The 15 best things to do in Wilmington (2026)

The ranked list

1. 

   1. History and Architecture Walking Tour

   Outty Ranking89

   Through the eyes of a local, you will explore some of our most beautiful residential streets, discuss Wilmington's role in colonial times, through the Antebellum period, Civil war and through our present as a major hub f. Exceptional at 89/100, 4.9/5 from 204 traveler reviews, 1.5h from $25, free cancellation.

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2. 

   2. THE Wilmington History, Haunts & Breweries E-Bike Tour (4 hr)

   Outty Ranking87

   This Family Friendly tour is operated by Wilmington Bike & Brew Tours here in Wilmington, NC. Be sure to check out our reviews here on Trip Advisor and also on Google. Search for us on Google Maps to find our reviews. Exceptional at 87/100, 5.0/5 from 122 traveler reviews, 4h from $85, free cancellation.

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3. 

   3. Sailing Charters in Wilmington

   Outty Ranking86

   After a successful first three seasons I am happy to be here for a fourth season!!! Sail in style on the historic Wilmington river walk. Enjoy a personalized Charter experience with up to six guests. Very few sailboats a. Exceptional at 86/100, 5.0/5 from 208 traveler reviews, 2h from $89, free cancellation.

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4. 

   4. Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach

   Outty Ranking84

   The Carolina Runner is a custom-built 40-foot craft that includes a bar, blue tooth sound system, LED party lights, a loading ramp for easy shore access to Masonboro Island, complete modern toilet facilities, and many ot. Exceptional at 84/100, 4.9/5 from 148 traveler reviews, 2h from $50, free cancellation.

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5. 

   5. Sunset Harbor Cruise Tour

   Outty Ranking83

   Our friendly staff and brand new custom built vessel create a memorable experience that encourages new friends to be made while enjoying the wildlife and scenic beauty of the Wrightsville Beach area. Exceptional at 83/100, 4.9/5 from 179 traveler reviews, 1.5h from $50, free cancellation.

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6. 

   6. Trolley Pub Public Tour

   Outty Ranking83

   Check out the best Wilmington has to offer on this two-hour pedal powered pub crawl. You'll stop by some of the hottest spots in Downtown Wilmington on our mobile bar on wheels. Tours are BYOB with our on-board cooler an. Exceptional at 83/100, 4.9/5 from 134 traveler reviews, 2h from $59, free cancellation.

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7. 

   7. 2.5-Hour Tour de Wilmington E-Bike Tour/Sightseeing/History

   Outty Ranking82

   We know what it's like to visit a new place (or return to an already-visited place). You want to see and experience as much as you can! We understand that. Our main goal with the Tour de Wilmington is to show you as much. Exceptional at 82/100, 4.9/5 from 88 traveler reviews, 2.5h from $70, free cancellation.

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8. 

   8. Eagles Island 50 minute Narrated Boat Cruise

   Outty Ranking80

   Enjoy a relaxing ride on the river on our comfortable 46' catamaran as you learn more about Wilmington, NC from our friendly captain and crew. Gain a new perspective on our history and ecology as we share fun facts and h. Exceptional at 80/100, 4.6/5 from 347 traveler reviews, 1h from $24, free cancellation.

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9. 

   9. Sunset Sail Tour

   Outty Ranking76

   Take a 2.0 hour sailing cruise on a Sparkman and Stephens Sailing Yacht. With your small-group, engage on this classic 42 ft yacht, that accommodates a 6 passenger maximum for an intimate cruise through the waters of Wri. Strongly Recommended at 76/100, 4.9/5 from 93 traveler reviews, 2h from $125, free cancellation.

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10. 

    10. The Badass Women of Old Wilmington: A Historic Walking Tour

    Outty Ranking76

    On this entertaining and informative walking tour, you'll discover the women who challenged conventions, changed minds, and left an indelible mark on Wilmington's rich history. Their stories are courageous, surprising, i. Strongly Recommended at 76/100, 5.0/5 from 21 traveler reviews, 1.5h from $27, free cancellation.

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11. 

    11. Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington Haunted Tour

    Outty Ranking76

    Journey into the depths of old Wilmington on an eerie and entertaining 90-minute adventure to some of historic Wilmington's most actively haunted homes and burial grounds. This are the number 1 rated, original, and only. Strongly Recommended at 76/100, 5.0/5 from 20 traveler reviews, 1.5h from $27, free cancellation.

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12. 

    12. Wraiths & Wicked Whispers: Wilmington Ghost Tour

    Outty Ranking76

    Unveil the spine-chilling secrets of Wilmington on our top-rated ghost tour, where history's dark past comes to life! Stroll through streets rich with Southern charm and eerie tales of bloodshed and bizarre happenings. Strongly Recommended at 76/100, 4.5/5 from 159 traveler reviews, 1h from $26, free cancellation.

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13. 

    13. One Tree Hill Superfan E-Bike Tour (4hr)

    Outty Ranking75

    "There is only One Tree Hill, and it's your home!" - Karen One Tree Hill lives on here in Wilmington, NC. In a collaboration with TRIC & FWB Charity Events, we are now offering E-Bike tours of the most famous One Tree H. Strongly Recommended at 75/100, 5.0/5 from 23 traveler reviews, 4h from $95, free cancellation.

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14. 

    14. Wilmington Coup and Massacre Historic Tour

    Outty Ranking74

    In 1898, North Carolina's government was overthrown by a white supremacist coup - the only successful coup d'état in American history. Wilmington saw the worst violence, with a horrific massacre terrorizing the city. Thi. Strongly Recommended at 74/100, 4.7/5 from 37 traveler reviews, 1.3h from $20, free cancellation.

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15. 

    15. Black Water Adventure Cruise

    Outty Ranking72

    Start your day on the water in search of wildlife and many of our feathered friends while listening to interesting commentary about the rich history of this area. This close to two-hour cruise is a rewarding experience a. Strongly Recommended at 72/100, 4.8/5 from 19 traveler reviews, 1.8h from $33, free cancellation.

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Traveler ratings are provided by Viator and Tripadvisor. The Outty Ranking is our own independent evaluation. How the ranking works.

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