Places to Stay, Dine, Shop and Celebrate in Downtown Wilmington

You and your partner have finally decided where to host your destination wedding – downtown Wilmington, NC. Now it's time to research the rest of the details, like where you and your guests will stay, restaurants you’ll try, coffee shops you’ll visit, and fun excursions to complete your wedding weekend.

Downtown Wilmington is known for its charming features, such as Southern hospitality, the Historic District, and the Wilmington Riverwalk by the Cape Fear River. The area also offers delicious cuisine and local businesses with rich history.

From bars to hotels, many of the spots on this list are within walking distance, making everything accessible and easy to add to your itinerary. With so many unique places to explore, you and your guests are in for the ultimate adventure.

Use this travel guide to make your destination wedding planning a breeze!

Hotels in Downtown Wilmington, NC

Photo Courtesy of Hotel Ballast Facebook

Are you looking for an easy commute to and from your wedding? Courtyard Marriott Downtown has you covered. Located behind The Elia, the Marriott helps you and your guests avoid the headaches of traffic and time constraints. It also has an outdoor pool and a gorgeous meeting space, excellent for your welcome party or rehearsal dinner.

Couples desiring stunning views will appreciate Hotel Ballast. With an outside riverfront terrace, guests get front-row seats to the Cape Fear River. The hotel's additional amenities include a coastal kitchen, bridal suite, and shuttle service for those flying into Wilmington.

With a Cloud 9 Rooftop Bar, Embassy Suites is another ideal place to stay for your destination wedding. A five-minute walk from The Elia, visitors can expect clean and modern suites with complimentary breakfast, perfect for the morning after your wedding.

A unique boutique hotel, The Hive offers a cozy atmosphere, making you feel right at home with features like a full-size kitchen, luxury linens, onsite laundry, and spa-inspired bathrooms. This hotel is also dog-friendly, allowing couples to incorporate their furry friends into their special day.

Go beyond the waterfront views and immerse your guests in a new experience with The Cove at Riverwalk Villas. These luxurious houseboats on the Cape Fear River provide a few days of dock life. Who can pass up an unforgettable stay like this?

Specialty Bars in Downtown Wilmington

Photo Courtesy of The Under Front Facebook by LightBloom Photography

Dip your toe in the local bar scene with the Whiskey Tango Foxtrot. With live music and specialized craft cocktails, you can take your drink game to the next level here. The mixologists ensure you and your guests enjoy fresh ingredients and exceptional spirits.

If you're a charcuterie board, cocktails, and antipasti fan, stop by The Under Front. This new boutique bar offers diverse flavors, from whiskeys to fusions. Plus, it supports Wilmington breweries with 12 local drafts onsite, so you can truly get immersed in the community.

Bourgie Nights is another hidden gem in downtown Wilmington. An intimate cocktail lounge, this cozy bar hosts special events, cocktail parties, local musicians, and more. Want to enjoy a glass of wine while relaxing to live music? Bougie Nights is the place to go.

Must-Try Wilmington Restaurants

Photo Courtesy of Tarantellis Facebook

Wondering what to do with a free afternoon in downtown Wilmington? Consider restaurant hopping and trying the savory flavors of the area. Start your tasting tour at Tarantellis, a family-owned Italian restaurant with imported wines and homemade pasta. This restaurant will leave you craving more of its authentic dishes.

Next up, drop by the Copper Penny. From their famous chicken wings and 109 chestnut chicken sandwich to their Philly cheese steak, you will fall head over heels for this award-winning restaurant.

Is brunch your favorite meal of the day? If so, The Basics is a local breakfast spot that's everything but basic. Their carefully curated menu is made from scratch, ensuring their French toast, shrimp, and grits, and blueberry oatmeal pancakes fill the restaurant with delicious aromas and satisfy your taste buds.

Top Downtown Wilmington Coffee Shops

Photo Courtesy of Bespoke Coffee Facebook by Georgia Kibler Photography

We have a few delicious cafes to recommend for our fellow coffee lovers. Located down the street from The Elia is Drift, a local coffee hub that specializes in coffee and breakfast. If you're looking for a quick bite, consider ordering their avocado toast, bodega breakfast sandwich, or market bowl breakfast.

Delivering a modern industrial aesthetic, Bespoke is a sleek cafe offering classic lattes and signature mimosas. Open from 7 am-9 pm on the weekends, you can grab an afternoon coffee on the go or a light latte in the evening.

Go beyond the typical iced coffee and try something new with Cheeky Monkey's specialty coffee. Their menu features custom lattes, like s'mores, French toast, and Bananas Foster. Those feeling adventurous should check out this shop.

Located in the heart of downtown Wilmington, 24 South Coffeehouse is the oldest coffee shop in town. Experience a little piece of Wilmington history at this cozy shop that features a classic, manual-lever espresso machine. Take a moment to explore their seasonally-inspired menu full of drinks and pastries, including a wintery Peppermint Mocha Latte and fresh muffins.

Fun Activities to Do in Wilmington

Jason W. Smith via Wikimedia Commons

While downtown Wilmington is walkable, exploring the area by horse-drawn carriage is more fun. Learn more about the destination's history from tour guides who know the stories and lore by heart. It's a unique experience that will leave you feeling like a Wilmington native.

After your tour, enjoy a day on the Cape Fear River with BrewBoat Peddler. Their boat rides accommodate up to 15 people and allow you to BYOB, making it a fun house party on the water. You can spend the afternoon with your wedding party, drinking, pedaling, and relaxing by the bar.

Take the evening off and listen to music at the Live Oak Pavilion. With weekend concerts and events, you can discover new artists and unwind with your guests after your festivities.

Make the Most of Your Wedding Weekend

Downtown Wilmington, NC, offers many accommodations and excursions to enhance your celebration. From family-owned restaurants to boutique hotels to specialty coffee shops, you can fill your itinerary with unique options to elevate the guest experience and have a memorable weekend.

While planning your destination wedding, remember to secure a venue that compliments your vision. The Elia is a breathtaking 7,000-square-foot event space with a nice blend of industrial and contemporary elements. Explore the venue by scheduling a tour today.

We look forward to bringing your Wilmington wedding to life!