When people visit the Wilmington area, it’s usually to take in the natural beauty of the many beaches.
But there’s plenty to see beyond the shoreline. Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties have many landmarks that warrant at least one visit. History, arts, culture and maritime heritage are all found here. There’s also plenty of fun to be had along the way.
Whether you see these places once or make it an annual tradition, they're definitely worth the time and effort to see each one of these sites at least once.
Here are 25 of the Wilmington area’s must-see landmarks.
1. Battleship North Carolina
1 Battleship Road NE, Wilmington: This unique piece of World War II history is like taking a walk back in time. Visitors can see how the sailors aboard the ship lived. Be sure to take
in the scenic views from the ship’s deck and enjoy strolling the State Employees Credit Union Walkway. 910-399-9100
2. Old Baldy
101 Lighthouse Wynd, Bald Head Island: While the ferry ride to Bald Head Island can itself be an adventure, once there a visit to Old Baldy Lighthouse and the Smith Island Museum of History is a must. Be sure to go inside the lighthouse and climb the 108 stairs to the top for the best views. 910-457-7481
3. Oak Island Lighthouse
300 Caswell Beach Road, Oak Island: Located on Oak Island, this lighthouse is 153-feet tall and features 131 ships ladder steps to the top. Tours to the top are only offered on select days, and require prior reservation. For more information, visit www.oakislandlighthouse.org.
4. Thalian Hall
310 Chestnut St., Wilmington: Built in 1858, this building has served as both the center of politics and culture for Wilmington. At one point, the facility served as the town government, library, and a theater. These days, it hosts a variety of performances. For more information, call the box office. 910-632-2285
5. Fort Fisher State Historic Site
1610 Fort Fisher Blvd. S., Kure Beach: This key Civil War site is located in Kure Beach. Visitors can see remnants of the fort, and the recently renovated facility offers exhibits and an audiovisual program detailing the fort’s history. The site is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free. 910-251-7361
6. Cape Fear Museum of History and Science
230 Grace St., Wilmington: From a planetarium to an interactive gallery to a play place, this museum has a wide variety of exhibits and learning experiences. The museum is located in a new building connected to the New Hanover County Library. 910-798-4370
7. Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site
8884 St. Philips Road SE, Winnabow: This site offers a look at Brunswick’s war history. See how Colonial-era foundations along a trail that offers views of the Cape Fear River. This site also includes the earthworks of the Confederate Fort and the remains of St. Philip’s Church. 910-398-9631
8. Cotton Exchange
321 N. Front St., Wilmington: Historic buildings and cobblestone walkways give visitors a look at 19th Century Wilmington, which alone would be worth the visit. But with more than 30 specialty shops located inside the eight-building complex, it’s also a fun shopping experience. 910-343-9896
9. Fort Johnston-Southport Museum & Visitor’s Center
203 E. Bay St., Southport: Get a look at Southport’s history, heritage and character inside the building that once served as the home for military leaders. The facility offers a look at the area’s film history, detailing the city’s presence in popular television and film projects. 910-457-7927
10. Bellamy Mansion Museum
503 Market St., Wilmington: This 10,000-squre-foot mansion features 22 rooms and was built between 1859 and 1861. The site also features a two-story brick building that once served as the slave quarters and a formal garden. The site is open for tours. Call for more information. 910-251-3700
11. Historic Downtown Wilmington Riverwalk
Water Street, Wilmington: This nearly two-mile walkway follows the Cape Fear River allowing for relaxing strolls and scenic views. In addition to the beauty of nature, there are many unique boutiques and restaurants located along the path. Stop in and enjoy all the Riverwalk has to offer. 910-341-7852
12. New Hanover County Arboretum
6026 Oleander Drive, Wilmington: Explore paths leading through a dozen different areas featuring flowers, shrubs and plants. Featuring demonstration gardens, the arboretum is an integral part of the Cooperative Extension’s horticulture program. 910-798-7600
13. Airlie Gardens
300 Airlie Road, Wilmington: For those who love flowers, landscaping and the peace found in nature, these gardens are a great place to explore and sit a spell. While their beauty abounds any time of year, we suggest going in early April to see the azaleas, or, if you’re lucky enough to score tickets, around Christmas to see “Enchanted Airlie.” 910-798-7700
14. Old Brunswick County Jail Museum
318 E. Nash St., Southport: Built in 1904, the old Brunswick County Jail is a two-story brick building that consists of the living quarters for the jailer and his family, as well as two cells on the second floor. While it did house inmates, the most famous one was Sissy Spacek when she starred in the 1986 film “Crimes of the Heart.” 910-477-3461
15. Old Smithville Burying Ground
401 E. Moore St., Southport: Under the shade of beautiful live oak trees, the stones tell the stories of Smithville — now Southport — from centuries ago. The eternal resting place for 1,093 souls resting, there are graves dating back to the mid-1700s. 910-477-3461
16. Museum of Coastal Carolina
21 E. Second St., Ocean Isle Beach: Learning and fun await visitors at this museum. Exhibits include Civil War era rifles, archeological finds, virtual reality and interactive experiences, and a touch tank. Several different galleries showcase how the coastal ecosystems work. 910-579-1016
17. Sunset Beach Bridge and Museum
109 Shoreline Drive, Sunset Beach: Until 2010, visitors to Sunset Beach had to cross the Intracoastal Waterway via a pontoon swing bridge. After the new Mannon C. Gore Bridge opened, the old bridge and its tender house were moved to site where it became a museum. 910-363-6585
18. Ingram Planetarium
7625 High Market St., Sunset Beach: Enjoy the stars without the hassle of the weather. The planetarium offers star and laser light shows, as well as the Paul Dennis Science Hall, which offers visitors the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities and learn about space and NASA. 910-575-0033
19. John N. Smith Cemetery
219 E. Leonard St., Southport: This cemetery was created by Southport’s Black community in 1874 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2021. There are more than 1,700 graves in the cemetery with all but about 500 unmarked.
20. Fort Caswell
100 Caswell Beach Road, Caswell Beach: Located on the eastern tip of Oak Island, this centuries-old fort is still largely intact. The structure is located inside the North Carolina Baptist Assembly, which is open to visitors at certain times of the year. Call for more information. 910-278-9501
21. Moores Creek National Battlefield
40 Patriots Hall Drive, Currie: Maintained by the National Park Service, it served as the site of the battle at Moores Creek Bridge on Feb. 27, 1776, and it was the first significant victory for Patriots in the American Revolution. The park is a way to see nature and learn about the history and culture of the area. 910-283-5591
22. Pender County Courthouse Square
805 S. Walker St., Burgaw: Located in the quaint, charming town of Burgaw, the Pender County Courthouse Square features a three-story brick courthouse building with live oaks shading concrete walkways, a large grounds area with a gazebo and picnic area that is home to festivals and events. 910-259-1200
23. Oakdale Cemetery
520 N. 15th St., Wilmington: Stroll through the state's oldest rural cemetery and take in the unique funerary sculptures. The cemetery features ornamental plants with blooms year-round. Visitors will see graves of veterans from all branches of service and all wars. The cemetery gates are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 365 days a year. 910-762-5682
24. Poplar Grove Plantation
10200 U.S. 17, Wilmington: Located along the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, this once served as a sweet potato and peanut plantation. The manor house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it was restored and opened to the public as a museum. 910-398-5673
25. Surf City Bridge
Roland Ave., Surf City: With a wide multi-use path, this bridge allows for the opportunity to slow down and take in the views. Parking is available near Roland Avenue, and other parking areas with multi-use path accesses are located at Soundside Park and at the Surf City Welcome Center.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: There's more to the Wilmington area than beaches. Check out these 25 sites
