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Wilmington, NC has a very quaint Downtown with shops, restaurants, pubs and you name it. We found refuge in a brewery and we will be here all evening awaiting for the fireworks tonight.. "When in the course of human events it becomes necessary...." Happy Independence Day to y'all Wilmingtonians!
Amazing place to walk, grab a drink, get something to eat, and soak up some history while people watching. Public bathroom was locked, but ample restaurants and bars if you need a comfort station. Look across the river at The USS North Carolina battleship or grab an ice cream. Cool section of town!
The Wilmington Riverwalk is such a lovely place to explore, especially if you enjoy history, scenic views, and a relaxed stroll along the water. It's lined with charming shops, restaurants, and cafés, making it easy to turn a simple walk into a fun outing with plenty of stops along the way. While it can get very hot during the day in summer--even into September--I'd highly recommend visiting in the evening when the sun sets or during the cooler months like fall and winter. The atmosphere feels much more comfortable then, and you can really take in the beauty of the riverfront without the heat. The historic surroundings add a special charm, and there's always something interesting to see, whether it's boats along the water or local street activity. A perfect spot for a casual walk, date night, or just soaking in the Wilmington vibe when the weather is right!
"You know it makes sense, don't even think about it Life and death are things you just do when you're bored Say fear is a man's best friend" (John Cale) Hugging the banks of the Cape Fear River and waterfront are 1.75 miles of the Wilmington Riverwalk. The Riverwalk is Wilmington's #1 tourist attraction for good reason. It's partly a wood boardwalk and partly concrete walkway, and it unrolls along the shore with a combination of beautiful scenery, public artwork and statues, a retired Navy battleship, military monuments to our servicemen, party boats, bars, floating and land locked restaurants, museums, ice cream shops, souvenir stores, mini shopping centers, and just about anything else you can imagine. We had a wonderful time, leisurely strolling the length of the boardwalk and taking in the sights.
When I lived in Wilmington, I went to the riverwalk almost every day. It's such a tranquil stroll alongside brackish waters, unique plant life, and many species of birds visiting. Partly paved and partly built like a long deck, people are jogging, walking with their fur friends, or on their way to one of the great restaurants with this stunning water view. The riverwalk hugs the city from one end to the other.
Gorgeous place and I forgot to add photos. Parking is sort of difficult but we found a metered spot a few blocks away and walked. That was actually a great thing because that's how we found the ice cream parlor. ;)
This place sits right across from the USS North Carolina, Lisa of places to stroll, nice views and little places to stop and eat or explore. The fountain is a nice picture spot, and the cobbled streets are really cool. Laid back vibe and nice people around.
While Charleston and Savannah have their historic coastal town charm, Wilmington has its own unique flair between the historic district and the Wilmington Riverwalk on the Cape Fear River. It's no wonder it's been featured on countless television shows and movies. It runs over a mile consisting of wooden boardwalk and pavement, with many places to sit to take in views of the activity along the river or the Battleship North Carolina across the way. Restaurants and shops are merely a block away, with some on the water or the Riverwalk itself. I recommend dedicating some time to explore the Wilmington Riverwalk area when visiting this historic town.
We were in the downtown area for a couple of days and had done a bit of research and knew we wanted to explore the river walk while visiting. The historic district is charming and so is the river walk. There is a small informational booth manned by at least one person who can help answer any questions and point you to a particular location. Our daughter in law was interested in seeing the bench from the series "One Tree Hill" and the woman at the information booth was friendly and helpful. We were surprised to see only one review on Yelp. So, check it out while visiting Wilmington! Information from their website: https://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/visitors/riverwalk In honor of the completion of all 1.75 miles of the Riverwalk, November 18, 2017 was officially "Riverwalk Day" in the City of Wilmington. Thirty years in the making, the Riverwalk is now open for the entire length. Thank you to those who helped make it happen! Interesting Information: 1.75 miles of Riverwalk stretching along the bank of the Cape Fear River in historic downtown Wilmington, running from the foot of Nun Street on the South to the Isabel Holmes bridge on the North Consists of a variety of styles: Elevated timber boardwalk Concrete walkway Integrated with Water Street Park (formerly Riverfront Park) Recent improvements included: In partnership with Sawmill Point, finishing the Northern access point, where people can park on Nutt Street and access the Riverwalk Bulkhead repair and Riverwalk replacement behind the Coastline Inn In partnership with Pier 33, completion of stretch of Riverwalk behind restaurant complex just North of the Port City Marina Renovations to the bulkhead and portions of Riverfront Park near Market Street (the Riverwalk runs through the park) New Riverwalk behind the Brooks Building, replacing one of the oldest sections Since 1980, City of Wilmington has invested more than $33 million in additions, improvements and repairs to the Riverwalk, which has significant maintenance needs because of the Cape Fear River's swift currents. Over $10 million has been spent in the last three years. Development Challenges: A myriad of issues, many of which we faced with one or more of the sections that were built over the years, including: environmental concerns; challenge of building a structure in the fast moving, very strong currents of the Cape Fear River; dealing with different property owners as each section was built and coordinating with various involved entities; cost concerns, etc. However, even though it has not been easy, the city has more than recouped its public investment to build the Riverwalk through the economic growth that was stimulated by it. For example, there are more than $250 million worth of riverfront development with Riverwalk access/connections currently underway or just completed within the last year. Other notable facts: City's #1 tourist attraction Provides access to public parks, shopping, dining and museums, riverfront views of the Battleship NC, and historic interpretive signage along the route Also connects with the River to the Sea Bikeway, East Coast Greenway and Cape Fear Historic (Scenic) Byway Public parking available in nearby parking decks and on-street Public docking available for boaters 2015 named the top riverfront in the country by USA Today Home to public art installations US National Parks Service has designated Riverwalk's Orange Street Landing as part of its National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program
Wilmington's riverwalk comprises several sections of boardwalk and paths, with restaurants and other businesses very much incorporated into the site. The river is notoriously polluted and is quite industrial at this stage, so I wouldn't expect the world in terms of aesthetics, but it's an interesting area to explore. There are a few restrooms towards the center of downtown, and it isn't terribly difficult to find parking more towards the edges.
The riverwalk is such a wonderful activity! So many things to do. People watch- walk, shop, dine, drink, etc. all with the beautiful backdrop of the Cape Fear River.
Bottom line: Wilmington Riverwalk has a bit of everything, and a nice place to spend some time along the Cape Fear River in downtown Wilmington. The Deets: The riverfront Wilmington area is one of my happy places, so when I found this Yelp page entry about the Riverwalk just sitting there lonely with no review yet I just had to put in my $.02 on it. I love this walkway full of shops, restaurants, bars, hotels/inns, memorials, and other things to do located along the Cape Fear River in downtown Wilmington. Across the river, you can see the USS North Carolina itself, and can be visited if you would like. There are docks to use if coming in by water to visit your favorite venue along there (daylight use only for docks) or just a few benches along the way to enjoy it all around you while taking a rest. You need a weekend place to get away and enjoy some simple things? Well, the Riverwalk is it...I recently did just that and it was just what I needed. Love it!
The Wilmington Riverwalk is a nice area to walk and enjoy views of the Cape Fear River and the Battleship. There are some restaurants along the way. Likely more things to do in the warmer months.
Decided to stop here on our way from Myrtle Beach to Raleigh, choosing Wilmington over Fayetteville, which I heard didn't offer much in terms of attractions. The Riverwalk is a beautiful and scenic spot that offers stunning views of the Cape Fear River. As you stroll along, you can do some reading about the area's rich history, which is beautifully shared through informational plaques and signs along the way. Wilmington also offers several guided history tours, there's a boat tour that explores the river and its surroundings, and a horse-and-carriage tour that takes you through the historic downtown area. It's a great way to learn about Wilmington's past while enjoying the charming scenery. While there, be sure to visit the local coffee shop for a quick caffeine boost, browse the Spice Merchant for unique spices and flavorings, and take a walk around to explore local shops. For lunch, we enjoyed a meal at Anny Bonney's, a popular spot known for its casual vibe and tasty seafood. Overall, Wilmington's Riverwalk is a lovely stop that combines scenic beauty, history, and good eats, definitely worth a visit if you're passing through! read more
We stayed at a hotel that was located right at the Riverwalk. The views were amazing. While walking, you can see the Battleship North Carolina. There are many restaurants located on the scenic route. I thoroughly enjoyed my walks back and forth daily. read more
Voted the 3rd best Riverwalk in the country by USA Today in 2025 (1st being Louisville, KY; 2nd being Tampa), the Wilmington Riverwalk has over 200 cafes, bars, and restaurants. It borders the Cape Fear River (10th longest in NC, at 202 miles long), and was very swollen due to the long period of rain the area has been experiencing. It was a cloudy, wet day when my wife and I visited. But even then, we could see how popular this area would be on a nicer day. The idea of a riverwalk to attract people to a river city's downtown became popular after the opening of San Antonio's Riverwalk in 1968. Wilmington's version germinated with an idea in 1980, first phase milestone in 2004, and considered complete in 2018. We did see a lot of construction in the area, with signs stating that improvements to Water Street Park would begin in 2026. There wasn't a large number of people out, so was able to find street parking 2 streets from the river. It was metered parking ($3 per hour, 2 hour max during work hours (M-F, 08:00 - 17:00), free otherwise. We did talk to a visitor center representative in a booth on the riverwalk, who directed us to some indoor shopping areas to get out of the rain. Helpful and shows people were still engaged to help visitors, even in inclement weather. read more
Wilmington, NC has a very quaint Downtown with shops, restaurants, pubs and you name it. We found refuge in a brewery and we will be here all evening awaiting for the fireworks tonight.. "When in the course of human events it becomes necessary...." Happy Independence Day to y'all Wilmingtonians! read more
Amazing place to walk, grab a drink, get something to eat, and soak up some history while people watching. Public bathroom was locked, but ample restaurants and bars if you need a comfort station. Look across the river at The USS North Carolina battleship or grab an ice cream. Cool section of town! read more
The Wilmington Riverwalk is such a lovely place to explore, especially if you enjoy history, scenic views, and a relaxed stroll along the water. It's lined with charming shops, restaurants, and cafés, making it easy to turn a simple walk into a fun outing with plenty of stops along the way. While it can get very hot during the day in summer--even into September--I'd highly recommend visiting in the evening when the sun sets or during the cooler months like fall and winter. The atmosphere feels much more comfortable then, and you can really take in the beauty of the riverfront without the heat. The historic surroundings add a special charm, and there's always something interesting to see, whether it's boats along the water or local street activity. A perfect spot for a casual walk, date night, or just soaking in the Wilmington vibe when the weather is right! read more
"You know it makes sense, don't even think about it Life and death are things you just do when you're bored Say fear is a man's best friend" (John Cale) Hugging the banks of the Cape Fear River and waterfront are 1.75 miles of the Wilmington Riverwalk. The Riverwalk is Wilmington's #1 tourist attraction for good reason. It's partly a wood boardwalk and partly concrete walkway, and it unrolls along the shore with a combination of beautiful scenery, public artwork and statues, a retired Navy battleship, military monuments to our servicemen, party boats, bars, floating and land locked restaurants, museums, ice cream shops, souvenir stores, mini shopping centers, and just about anything else you can imagine. We had a wonderful time, leisurely strolling the length of the boardwalk and taking in the sights. read more
When I lived in Wilmington, I went to the riverwalk almost every day. It's such a tranquil stroll alongside brackish waters, unique plant life, and many species of birds visiting. Partly paved and partly built like a long deck, people are jogging, walking with their fur friends, or on their way to one of the great restaurants with this stunning water view. The riverwalk hugs the city from one end to the other. read more
1 year ago
Gorgeous place and I forgot to add photos. Parking is sort of difficult but we found a metered spot a few blocks away and walked. That was actually a great thing because that's how we found the ice cream parlor. ;) read more
1 year ago
This place sits right across from the USS North Carolina, Lisa of places to stroll, nice views and little places to stop and eat or explore. The fountain is a nice picture spot, and the cobbled streets are really cool. Laid back vibe and nice people around. read more
While Charleston and Savannah have their historic coastal town charm, Wilmington has its own unique flair between the historic district and the Wilmington Riverwalk on the Cape Fear River. It's no wonder it's been featured on countless television shows and movies. It runs over a mile consisting of wooden boardwalk and pavement, with many places to sit to take in views of the activity along the river or the Battleship North Carolina across the way. Restaurants and shops are merely a block away, with some on the water or the Riverwalk itself. I recommend dedicating some time to explore the Wilmington Riverwalk area when visiting this historic town. read more
1 year ago
We were in the downtown area for a couple of days and had done a bit of research and knew we wanted to explore the river walk while visiting. The historic district is charming and so is the river walk. There is a small informational booth manned by at least one person who can help answer any questions and point you to a particular location. Our daughter in law was interested in seeing the bench from the series "One Tree Hill" and the woman at the information booth was friendly and helpful. We were surprised to see only one review on Yelp. So, check it out while visiting Wilmington! Information from their website: https://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/visitors/riverwalk In honor of the completion of all 1.75 miles of the Riverwalk, November 18, 2017 was officially "Riverwalk Day" in the City of Wilmington. Thirty years in the making, the Riverwalk is now open for the entire length. Thank you to those who helped make it happen! Interesting Information: 1.75 miles of Riverwalk stretching along the bank of the Cape Fear River in historic downtown Wilmington, running from the foot of Nun Street on the South to the Isabel Holmes bridge on the North Consists of a variety of styles: Elevated timber boardwalk Concrete walkway Integrated with Water Street Park (formerly Riverfront Park) Recent improvements included: In partnership with Sawmill Point, finishing the Northern access point, where people can park on Nutt Street and access the Riverwalk Bulkhead repair and Riverwalk replacement behind the Coastline Inn In partnership with Pier 33, completion of stretch of Riverwalk behind restaurant complex just North of the Port City Marina Renovations to the bulkhead and portions of Riverfront Park near Market Street (the Riverwalk runs through the park) New Riverwalk behind the Brooks Building, replacing one of the oldest sections Since 1980, City of Wilmington has invested more than $33 million in additions, improvements and repairs to the Riverwalk, which has significant maintenance needs because of the Cape Fear River's swift currents. Over $10 million has been spent in the last three years. Development Challenges: A myriad of issues, many of which we faced with one or more of the sections that were built over the years, including: environmental concerns; challenge of building a structure in the fast moving, very strong currents of the Cape Fear River; dealing with different property owners as each section was built and coordinating with various involved entities; cost concerns, etc. However, even though it has not been easy, the city has more than recouped its public investment to build the Riverwalk through the economic growth that was stimulated by it. For example, there are more than $250 million worth of riverfront development with Riverwalk access/connections currently underway or just completed within the last year. Other notable facts: City's #1 tourist attraction Provides access to public parks, shopping, dining and museums, riverfront views of the Battleship NC, and historic interpretive signage along the route Also connects with the River to the Sea Bikeway, East Coast Greenway and Cape Fear Historic (Scenic) Byway Public parking available in nearby parking decks and on-street Public docking available for boaters 2015 named the top riverfront in the country by USA Today Home to public art installations US National Parks Service has designated Riverwalk's Orange Street Landing as part of its National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program read more
Wilmington's riverwalk comprises several sections of boardwalk and paths, with restaurants and other businesses very much incorporated into the site. The river is notoriously polluted and is quite industrial at this stage, so I wouldn't expect the world in terms of aesthetics, but it's an interesting area to explore. There are a few restrooms towards the center of downtown, and it isn't terribly difficult to find parking more towards the edges. read more
Bottom line: Wilmington Riverwalk has a bit of everything, and a nice place to spend some time along the Cape Fear River in downtown Wilmington. The Deets: The riverfront Wilmington area is one of my happy places, so when I found this Yelp page entry about the Riverwalk just sitting there lonely with no review yet I just had to put in my $.02 on it. I love this walkway full of shops, restaurants, bars, hotels/inns, memorials, and other things to do located along the Cape Fear River in downtown Wilmington. Across the river, you can see the USS North Carolina itself, and can be visited if you would like. There are docks to use if coming in by water to visit your favorite venue along there (daylight use only for docks) or just a few benches along the way to enjoy it all around you while taking a rest. You need a weekend place to get away and enjoy some simple things? Well, the Riverwalk is it...I recently did just that and it was just what I needed. Love it! read more
3 years ago
The Wilmington Riverwalk is a nice area to walk and enjoy views of the Cape Fear River and the Battleship. There are some restaurants along the way. Likely more things to do in the warmer months. read more
7 months ago
3 years ago
2 years ago
More info about Wilmington Riverwalk
S Water St
Wilmington, NC 28401
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