Battleship North Carolina Tours

Battleship North Carolina featuring heritage elements as well as a small group of people
Battleship North Carolina showing heritage elements and interior views
Battleship North Carolina showing heritage elements as well as a small group of people
Battleship North Carolina showing interior views and heritage elements
Battleship North Carolina featuring heritage elements as well as a small group of people


Take a tour of the lead ship of North Carolina-class battleships and learn about U.S. Navy history in a unique and adventurous way. 

See Battleship North Carolina, the third U.S. Navy warship to be named in honor of the State of North Carolina and now serving as a memorial in Wilmington. With a number of programs and tours available, visiting the warship is an exciting way to learn about life in the U.S. Navy and World War II history.

Book a self-guided tour of the battleship with a Behind the Hatch program. Work your way up from the inner bottom to the fire control tower at the top. Explore the vast network of rooms, the mess, the bridge and other sections of this impressive warship. The Behind the Hatch program is a great way to focus on sections of the ship that interest you the most.

Wander the warship and learn how the crew confronts survivability issues with the Damage Control program. Discover how the crew keeps the ship afloat in moments of crisis, such as the Japanese submarine torpedo attack on September 15, 1942.

Take on the Firepower Program and see the warship’s 16-inch (40.6-centimeter) and 5-inch (12.77-centimeter) guns. Learn about the ammunition loading compartments and other weapons systems onboard. From radar to optical range finders, the presenters will educate you on how the warship operated in various wartime maneuvers.

Embark on the 4-hour Hidden Battleship tour for the true adventurer. Explore the bow where you will discover the officers’ country and boatswain locker. See the torpedo area and the engineer’s office on the third deck. Enter Radio II for a lesson from the Azalea Coast Radio Club on the ship’s transmitters.

The warship also offers a Back Porch Tour for visitors with limited mobility or those who would rather learn about the ship from the comfort of the visitor center. Admission fees depend on the experience you wish to have. Explore the ship year-round, including all holidays. Use free parking next to the memorial or take the water taxi across the Cape Fear River from downtown Wilmington.

Stop at the visitor center at the Battleship North Carolina to plan your adventure aboard this remarkable U.S. Navy warship.

Reviews of Battleship North Carolina

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
152
5 - Excellent 63%
4 - Good
81
4 - Good 34%
3 - Okay
7
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Bob

Ship's bridge closed for maintenance during our visit, otherwise fine. Lots of history.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

I would recommend going in the morning. The ship is HOT.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Battleship North Carolina

Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

4 out of 5
301 N Water St, Wilmington, NC
Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront

Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront

3.5 out of 5
9 Estell Lee Place, Wilmington, NC
Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront
Best Western Plus Coastline Inn

Best Western Plus Coastline Inn

2.5 out of 5
503 Nutt St, Wilmington, NC
Best Western Plus Coastline Inn
ARRIVE Wilmington

ARRIVE Wilmington

4 out of 5
101 S. Second St., Wilmington, NC
ARRIVE Wilmington
Aloft Wilmington at Coastline Center

Aloft Wilmington at Coastline Center

3 out of 5
501 NUTT STREET, Wilmington, NC
Aloft Wilmington at Coastline Center
Courtyard by Marriott Wilmington Downtown/Historic District

Courtyard by Marriott Wilmington Downtown/Historic District

3 out of 5
229 North 2nd Street, Wilmington, NC
Courtyard by Marriott Wilmington Downtown/Historic District
Hampton Inn by Hilton Wilmington Downtown

Hampton Inn by Hilton Wilmington Downtown

2.5 out of 5
225 Grace St, Wilmington, NC
Hampton Inn by Hilton Wilmington Downtown
Water Street Retreats

Water Street Retreats

3.5 out of 5
106 N. Water St., Wilmington, NC
Water Street Retreats
Dreamers BNB

Dreamers BNB

3.5 out of 5
118 S 4th St, Wilmington, NC
Dreamers BNB
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Battleship North Carolina

When visiting the Battleship North Carolina, enjoy activities like boating and sports. Don't miss out on the available tours that provide a deep dive into the ship's history. Additionally, if you're there during the holiday season, be sure to check out the Christmas festival for a festive experience. There's plenty to explore and enjoy in this historic and scenic area.

Shopping

The Cotton Exchange, located 644m from Battleship North Carolina, offers a charming shopping experience with various shops and eateries. Mayfaire Town Center, 11.3km away, features a mix of entertainment and retail, while South End Surf Shop, 14.5km away, caters to surf enthusiasts. If you're up for a drive, explore these vibrant shopping centers.

Recreation

Experience live music at Live Oak Bank Pavilion, just 1.6km from Battleship North Carolina, where the vibrant atmosphere elevates your spirits. For outdoor enthusiasts, Magnolia Greens Golf Plantation offers a scenic golf course five miles away, while Freeman Park, 19.3km away, provides a tranquil space for relaxation and wellness.

Adventure

At Riverwalk, a charming boardwalk 483m from Battleship North Carolina, enjoy romantic strolls with scenic views. For family fun, visit Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park, located 9.7km away, featuring thrilling water slides and activities. Experience outdoor adventure with Wrightsville SUP, a water sports hub 14.5km from the battleship.

Nightlife

Enjoy a night at Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, just 805m away, for a romantic theater experience. For a fun family outing, venture 33.8km to Topsail Skating Rink, an exciting arcadeAdventureZone. City Stage Theatre, only 483m away, offers more cultural entertainment.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Battleship North Carolina

When visiting Battleship North Carolina in Wilmington, you'll find a variety of attractions to suit every traveler, from cultural sites to family-friendly activities. Explore nearby sights like Wrightsville Beach and delve into the history of the battleship itself. With options that include modern colleges, event venues, and entertainment arenas, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant area.

  • University of North Carolina at Wilmington: Located 8.0km from Battleship North Carolina, this vibrant university features a mix of city vibes and beautiful campus scenery. Explore its lush grounds, enjoy student art exhibitions, and soak in the lively atmosphere that embodies the spirit of learning and innovation.
  • Wilmington Convention Center: Just 0.8.0km from the battleship, this modern venue hosts various events and conferences. Experience the bustling business vibes and the scenic waterfront views that make it a prime location for gatherings and celebrations.
  • Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College: Situated 1.1km away, this entertainment facility offers a variety of performances and events. With a family-friendly atmosphere, it provides an exciting cultural experience featuring concerts, theater productions, and community events.

Best time to go to Battleship North Carolina

The best time to visit Battleship North Carolina is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January47.5°F (8.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
February50.7°F (10.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
March55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April63.5°F (17.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
May70.9°F (21.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June77.5°F (25.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July80.6°F (27.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August79.5°F (26.4°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September75.4°F (24.1°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October66.7°F (19.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November56.8°F (13.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Battleship North Carolina

To save money on your visit to Battleship North Carolina, consider traveling from December to February when hotel prices are lower, especially on Tuesdays. Avoid Saturdays, which are the most expensive days. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly accommodations by filtering for Eco-certified hotels and sorting by price. Additionally, look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities to maximize savings. Don’t forget to explore free activities in the area to enhance your experience without extra costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Battleship North Carolina are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Battleship North Carolina is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Battleship North Carolina is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel style. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save on your trip by combining your hotel stay at Battleship North Carolina with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia