Rainy Day Activities

Rain or shine, there’s always plenty of fun to be found in Wilmington. Home to a wealth of museums, cultural attractions, shops, restaurants, and so much more, visitors of all interests and ages will have no problem at all finding something to do, regardless of the weather.

So on your next Wilmington vacation, use the occasional rainy day as an excuse to discover one of these unique destinations or activities which will easily be a fascinating aspect of any exploration. In a city that’s filled with arts, history, and miles of fun, there’s always an opportunity to enjoy a new adventure – even when the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Bellamy Mansion tour

Bellamy Mansion

Start a tour of Wilmington’s rich historic district with a visit to the Bellamy Mansion, one of the city’s best examples of antebellum architecture. Built in 1859-1861, this historic residence that was once home to a prominent doctor has been converted to an engaging museum that represents what life was like in the city during the eve of the Civil War. Outfitted with period antiques and furnishings throughout, guests can enjoy a guided or self-guided audio tour of the property, and discover a fascinating chapter in local history while admiring one of the grandest structures in town.

Cameron Art Museum

Cameron Art Museum

The 42,000’ square foot Cameron Art Museum is a fascinating destination for art lovers, thanks to an incredible collection of artworks from regional, national, and even international artists of note. A series of 6-8 regularly changing exhibits make every visit a chance to discover a new talent, while the on-site Cameron Art School is a great destination for an afternoon activity, thanks to a range of classes designed for budding artists of all ages and abilities. With an acclaimed restaurant on the premises, the CAM Café, and a series of special events and programs regularly available, visitors can enjoy a full rainy day of fun at this acclaimed Wilmington institution.

Cape Fear Museum

Cape Fear Museum

A Tour of Wilmington’s history and natural landscape begins at the extensive Cape Fear Museum. This sprawling two-story site is home to a wealth of engaging and interactive exhibits that chronicles the story of the Port City from its early 1720s roots to its present day ecosystems. Peruse popular exhibits like the Michael Jordan Discovery Gallery, an extensive model of the 1863 Wilmington Waterfront, and the engaging Civil War Battle of Fort Fisher section, and discover virtually everything that this city is renowned for with a single rainy day exploration.

old Wilmington City Market

Shopping and Dining in Downtown Wilmington and Beyond

A rainy day is a perfect excuse to discover Wilmington’s impressive and city-wide shopping and dining scenes. Home to dozens of shopping plazas and center, a mall, and a host of downtown shops that are wholly unique, Wilmington is the perfect spot to enjoy a little retail therapy. Start your shopping adventures in the downtown area, where a host of art galleries, antique stores, and chic boutiques can be discovered, or use a rainy day as an excuse to feast at one of Wilmington’s hundreds of distinct restaurants. No matter how you choose to indulge, the sheer variety of options will entice foodies and shoppers of all styles and tastes.

Wilmington Cotton Exchange

The Cotton Exchange

Visitors can enjoy a little history and a lot of shopping and dining with a visit to The Cotton Exchange, a popular destination in the heart of the downtown area. Encompassing a collection of 8 amazing restored brick buildings from the turn of the 20th century, this site features 33 unique specialty shops as well as a collection of restaurants, coffee shops, and other tempting destinations. Visitors can peruse the wide array of specialty stores, and when the sun comes out, can explore the impressive grounds which includes gracious courtyards and nearby river views. As a result of the layout and wealth of interior diversions, The Cotton Exchange is an enticing destination, rain or shine.

USS North Carolina Wilmington NC

USS North Carolina Battleship

Bypass the topside decks and head to the interior of this massive ship for an inside look into military history. The USS North Carolina Battleship is an impressive attraction and is an authentic 1940s battleship that served in the Pacific during World War II, and earned 15 battle stars during its years of service. On a rainy day, visitors can easily explore the network of galleys, engine rooms, and interior compartments, where the impressive layout and structure of the ship itself serves as an enlightening museum and a tour through history.

Burgwin Wright House

Burgwin-Wright House Museum and Gardens

Wilmington’s history is often best explored via its collection of authentic residences and structures, and the Burgwin-Wright House Museum and Gardens is a prime example of local history come to life. The impressive 1770 property features a collection of rooms that are stocked with 18th and 19th century antiques, a freestanding kitchen house, and a collection of Colonial style gardens which can be admired in person when the skies clear. Open Tuesday through Saturday with guided tours every hour, the Burgwin-Wright House Museum and Gardens is a stunning representation of the daily life of Wilmington’s elite and prominent residences.

Children's Museum of Wilmington

Young visitors will be fascinated with the collection of interactive and indoor exhibits that are found within the popular Children's Museum of Wilmington – an attraction that’s designed for museum-goers ages 1-10. In the sprawling space, visitors can climb a giant pirate ship, engage in science experiments, create a masterpiece at the art studio, and let their imaginations run wild – all while having an undeniably fun time. Special programs and kids classes are held regularly, making every visit a unique and fun way to spend a rainy day while discovering something new.

Latimer House

Latimer House Museum and Gardens

This stunning and historic home was built in 1852 by a local merchant named Zebulon Latimer, and was converted to the home of the Historical Society in 1963. Today, the Latimer House Museum and Gardens is a representation of upper class life in Wilmington in the 1800s, and visitors can explore this history in rich detail via a tour of the home’s 14 rooms and more than 600 historic objects, such as furnishings, jewelry, tools, tableware, and much more. When the clouds part, take a tour of the outlying gardens, and enjoy a richly decadent experience that portrays the life of Wilmington’s elite from the ground up.

Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts

Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts

A rainy day is the perfect excuse to take in a show, and Wilmington has an exceptional theater scene where performances of all varieties are celebrated. While there are certainly dozens of movie theaters and live theater venues to keep visitors entertained, the crème de la crème of Wilmington’s cultural scene is the impressive Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts. Built in the 19th century as Wilmington’s premiere opera house, today Thalian Hall is the host of a full line-up of productions, ranging from visiting musicians and performers to locally staged plays and special events. Check out shows that correspond with a stay for a decadent theater experience you’ll never forget.

Wilmington Railroad Museum

Wilmington Railroad Museum

The Wilmington Railroad Museum is a unique museum that celebrates Wilmington’s former distinction as one of the largest and most vibrant port cities along the Carolina coastline. The wealth of attractions includes a 1,500’ square foot model hall, a special children’s area, impressive and original machinery and artifacts from the 19th century, and even a full locomotive which is stationed just outside the museum’s entrance. Because of the wealth of exhibits and interactive displays, the Wilmington Railroad Museum is a fascinating destination for train fans and everyday explorers alike.

Poplar Grove Plantation

Poplar Grove Plantation

Discover a series of exhibits that pays homage to the everyday life of an 1850 farm with a visit to the Poplar Grove Plantation. Located just north of the Wilmington city limits, this unique plantation house is filled with restored rooms that are furnished with period antiques, as well as unique outbuildings which includes an on-site farm and kids’ play area. Guided tours are regularly available, and unique craft demonstrations and other hand-on activities allows visitors to gain a new perspective on what life was like for rural residents more than 150 years ago.

NC Aquarium Fort Fisher

North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher

Visitors of all ages will love spending a rainy day at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher – a fascinating destination that was named as one of the "Best Aquariums in the United States" by the Travel Channel. Home to a series of exhibits that chronicle the many different environments that the Cape Fear region is known for – from freshwater streams to ocean reefs – a visit to this amazing aquarium is a full morning or afternoon adventure that will be a highlight of any coastal vacation. The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is a quick drive away for Wilmington residents, and is located in the southern coastal town of Kure Beach.

With a landscape that’s dotted with unique museums, iconic homes and landmarks, and tons of shopping and dining options, bad weather never puts a damper on a Wilmington vacation. Spend a rainy day discovering all the incredible aspects of this historical town, and see why the Port City remains one of the most fascinating destinations for coastal explorers, inside and out.

Victory Beach Vacations

Victory Beach Vacations

Visitors who are on the hunt for the postcard-perfect vacation rental in the heart of the Carolina Beach or Kure Beach area will find an enticing selection and plenty of friendly customer service when they rent through Victory Beach Vacations. Based in Carolina Beach in the coastal Cape Fear region, Victory Beach Vacations has more than 100 vacation rentals in all shapes and sizes to ensure that every vacationing family can find their dream home away from home on the beach.   When you book your Cape Fear getaway with Victory Beach Vacations, the fun doesn’t end when you leave the beach, it continues with an array of privately-owned properties outfitted with all of the amenities needed for a fabulous beach vacation.   Jenna Lanier, General Manager, explains that her family first opened the rental and property management business in 2002. At the forefront of Victory Beach operations is Lanier’s mother, Caroline Meeks. Meeks is both the Broker in Charge and co-owner with husband, Buck Meeks, who manages the Field Services team with Lanier’s husband, Scott.   For nearly 20 years, the Victory Beach team has worked tirelessly to establish a network of top-of-the-line rental properties for Cape Fear visitors to enjoy. “As far as our properties go,” explains Lanier, “they are all updated, well-furnished and appointed. “We have always performed post-cleaning inspections and since the pandemic, have put freshly laundered duvets over all of the comforters between rentals.”   Lanier emphasizes how important the guests experience is “we strive to give our guests a relaxing, stress free, memorable vacation.” This emphasis on customer service has led to Victory Beach Vacations having a 4.8 Google rating with over 300 reviews by happy owners and guests.In addition to Victory Beach’s superior sanitation practices, the company offers properties for every type of visitor. Choose from luxury oceanfront houses and condos to more reasonbly priced 2nd row properties with oceanviews. Many properties include pools and hot tubs as well, perfect for outdoor entertaining, and many are dog friendly.   Lanier also notes that all properties are within walking or driving distance to Pleasure Island’s main attractions – Carolina Beach and Kure Beach. The former, as described by Lanier, is the more commercialized of the two destinations and features a boardwalk, outdoor dining options and a plethora of weekly activities including fireworks, live music, amusement park pop-ups, and movies under the stars. Kure Beach offers a more residential feel with its fishing pier, intimate restaurants and family favorite, North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.More water fun awaits, too. “There is a harbor and a canal that feed into the intercoastal. We have several properties on the harbor so guests can bring their boat, kayak, [or jet ski] and travel between islands,” says Lanier.   A stay with Victory Beach Vacations is an annual pilgrimage for most. “A large percentage of guests are previous guests. Some even reserve the same property for the next year as they’re checking out,” Lanier says. “It’s almost like it’s their personal vacation home.”   Even before guests arrive at their vacation destination, the Victory Beach Vacations’ website greets them with a live beach cam and exquisite aerial footage of both Carolina and Kure Beaches. See for yourself by scanning the QR code and call Victory Beach Vacations at 910.458.0868 to book your Cape Fear getaway. Start making your memories today! —Grace Silipigni

Wilmington, NC Kayaking Guide

Wilmington, NC Kayaking Guide

With easy proximity to Masonboro Island and the outlying beaches, the Cape Fear River, and miles of creeks and bodies of water in between, kayaking is a dream in the Port City. Wilmington is home to a wide range of kayaking clubs, equipment providers, and miles and miles of trails, which means that any outing can turn into a kayaking adventure in no time. Explore the various guided tours and clubs available, or find a boat ramp and / or launching site and embark on your own adventure. No matter what kind of excursion you crave, Wilmington always sets the stage for an exceptional paddling adventure.

Masonboro Island Estuarine Reserve

Masonboro Island Estuarine Reserve

Situated on the edge of the Cape Fear Coastline in between the bustling towns of Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach, the Masonboro Island Estuarine Reserve is a unique slice of undeveloped and natural barrier island shoreline that’s an important habitat for countless coastal species. Hard to reach but wonderfully isolated, visitors who make a trip to this literal deserted island will be rewarded with great shelling, beautiful landscapes, and miles of beaches to go around.