There’s so many things to do in Wilmington, NC, in the summer that it’s the perfect summer vacation destination. Wilmington, North Carolina is one of my favorite beach towns to spend a weekend in the summer! It’s home to the beautiful Wrightsville Beach, historic downtown of Wilmington, and so much more.
You may not have heard of “Wilmington” but you’ve probably see it in many famous tv shows and movies over the years. From One Tree Hill and the Nicholas Sparks movie, Safe Haven to the more recent Outerbanks and The Summer I Turned Pretty. This picturesque town has the vibes of a Southern California beach town with the affordable prices and friendly people of the South.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to add to your summer bucket list – from places to eat to best things to do!
Best Things to do in Wilmington, NC Table of Contents:
Best Coffee Shops in Wilmington, NC
When planning your adventure filled summer day with some of the best things to do in Wilmington, you’re probably going to want to start with some coffee to fuel up. These coffee shops are not only some of our favorite local coffee shops in Wilmington, but some of our all time favorite!
Social Coffee + Supply Co.
Social Coffee is a place you can almost pass by since the outside of it looks like your typical house, but once you walk inside, it’s like a hidden gem! It’s an easy in and out place on your way to the beach. Something that makes them unique is that they have an ever changing seasonal menu. Their drink menu leaves you wanting to come back and try something new, no matter how many times you’ve been there! One of Caleb’s favorites was the Loop Latte, it had fruit loops in it! One of the owners is a graphic designer so all their “Social Merch” is designed in house, which makes their apparel it even cooler!
Our go-to order: Hot or Iced Local or a seasonal drink on the menu!
Drift Coffee + Kitchen
Drift Coffee + Kitchen has 5 locations in town that all have the most inviting beach vibes! In addition to their drink menu, they have a very delicious, health-conscious food menu. Plus, unique sweet treats, like Biscoff Pancakes! Some of them are coffee shops with a small food menu, while other locations are full-service restaurants. Our favorite location is the Wrightsville Beach one because it’s full service and is just minutes from our house and the beach!
Our go-to order: Flat White or seasonal coffee drink; single Biscoff stack with the Drift Big Brekkie; Crispy Potato Brekkie
Port City Java
Port City Java has a few different locations around town and has a similar feel to a Starbucks, but local. It’s our go to shop when we’re wanting to grab something quick. Most of them have a drive through so it makes it super easy when you’re loaded up to head to the beach and want to grab coffee and some breakfast.
All of their food and pastries are made fresh at a central bakery in town. We truly love everything on their menu but their chocolate chip muffins are literally my favorite chocolate chip muffins I have EVER had! It’s one of the first things we do when getting to Wilmington.
Our go-to order: Chocolate Chip Muffin, heated; Mocha [iced or warm]; Iced Coffee; Mediterranean Wrap
UPDATE 2024: They changed bakers, and their muffins are NOT the same! Many people still like them but they are no longer my favorite. :(
Casa Blanca
Casa Blanca is one of the most aesthetic coffee shops I’ve ever been to! It’s name means “white house” and you can understand why as soon as you pull in the parking lot. It’s a little bit further from Wrightsville beach so we tend to go there with friends to hang out, rather just pass by quickly!
This coffee shops minimalistic, neutral interior makes you want to sit there for hours. Luckily, there’s plenty of indoor seating and a huge outdoor patio with a fireplace. In addition to coffee, they have the most dreamy branding and merchandise, you’ll want to buy it all!
Our go-to order: Hot or Iced Mocha
Best Places to Eat in Wilmington, NC
Bento Box Sushi
Bento Box Sushi is a sushi bar and asian kitchen that focuses on sustainable seafood! It’s located near the Mayfair shopping plaza, near a location of Drift Coffee. It’s one of our favorite places to out to dinner with Caleb’s family! Since we order so many of our favorite rolls, it get’s presented on a sushi board shaped like a surf board – so fun! They take reservations and have plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.
Some of our favorite rolls are the Miami Vice, The Catch, Bonzi, and Shrimp Tempura!
Islands Fresh Mex Grill
$1 tacos for dinner – say no more!! Islands is one of our all-time favorite Mexican restaurants (mostly because it’s cheap and fast). Think fast, casual Mexican similar to a Moe’s or Chipotle setup (not super authentic mexican) but with its own unique flare! While their menu has a lot more than just tacos, they’re famous for their $1 tacos special. Every day, any time after 5:00 pm you can order up to 4 tacos for $1 each with the purchase of a drink. It’s our go-to dinner place when we’re in town because it’s so delicious, quick, and cheap!
Pro-tip: make sure you get their Island’s Sauce on any of their tacos for the best flavor!
Fish House Grill
Fish House Grill is right on the water of the intercostal water way, giving you beautiful views as you eat! They do not take reservations, so I recommend you get there early if you want a good table. Their menu is filled with lots of fresh seafood and options the whole family will enjoy. My personal favorite is the shrimp tacos!
Beach Bagels
Beach Bagels is one of our favorite places to get a quick breakfast on the way to Wrightsville beach! They have lots of different breakfast wraps, sandwiches, and of course, bagels! I’m kinda basic when it comes to bagels, and I LOVE a plain bagel toasted with butter. You can order online or call ahead, so all you have to do is pick it up when you get there!
Since we originally wrote this blog in 2021, lots more incredible local restaurants have opened in Wilmington! These are honestly some of our favorite restaurants ever. DELICIOUS food, amazing aesthetic & vibes, plus reasonable prices.
Favorite Resturants in Wilmington, NC:
- Kipos Hellenic Cuisine
- Perla Raw Bar
- True Blue Butcher & Barrell
- Coquina Fishbar
- Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria
- Tarantellis Ristorante Italiano
- Wheelz Pizza
- CheeseSmith
- Origins
Best Desserts in Wilmington, NC
Some of the best summer things to do in Wilmington include eating delicious desserts! These local places are a MUST to include on your summer bucket list!
Boombalatti’s Homemade Ice Cream
I LOVE BOOMBALATTIS!!!! It’s by far my favorite thing in Wilmington [with a VERY close second to the Port City Java Chocolate Chip Muffin]. All of their ice cream is homemade and you can truly taste the difference compared to other ice cream stores and brands in general. It’s no surprise that Boombalatti’s a super popular summer place to grab a refreshing treat! If you don’t go anywhere else I’ve recommended, you MUST go here!
My favorite is the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream or Salted Carmel in a Waffle Cone!
Britt’s Donuts
Britt’s Donuts is located at Carolina Beach, a little bit south of Wilmington. They are opened from Memorial Day to Labor day each year. Britt’s first opened it’s doors back in 1939 and is famous for it’s glazed donuts!
The donuts are served warm since they’re freshly made almost to order. There’s usually a super long line and they’re constantly making more donuts to serve everyone! The famous glazed donuts are super light and almost melt in your mouth! I highly recommend you get more than one or else I promise you, you’ll be going back for more! We usually get a dozen donuts for $10 and share it with our friends! Make sure you bring cash because it’s cash only.
Best Things to do in Wilmington
You can’t have the best summer things to do in Wilmington without having some activities! Below are some of our favorite things to do when visiting Wilmington.
Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach is my absolute favorite beach in the Wilmington area and definitely one of the best things to do in Wilmington, NC! You can swim, surf, hang out with your friends for a beach day, play spike ball or frisbee, lay out in the sun, and so much more. There’s plenty of street parking at different beach access points and at the Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier.
From other beach related activities in the area:
- Walk the Loop – a 2.45 mile paved walking path that goes around the heart of Wrightsville Beach
- Take a boat to Masonboro Island to spend your day on the beach there [only accessible my private boat]
- Rent a Kayak or Paddle-board
- Watch the sunset on Cape Fear Bridge
- Visit Airlie Gardens
Fort Fisher
Fort Fisher Historic Site not only has tons of historical areas where you can learn about its history but has a beautiful Beach and grassy areas covered with trees of the maritime forest. You could definitely spend a beach day here but it’s actually one of our favorite places to have a picnic or watch the sunset!
Southport
While Southport technically isn’t in Wilmington, it’s about a 45 minute drive or ferry ride south. You may recognize it from the famous Nicholas Sparks movie, Safe Haven. It’s a cute beach town with lots of local places to explore while biking around the tree lined streets or walking on the pier and riverwalk. I’d recommend a short day trip either to enjoy lunch or dinner in Southport!
Best Local Shops in Wilmington, NC
Aussie Island Surf Shop
Aussie Island is a surf shop filled with beach appeal, surf boards, and so many other summer time necessities! If you’re looking to purchase anything beach related on your trip, I highly recommend you go shopping here. I’m not kidding when I say that half of Caleb’s closet is apparel from Aussie Island!
MISSIO
MISSIO is a local Wilmington hair product line that uses hair care products to restore hope and fight human trafficking. 30% of all their profits go towards fighting human trafficking through education, service and giving. Not only am I huge believer in their cause but also love their products! My favorite hair is their Coconut Cleaning Powder [dry shampoo]!
OTHER LOCAL SHOPS WE LOVE!
- My Sister’s Cottage – women’s clothing, home decor, & more! 10% of all purchases are donated to a local organization to help rescue women from sex trafficking
- Salty Soap Co. – locally homemade soap & candles!
- Blue Hand Home – home decor & styling!
- Shark Bite Jewelry – permanent jewelry
- Vestique – women’s clothing!
- niche. – home decor & gifts!
- Bigger’s Market – fresh farm market providing local produce and other local goods!
Want to remember these summer things to do in Wilmington, NC for planning your next vacation? Save it below!
What to keep inspiring your adventure for your next summer trip? Read my other blogs Places You Must Visit on your weekend in USVI or Adventurous Things to do in Olympic National Park!
Comments +