Discover Wilmington

When choosing a hotel in Wilmington, different travel interests may influence your decision: the Riverwalk along the Cape Fear River, historical themes or the gardens of Airlie Gardens. First consider which focus interests you most. This can help you tailor Wilmington as a destination to your own plans.

Riverwalk along the Cape Fear River

Wilmington’s Riverwalk stretches 1.75 miles along the banks of the Cape Fear River and passes through the historic downtown. Its length, riverside setting and route make it a clearly defined part of travel planning. If you would like to consider a specifically named route when choosing your destination, these are useful points of reference.

The Riverwalk is also connected to the River to the Sea Bikeway. This connection adds another route to consider alongside its length and course. For your planning, you can take into account both the riverside section and its connection to the named bikeway.

Historic sites and themes

In Wilmington’s Historic District, Spanish moss-covered Virginia live oaks line the streets. They are among the recognizable features of this historic area and add a distinctive natural touch. Another way to explore the city’s history is the Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts, which focuses on the social and architectural history of the Bellamy Mansion.

There is also a specific historical connection along the Riverwalk: Orange Street Landing is part of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program. Its inclusion in the program gives this site a different thematic focus from the Bellamy Mansion Museum, which interprets the social and architectural history of the property. If you are considering historic sites in your travel plans, these different areas of focus can help guide your choices.

Check before your visit whether tours are currently available. Check current visitor options before your visit. This lets you include a tour in your plans while also allowing for the possibility that operating details may change.

Gardens, trees and observed bird species

The historic estate of Airlie Gardens covers more than 67 acres. Its listed features include gardens, seasonal blooms, towering Virginia live oaks, walking paths and historic structures. The seasonal blooms offer a different point of interest from the trees and buildings; these varied features give you several things to explore if you are interested in gardens and landscapes.

More than 200 bird species have been observed at Airlie Gardens. This figure adds a distinct connection with nature to the gardens and historic structures. Together with the walking paths and seasonal blooms, this creates a different picture from the Riverwalk, whose length and riverside route are clearly specified.

Choose a focus for your hotel search

You can use the differences between these destinations to make a practical decision: Would you like to plan around a particular route along the river, are you interested in a historical theme, or are gardens and nature especially appealing to you? The Riverwalk is described in terms of its length and route; Airlie Gardens brings together grounds, seasonal blooms, walking paths, historic structures and observed bird species. Orange Street Landing and the Bellamy Mansion Museum, meanwhile, represent different historical connections.

Once you have weighed these interests, you can search specifically for a hotel in Wilmington.

For the broader travel overview: New Hanover.