Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Wilmington?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks 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 weeks 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 week enough time in Wilmington?
One week is more than enough time to enjoy the beach and other activities in Wilmington. You can move at your own pace and relax at your hotel and on the beach. You could also use Wilmington as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region worth doing.
How to spend a week 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.
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.
A few tour suggestions include:
- 2-Hour Wilmington E-Bike Bar Crawl ($55)
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.
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)
- Wilmington Wine and History Stroll ($30)
- Wilmington Pirate Walking Tour ($20)
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.
After you've explored most of Wilmington, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.
Is 2 weeks enough time in Wilmington?
Two weeks provides ample opportunity in Wilmington to enjoy the beaches, the famous sights and museums, the historic old town, and the food. Then you can use the city as a convenient base for venturing into nearby destinations where you'll discover exciting day trip options. We have some suggestions below for your trip. Families and couples enjoy the area for its activities, too.
Wilmington, NC
How to spend 2 weeks in Wilmington
With 2 weeks in Wilmington, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the city has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time relaxing on the beach. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this city looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.
A few trip suggestions:
- Afternoon Sail ($110)
- Black Water Adventure Cruise ($33)
- Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach ($50)
- Sunset Sail Tour ($115)
- Sunset Harbor Cruise Tour ($50)
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Wilmington, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.