The best things to do in Wilmington

24 things to do we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Entertainment · 24 places · showing the latest additions first

Compass Pointe Golf Club is an 18-hole Rick Robbins design known as one of the most challenging yet enjoyable tracks in the Wilmington…

2405 The Pointe Club Dr (Leland)

Compass Pointe Golf Club is an 18-hole Rick Robbins design known as one of the most challenging yet enjoyable tracks in the Wilmington area, stretching 7,228 yards with large undulating greens. Private, member-focused golf with quality practice space when you’re chasing that next personal best.

From the Leland newsletter, September 9, 2026

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Thalian Hall Cinema

Entertainment

Thalian Hall Cinema keeps Wilmington cinephiles fed with a steady stream of first-run indies, foreign gems, docs, and a cult/vintage series…

310 Chestnut St · ✓ checked Jul 28

Thalian Hall Cinema keeps Wilmington cinephiles fed with a steady stream of first-run indies, foreign gems, docs, and a cult/vintage series inside a legit 1858 landmark. On deck this week, catch Reading Lolita in Tehran Aug 3-7 or Rose of Nevada Aug 3-9, with Little Shop of Horrors celebrating 40 years Aug 6-8.

From the Leland newsletter, August 4, 2026

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Good Lie

Entertainment

Good Lie mixes mini golf with a neighborhood sports bar vibe, so you can watch the game, play your own, and refuel with drinks and pizza.…

603 Castle St

Good Lie mixes mini golf with a neighborhood sports bar vibe, so you can watch the game, play your own, and refuel with drinks and pizza. Leland folks will appreciate the easy hang, league play, and the perfect excuse for friendly bragging rights with every putt.

From the Leland newsletter, September 2, 2026

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Flip N Fly

Entertainment

When cabin fever hits, Flip N Fly brings wall-to-wall trampolines, Olympic-style bounce zones, trick walls, a pro-level ninja course, and a…

830 Inspiration Dr · ✓ checked Sep 11

When cabin fever hits, Flip N Fly brings wall-to-wall trampolines, Olympic-style bounce zones, trick walls, a pro-level ninja course, and a slackline in a 28,000-square-foot playground that actually tires people out. Solid spot for birthday parties and weekday wiggles, no matter your jumping skills.

From the Wilmington newsletter, September 19, 2026

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The Pointe 14

Entertainment

Skip the streaming scroll and catch the newest releases at The Pointe 14, a straightforward multi-screen spot with quick online ticketing…

2223 Blockbuster Rd

Skip the streaming scroll and catch the newest releases at The Pointe 14, a straightforward multi-screen spot with quick online ticketing and solid snacks. They mix big blockbusters with special screenings and keep a handy release calendar, plus a loyalty program if you’re a regular.

From the Wilmington newsletter, September 12, 2026

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Bakery 105

Entertainment

The brick-and-ivy charm at Bakery 105 brings instant wow, and their 128 South team handles full-service catering so you can focus on the…

105 Orange St

The brick-and-ivy charm at Bakery 105 brings instant wow, and their 128 South team handles full-service catering so you can focus on the fun. If a wedding or milestone is on your horizon, check it out this week... the indoor space plus garden courtyard keeps the flow easy and the photos dreamy.

From the Leland newsletter, August 27, 2026

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Founded in 1896, Cape Fear Country Club brings Donald Ross pedigree to your week with a course that hosted the PGA Tour’s Azalea Open, plus…

1518 Country Club Rd · ✓ checked Aug 13

Founded in 1896, Cape Fear Country Club brings Donald Ross pedigree to your week with a course that hosted the PGA Tour’s Azalea Open, plus lively tennis, standout dining, and socials that make weeknights feel like events. If you’re a member, grab a tee time or hit the courts, and actually use those dues.

From the Wilmington newsletter, August 21, 2026

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When the beach crowds and errands get old, 13th Hole Halloween Mini Golf brings Summerween energy to Wilmington with 13 spooky holes that…

6506 Market St b · ✓ checked Aug 13

When the beach crowds and errands get old, 13th Hole Halloween Mini Golf brings Summerween energy to Wilmington with 13 spooky holes that keep putts playful and just creepy enough. Round up a couple friends, laugh at your terrible short game, then brag about the hole-in-one that probably didn’t happen.

From the Wilmington newsletter, August 17, 2026

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After Work Golf Club is a social golf club built for people who love the game and still punch a clock. Expect casual community vibes, a…

4301 Deer Creek Ln · ✓ checked Sep 18

After Work Golf Club is a social golf club built for people who love the game and still punch a clock. Expect casual community vibes, a Summer League to keep you swinging, and Drop'n Birdies gear for when you actually start dropping them.

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Cape Fear National Golf Course at Brunswick Forest delivers award-winning, 18-hole championship golf in stunning Carolina scenery with a…

1281 Cape Fear National Dr (Leland)

Cape Fear National Golf Course at Brunswick Forest delivers award-winning, 18-hole championship golf in stunning Carolina scenery with a friendly member scene for Brunswick Forest residents and nearby neighbors.

From the Brunswick County newsletter, August 21, 2026

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Whether you’re sneaking in nine after work or making it a full Saturday, Magnolia Greens Golf Course has 27 well-kept holes, public tee…

1800 Tommy Jacobs Dr (Leland) · ✓ checked Sep 12

Whether you’re sneaking in nine after work or making it a full Saturday, Magnolia Greens Golf Course has 27 well-kept holes, public tee times, and a lively calendar of community events. They’ve even hosted PGA and USGA qualifiers, so your tee shot will have good company.

From the Brunswick County newsletter, September 17, 2026

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Beau Rivage Golf & Resort brings real contour to coastal golf with an 18-hole championship course boasting up to 75 feet of elevation,…

649 Rivage Promenade · ✓ checked Sep 11

Beau Rivage Golf & Resort brings real contour to coastal golf with an 18-hole championship course boasting up to 75 feet of elevation, ultradwarf Bermuda greens, and practice areas steps from simple one-bedroom suites. Six pickleball courts and the Veranda Bar & Grill keep the post-round vibes easy.

From the Wilmington newsletter, September 15, 2026

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Whether you’re sneaking out for a quick loop or settling in for a full round, Olde Fort Golf Course keeps it simple, fun, and easy on the…

3189 River Rd SE (Winnabow) · ✓ checked Aug 17

Whether you’re sneaking out for a quick loop or settling in for a full round, Olde Fort Golf Course keeps it simple, fun, and easy on the wallet. An interesting layout with just enough quirks to test your short game, perfect for Brunswick County regulars who just want to play.

From the Brunswick County newsletter, August 24, 2026

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If you live in the neighborhood, Magnolia Greens Recreation Center is your all-in-one reset button with indoor and outdoor pools for quick…

138 Bentgreen Dr (Leland) · ✓ checked Aug 17

If you live in the neighborhood, Magnolia Greens Recreation Center is your all-in-one reset button with indoor and outdoor pools for quick laps or kid energy burns, a real-deal fitness center, plus an active calendar of clubs and socials. Heads up, the Craft Fair is slated for October 17, 2026.

From the Brunswick County newsletter, August 28, 2026

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Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park is that rare Wilmington spot where everyone finds their lane, from splash-happy waterpark folks to…

5320 Oleander Dr

Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park is that rare Wilmington spot where everyone finds their lane, from splash-happy waterpark folks to competitive go-kart, laser tag, and mini-golf fiends, plus arcade, mini bowling, climbing wall and the Kid’s Jungle. Great for birthdays, team hangouts, or spontaneous weekday escapes.

From the Wilmington newsletter, September 4, 2026

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Jungle Golf

Entertainment

Whether you’re chasing bragging rights with friends or just need a breezy reset, Jungle Golf serves up 18 holes of lush, jungle-themed…

5320 Oleander Dr

Whether you’re chasing bragging rights with friends or just need a breezy reset, Jungle Golf serves up 18 holes of lush, jungle-themed challenges under that Carolina blue sky. Easy to drop in, fun to master, and the perfect excuse to say “one more hole” again.

From the Wilmington newsletter, August 24, 2026

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Whether your crew is into spellcasting, ancient mysteries, or creepy carnivals, Game Over Escape Room Wilmington serves up cinematic,…

224 N Front St · ✓ checked Sep 18

Whether your crew is into spellcasting, ancient mysteries, or creepy carnivals, Game Over Escape Room Wilmington serves up cinematic, hi-tech rooms with movie-quality props that pull you in.

From the Leland newsletter, August 19, 2026

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Porters Neck Country Club keeps it local with a welcoming membership vibe, a course to escape the inbox, tennis courts, aquatics and…

8403 Vintage Club Dr

Porters Neck Country Club keeps it local with a welcoming membership vibe, a course to escape the inbox, tennis courts, aquatics and fitness, on-site dining, and a premier sports complex. It’s a solid pick for weekday workouts, weekend tee times, and hosting the life events you actually care about.

From the Wilmington newsletter, September 8, 2026

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Because your group chat needs a win, The Escape Ventures Wilmington (formerly Exit Games) throws you into movie-quality sets with puzzles…

118 Princess St

Because your group chat needs a win, The Escape Ventures Wilmington (formerly Exit Games) throws you into movie-quality sets with puzzles where you tidy a chaos-ridden dorm, wrangle a blackout motel, or survive a tattoo apprenticeship.

From the Leland newsletter, August 23, 2026

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Porter's Neck Country Club blends a Colonial-style clubhouse, a friendly golf scene, and a dining and social scene inside a private, gated…

1202 Porters Neck Rd

Porter's Neck Country Club blends a Colonial-style clubhouse, a friendly golf scene, and a dining and social scene inside a private, gated community tucked along the water. If you want a place where neighbors actually hang out, and boating plans make perfect sense, this is it.

From the Wilmington newsletter, September 1, 2026

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If you get the call, Eagle Point Golf Club rewards it with immaculate fairways, dialed-in greens, and a quietly polished vibe that feels…

8131 Bald Eagle Ln

If you get the call, Eagle Point Golf Club rewards it with immaculate fairways, dialed-in greens, and a quietly polished vibe that feels very Wilmington. It’s the kind of private track where every lie is pure and the facilities make post-round lingering a given.

From the Wilmington newsletter, September 13, 2026

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MC Events and Entertainment brings pro DJs, lively hosting, photobooths including a 360-degree setup, and party rentals that turn…

6461 Lucerna Pl (Leland)

MC Events and Entertainment brings pro DJs, lively hosting, photobooths including a 360-degree setup, and party rentals that turn gatherings into actual parties. Weddings, school dances, corporate shindigs, backyard milestones, they run the fun so you can enjoy your own event this week.

From the Brunswick County newsletter, August 20, 2026

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With 45 holes by Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus to rotate through, Landfall Country Club - Dye Golf Clubhouse keeps your game honest, then…

1550 Landfall Dr · ✓ checked Aug 4

With 45 holes by Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus to rotate through, Landfall Country Club - Dye Golf Clubhouse keeps your game honest, then rewards you with casual or formal dining curated by the Executive Chef. Members, line up a tee time and make it a proper Wilmington evening.

From the Wilmington newsletter, August 10, 2026

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Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.

6431 Market St

Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.

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