Top 10 nightlife & evening things to do in Wilmington

1. Private pontoon charter to Masonboro Island from Wrightsville Beach

Two to four hours on a luxury pontoon for up to seven passengers, cruising to Masonboro Island with music and water restaurant service options.

2. Custom private boating charters in Wilmington

Tailored boating adventures in Wilmington — choose from island hopping, sunset cruises, or eco-tours for groups of up to 6, BYOB with refreshments provided.

3. Wrightsville Beach sunset sail with cocktails

Two-hour sail on a 44' catamaran, enjoying a Caribbean cocktail while watching the sunset over the barrier islands and marshlands.

“I had an amazing experience! If you're seeking an unforgettable way to take in the sunset while in Wrightsville, this is the perfect tour to choose.”— Painkiller304

4. 90-minute sunset boat tour on the Cape Fear River

Ninety minutes on a tiki bar boat — enjoy sunset views and music as you cruise the Cape Fear River in Wilmington.

“We enjoyed a fantastic evening on the Cape Fear cruise. Captain Mason demonstrated extensive knowledge of the area and took pride in his role. I would highly recommend this experience.”— Toni_B

5. Private sailing charters on the Wilmington Waterfront

Two-hour private sail for up to six guests — enjoy views of the historic river walk on a spacious charter sailboat.

“Captain Oliver provided an excellent experience. We had a lovely, relaxing afternoon on the sail, with my husband even taking a turn at the helm. If you enjoy being on the water and want a unique view of Wilmington, this adventure is highly recommended. I would rate it a perfect ten.”— Lisa P

6. Wilmington trolley pub crawl — two-hour guided tour

Two hours on a pedal-powered trolley — BYOB with stops at Downtown Wilmington hotspots and your choice of music.

“During our girls trip to Wilmington, we had an amazing experience filled with laughter. Luz, our tour guide, was fantastic. I would strongly recommend this activity.”— Kimberly_P

7. Island Hopper Cruise from Wrightsville Beach

Join a 40-foot custom craft for a cruise to Masonboro Island, complete with a bar and modern amenities for up to 40 passengers.

“We had a lovely morning on the water, featuring two peaceful stops at islands. The second island was particularly enjoyable, as we could walk to the ocean and relax on the beach, taking in the views, soft sands, and collecting seashells. Our guides, Amy and Summer, were fantastic. We appreciate them for sharing Easter morning with us.”— fnj0826

8. Wildlife cruise on the Northeast Cape Fear River

Two-hour catamaran cruise highlighting wildlife sightings and historical commentary, featuring birdwatching and nature viewing along the river.

“We aimed to explore the Northeast Cape Fear River, known as one of Southeast North Carolina's "black" rivers, and choosing Wilmington Water Tours proved to be an excellent decision. The captain and crew shared their extensive knowledge about the river and the birds we encountered during our journey. They also provided a brief but useful safety briefing for emergencies on board. Additionally, the boat offered refreshments for purchase and featured a spacious restroom. We look forward to trying more of their cruises on our next visit to downtown Wilmington.”— Departure22028977868

9. Wrightsville Beach sunset sailing cruise

Two-hour sailing tour on a 42 ft yacht, maximum six guests — enjoy sunset views and local marine life around Wrightsville Beach.

“Captain Jim was very friendly and personable, which made the experience a delight. We were fortunate to spot several dolphins at the conclusion of our sunset cruise. I would certainly recommend it and would love to sail again.”— Megan_B

10. Historic Happy Hour

Enjoy the most fun and unique things to do in Wilmington! Take a history and architecture tour of historic downtown Wilmington which starts, breaks and ends at local craft cocktail and wine bars. This is a 1 1/2 mile stroll starts and ends at wine bars with a pit stop about 2/3 of the way. All while enjoying out National Historic Register District homes, churches and other significant buildings. A great night out for couples and groups. Your guide is a local and has a degree from UNCW on American Southern History and a sommelier certification. Learn about the city and its history to current times while having some beverages.