The Wilmington center is around the area of Wilmington Surgcare and the area of Town Hall.
The most popular time of year to visit Wilmington is in the summer, when families from across the region flock to the city's sunny shores in search of an oceanside getaway. Average highs hover in the high 80s to low 90s, resulting in perfect weather for swimming, surfing, water skiing, and visiting water parks. With the influx of tourists, however, comes increased hotel rates; you'll be lucky to find a reasonably priced room during the summer months. Still, if you plan your vacation months in advance and book your room early, you can take advantage of discounted prices.
Tourism tapers off in September, which is an ideal time to visit Wilmington. Hotel rates start to level off, but temperatures remain in the mid-80s, giving visitors the best of both worlds. While most of the fall season is a prime time to visit, Wilmington does experience a small surge of visitors in October, although it's nothing like the summer months.
Winter in Wilmington can be quite chilly, with temperature averages reaching the mid to high 50s in December and January. While winter isn't the ideal season for water activities, hotel rates are at their lowest and provide great opportunities to explore the city's attractions on a budget. Just be sure to pack a few layers, and be prepared for chilly wind gusts.
Spring is another great time to visit Wilmington because the weather is warming back up but tourists haven't yet descended on the city, so hotel rates stay low through early May. If you plan on jumping in the ocean, plan your spring vacation for April or May when the weather is warm enough.
If you plan your trip in advance, you can save even more money by taking advantage of discounts.
Many area hotels, including Fairfield Inn & Suites Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach, offer both early-bird and last-minute promotions. Early booking at these properties can save you anywhere from 10 to 30 percent off the hotel's best available rates, so don't be afraid to book your trip well in advance.
Alternatively, if you need to book a room at the last minute, many area hotels offer a reduced rate on last-minute weekends if you're willing to stay at least two nights. These deals vary by hotel and aren't always available since many rooms fill up during peak tourist season.
Most hotels, such as Hilton Wilmington Riverside, extend special rates to seniors, AAA members, AARP members, government employees, military personnel, travel agents, and corporate travelers. Depending on where you stay, these special rates could save you as much as 20 percent off the total cost of your trip.
Wilmington offers a number of midrange hotels that give travelers the best bang for their buck.
Hampton Inn Wilmington-Medical Park is a modern property just two blocks from New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Guest rooms are classically decorated and include custom-designed beds, free Wi-Fi, work desks, lap desks, flat-screen TVs with HD channels, minifridges, and coffee makers. Some rooms add pullout sofas and kitchenettes, which are ideal for extended stays. The hotel also offers a free hot breakfast, weekday breakfast bags to go, an outdoor pool, a fitness room, meeting rooms, a business center, a garden with a gazebo, and free parking.
Best Western Plus Coastline Inn is a relaxed waterside property overlooking the Cape Fear River. Guest rooms are understated but feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with HD channels, minifridges, and coffee makers. Some include river views. Upgrading to a suite will also get you a lovely mezzanine-level bedroom. Guest amenities include on-site parking, a free continental breakfast, 24-hour gym, business center, and a boat dock behind the property.
The Wilmingtonian is a unique all-suite option set in a trio of historic buildings. Located within walking distance of the Cape Fear Museum, The Wilmingtonian offers individually decorated guest suites and themed rooms with private porches or balconies, free Wi-Fi access, minifridges, coffee makers, cable TV, and microwaves. Some rooms feature four-poster beds, kitchens, and laundry facilities. Guests can enjoy a free continental breakfast, gourmet coffee in the lobby, free parking, rocking chairs, and a private courtyard.
With so much to explore in Wilmington, you may be wondering where to start. The USS North Carolina Battleship is one of the city's most popular attractions and is open every single day of the year. This WWII battleship and museum has been moored across the river from downtown Wilmington, beckoning visitors to explore her many decks. You'll begin your experience by viewing an introductory movie and browsing the exhibit hall before boarding the ship. After that, you're free to explore the battleship at your own pace before finishing your journey at the gift shop.
The Cape Fear Museum of History and Science is a delightful facility that collects and preserves objects related to the culture, history, and science of the Lower Cape Fear. It's also the oldest museum in the state, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Wilmington.
Exploring Wilmington is a tall order, but with a little planning, you'll walk away with countless memories and the urge to return. Whether you're looking for an affordable hotel near downtown or a riverside property with all the amenities, you'll find the perfect hotel in Wilmington to meet your needs and budget.
Below are reviews of the city of Wilmington, NC from an actual visitor's perspective.
The room was clean, comfortable. The staff was friendly. We loved how friendly everyone was around the beach town. A lot of healthy food choices and many things close walking distance.
Loved it!
The area we stayed at reminded me of Savannah, Georgia.
The room was clean, comfortable. The staff was friendly. Friendly, clean city. With good food!
A friendly town very welcoming and dog friendly. Great place to visit
I spend a lot of time in Wilmington. Have friends and family there. It's a beautiful city lots of things to do great food!
Everything is close by the hotel.
I liked that it was on the waterfront!
Everything is close by!
Very nice!
Great shopping!
All the unique shops!
Visiting with my son and eating at Rucker John's. We don't have a restaurant like that here.
It's a great place to visit. Lots of places to see!
I loved the fresh seafood!
Very familiar with Wilmington and love I the city!
The Wilson Center, historic area, beach.
Great concert at the Wilson Center. Liked the historic district and of course the beach.
Near the beach and private.
Wrightsville Beach
Many interesting places to visit!
I love the choices of places to eat and things to do.
The personnel was very professional.
Downtown historic area was very quaint.
The river walk conveniences.
Wilmington is beautiful, green and has everything one could need or want.
Cast Iron Kitchen for Sunday brunch was awesome!!
It's a place we have been coming to for many years, we made friends here and spend our summer vacation nearby.
Loved the beaches and the character of the city overall!
Fun things to do in Wilmington were: going to the beach, Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park, The Bizarre Museum, and Elijah's Seafood Restaurant.
Food is delicious!
It is a most hospitable place peopled by kind individuals.
Beach, kayaking, food.
Beaches!
Lots of places to shop and explore!
It is a most hospitable place peopled by kind individuals.
Fair.
Beach is close by hotel.
USS North Carolina totally worth the stop and Cape River tour.
Beach
Located near stores and restaurants.
Nice ballfields; the weather was great.
How quiet and close to restaurants it was!
Beach!
We did some shopping then headed to Topsail Island and enjoyed the ocean.
Will stay at this hotel again!
Love Carolina Beach!
We enjoyed Airlie Gardens, the USS Battleship North Carolina and dining along the Riverwalk!
Hotel was very clean; staff was very friendly and helpful! Great views, activities, restaurants, evening life and people!!!
Beach
A variety of restaurants and ease of finding my way around.
Everything was good!
Beaches are close and great places to eat!
I visited a few of my favorite Wilmington restaurants: Elijah's downtown and Oceanic on the ocean. Walked along the boardwalk downtown and enjoyed the Azalea Festival.
Visited historical sites. It's easy driving around the city!
I like the great hospital in Wilmington! Novant Health is outstanding!
Lots of events and things to do in Wilmington. Food is delicious. Enjoyed the walks.
The staff was friendly and welcoming. Hotel was very clean. Wilmington us a beautiful place to visit! Love it!
Enjoyed the beaches!
Love the beach!
Within a few minutes you can be downtown or at the ocean. Lots of good places to eat.
The great places to eat.
Near the beach!
Nice
Easy walking distance to almost everything! Beautiful city!
Comfy stay, large rooms and bathrooms. Friendly staff. Highways was smooth riding and streets clean.
Malls
Macedonia MBC and staff also had those and more, served us with respect and dignity. God Bless you one and all🌹💯🫂
Easy access to shops and beaches and staff was very nice and friendly.
Quaint downtown area with nice bars snd restaurants. Felt very safe walking around in evenings.
Access to many different beaches, cities, activities, and restaurants easily.
The city and the people
Family and the ocean!
The ocean!
River Walk and the Train Museum.
Staff was very helpful and polite.
I really enjoyed Wilmington the boat ride downtown was beautiful!
I love Wilmington, as well as Wrightsville Beach!
I love Wilmington, as well as Wrightsville Beach!
Close to the beach!
Not far from the beach!
Wilmington has a bevy of amazing restaurants and activities. You're 20 minutes from the beach and the river is gorgeous.
Hotel nicely located for my needs. Wilmington is a lovely city and Wrightsville Beach is near by. Enjoyed the USS North Carolina ...
Riverwalk, walkable, lots to see!
The kind of great service one would get five to ten years ago!
Hotel was close to many places to visit for food or activities.
Working in area, thought it was nice.
The old historic homes are beautiful.
What we saw was beautiful and very leisurely.
Love Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach!
Wilmington is North Carolina's true jewel!
City of Wilmington is very nice.
Downtown brewery names Front Street Brewery was excellent.
I live here so of course I would say the beaches.
Close enough to beach and restaurants. Also Worked out perfect for our needs.
The downtown life and the food was great. Hell's Kitchen is a great place to eat.
We enjoyed dining at K38 Baja Grill and The Cape Fear Seafood Company. Hugh McRae Park was a great park for our 9U State baseball tournament.
We really only went to the ice hockey rink but it was very enjoyable.
Lot of things to see and do and there was something of interest for each of the members of our party.
We liked that there were numerous activities to choose from and hundreds of places to shop and eat at. We took advantage of the amazing proximity to both Kure and Carolina Beaches as well as Wilmington Beach. We had great fun!