Cargo District
Wilmington's Cargo District: a vibrant urban village built from shipping containers, offering unique shops, eateries, bars, and entertainment.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, live music
Cargo District
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, live music
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Wilmington's Cargo District: a vibrant urban village built from shipping containers, offering unique shops, eateries, bars, and entertainment.
"It is a cute concept in a small part of town... worth checking out if you want a different experience."
🎯 Explore Hidden Gems
Don't stop at the first few spots; there are many hidden gems to discover!
⏰ Check Business Hours
Hours vary by business. Always double-check before visiting your desired shops or eateries.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Rift Speakeasy
Inside The Cargo District
A hidden bar behind a fridge door, offering pool, live music, and a chill vibe. Kid-friendly until 8 PM.
Outdoor Food Court
The Cargo District
Wilmington's only outdoor food court featuring empanadas, sushi, acai bowls, and more.
Burning Pages Bookstore
Inside Design Worx, The Cargo District
A unique, moody bookstore housed in a shipping container, offering a romantic fantasy vibe.
Film Legacy Exhibit
16th and Queen Streets, The Cargo District
A glass-enclosed exhibit celebrating Wilmington's 40+ year film history with memorabilia.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Container Charm
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Explore Hidden Gems
Don't stop at the first few spots; there are many hidden gems to discover!
⏰ Check Business Hours
Hours vary by business. Always double-check before visiting your desired shops or eateries.
🎶 Enjoy Live Music
Many venues offer live music, especially on Wednesdays and weekends.
🍔 Diverse Food Options
From empanadas to burgers, the food court offers a variety of delicious choices.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Explore Hidden Gems
Don't stop at the first few spots; there are many hidden gems to discover!
⏰ Check Business Hours
Hours vary by business. Always double-check before visiting your desired shops or eateries.
🎶 Enjoy Live Music
Many venues offer live music, especially on Wednesdays and weekends.
🍔 Diverse Food Options
From empanadas to burgers, the food court offers a variety of delicious choices.
🍻 Unique Bar Experiences
Discover speakeasy bars hidden behind ordinary doors for a fun night out.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Cargo District's unique concept, calling it a 'cute concept' and an 'amazing place' with 'great views.' The diverse food options and hidden bars are frequently highlighted as major draws. While most reviews are positive, some mention that the shops are mostly boutique-style and small, suggesting it's worth checking business hours beforehand.
"Must see
So much fun
So cool
Amazing foods"
Marie Lego
"It is a cute concept in a small part of town. The stores were neat and had some cute and interesting items but mostly boutique style tiny shops. worth checking out if you want a different experience from the normal tourist type places in the area"
Ashley Woodard
"Another fun place in Wilmy. Lots of hidden spots, so keep looking. They even have a CD East, sort of."
Jason Crutchfield
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cargo District is located in downtown Wilmington, NC. It's easily accessible by car, and parking is available in the area. Many visitors find it convenient to walk or bike if staying nearby.
Yes, parking is available in and around the Cargo District. Street parking and designated lots can be found. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.
Absolutely! If you're staying in downtown Wilmington, walking or biking to the Cargo District is a great option. It's a vibrant area that's enjoyable to explore on foot.
The Cargo District is best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking between the unique shops, restaurants, and bars.
While many areas are accessible, the unique nature of shipping container structures might present some challenges. It's recommended to contact specific businesses directly for detailed accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to enter the Cargo District itself. It's an open urban area with various businesses. You'll purchase tickets or pay for individual experiences within the district.
The Cargo District is an open area, but individual businesses have their own operating hours. It's crucial to check the specific hours for shops, restaurants, and bars you plan to visit.
Entrance to the Cargo District is free. However, individual attractions like The Rift speakeasy or specific shops may have their own entry requirements or cover charges, especially for live music events.
Many businesses in the Cargo District operate on holidays, but hours may be adjusted. It's always best to confirm with individual establishments beforehand.
While there isn't one single information center, the Cargo District's social media accounts often share updates and event information. Following them can keep you informed.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Cargo District boasts a diverse culinary scene, including an outdoor food court with empanadas, sushi, and acai bowls. You'll also find burger joints, cocktail bars, and more.
Options vary by vendor. The outdoor food court and various restaurants often have diverse menus that include vegetarian and vegan choices. It's best to inquire directly with the establishment.
Popular spots include the outdoor food court vendors like I Love Empanadas, Mess Hall for burgers, and Alcove Beer Garden for food and drinks.
Yes, the Cargo District has several bars and breweries, including The Rift speakeasy, End of Days Distillery, and Alcove Beer Garden, offering a wide range of beverages.
The outdoor food court is excellent for groups as everyone can choose from different vendors, catering to various tastes. It offers a casual and communal dining experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The unique shipping container architecture itself is a great subject. Look for colorful murals, the entrance to The Rift speakeasy, and the film legacy exhibit for memorable shots.
Generally, yes, but it's always polite to ask permission before taking extensive photos inside private businesses, especially if it might disrupt other patrons.
The Cargo District offers a variety of backdrops for portraits, from industrial chic to vibrant street art. The unique structures provide an urban and modern feel.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) can provide beautiful lighting. However, the district is vibrant throughout the day and evening, offering different photographic opportunities.
There are no general restrictions on personal photography within the public areas of the Cargo District. However, commercial photography may require permits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The outdoor food court is a great option for families, allowing everyone to choose their preferred meal. Exploring the unique shops can also be an engaging activity for children, offering a different kind of shopping experience.
Consider visiting during daylight hours to make the most of the accessible areas and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere before it transitions to a more adult-focused nightlife scene.
🍻 Couples & Date Nights
Enjoy dinner at one of the diverse eateries in the outdoor food court or at a sit-down restaurant like Alcove Beer Garden. Many venues feature live music, creating a romantic and lively ambiance.
🛍️ Shoppers & Explorers
Beyond retail, the district's architecture itself is an attraction. Wander through the area, admire the repurposed shipping containers, and discover hidden corners and art installations.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Architecture of Shipping Containers
Each container is adapted to house a variety of businesses, from intimate boutiques and art studios to bustling restaurants and bars. This creates a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape where creativity thrives. Visitors can explore everything from tattoo parlors and jewelry stores to bookstores and arcades, all within this distinctive architectural framework.
The design emphasizes a modern, industrial-chic vibe, with many businesses embracing the raw aesthetic of the containers while adding their own creative touches. This makes the Cargo District a visually engaging destination, perfect for those seeking a different kind of urban exploration.
A Hub for Local Businesses and Artisans
You can find a diverse range of shops here, including unique boutiques selling jewelry, custom-made items, and even shark tooth-inspired pieces. There's also a dedicated bookstore that transformed a shipping container into a cozy reading nook, showcasing the district's commitment to diverse retail experiences.
Beyond retail, the district is a hotspot for local food vendors and service providers, such as wax studios and private gyms, further diversifying the offerings and making it a comprehensive destination for locals and visitors alike.
Entertainment and Nightlife
Other venues like Alcove Beer Garden and The Starling Bar provide more traditional bar experiences with craft cocktails, local beers, and often live music. Salsa Sundays at The Starling offer a free outdoor dance event, adding a lively cultural element to the district's nightlife.
With its diverse range of bars and entertainment spots, the Cargo District is a popular destination for those looking for a fun and engaging night out in Wilmington.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit