Things To Do
in New Hanover
New Hanover is a picturesque county located in the southeastern region of North Carolina, United States. It is known for its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and vibrant culture. The county seat is Wilmington, a charming city with a rich history dating back to colonial times.
New Hanover offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and urban amenities, making it a popular destination for tourists and residents alike.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $250
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Wrightsville Beach for sunrise. Enjoy a walk along the shore and breathe in the fresh ocean air.
Head to Fort Fisher State Recreation Area for some beach fun. You can also explore the local wildlife and hiking trails in the area.
Wrap up your day with a sunset dinner at a beachfront restaurant. Try local seafood while listening to the waves.
Begin with a tour of the Cape Fear Museum to learn about local history. Engage with interactive exhibits that are great for all ages.
Visit the nearby Airlie Gardens to enjoy the beautiful flora and wander through scenic landscaped paths. Don't forget to take some photos of the picturesque surroundings.
Enjoy an evening at the Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts. Check their schedule for live performances or movies.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful coastal scenery and beaches.
- Rich historical and cultural attractions.
- Strong community and family-friendly environment.
- Access to outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking.
- Growing economy with opportunities in tourism, health care, and education.
- High humidity and heat during summer months.
- Vulnerability to hurricanes and tropical storms.
- Traffic congestion during peak tourist seasons.
- Higher cost of living compared to other parts of North Carolina.
- Limited public transportation options.
Best Activities in New Hanover
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
A popular beach destination for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports like surfing and paddleboarding.
A beautiful garden featuring walking trails, historic structures, and a variety of unique plant species, perfect for a leisurely stroll or picnic.
Enjoy scenic nature trails and wildlife viewing in this serene park that offers a peaceful outdoor hiking experience.
Explore the natural beauty of the Cape Fear River by kayak and enjoy stunning views and local wildlife.
A coastal park offering hiking trails, fishing, and access to the beach, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and families.
Visit this historic battleship and experience guided tours while enjoying the surrounding waterfront parks.
A tranquil beach area known for its stunning sunsets, ideal for swimming, fishing, and beachcombing.
This multi-use path offers a scenic ride through Wilmington and connecting parks, perfect for cycling and walking.
A pristine barrier island offering fishing, shelling, and wildlife observation opportunities for outdoor lovers.
Enjoy camping amidst nature with access to trails, fishing spots, and the beautiful Carolina Beach.
Tours
Uncover the best of New Hanover with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in New Hanover
Visit one of these nice places.
A stunning coastal location offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, perfect for sunrise and sunset photography.
Charming streets lined with antebellum architecture and historic homes, ideal for capturing the essence of Southern charm.
A beautiful garden featuring lush landscapes, water features, and seasonal blooms, providing numerous photo opportunities.
An iconic WWII battleship with panoramic views of the Cape Fear River, offering a unique perspective on maritime history.
A scenic coastal site with beautiful beaches and historical significance, perfect for landscape and historical photography.
A lively boardwalk with colorful amusements, dining options, and views of the beach, ideal for capturing fun and vibrant moments.
A pristine barrier island accessible by boat, offering picturesque views of untouched nature, wildlife, and scenic shorelines.
A scenic getaway with breathtaking ocean views, historic lighthouses, and tranquil beaches, perfect for capturing serene landscapes.
A striking lighthouse with beautiful surrounding landscapes, providing excellent photo opportunities of both the lighthouse and the ocean.
A peaceful park with natural trails and wetlands, offering great opportunities for nature photography and wildlife observation.
Food in New Hanover
New Hanover Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A quintessential Southern dish featuring creamy grits topped with plump, seasoned shrimp. Highly recommended at the Cape Fear Seafood Company.
Must-Try!
Slow-cooked, smoky pulled pork served with a tangy vinegar-based sauce. Must-try at Casey's Buffet for an authentic experience.
A beloved dessert made from mashed sweet potatoes, warm spices, and a flaky crust. Available at Granny's Country Kitchen for a homemade taste.
Unique Experiences
Get to know New Hanover better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market offering fresh produce, artisanal foods, and local delicacies. Don't miss the food trucks serving up regional favorites like fried oysters and Carolina-style barbecue.
Held monthly in downtown Wilmington, this event features a variety of food trucks dishing out everything from gourmet hot dogs to inventive international fare.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In New Hanover, as in many parts of the United States, it is important to respect personal space. People generally prefer a distance of about an arm's length when engaging in conversation.
Using polite greetings such as 'hello', 'please', and 'thank you' is highly valued. It's common to greet strangers with a friendly nod or smile, especially in community settings.
New Hanover is home to a diverse population. Being open-minded and respectful towards different cultures, beliefs, and lifestyles is crucial in fostering a harmonious community.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of New Hanover with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in New Hanover
Ensure a smooth experience
In New Hanover, tipping is commonly practiced in the service industry, where it is customary to tip servers, bartenders, and other service workers. The standard tip amount ranges from 15% to 20% of the total bill, depending on the level of service received. Tipping is considered a way to show appreciation for good service and is an essential part of the income for many service workers.
Payment methods in New Hanover include cash, credit, and debit cards, as well as mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Most businesses accept major credit cards, and cash is still widely used, especially in smaller establishments. Contactless payments have gained popularity, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, as customers look for safer payment alternatives.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into New Hanover.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (March to May) is a great time to visit New Hanover. The weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to low 80s °F. You can expect blooming flowers, outdoor activities, and various festivals, making it ideal for exploring parks and the coastline.
Summer (June to August) is warm and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 90 °F. This season attracts beachgoers and tourists for water activities. Expect crowded beaches, vibrant nightlife, and numerous outdoor events, but also be prepared for occasional thunderstorms.
Fall (September to November) features mild weather, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-80s °F. This season is perfect for exploring the area's natural beauty, as the foliage begins to change color. You'll also find fewer tourists and several local harvest festivals.
Winter (December to February) is mild in New Hanover, with temperatures averaging between 40 and 60 °F. While it's the least popular time to visit, it offers a quieter atmosphere, holiday festivities, and opportunities for affordable travel, making it ideal for those seeking a more relaxed experience.
New Hanover at Night
Hiking in New Hanover
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic trail system that offers a peaceful hiking experience through wooded areas and along streams, perfect for casual hikers and nature lovers.
Features a variety of trails through lush landscapes, providing a great location for walking and easy hiking. The park also includes picnic areas and a playground.
This waterfront path stretches along the Cape Fear River, offering beautiful views and a chance to explore downtown Wilmington, while enjoying a leisurely hiking experience.
Offers various trails that traverse through maritime forests and along stunning beach areas, ideal for more adventurous hikers looking for a day in nature.
Features coastal trails that lead hikers through scenic dunes and along the beach, providing a unique hiking experience with beautiful ocean views.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into New Hanover through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach New Hanover by plane.
Located in Wilmington, North Carolina, this is the closest airport to New Hanover, offering both domestic and limited international flights.
Situated in Morrisville, North Carolina, RDU serves as a major hub for international and domestic flights and is approximately 136 miles from New Hanover.
Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, CLT is one of the largest international airports in the southeastern U.S. and is about 200 miles from New Hanover.
Approximately 67 miles from New Hanover, this airport offers primarily domestic flights with some international services.
Located in Savannah, Georgia, about 275 miles from New Hanover, this airport provides both domestic and international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority demographic group in New Hanover County, primarily of European descent.
Significant demographic group with roots in the African American community.
Includes individuals of various backgrounds with Hispanic or Latino heritage.
Represents a smaller segment of the population, including individuals of East Asian, Southeast Asian, and South Asian descent.
Comprises individuals from various Native American tribes and backgrounds.
Includes individuals who identify with more than one racial group.
The Soul of New Hanover
Discover the essence of New Hanover through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is a widely popular sport in New Hanover, with local schools and community leagues actively engaging players and fans.
Soccer has seen growth in participation, with various youth leagues and adult recreational leagues available in the area.
American football is a staple in local high schools and colleges, drawing large crowds to games during the football season.
Baseball is a summer favorite with local teams and leagues for all ages across New Hanover.
Golf is popular in New Hanover with numerous courses available, making it a favored pastime for residents.
Tennis is played recreationally and competitively, with public courts and local tournaments present in the area.
Swimming, both recreationally and competitively, is popular due to the area's coastal location and access to pools.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting New Hanover.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many establishments in New Hanover offer creative vegetarian and vegan dishes, from plant-based curries to veggie-packed bowls, catering to those with meat-free preferences.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can find an array of gluten-free options at local eateries, including gluten-free pizzas, sandwiches on GF bread, and flourless desserts.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of New Hanover with these cultural adventures.
