five days you'll have more than enough time to enjoy the beach and take in all that Wilmington has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Wilmington as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the beaches, the famous sights and museums, and the historic old town at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.

How to spend 5 days in Wilmington

Having 5 days in Wilmington will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.

Shopping in Wilmington is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Wilmington, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.