Battleship North Carolina

The USS North Carolina earned 15 battle stars in the Pacific, more than any other American battleship in World War II. North Carolina schoolchildren gave their dimes in the 1960s to save her from scrap. Today you can explore nine levels of her, from the gun turrets to the engine rooms.

• Wilmington
• History
• Kids 6+
• Open 365 days

Why families go

It’s the area’s signature attraction for a reason. Kids get to clamber through a real warship, ducking into crew bunks, the galley and a gun turret, and adults find the crew stories moving. Plan on two to four hours. Expect a lot of steep ladders and narrow hatches, and remember that below decks isn’t air-conditioned, so go early on summer days. The free walkway around the ship is a bonus, and wild alligators sometimes sun themselves in the water nearby.

Don’t miss

• Inside a 16-inch gun turretOne of the highlights of the self-guided route.
• The engine rooms and crew quartersHow 2,000 young men lived and worked at sea.
• The Kingfisher floatplaneA rare scout plane displayed on deck.
• Battleship Alive!Living-history interpreters re-enact shipboard duties on scheduled days.
• The SECU Memorial WalkwayA free, accessible walkway around the ship. Watch the water for the resident wild alligators.

Photo: Battleship North Carolina

Before you go

• Wear sneakers: the route has steep ladders and uneven decks. Strollers can be parked on the main deck.
• Wheelchair users can tour the main deck and walkway; upper and lower decks aren’t accessible.
• Allow at least two hours; last tickets are sold at 4 p.m. Parking is free.

Plan your visit

• Where: 1 Battleship Rd., Wilmington, NC 28401 (across the river from downtown)
• From Topsail: About 45 minutes from central Surf City.
• Hours: Daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; opens at noon on Christmas Day.
• Admission: Paid; children 5 and under free; senior and military rates.
• Tickets: Plan your visit
• Official site: battleshipnc.com
• More nearby: more family fun in Wilmington

A short drive from the island. Browse our Topsail Island vacation rentals, all cared for by our local team.

Based on official information from the attraction and on recurring themes in public reviews; checked October 2026. Hours, seasons and prices change, so confirm before you go.