Wilmington E-Bike Tour to Airlie Gardens: Self-Guided or Led

E-bike from downtown through nature to 67 acres of gardens, oaks and seasonal blooms

A 3.25-hour e-bike tour in Wilmington that starts downtown, follows the River to Sea Bikeway through on-road and off-road stretches, and ends at Airlie Gardens: a 67-acre botanical property with more than a dozen themed gardens, walking trails and historic structures. You ride self-guided with a recommended route and orientation, or add a live guide. Entry to the gardens is available at a discounted rate.

Step-by-step itinerary

E-bike ride and garden exploration

• Meet at the starting point
• Receive e-bike, helmet, and instructions
• Complete safety and training session
• Ride e-bike from downtown Wilmington to Airlie Gardens
• Explore Airlie Gardens self-guided walking tour

The experience

You start with a state-of-the-art e-bike, helmet, bike lock, portable bag and a safety session to get comfortable with the bike before you ride. The route takes you from downtown Wilmington along both shared vehicle lanes and the dedicated River to Sea Bikeway, a serene path that winds through lush greenery and nature-rich areas inland from the city. The e-bike handles the pedaling effort, so the focus stays on the scenery and the ride itself rather than the exertion.

Airlie Gardens sits at the end of the route: a historic 67-acre property with more than a dozen gardens to explore on foot, including the Pergola, Minnie Evans Bottle Chapel and a seasonal Butterfly House. Mighty live oaks frame the walking trails, and the self-guided layout lets you move at your own pace through the different garden spaces. The gardens are yours to wander once you arrive. Entry is not included in the bike tour but is available at a discounted rate if you choose to add it.

You can ride self-guided with the provided route and your own navigation, or book a live guide in English to lead the way. Either way, bring water and snacks. A portable bag comes with the bike, and packing lunch to eat in the gardens is recommended. The self-guided option requires a $100 refundable security deposit per rider and is designed for people confident navigating on their own. It is not suited to beginners or anyone who has not ridden a bicycle in seven years or more.

What’s included

• State-of-the-art e-bike with electric assist.
• helmet and bike lock.
• portable bag for water and personal items.
• orientation session on the e-bike.
• recommended route to Airlie Gardens.
• access to the River to Sea Bikeway and downtown Wilmington route.

Options for this experience

2 options

Self-guided 3.25-hour e-bike tour of Airlie Gardens in WilmingtonGuide in English · 13:00

Add a tour guideGuide in English · 13:00Add a tour guide

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 13:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (19 to 70 years) · Youth (13 to 18 years) · Under 13: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by EZ Electric Bike Rentals

Is this one for you?Book the self-guided option if you navigate confidently on your own and want to set your own pace. Add a live guide if you prefer someone leading the route and sharing details about what you pass. The self-guided route is not for beginners or anyone who has not ridden a bike in seven years, and requires a $100 refundable security deposit per rider.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 18 years). Children under 13 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Airlie Gardens like once I get there?

Airlie Gardens spans 67 acres of themed gardens, walking trails and historic structures including the Pergola, Minnie Evans Bottle Chapel and a seasonal Butterfly House, all framed by mature live oaks. You explore on foot at your own pace once the bike ride ends.

Can I choose between riding self-guided and having a guide?

Yes. You can ride self-guided with a provided route and your own navigation, or add a live guide in English to lead the entire tour. The self-guided option requires a $100 refundable security deposit per rider.

Does the bike tour include entry to Airlie Gardens?

Entry to the gardens is not included in the bike tour, but a discounted rate is available if you choose to add it at checkout.

What does the route look like between downtown and the gardens?

The route blends on-road stretches with shared vehicle lanes and off-road sections on the dedicated River to Sea Bikeway, a serene path winding through lush greenery and nature-rich areas as it moves from downtown Wilmington toward the botanical gardens.

What comes with the e-bike rental?

Each e-bike includes a helmet, bike lock, portable bag for water and small belongings, and an orientation session to get you comfortable with the bike before you ride. A recommended route to Airlie Gardens is also provided.