Sometimes it can be difficult to come up with recommendations of fun things to do in your own city when out of towners are looking for suggestions. Since you are already thinking about enough during your wedding planning process, we want to help take one more task off your list. I’ve compiled for you a list of the best of the best hotels, coffee shops, restaurants, bars, bakeries, and things to do in Wilmington, NC. Feel free to share your favorites on your wedding invites and wedding website for out-of-town guests to get an idea of what they can do during your wedding weekend.

Places to Stay During a Wedding in Wilmington, NC

The Hive Wilmington. Located in the Brooklyn Arts District of downtown Wilmington is this boutique-style hotel. The amenities of The Hive hotel are fantastic, and it’s around some of the best restaurants and breweries in the area. One of our favorite breweries called Edward Teach Brewery is just within walking distance.

Hotel Ballast, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. If you prefer to have all of your guests stay in the same hotel for your wedding, then we highly recommend Hotel Ballast. It’s right in the middle of downtown Wilmington and is located right on the Cape Fear River, providing water views. This hotel has so much to offer that your wedding guests won’t want to go back home!

AirBnb on Wrightsville Beach: The Sunsetter. Right in the center of Wrightsville Beach is this super cute condo available on AirBnb. Sleeping up to 4 guests, this AirBnb offers a lively rooftop where you can hang out with your friends and enjoy the view.

Coffee Shops to Visit During a Wedding in Wilmington, NC

Casa Blanca. This coffee shop, located off of Market Street in downtown Wilmington, has a beautiful indoor space. This would be a great place to grab a coffee in the morning or the afternoon for a pick-me-up snack.

Bespoke Coffee & Dry Goods. Guests staying downtown will love the convenience of Bespoke Coffee. It’s located right in the heart of downtown and is perfect for stopping in while exploring the area.

Social Coffee & Supply Co. Before heading to the beach, stop in at Social Coffee & Supply Co located off of Wrightsville Ave.

Places to Eat Dinner at During a Wedding in Wilmington, NC

Indochine. If you love Thai and Vietnamese food, then Indochine is the Wilmington spot for you. This unique indoor/outdoor restaurant features great outdoor huts for date nights, girls night out, and rehearsal dinners. The cocktails are amazing, and the atmosphere of the restaurant is one that you won’t forget. All in all, Indocine is a delicious restaurant to grab yummy food and snap Instagram worthy photos. 

Oceanic. For dinner on the water, you’ll want to recommend guests to Oceanic, located on Wrightsville Beach on the island’s south end. It’s perfect for sunset drinks on the pier and amazing views of the beach. Oceanic is a staple seafood restaurant in Wilmington offering great cocktails and food with a view. For guests looking for a classy restaurant to attend on their getaway, they will love this restaurant. 

Pinpoint. Guests that are staying downtown Wilmington will love the convenience and the feel of Pinpoint. Even if you are still searching for a fun and cool restaurant downtown to have your rehearsal dinner, we definitely would recommend considering Pinpoint.

Quanto Basta. Another delicious downtown restaurant is Quanta Basta. Guests that love Italian food will enjoy eating here for top-notch pasta and drinking at their wine bar. It’s a great restaurant to recommend to guests for fine wine and Italian appetizers.

Bars to Drink Cocktails at During a Wedding in Wilmington, NC

End of Days Distillery. Any cocktail lover will feel right at home at the End of Days Distillery. They make craft cocktails and are located right in the Cargo District of Wilmington, close to downtown. This is the perfect spot to recommend guests looking to grab a drink before dinner or wanting to grab a drink on the way back to their hotel. Outdoor seating is available during the Spring, Summer, and Fall, along with live music on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. 

Cloud 9. Personally, Cloud 9 is one of my favorite bars in Wilmington to grab a drink. Located on the rooftop of the Embassy Suites hotel downtown, the views of the Cape Fear river stretch as far as you can see. If you are having a Summer or Fall wedding, this is undoubtedly the place to recommend cocktails and a sunset view. 

Dockside. For a beachy vibe, Dockside has a fun and casual atmosphere. This bar is perfect if you are looking to have a beer or cocktail after a long day out on the beach.

Alcove Beer Garden. On sunny days, Alcove Beer Garden in the Cargo District is the spot to be. The beer is great, and the outdoor atmosphere is perfect to have a fun outing with friends and family. 

Desserts to Eat During a Wedding in Wilmington, NC

Apple Annies. Those searching for sweet treats after dinner should look no further than Apple Annies. They have the largest assortment of traditional baked goods available in Wilmington. You can find cookies, pies, eclairs, and so many more tasty treats!

Kilwins. Ice cream lovers will need to stop at Kilwins during their time in Wilmington, NC. It’s the best ice cream you can get downtown. Guests can stop by during the day or in the evening for a sweet, nighttime delight.

Britts. Britts is the best of all time! You’ll pass the area if you head down to Carolina Beach for the day. Or, if you love sweets, you’ll want to make a special trip to Britts. It is a must! Delicious donuts and its pure institution in the Wilmington area. 

Things to Do During a Wedding in Wilmington, NC

Brew Boat Peddler. If you are looking for a fun, outdoor activity during the day with friends and family, then check out the bot peddler on the Cape Fear River.

Battleship. Any guests that love history will need to put the battleship on their list of things to do in Wilmington, NC.

Aquarium. It’s always great to have backup activities to suggest in case it happens to rain. For guests with kids, the aquarium is a fun indoor activity that the whole family will enjoy.

Horse Drawn Carriage Tour. The best way to explore Wilmington and experience Downtown is to hop on a carriage tour. Guests who haven’t ever been to the area will love this!

Airlie Gardens Tour. During the Spring and Fall, the Airlie Gardens are a beautiful place to see lush flowers. This would be a fun daytime, outdoor activity to do with the family and even kids.