Make room, Charleston and Savannah. Wilmington, North Carolina and its island beaches is a destination on the rise, according to TripAdvisor’s 2018 Travelers’ Choice list of “Top Destinations on the Rise.” Other recent accolades include a nod from CNNtravel.com as one of “15 charming cities in the American South you may have overlooked.” So if you’re looking to experience the best the South has to offer, it’s time to add Wilmington, North Carolina to your travel bucket list.

A not-to-be-missed Southern destination, visitors return to explore Wilmington’s award-winning Riverwalk and 230-plus block National Register Historic District, as well as timeless attractions, locally-owned restaurants, breweries, beaches, and festivals such as the world-famous N.C. Azalea Festival (April), Carolina Beach Music Festival (June); the Pleasure Island Seafood, Blues & Jazz Festival in Kure Beach and Wilmington’s Riverfest (October); Enchanted Airlie Gardens and the N.C. Holiday Flotilla in Wrightsville Beach (December).

Known for its independent spirit, welcoming people, and transformative waters, Wilmington continues to inspire fresh ideas, building on authentic heritage and adding unexpected offerings. Wilmington’s historic charm blends seamlessly with the modern new attractions on its evolving riverfront featuring new hotels, waterfront restaurants, rooftop bars, a performance center, marina and concerts on the event pier. It’s all within easy walking distance along a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly Riverwalk that connects tours, attractions, boutique shops and cafés, and nightlife with live music.

Wilmington, North Carolina and the nearby island beaches of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach are where you go for sweeping vistas with spectacular Atlantic Ocean sunrises, dramatic sound-side and river sunsets, picturesque waterways and world-class gardens. Stray off course and see for yourself why our family-friendly beaches with crystalline water and surfable waves have racked up accolades in Country Living, Southern Living, USA Today, SUP Racer and more. With so much to discover, it’s no wonder Wilmington was selected one of TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice “Top Destinations on the Rise.” One destination with four unique settings, North Carolina’s most accessible coastal destination is an easy nonstop flight from DCA to ILM (weekdays) via American Airlines and daily nonstop flights from IAD to ILM via United Airlines.