Best of Wilmington 2026 - Travel & Living

It’s no wonder Wilmington continues to draw visitors and newcomers to the area. From historic inns and oceanfront stays to reimagined communities and growing districts, these winners reflect the charm of Port City that often translates to more permanent residence.

The Cargo District is perhaps one of the clearest examples of Wilmington’s entrepreneurial spirit. What began as a simple idea—small businesses operating out of repurposed shipping containers—has grown into a neighborhood with its own rhythm, filled with coffee, cocktails, plants, food, shopping and creative spaces. As Fermental owner Steve Gibbs once described it, the district offers “a diverse and welcoming place to live, eat, drink and shop.”

Regularly recognized by USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards as the Best Bed-and-Breakfast in the country, C.W. Worth House’s owners Jennifer Blomberg and Jeff Mason see hospitality as both preservation and personal connection, blending the character of an 1893 Victorian mansion with what they call “the quiet luxury of a curated, independent experience.” Meanwhile, at Lumina on Wrightsville Beach, General Manager Brian Elliott says the first view of the Atlantic from the lobby is designed to create “an immediate sense of calm,” setting the tone for a stay rooted in beach-town ease.

Best Apartment Complex
South Front
southfront-nc.com

Best Assisted Living Community
Bradley Creek at Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall
carolinabayatautumnhall.com

Best Bed & Breakfast
C.W. Worth House Bed and Breakfast
worthhouse.com

Best Hotel/Resort
Holiday Inn Resort Lumina on Wrightsville Beach, an IHG Hotel
ihg.com

Best Luxury Car Dealership
Seasell Auto
seasellauto.com

Best Neighborhood
The Cargo District
cargodistrict.com

Best Real Estate Company
Intracoastal Realty
intracoastalrealty.com

Best Realtor/Team
Atlantic Edge Partners
atlanticedgepartners.com

Best Retirement Community
Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall
carolinabayatautumnhall.com

Best Travel Agency
Rick Paxton and Associates — Dream Vacations
experienceyourworld.com