The city of Wilmington has long been known as the “Port City of Progress and Pleasure.”

Wilmington prospered during its early years as a major port and ship-building center. Today it thrives as a premier tourist and filmmaking destination. Downtown Wilmington has much to offer from eclectic shopping, vibrant nightlife, to theatrical productions, coffeehouses and outstanding restaurants. Inland, you’ll find excellent golf courses, department stores, parks, entertainment complexes, amusements, plantations, a state university and restaurants galore. Visitors can enjoy more than 45 attractions, including day or evening riverboat cruises, museums showcasing North Carolina artists and history, and a variety of tours of the historic district, nature preserves, or movie studios.

Airlie Gardens 300 Airlie Road Wilmington, NC 28403 910/798-7700 www.airliegardens.org

Battleship North Carolina Eagles Island Wilmington, NC 28402 910/251-5797 www.battleshipnc.com

Bellamy Mansion Museum & Gardens 503 Market Street Wilmington, NC 28401 910/251-3700 www.bellamymansion.org

Burgwin-Wright Museum House & Gardens 224 Market Street Wilmington, NC 28401 910/762-0570 www.geocities.com/picketfence/garden/4354 

 Cameron Art Museum 3201 S. 17th Street Wilmington, NC 28412 910/395-5999 www.cameronartmuseum.com

Cape Fear Museum of History & Science 814 Market Street Wilmington, NC 28401 910/341-4350 www.capefearmuseum.com 

 Cape Fear River Watch 910/762-5606

Cape Fear Serpentarium 20 Orange Street Wilmington, NC 28401 910/762-1669 www.capefearserpentarium.com

Carolina Beach Jungle Mini Golf & Batting Cages 906 Lake Park Blvd. Carolina Beach, NC 28428 910/458-8888

Carolina Beach Lake Paddle Boats Hwy 421 & Atlanta Ave. Carolina Beach, NC 28428 910/617-9792 www.wheelfunrentals.com/locations/cblakepark.cfm 

 Carolina Beach Lake Park Hwy 421 & Atlanta Ave. Carolina Beach, NC 28428 910/458-7416

Carolina Beach State Park & Family Campground 1010 State Park Carolina Beach, NC 28428 910/458-8206 www.ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/cabe/home.html 

 Children's Museum of Wilmington Orange Street Wilmington, NC 28401 910/254-3534 www.playwilmington.org

Coastal Kayak Adventures 435 Eastwood Rd Wilmington, NC 28403 910/616-5531 www.coastalkayakadventures.com/ 

 Desperado Horse Farm 7214 Hwy 210 Rocky Point, NC 28457 910/675-0487 www.desperadohorsefarm.com

Fort Fisher State Historic Site 1610 Fort Fisher Blvd. S. Kure Beach, NC 28449 910/458-5538 www.fortfisher.nchistoricsites.org 

 Fort Fisher/Southport Ferry Departs from Ft. Fisher at the southern tip of Pleasure Island Kure Beach, NC 28449 910/457-6942 www.ncferry.org

Historic Wilmington and Cape Fear Coast Outdoor Recreation From the River to the Sea

 Historic Wilmington and North Carolina's Cape Fear Coast - Carolina Beach, Kure Beach & Wrightsville Beach is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Water skiing, parasailing, surfing, swimming, windsurfing, SCUBA diving, bicycling and snorkeling provide recreation. North Carolina's coastal waters contain the remains of more than 2,000 shipwrecks, many of which are located off the Cape Fear Coast. Centuries-old shipwrecks provide a venerable haven for scuba divers exploring the ocean's depths. Anglers are lured by the Cape Fear Coast's more than 60 fishing boat charters and a dozen or so annual fishing tournaments. In addition to deep-sea, pier, inshore, inlet, sound and surf fishing, there's also plenty of fresh water fishing and boating opportunities. The area offers more than 25 marinas situated along the Intracoastal Waterway and the Cape Fear River. Kayaking, canoeing and sailing equipment are also offered by a number of local outfitters, many of whom provide instruction, nature tours and narrated or theme cruises. Landlubbers can take refuge in three public campgrounds and a variety of spectator sports. Whatever your pleasure, you'll find plenty to enjoy outdoors.