The Best Things to Do in Wilmington NC in the Fall

One of our favorite spots to get away in North Carolina is Wilmington, especially in the fall. Just because summer ends, does not mean that the beach season is over. David and I enjoy visiting in October and November because there have been times we have visited during those months and enjoyed beautiful 80 degree weekends. There is always so much to do in the area, and I highly recommend visiting on a weekend when The Arts Council of Wilmington is hosting its Fourth Friday Gallery Night. Check out some of the best things to do in Wilmington in the fall below!

This post was originally published in November 2019 and has since been updated and recirculated for October 2024.

The Best Things to Do in Wilmington NC in the Fall

Wilmington NC in the Fall: What to Do

Explore Local Artists Work at Fourth Friday Gallery Walk

It’s a lovely (and free!) way to experience local art and culture at your own pace. There are maps available at participating locations or you can find one online here. Many of the galleries have their featured artist to speak to their craft. It makes for a fun date night or way to spend time with your friends.

Stroll the Walking Trails at Greenfield Lake

Photo via AllTrails

David and I first visited Greenfield Park to attend a concert at the amphitheater and loved the small venue space. Looking for a larger concert venue? Check out the shows at Live Oak Bank Pavilion. All that to say, Greenfield Park has a 190 acres of biking and walking trails along Greenfield Lake that has tennis courts, a skate park, boat and kayak rentals, and the outdoor amphitheater. This outdoor oasis right in busy downtown Wilmington is a true gem! In addition to the birding and turtles you will see, you may just come across an alligator, too.

Another local park to check out is Long Leaf Park, which has a playground, StoryWalk, and a seasonal splash pad.

Visit Carolina Beach State Park

Explore the various flora and fauna of Carolina Beach State Park, including finding Venus flytraps, and the famous Sugarloaf Dune, 50-foot dune that once served as a navigational marker for river pilots. If you want to get out on the water, check out Paddle NC for a guided tour or kayak rentals.

For what to do on a winter weekend in Carolina Beach, check out this article. Also, be sure to grab a burger from Island Burgers & Bites.

Take a Scenic Boat Tour of the Cape Fear River

One of my favorite ways to see a city and learn about its history is on a boat tour. Wilmington Water Tours, located on the historic Wilmington riverwalk, offers a great selection of Cape Fear River cruises. These daily cruises offer views of the local ecology and include shipwrecks, and sweeping views of the Battleship North Carolina and the Wilmington waterfront. They also offer sunset cruises, some of which include live music. Book your cruise here!

If you are on one of the island beaches, check out their local offerings. If you are on Wrightsville, Wrightsville Beach Scenic Boat Tours offers a fantastic selection! 

Spend an Afternoon at Cameron Art Museum

I adore spending an afternoon at the Cameron Art Museum. We visit every time we are in town to experience the new exhibits on a self-guided tour. Make a reservation for brunch at the cafe, one of the best kept secrets in Wilmington. They also feature live music in the cafe on Thursday evenings! Another must-visit at Cameron Art Museum is North Carolina’s and the United States’ first dedicated park in honor of the US Colored Troops (USCT) at the site of their victory in the Civil War Battle of Forks Road. This park serves as a space for reflection, healing, and learning about the importance of the USCT during the Civil War. It also is the home to the life-sized statue, Boundless.

Experience Military and Maritime History at Fort Fisher Historic Site

Photo via Kure Beach Site

Another location on the Wilmington island beaches is Fort Fisher State Historic Site. The site offers an extensive opportunity to learn more about North Carolina. Fort Fisher Historic Site offers opportunities to contextualize the largest land-sea battle of the Civil War. North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about aquatic life and various wildlife. Affiliated with the aquarium is the opportunity to charter a dive down to The Condor, North Carolina’s first Heritage Dive site. The Condor is believed by historians to be one of the best-preserved blockade runners. Fort Fisher State Recreation Area offers hiking trails, which includes a WWII-era concrete bunker.

Learn Local History at Bellamy Mansion Museum of History & Design Arts

Photo via Visit NC

Wilmington has no shortage of spectacular historic homes and the Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts has done a great job of preserving and contextualizing its history. This home was built in 1861, and after the fall of Fort Fisher to the US Army in 1865, the Bellamy Mansion was used as Federal headquarters. Today, Bellamy Mansion offers daily tours and dynamic cultural programs, including one of the only preserved and interpreted enslaved persons quarters in the United States.

Enjoy New Hanover Arboretum

Photo via Wilmington & Beaches

The New Hanover Arboretum offers seven acres of stunning seasonal gardens that are open year round. There are Koi in the water garden that features an authentic Japanese tea house and Japanese maples. There is a Contemplation Garden, which honors the 5 branches of the military. Another feature is the children’s garden that features a cozy little cottage.

Shop Local at the Riverfront Farmers Market

This local farmers’ market is open seasonally and open every Saturday from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM on Dock Street, between 2nd and Water St. The farmers’ market offers excellent local produce and products by makers, including homemade bouquets, honey, artwork, jewelry, dog treats, and more. One of the starting locations is across from the ARRIVE Hotel.

Savor Wilmington’s Food & Drink Scene

I absolutely adore Wilmington’s food and beverage scene. This year, we particularly enjoyed trying Olivero and Rx Chicken and Oysters. Another favorite of mine is Seabird, and you can see all of my favorite restaurants in the Port City here.

Wilmington NC in the Fall: Where to Stay

Front Street Inn is a lovely spot to call home for a weekend in Wilmington. I love a good historic inn and Front Street is full of charm. Its high ceilings, porches, and welcoming atmosphere made us feel right at home. This inn has recently gone through a renovation and now boasts an espresso bar, which features espresso martinis. Reservations for the bar are required after 4:00 PM.

Another great spot in downtown Wilmington is the ARRIVE Hotel, which has a fun garden bar with fireplaces.

Thank you to Wilmington Beaches CVB for partnering with I’m Fixin’ To. As always, all opinions are my own.