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 81-90 of 134
26.4 Miles
100% 6 votes
Paddleboarding 311 S. Topsail Dr, Surf City, NC 28445 MoreLess Info
Many water-based activities are offered at Ohana Paddle Sports. They offer board rentals, a variety of lessons, bicycle rentals, and they also have a store to buy kayaking or surfing equipment.
26.6 Miles
82% 119 votes
Piers & Boardwalks 112 S Shore Drive, Surf City, NC 28445 MoreLess Info
Destroyed by passing hurricanes and rebuilt several times, Surf City Pier offers fishing spots with a tackle shop, cleaning stations, and bait area. The pier also has shops that sell souvenirs and a burger joint.
26.7 Miles
97% 98 votes
Parks 517 Roland Avenue, Surf City, NC 28445 MoreLess Info
Soundside Park serves as a family-friendly recreational facility with several boardwalks around its edges, complete with a fishing pier and viewing decks. Attractions include multiple slides, swings, an extensive playground, and a climbing wall.
26.8 Miles
83% 101 votes
Pirate Tours 518 C Roland Ave., Surf City, NC 28445 MoreLess Info
Guests aboard the Belle of Topsail sight-see in style as they cruise around the North Carolina coast. Captain David Luther is also an ordained minister and often performs weddings aboard the boat, a charming vintage-inspired vessel that holds up to 49 adults.
26.8 Miles
100% 11 votes
Art Gallery 203 Greensboro Avenue, Surf City, NC 28445 MoreLess Info
Featuring the work of local artisans, Seacoast Art Gallery displays paintings, crafts, and pottery for visitors to enjoy. The resident artists is Sandy L. McHugh, who specializes in acrylic and watercolor paintings.
27.6 Miles
94% 221 votes
Beaches Ocean View Blvd, Holden Beach, NC MoreLess Info
Holden Beach is ideal for those who want to enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and sand castle building on a quiet, clean, and uncrowded beach. Ideal for families, the area also features restaurants and other activities.
28.9 Miles
91% 35 votes
Fishing 2775 Sea Aire Dr Sw, Holden Beach, NC 28462 MoreLess Info
With half-day trips available, Ollie Raja Fishing Charters offers visitors a chance to catch mackerel, flounder, and shark on its fishing charters. The captain is knowledgeable about the fishing spots and the type of fish available.
36.4 Miles
91% 119 votes
Natural History Museums 21 East Secoond Street, Ocean Isle Beach, NC MoreLess Info
Open year-round, the Museum of Coastal Carolina showcases the natural history, habitats and culture of the coastal Carolina region. The museum includes interactive exhibits such as a touch tank and fossil pit.
36.5 Miles
47% 15 votes
Arcades 19 E 1st Street, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469 MoreLess Info
A family-friendly restaurant and arcade, the Breakers Arcade in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina provides plenty of arcade entertainment and food choices, especially ice cream. Salty's Surf Shop in the facility rents out surfboards, kayaks and bikes.
36.6 Miles
100% 1 votes
Go Karts 6428 Beach Dr SW, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469 MoreLess Info
Visitors can enjoy go kart racing and competing with up to 16 drivers at Ocean Isle Beach Super Track. The venue features scorpion go karts and a track with a variety of turns and twists.
Showing 81-90 of 134
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