Welcome to Wilmington, North Carolina!

Come explore everything Wilmington has to offer from picture-perfect beaches, historical tours and an exciting downtown location.

History

Located in Hanover County, Wilmington is bordered by the Cape Fear River on the west and the Atlantic Ocean on the east. Named after Spencer Compton, the Earl of Wilmington, this coastal town was incorporated in 1739 and became a city in 1866. From 1840 to the early 1900s, Wilmington was the largest town in North Carolina. More recently, Wilmington is the childhood home of legendary basketball player Michael Jordan and former ABC and NBC newscaster David Brinkley.

Government

Wilmington is governed by a Non-partisan City Council that includes a Mayor, Mayor Pro-Term, and five Councilmembers. The City Council sets policy and direction in the town while a City Manager observes daily operations of the governing body. There are 11 departments in the city and approximately 1,000 employees. Wilmington contains 400 miles of roadway, 400 miles of sidewalks, 715 acres of parks and athletic facilities, and 197 acres of landscaping and greenways.

Explore

This thriving coastal town provides many attractions suitable for the whole family.

The USS North Carolina Battleship that fought in every major naval battle in the Pacific Ocean during World War II is located near downtown Wilmington. In 1941, she was considered "the world's greatest sea weapon." Today, visitors are able to take a guided or self-guided tour of the this majestic battleship.
Wrightsville beach is a short drive away from downtown Wilmington with options to rent a beach cottage, kite-board, kayak or paddle board. This kid-friendly location also offers treasure hunts, surfing lessons and eco tours.
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is home to a diverse array of aquatic wildlife. The Aquarium offers programs ranging from animal encounters and educational films.

Events

Wilmington offers a variety of annual events.

The largest annual event is the North Carolina Azalea Festival. Established in 1948 the five day festival features a myriad of attractions including garden tours, concerts, street fairs, and various expositions.

Dining

Wilmington offers a variety of dining options to satisfy any food fanatic. Visitors can experience a plethora of fantastic dining locations that can not be found anywhere else.