When it comes to things to see and do in Wilmington, NC, there are really only two main areas to consider: the beach and downtown Wilmington. Both offer unique experiences and it really depends on what you enjoy more. If you’re looking for a relaxing and laid-back vacation, the beach is the perfect option for you. Wrightsville beach is well known for its cleanliness and clear waters. The beach is regularly maintained and cleaned by the town’s beach patrol, making sure the beach is free of debris and trash. The town enforces strict dog regulations on the beach, so be sure to check that out. 

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more vibrant and exciting experience, downtown Wilmington is the place to be. Downtown Wilmington NC is lined with a variety of shops, brewery’s, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The Historic Riverwalk is a must-see attraction for visitors. The riverwalk stretches along the banks of the Cape Fear River, offering a scenic walk through the heart of the Port City. Whether you’re a “history buff” or looking to have a beer, the Riverwalk is a great place to explore the history and culture of Wilmington, NC.

Top Places to stay

Staying less than two weeks?

One of the best options for lodging is to rent an Airbnb or VRBO. These short-term rental platforms offer a wide variety of properties for different tastes and styles. They offer more space and privacy than hotels, and they often come equipped with kitchens and other amenities that make it easy to feel at home. Additionally, many of the listings on these platforms are located in residential neighborhoods, which can provide a more authentic and immersive experience of the local community. These platforms typically offer better pricing than hotels or extended stays, especially when you’re staying for a shorter period of time. This makes renting an Airbnb or a VRBO a great option to consider.

Editors Choice: Airbnb Custom Guest Home centrally located.

Editors Choice: Cozy Wrightsville beach Airbnb close to the water.

Editors Choice: Best Hotel on Wrightsville Beach

*Editors Choice: Best Hotel in Downtown Wilmington (by a lot!)

Staying more than two weeks and on a budget?

If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck? Consider a furnished apartment as potentially your most affordable lodging option. Without the high cleaning costs and turnover costs associated with Airbnb, VRBO and hotels, furnished apartment rates are the best cost-to-benefit ratio.

Editors Choice: Close to Downtown:

Cons: 12 Month Lease needed, Limited Parking & Noise

*Editors Choice: Best overall location & Price: The Furnished Studios at The Diamond.

Cons: Not extremely walkable.

Final Thoughts

Although it depends highly on your length of stay, we highly recommend choosing the beach or the historic riverwalk as the two locations to visit when exploring or moving to Wilmington. For shorter stays than two weeks, it can be difficult to find a better bang for your buck than an aiAirbnb Wwhen it comes to value-for-money. 

We like The Furnished Studios at The Diamond because of the flexibility to do a 30 or 90 day lease. Additionally they state on their website they don’t charge fees.