The Trendy City With A Vintage Boardwalk Has To Be The Best On North Carolina's Coast

North Carolina is full of lively and scenic cities and towns spattered along its coastline, though one seems to stand above the rest. Full of incredible charm, history, and beauty, Wilmington, North Carolina, is a gem to be discovered. Situated just two hours southeast of Raleigh, Wilmington is a perfect day trip or even a weekend stay for those seeking vintage boardwalks full of shops and restaurants, sun-kissed sandy beaches, and relaxing riverfronts.

Wilmington is a bustling city with a small town feel, nested neatly between the gorgeous Cape Fear River to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Between the shores of the river and the beaches at the sea, you'll find a large array of urban districts, parks, and green spaces (including Halyburton Park, a 58-acre nature preserve), and ocean front hangs that are sure to keep you busy.

Did we mention historic boardwalks? First, the 2-mile scenic riverwalk in Wilmington is a must-visit, dotted with art galleries, boutiques, markets, and trendy restaurants with outdoor seating. If you'd rather dine seaside, the vintage Carolina Beach boardwalk is about 20 minutes away. The boardwalk has been around since 1887 (though it was renovated and rebuilt in the 1990s) and includes all the classic features of an East Coast boardwalk. We're talking a Ferris wheel, amusement park, arcade, shops and restaurants, live performances, and of course sweet treats! The area hosts celebrations and festivals like the Carolina Beach Music Festival every June, and throws a good New Year's Eve party. It's one of the last remaining boardwalks on the East Coast, which have been iconic throughout the last 150 years. 

Wilmington has a rich and fascinating history, with the first non-native explorations dating back to pre-colonial times. Within the city, a National Register Historic District spans over 230 blocks of the downtown and riverfront area, including the popular riverwalk. Here you'll find historic buildings, long-time family-owned restaurants and shops, and a ton of charm. Start your morning on the riverwalk with a classic breakfast at The Dixie Grill, a locally beloved spot that has been around since 1904 or grab a late lunch at the Pilot House for seafood and Southern dishes.

For a relaxing day on the beach, Wilmington has three stunning island beaches including the aforementioned Carolina Beach. For nature lovers, head to Kure Beach, which boasts scenic trails at the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area and wildlife viewing opportunities at Zeke's Island Reserve. If surfing or stand-up paddleboarding is your thing, Wrightsville Beach is one of many must-visit East Coast beaches for surfers where you can get lessons and catch amazing waves.

Are you a history buff? Wilmington has been an important locale in United States history, from the Revolutionary War (when Wilmington was occupied by the British), to the Industrial Revolution and beyond, when the railway became a major driver of growth in Wilmington — once the largest city in North Carolina. You'll love the numerous museums, such as the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, where you can discover the city's rich past, or learn about the history of the Atlantic Coastline Railroad at the Wilmington Railroad Museum. And no trip to Wilmington would be complete without a tour of the decommissioned USS Battleship North Carolina, where you can go aboard and see what life was like for over 2,000 sailors during World War II.

Flying here is easy, as there are three international airports within a two-hour drive of Wilmington, including Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Myrtle Beach International Airport. There is even Wilmington International Airport just 15 minutes from the city center. Taking a road trip along the East Coast? Wilmington is just a little over an hour off Interstate 95, making it a wonderful detour on your journey.

Once you arrive, you'll surely want to stay, and fortunately, there are numerous options and accommodations to suit your travel style and budget. For those looking to spend under $100 per night, The Craft House is a retrofitted 1860s Italianate-style home that offers a unique homestay-like experience for under $100 a night. Hilton's Hotel Ballast offers rooms starting around $250 and boasts amazing views of the river and is just steps from the riverwalk. Of course, there are also a ton of great Airbnb stays that range greatly in price, offering the ability to stay at a bed and breakfast, a simple guest suite, or even an entire historic home. Just remember these hidden dangers of Airbnb.

For those passing through in an RV or camper, there are several fantastic options available. Located on Market Street near Wrightsville Beach, the Wilmington KOA offers luxurious RV sites and premier cabins at reasonable prices. There is also great camping available at the nearby Carolina Beach State Park, with options from primitive tent sites to RV sites with electrical hookups to suit your budget and needs. Wherever you end up staying, making a trip to Wilmington is well worth it, and you'll undoubtedly want to come back again!