Wilmington , United States

Wilmington World War II History Tour

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Wilmington was designated as America's first-ever "World War II Heritage City", a proud title honoring the city's important role in the war and its success in preserving war sites. Wilmington became a major hub for shipbuilding, chemical manufacturing, and much more, often being nicknamed a "World War Boomtown." The city's downtown was an important place for soldiers and sailors to live before deployment overseas, and its major role in the war is rumored to have provoked the only German bombardment of the US mainland. These stories and more from the World War II homefront await you on the Wilmington World War II heritage tour.

Available options

Wilmington World War II History Tour

What's included

Tour of Wilmington's World War II Heritage

Detailed itinerary

See sites related to Wilmington's WW2 era history, such as: The Hannah Block USO center:
A refurbished USO center used to entertain American soldiers during the war.
The Office of Price Administration:
The group that coordinated rationing and price controls during the war
Airplane tracking center:
A former post office that, during the war, recorded and tracked airplane movements
Acme Chemical Building:
A chemical company building that utilized German prisoners of war for labor, and made many important wartime materials.

Stop 2

Guests will hear the history of the Battleship North Carolina, an important WW2 era battleship and one of the last "treaty battleships" America produced

What's not included

This tour does not grant access to the inside of the Battleship North Carolina.

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

We meet outside of Slice of Life Pizzeria & Pub in Downtown Wilmington

About Wilmington

Wilmington, North Carolina, is a charming coastal city known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and vibrant arts scene. Nestled along the Cape Fear River, it offers a unique blend of Southern hospitality, historic architecture, and outdoor adventures.

Top Attractions

Cape Fear Riverwalk

A scenic 1.5-mile riverfront walkway offering beautiful views of the Cape Fear River and the historic downtown area.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Battleship North Carolina

A historic battleship that played a significant role in World War II. Visitors can explore the ship's decks, turrets, and crew quarters.

Historical 2-3 hours $20 for adults, $10 for children

Wilmington Museum of Art

A museum showcasing a diverse collection of American art, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs.

Museum 1-2 hours Free, donations welcome

Wrightsville Beach

A popular beach known for its beautiful sandy shores, clear blue waters, and vibrant nightlife.

Beach Half day to full day Free

Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts

A historic theater hosting a variety of performances, including plays, concerts, and comedy shows.

Entertainment 2-3 hours Varies by performance

Must-Try Local Dishes

Shrimp and Grits

A classic Southern dish made with shrimp, grits, and a savory sauce.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan with substitutions

Pulled Pork Sandwich

Slow-cooked pulled pork served on a bun with coleslaw and barbecue sauce.

Lunch Can be made vegetarian or vegan with substitutions

Fried Green Tomatoes

Crispy fried green tomatoes served with a dipping sauce.

Appetizer Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Kayaking Paddleboarding Hiking Beach lounging Spa treatments Yoga Museum visits Art gallery tours

Best Time to Visit

March to May, September to November

Spring and fall offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds and lower prices. The beaches are less crowded, and the city hosts various festivals and events.

15-29°C 59-84°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-5:00 (Eastern Time Zone)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Wilmington is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take common safety precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious when using ATMs
• Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas

Getting there

By air

Wilmington International Airport • 5 miles from city center

By bus

Greyhound Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The WTA operates several bus routes throughout the city. Buses are affordable and convenient for getting around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Wilmington Wrightsville Beach Historic District

Day trips

Carolina Beach State Park

15 miles • Half day

A beautiful state park offering hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views of the Carolina Beach.

Burgaw

20 miles • Half day

A charming small town with a rich history and several historic landmarks.

Bald Head Island

30 miles • Full day

A beautiful island known for its pristine beaches, nature trails, and historic lighthouse.

Festivals

Riverfest • Late September Wilmington Halloween Festival • Late October Wilmington Christmas Festival • Early December

Pro tips

Visit the Battleship North Carolina early in the morning to avoid crowds and the heat.
Explore the Cape Fear Riverwalk at sunset for beautiful views of the river and the city skyline.
Check out the local craft beer scene by visiting one of the many breweries in the city.
Take a day trip to Bald Head Island for a more secluded beach experience.
Visit the Wilmington Museum of Art for a taste of the city's vibrant arts scene.