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🌊🌴 Eat, Explore, & Experience Wilmington, NC Like a Local – Top Local Favorites🏖️☀️
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The Real V
These are my go-to spots to eat, explore, and experience Wilmington like a true local—hidden gems, amazing food, and must-see attractions you won’t want to miss!
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🏝️ Fun & Unique Things to Do in Wilmington, NC
 
Best Local Restaurants in Wilmington, NC

🏝️ Fun & Unique Things to Do in Wilmington, NC

Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, historic sites, or hidden local spots, Wilmington has it all. From scenic riverwalks to beachfront activities, here are the best things to do like a true local.

 
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A local favorite for surfing, paddleboarding, and sunrise walks along the shore and enjoyin great sunsets over Banks Channel. "The Loop" is also a great place to get in your steps while seeing the beauty of the island.
Wrightsville Beach, NC | Official Website
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Great place to get out and stroll along the scenic Cape Fear River, lined with restaurants, local store and historic sites.
Wilmington Riverwalk | Wilmington, NC 28401
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A fun, spooky and educational night time walking tour exploring the city’s haunted history.
Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington
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This is a stunning botanical gardens with Spanish moss-draped oaks and peaceful walking trails. Great to visit early spring through early fall. Also puts on a great display of lights to celebrate the Christmas season. Tickets sell out fast.
Airlie Gardens: Homepage
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This is a beautiful pre-Civil War home with fascinating architecture and history tours.
BELLAMY MANSION MUSEUM - HOME
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Stepping aboard the Battleship North Carolina is like walking through a living piece of history. As you explore the massive decks and narrow corridors, you can almost hear the echoes of the brave sailors who served during World War II. From the tower...
Battleship North Carolina | Wilmington
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Best Local Restaurants in Wilmington, NC

Wilmington’s food scene is a mix of Southern comfort, fresh seafood, and creative culinary flavors. From oceanfront seafood joints to cozy gastropubs, these local-favorite restaurants serve up some of the best eats in the city.

 
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Famous for locally sourced seafood with a modern twist. Try the NC shrimp & grits—it's a favorite amongst us locals!
Catch Wilmington: Home
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A farm-to-table gem serving Southern comfort food with a gourmet touch. The fried chicken is legendary!
Rx Chicken and Oysters | Seafood restaurant | 421 Castle ...
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Wilmington’s best Thai & Vietnamese cuisine, featuring stunning outdoor seating with koi ponds. Seat outside and you'll truely believe you where dining somewhere in Indonesia. The lemongrass chicken and chicken pad thai are a must! Try their coco...
Indochine Restaurant | Wilmington, NC | Thai-Vietnamese ...
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Everything is so fresh and delicious. A local’s go-to spot for Latin fusion cuisine, known for bold flavors and fresh ingredients. The shrimp tostadas are a hit!
Savorez Restaurant - Wilmington
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Feature on Diners, Drive-In and Dive. This small but cozy gastropub is famous for its hugh gourmet burgers and extensive craft beer selection. Try the duck fries!
Profile for The Fork n Cork - Facebook
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Wilmington’s best-kept secret for classic pub food and famous honey-drizzled wings. and their cheese steak sandwichs. Great beer list as well. There is generally a wait so we love to belly-up to the bar and eat.
Copper Penny - Wilmington
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A local favorite by celebrity chef Vivian Howard, serving handmade wood-fired pizzas. We love their classic Grandma's style pan pizza. Its a rectangular, crusty, classic sheet pan pizza goodness. Comes with red sauce, oregano, basil, mozzarella &...
Benny's Big Time Pizzeria
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These guys specializing in fresh oysters and seasonal seafood, this is a must for seafood lovers. Chef Dean Neff of Seabird was a finalist for the James Beard Foundation's Outstanding Chef award in 2024 and a semi-finalist in 2023 and 2019.
Seabird Restaurant Wilmington NC
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Laid-back, surf-inspired cafĂŠ American cuisine, featuring dishes like meatloaf, breakfast hashes, cubano sandwiches, fresh salads, grain bowls, and killer breakfast burritos, This is an all around great place to relax and eat great, reasonably priced...
Blue Surf Cafe
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