If you’re visiting Wilmington, NC or if you’re new to town, there’s no better way to become acquainted with the local landmarks than with a sightseeing tour. And even if you’ve lived here all your life, you might be surprised to discover some of Wilmington’s secrets!
Some of Wilmington’s sightseeing tours have a theme (think ghosts or movies), some are walking and some are riding, and some are even afloat (the Henrietta III on the Cape Fear River). Residents and visitors alike can find a Wilmington, NC sightseeing tour to love.
Here are a few of our favorite Wilmington NC sightseeing tours:
Horse Drawn Tours of Wilmington
Stroll down to the foot of Market Street, and across from Kilwin’s Ice Cream you’ll find horses waiting with their trolley to take you on a sightseeing tour. Enjoy a tour past the Cape Fear riverfront and stately mansions, lulled by the gentle clopping of rescued draft horses.
Hollywood East Tours
Get a peek into Wilmywood’s film productions with a tour of film locations and history! Try the EUE/Screen Gems Studio Tour (resuming in Spring 2016), where you will walk the 10-stage lot and production complex. Or join the Hollywood Location Walk, a walking tour of locations for some of Hollywood East’s biggest movies and TV shows—with a humorous touch.
Wilmington Trolley Tours
Travel back in time to a world of scenic architecture, historic landmarks and the old ways of life as you ride down brick streets on a narrated trolley tour of old Wilmington.
Brewery Tours with Event Shuttle Service
Build your own brewery tour from a selection of craft breweries in the Port City, and let Event Shuttle Service do the driving! Sample the craft beers at Flytrap Brewing, Front Street Brewery, Wilmington Brewery Company, Broomtail Craft Brewery, Ironclad Brewery, and lots more.
Henrietta III Tours
Enjoy a narrated sightseeing tour of Wilmington, NC with a unique viewpoint: from the waters of the Cape Fear River, aboard a real riverboat! The Captain’s narration describes points of interest, historic sites, and amusing stories. The cruise boards at the Water Street dock at 11:30 a.m. Enjoy the breeze aboard the Henrietta III as well as refreshments from the snack bar on the third deck.
Or try a TGIF Dinner Cruise after work on Fridays, or an evening out on the river on the Captain’s Saturday Evening Dinner Cruise.
Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington Tour
Tales of murder and mayhem, 275-year old alleyways where shadows lurk, and dismal accounts of lost souls in Wilmington, NC will shroud your Ghost Walk Tour. You may even encounter an old spirit!
Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours
Foodies will love this guided tour of five to seven restaurants and shops with exciting, innovative food. Talk with chefs and owners and sample delicious, locally-sourced fare. Lunch and dinner tours are available and cooking classes, too.
- Aubriana’s
- Betsy’s Crepes
- The Blind Elephant
- Chops Deli
- Cousin’s
- Dixie Grill
- Fork ‘N’ Cork
- The Fortunate Glass
- Hot Pink Cake Stand
- Le Catalan
- The Little Dipper
- Peppered Cupcake
- Pilot House
- PinPoint Spice Merchants
Literary History Walking Tour
Photo Credie: MEG BEAZLEY of Wilma Magazine
Meet authors living and dead and discover the history of literary culture in downtown Wilmington, NC. Explore locations from books, poems, and plays. Don’t miss standing where Oscar Wilde once did!
When you’re finished with your favorite tour, plan a relaxing ride aboard the Henrietta III or visit The Barge, a bar and shack shop on our floating dock. The Henrietta III, modelled on riverboats that plied the Cape Fear River 100 years ago, offers all kinds of fun cruises and tasty meals. Check out the variety of cruises on the Henrietta III and wind down from your busy tour schedule. Call (910) 343-1611 for more information.
