Free & Cheap Things to Do in Wilmington, NC

  • The list below includes 77 free or cheap things to do in or near Wilmington, North Carolina, including 49 different types of inexpensive activities like History Museums, Military Museums, Gardens and Movie Theaters.
  • From Airlie Gardens to New Hanover County Arboretum, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Wilmington and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Wrightsville Beach and Southport.
  • The list below includes 77 free or cheap things to do in or near Wilmington, North Carolina, including 49 different types of inexpensive activities like History Museums, Military Museums, Gardens and Movie Theaters.
  • From Airlie Gardens to New Hanover County Arboretum, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Wilmington and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Wrightsville Beach and Southport.
Showing 51-60 of 134
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Mellow Mushroom 224 Causeway Dr., Wrightsville Beach, NC MoreLess Info
Stone-baked pizzas, hoagies, and calzones served in a fun, creative environment; vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and kids’ options available
17.8 Miles
73% 30 votes
Walking Trails Croatan National Forest, New Bern, NC MoreLess Info
Managed by the USDA Forest Service, the Island Creek Trail is a lovely half-mile hiking trail. It is fairly flat and suitable for novice hikers, and affords breathtaking views of native and transplanted vegetation. The trail is free to use.
19.6 Miles
90% 727 votes
Islands Surf City, NC MoreLess Info
Known for its sea turtle rescue programs, Topsail Island is located near Surf City, North Carolina. The Island also has beautiful beaches and a warm, welcome and active community. The Island is only accessible by boat or jetski.
20.1 Miles
17% 6 votes
Movie Theaters 4836 Long Beach Rd SE, Southport, NC 28461 MoreLess Info
Surf Cinemas is a movie theater that features Real D 3D movie showings, movie showings in IMAX, and a concession stand that serves food and beverages. The theater has special party seating as well as discounts for children.
20.4 Miles
79% 24 votes
Lighthouses Southport, NC MoreLess Info
On the banks of the Cape Fear River, the Price's Creek Lighthouse sits on private property and is not open to the public. This lighthouse is one of only eight along the Cape Fear River that survived in the Civil War and remain standing today.
20.4 Miles
89% 63 votes
Playgrounds Topsail Beach, NC 28445 MoreLess Info
An amusement area for all ages, Patio Playground is a popular tourist destination on Topsail Beach. Along with miniature golf, visitors can also enjoy an arcade, ice cream shop and dancing on Friday nights.
20.5 Miles
88% 48 votes
History Museums Topsail Beach, NC MoreLess Info
The Missiles and More Museum contains a detailed history of naval and military activities in the Topsail Island region. The museum has several displays and a variety of pictures, films, and local artifacts available for viewing.
20.6 Miles
69% 36 votes
Skating Rinks 714 S Anderson Blvd., Topsail Beach, NC 28445 MoreLess Info
The Topsail Skating Rink on Topsail Beach is a roller skating rink. It is located above the post office, and has hardwood floors, 45-RPM music, and a record player, along with sodas and snacks.
21.1 Miles
100% 115 votes
Kayaking 807-A Howe St., Southport, NC MoreLess Info
Located in the historic village of Southport, the Adventure Company - Day Tours features bicycle and walking tours through the streets of Southport and along the Cape Fear River, and kayak tours and rental services for beginner through advanced kayakers.
21.1 Miles
100% 36 votes
Paddleboarding 101 Live Oak Turn, Southport, NC 28461 MoreLess Info
Accommodating visitors of all skill levels, Barrier Island Excursions hosts stand up paddleboard excursions to the surrounding marshes. Visitors can paddleboard to barrier islands like Oak Island and go bird watching during the trip.
21.5 Miles
97% 30 votes
Specialty Museums Corner of Nash and Rhett Streets, Southport, NC 28461 MoreLess Info
This old jail built in 1904 to replace the city jail is now The Old Brunswick County Jail Museum. The museum includes the history of the jail, self guided tours of the original jail cells and other exhibits.
Showing 51-60 of 134
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