
Wilmington Riverwalk
Wilmington's award-winning Riverwalk offers scenic strolls, waterfront dining, and vibrant downtown charm along the Cape Fear River.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful strolls

Wilmington Riverwalk
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful strolls

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Wilmington's award-winning Riverwalk offers scenic strolls, waterfront dining, and vibrant downtown charm along the Cape Fear River.
"A refreshing surprise, peaceful, beautifully maintained, and lined with waterfront dining, art, and green spaces."

🚶♀️ Walk the Full Length
The Riverwalk spans a good distance, offering diverse sights. Wear comfy shoes to enjoy it all!
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The views during sunset are breathtaking and make for great photos.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cape Fear River Views
Along the entire Riverwalk
Stroll the award-winning boardwalk for picturesque waterfront vistas and a refreshing breeze.

Historic Downtown Wilmington
Adjacent to the Riverwalk
Explore charming shops, art galleries, and historic architecture just steps from the water.

Waterfront Dining
Along the Riverwalk
Savor delicious meals with a view at numerous restaurants offering diverse culinary options.

The Cove Floating Airbnbs
Port City Marina
Experience a unique stay on a houseboat, offering unparalleled river views and a memorable night.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Getting Around Downtown
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Full Length
The Riverwalk spans a good distance, offering diverse sights. Wear comfy shoes to enjoy it all!
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The views during sunset are breathtaking and make for great photos.
🍽️ Dine with a View
Numerous restaurants line the Riverwalk, perfect for enjoying a meal by the water.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Parking can be tricky downtown. Consider garages or arriving early, especially on weekends.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Full Length
The Riverwalk spans a good distance, offering diverse sights. Wear comfy shoes to enjoy it all!
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The views during sunset are breathtaking and make for great photos.
🍽️ Dine with a View
Numerous restaurants line the Riverwalk, perfect for enjoying a meal by the water.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Parking can be tricky downtown. Consider garages or arriving early, especially on weekends.
🎶 Enjoy Live Music
Keep an eye out for live music performances, especially on weekend evenings.
🏠 Unique Stays
Consider booking a night at The Cove for a unique houseboat experience right on the river.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Wilmington Riverwalk for its beauty, cleanliness, and lively atmosphere, especially near dining and entertainment areas. It's highlighted as a refreshing gem perfect for strolls, photos, and enjoying waterfront dining. While generally well-received, some note that activities beyond walking and dining might be limited in certain sections.
"Nice walk. Just same here to walk off dinner cause we ate too much. Walked almost the whole thing. Very lively when we came. Especially near the mini golf area and ice cream area."
Justin Delossantos
"⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Hidden Gem Along the Water — Beautiful, Clean, and Worth the Walk
The Riverwalk in Wilmington was such a refreshing surprise. Peaceful, beautifully maintained, and lined with waterfront dining, art, and green spaces — it’s perfect for everything from a morning stroll to a sunset date night.
Whether you're out with family, walking solo for some fresh air, or looking for a scenic backdrop for photos or content, this spot delivers. Bonus: there’s often live music or local events happening nearby, which adds to the charm.
Safe, walkable, and full of character — definitely one of Delaware’s best-kept lifestyle gems. I’ll absolutely be back."
Amanda Toliver
"Part Boardwalk part concrete walk, in downtown area, along the Christina River. Several restaurants, one was playing live music. A mini golf place, small playground, but not much else for activities. A beautiful 3-masted ship has a warf there. At the end of the it connects into a nature walk among the tidal flats. Not many people around on a mid-September Saturday afternoon. Bike rentals available. A good place for a walk or food, but not clear how lively the area is."
Michael Miller
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Wilmington Riverwalk is located in downtown Wilmington, NC. If arriving by car, there are several parking garages and street parking options available, though they can fill up quickly on busy days. For those arriving by train, the Amtrak station is conveniently located near the Riverwalk, making it a walkable destination.
Wilmington has a public bus system, Wave Transit, that serves the downtown area. Check their routes and schedules for stops near the Riverwalk. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also readily available.
Yes, the Riverwalk is generally considered safe, especially during daylight hours and early evenings when it's well-populated. Many visitors, including solo female travelers, report feeling secure while walking. It's always wise to stay aware of your surroundings, particularly after dark.
The Riverwalk itself is best explored on foot. For venturing further into downtown, walking is ideal as many shops and restaurants are clustered together. Bike rentals are also available for a quicker way to cover more ground.
Several parking garages are available in downtown Wilmington, including the Market Street Garage and the Water Street Deck. Street parking is also an option, but can be limited and metered. Arriving early, especially on weekends, is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Wilmington Riverwalk is a public space and does not require an entrance fee. You can enjoy the boardwalk, views, and atmosphere for free.
The Riverwalk is accessible 24/7, as it's an outdoor public space. However, individual shops, restaurants, and attractions along the Riverwalk will have their own operating hours.
Tickets are not needed for the Riverwalk itself. However, if you plan to visit specific attractions like museums or take boat tours that depart from the Riverwalk area, you may need to purchase tickets separately.
Yes, the Wilmington Riverwalk often hosts events, especially during holidays and warmer months. Check local event listings or the Downtown Wilmington website for schedules.
Generally, dogs are welcome on the Wilmington Riverwalk, but they must be kept on a leash. Always check for any specific posted rules or regulations.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy scenic walks, dine at waterfront restaurants, shop at local boutiques, admire public art, and take in views of the Cape Fear River. Some visitors also enjoy live music and events.
The Wilmington Riverwalk is approximately 2 miles long, offering a substantial area to explore.
Absolutely! The Riverwalk is lined with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars offering everything from casual bites to fine dining with river views.
You'll find a mix of local boutiques, souvenir shops, art galleries, and specialty stores along the Riverwalk, offering unique finds.
Yes, the Riverwalk is generally paved and accessible, making it suitable for strollers, wheelchairs, and those with mobility challenges.
📸 📸 Photography
Anywhere along the waterfront offers great photo opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset. Look for unique architectural details, public art installations, and the boats docked along the river.
Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and near waterways due to safety and privacy concerns. It's best to check local regulations with the city of Wilmington before flying a drone.
The iconic USS North Carolina Battleship, visible from the Riverwalk, makes for a striking backdrop. The historic buildings of downtown also provide charming photo opportunities.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most beautiful light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but still offers good opportunities for capturing the lively atmosphere.
Keep an eye out for various public art pieces and sculptures that are peppered along the Riverwalk, adding visual interest to your photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a truly unique family adventure, look into The Cove - Floating Airbnbs for a memorable overnight stay on a houseboat. It's an experience kids will talk about for years to come. Remember to bring comfortable shoes for everyone, as exploring the Riverwalk and its surroundings can involve a good amount of walking.
couples
Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing the Riverwalk: A Local's Perspective
Beyond the scenic beauty, the Riverwalk is a hub for activity. You'll find a diverse array of waterfront dining options, from casual seafood spots to upscale restaurants, ensuring there's something to satisfy every palate. The area is also dotted with charming shops and art galleries, offering unique souvenirs and local crafts. For those looking for a truly unique experience, The Cove - Floating Airbnbs offer the chance to spend the night on a houseboat right on the river, providing unparalleled views and a memorable stay.
Many visitors, including those arriving by train, find the Riverwalk to be a safe and accessible destination. The paved path is ideal for walking, jogging, or even cycling, with bike rentals available. Whether you're a local enjoying a familiar path or an out-of-towner discovering its charm, the Wilmington Riverwalk consistently delivers a delightful experience, making it a must-visit spot in North Carolina.
Dining and Entertainment Along the Water
Beyond the food, the Riverwalk often comes alive with entertainment. You might stumble upon live music performances emanating from restaurants or special events happening along the boardwalk, adding to the vibrant ambiance. For families, there are often areas with mini-golf and playgrounds, providing fun activities for younger visitors. The proximity to downtown Wilmington also means you're just a short walk away from theaters, bars, and other entertainment venues, making the Riverwalk a perfect starting or ending point for a night out.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit