Visitors are often surprised at the number and variety of weekly vacation rentals throughout the area.. Vacation rentals are, in fact, an increasingly popular accommodation available to vacationers, and visitors will find that the sheer number of rentals available allows them to find an ideal retreat to fit their crew, from quiet condo complexes to brightly colored oceanfront sand castles.

Wrightsville Beach is one of the Cape Fear’s most popular destinations for fans of sand, salt and sun. Located just east of Wilmington, this hopping beach town is a Mecca for surfers, surf fishermen, beachcombers, and anyone who enjoys relaxing along the oceanfront. When it comes to visiting this enticing area, beach-goers should note that the town has a number of beach guidelines that cover everything from parking to pets. So before you go, be sure and brush up on these rules, regulations, and safety tips which will ensure everyone in your party has a sunny time while on the sand.

Little Lollipop Bay is a small oval-shaped bay that lies just north of the US 74 / Wrightsville Beach Bridge. The small enclosure of water, surrounded by vacation rental homes with private docks and fishing piers, is a popular launching point for novice kayakers, windsurfers and kiteboarders who want to enjoy a quick paddle in a safe location, or experienced boaters who want a fast way to head out to the deserted, and barely-above-water islands in between Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach.

Umbrellas and canopies create shade, lower ambient temperatures and block UV rays on hot, sunny Summer days. Sitting under the canopy of a quality beach umbrella can make the difference between comfort and sweltering. When choosing an umbrella, we look for durability, wind ratings, weight and size.

Situated on the edge of the Cape Fear Coastline in between the bustling towns of Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach, the Masonboro Island Estuarine Reserve is a unique slice of undeveloped and natural barrier island shoreline that’s an important habitat for countless coastal species. Hard to reach but wonderfully isolated, visitors who make a trip to this literal deserted island will be rewarded with great shelling, beautiful landscapes, and miles of beaches to go around.

Visitors who want to spend a chunk of their vacation dropping a line will find plenty of opportunities to go fishing in Wrightsville Beach. Surrounded by water, home to numerous charter businesses, and featuring roughly four miles of beaches, fishing is easily one of this coastal town’s most popular activities. On your next vacation, spend a day at the beach or at Johnnie Mercer's Pier, or head out to the outlying shipwrecks on an offshore charter trip to target the big catches – regardless of your angling ambitions, Wrightsville Beach has every fishing adventure covered, and then some.

Once you have your coastal recreational fishing license in hand, it’s time to start thinking about gear. Anglers will find tons of options when it comes to equipment for casting into the surf, from custom designed rods and reels at local tackle shops, to name brand varieties that are designed for multiple areas along the coastline. Here are just a few of the most popular gear options for surf fishermen. Keep in mind that there are endless options available, and your local bait and tackle store staff will be happy to point you in the right direction if you have any questions about what you’ll need for successful surf fishing in any given area along the North Carolina coastline.

One of the most common questions from new visitors to Wrightsville Beach is “Where can I find shells?” And while Wrightsville Beach can have decent shelling conditions, a little planning and timing may be required to find the true treasures that wash up on this section of the North Carolina coastline. Visitors who love beachcombing, however, will find ample options for catching a ride to the best shelling spots, or increasing their chances of finding a prize-worthy shell or two close to home. So bring along your bags and your sense of adventure on your next Wrightsville Beach vacation, and try your hand at uncovering some of the best souvenirs that Atlantic Ocean has to offer.

A Wrightsville Beach vacation may center on long sunny days on the seashore, but the occasional rainy day presents a perfect opportunity to get out and about and discover the historically and culturally rich Cape Fear region. From top rated museums to fun activities the whole family will love, the Cape Fear region is brimming with things to do that can be enjoyed, rain or shine. Use a rainy day as an opportunity to check out these destinations and attractions that will keep visitors entertained long after the sun comes out again.

With a location that borders water in veritably every direction, it’s not surprising that Wrightsville Beach has more than its fair share of scenic spot around the town. Close to incredible beaches, local landmarks, and neighboring communities that are known for their stature and beauty, Wrightsville Beach is a dream for sightseers who want to relax and enjoy the view. Start your scenic exploration with a visit to these sites that are found a shell’s throw or a short drive away, and which offer miles of natural beauty.

Surfing has always been big on Wrightsville Beach, and visitors and surfers from all across the East Coast are starting to take notice. The town was named one of the “World’s 20 Best Surf Towns” by National Geographic Magazine, and was one of only seven town in the US to earn the distinction. The designation was due to the sleepy surf town vibe, the family friendly atmosphere, and even the growing number of things to do for visitors who aren’t necessarily interested in riding waves.

Because of Wrightsville Beach’s longstanding status as a popular beach town, as well as its proximity to historic sites like Fort Fisher and Downtown Wilmington, the area is the perfect spot to add a little learning to a traditional beach vacation. Check out these destinations, museums, and veritable natural playgrounds where garnering a little education is a breeze, and is always a fun and exciting way to fully explore the Cape Fear area.