Things to Do in Wilmington Before Summer Ends (There’s Still Time!)

We still have many more weeks of warm weather in the Wilmington and surrounding areas! But the days are getting shorter and it will be fall before you know it. Before summer ends, make sure you take advantage of some of Wilmington’s fun outdoor activities. Tours are available on the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Diligence (above) when it is docked in downtown Wilmington in its home port.

Here are a few of our favorite things to do in Wilmington:

Tour Downtown Wilmington on the Trolley

The Wilmington Trolley Tour is a wonderful way to visit historic downtown Wilmington, NC.

Everyone loves a Wilmington Trolley tour, a great way to wind up your summer! Enjoy learning about local history and architecture on this 8-mile tour in an old-fashioned trolley car.

Explore Battleship North Carolina

The Battleship North Carolina guards Wilmington NC’s downtown waterfront.

Encourage the kids to scoot around the authentically-preserved Battleship before summer ends. The landmark battleship, moored across the Cape Fear River from downtown Wilmington, is both an attraction and a memorial to North Carolinians who served in the military during World War II.

Summer is for Jungle Rapids

Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park in Wilmington NC is a huge facility with something everyone.

Don’t forget to visit the water park at Jungle Rapids before summer’s over. Cooling off in the half-pipe water slide and the wave pool on a hot summer day is a Wilmington tradition! Also great in warm weather are the go-karts and miniature golf.

Dine on an Outdoor Patio Before Summer Ends

Summer also means outdoor dining, and Wilmington’s many outdoor dining patios are the place to be to enjoy the weather. Choose from our favorite restaurants with outdoor patios for a great bite to eat or an al fresco cocktail before summer ends.

Visit the Animals at Tregembo Animal Park

For more than 60 years the Tregembo Family has maintained Tregembo Animal Park in Wilmington, NC.

Take the kids to see the brown bear named Booger before summer ends! Wilmington’s zoo has been a staple of summer fun since 1952 and includes more than 100 animals, including a lion, tiger, giraffe, and emu. And kids are allowed to feed the animals!

Take a Boat Ride Before Summer Ends

Wilmington Yacht Charters’ Sanjema II is moored on the Cape Fear River in downtown Wilmington, NC.

While the weather’s still warm, get out on the water! Take a cruise on the Cape Fear River with Cape Fear Riverboats, enjoying the views of downtown Wilmington on a narrated sightseeing tour. Charter a yacht at Wilmington Yacht Charters or fill the sails with Wrightsville Performance Sailing. Go fishing on Topsail Island on the Queen Jean or with Topsail Charter Fishing. Catch a big one off Wrightsville Beach on the Vonda Kay, or with Island Tackle Charters in Carolina Beach.

Attend an Outdoor Concert Before Summer’s Over

Free Downtown Sundown Concert Series in Historic Downtown Wilmington NC

There are still a few weeks left to get your fill of outdoor summer concerts in Wilmington. Check our list to find out what bands are coming up at Airlie Gardens, the Bluewater Grill, and more.

Use the Last of Summer to Play Golf

Wilmington is well-known for its stellar golf courses. Don’t forget to pack in a few days on the links before summer ends!