Wrightsville Beach Vacations
Find your perfect Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach is a popular coastal destination in southeastern North Carolina, known for its clear blue waters, clean beaches, and active outdoor lifestyle.
Located just east of Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach offers easy access to both ocean and sound, making it ideal for surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and boating. The town has a lively yet laid-back atmosphere, with a walkable village center filled with local shops, seafood restaurants, and waterfront bars. Visitors can explore scenic trails at nearby Wrightsville Beach Park or take in panoramic views from the historic Wrightsville Beach Museum of History and the loop, a popular path for walking and jogging.
Wrightsville Beach offers a range of vacation rental homes, beachfront condos, and boutique hotels, many with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean or Intracoastal Waterway. The town is perfect for visitors looking for a mix of relaxation and recreation in a stylish beach setting. Whether you're catching waves at sunrise, enjoying fresh-caught seafood, or watching boats cruise by at sunset, Wrightsville Beach delivers a classic North Carolina beach experience with a modern coastal vibe.
Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, is a vibrant coastal town just east of Wilmington, offering a perfect mix of laid-back beach charm and active outdoor living. Known for its clear blue waters, clean sandy beaches, and strong community vibe, Wrightsville Beach is a popular destination for both first-time visitors and longtime coastal travelers. With its walkable island layout, diverse activities, and proximity to both nature and urban amenities, it offers something for everyone looking to experience the North Carolina coast.
Accommodations on Wrightsville Beach range from oceanfront hotels and classic beach motels to a wide selection of vacation rental homes and condos. Many rentals are located just steps from the beach or along the scenic soundside, offering views of boats, marshes, and stunning sunsets. These homes vary from small, cozy cottages to large multi-bedroom properties ideal for family vacations or group getaways. Several hotels also offer convenient beach access and on-site amenities like pools, restaurants, and gear rentals, perfect for shorter stays or visitors who prefer a resort-style experience.
One of the biggest draws to Wrightsville Beach is its wide, clean shoreline. The beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and beachcombing. Public beach access points are plentiful and well-maintained, with options for parking, restrooms, and showers. Lifeguards are present during the summer season, and the atmosphere is safe and family-friendly. Early risers enjoy walking the beach at sunrise, while evening visitors often catch a peaceful sunset stroll or a game of beach volleyball.
Wrightsville Beach is also known as one of the best spots on the East Coast for water sports. With both oceanfront and soundside access, the town offers prime conditions for surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and kiteboarding. The calm waters of the Intracoastal Waterway and nearby channels make paddling ideal for all skill levels, while experienced surfers can find consistent waves along the beach breaks. Rentals and lessons are widely available for anyone looking to try something new.
Fishing is another favorite pastime, whether it's casting from the shore, the pier, or heading out on a charter. The local waters are home to a variety of species, and both inshore and offshore fishing trips are available for visitors interested in a guided experience. Boating is also popular, with marinas and boat ramps offering access for everything from kayaks to larger vessels.
On land, Wrightsville Beach encourages an active lifestyle. The town is bike and pedestrian friendly, with sidewalks, trails, and scenic loops that make it easy to explore. Joggers and walkers often enjoy "The Loop," a 2.5-mile path that circles through the island and offers great views of the water and local neighborhoods. Tennis courts, playgrounds, and picnic areas are available for families looking for outdoor recreation beyond the beach.
The town also has a strong connection to environmental awareness and coastal education. Visitors can explore local trails, estuarine preserves, or visit educational centers that focus on marine ecosystems, barrier island dynamics, and conservation efforts. Kayak and eco-tour guides lead trips through salt marshes and tidal creeks, offering close-up encounters with coastal wildlife like herons, egrets, and dolphins.
Dining and shopping in Wrightsville Beach reflect its casual coastal style. Restaurants range from casual seafood spots and beach bars to upscale dining with waterfront views. Fresh, locally sourced ingredients are the norm, and the vibe is unpretentious and welcoming. Outdoor patios, live music, and cold drinks are all part of the experience. Shoppers can browse boutiques selling beachwear, gifts, art, and locally made goods.
Wrightsville Beach's location just minutes from downtown Wilmington adds another layer of convenience and culture to any visit. Guests can easily take a short drive into the city to explore museums, historic sites, live music venues, and riverfront attractions, then return to the beach for relaxation and ocean breezes.
For those seeking a beach destination with both energy and tranquility, Wrightsville Beach strikes a perfect balance. It's a place where you can spend the day surfing or paddleboarding, then enjoy a peaceful sunset over the water. Whether you're coming for a weekend getaway or a longer retreat, the island's natural beauty, active lifestyle, and inviting atmosphere make it a memorable coastal experience. Wrightsville Beach invites visitors to relax, explore, and make the most of every day by the sea.
July 12, 2025
Summer is a fine time to drop a line in Carolina Beach, and during this annual fishing tournament, visiting anglers can discover just how much fun the local fishing scene can be while having a chance at landing some incredible prizes. The Coast Got-Em-On King Mackerel Classic is held over the course of a July weekend, and it features plenty of activities, comradery, and of course, plenty of exceptional fishing along the Cape Fear coastline.
July 16, 2025
(+ more dates)Under the shade of the Magnolia and ancient Oak trees of Historic Poplar Grove Plantation, you’ll find one of Wilmington’s longest-running farmers’ markets, which will be going strong every Wednesday for the majority of summer. The weekly Farmer and Artisan Market is a great destination for any Cape Fear visitor who wants a taste of all the local artworks, produce, and other goodies that the greater Wilmington area has to offer.
July 17, 2025
(+ more dates)Rain or shine, visitors can uncover a wealth of local growers, artisans, and craftsmen at this weekly summertime market that highlights the best that Sunset Beach has to offer. Held every Thursday in the warm weather months, the Market in the Park is brimming with local goodies, and is a must-stop destination for shoppers of all tastes.
July 23, 2025
(+ more dates)Under the shade of the Magnolia and ancient Oak trees of Historic Poplar Grove Plantation, you’ll find one of Wilmington’s longest-running farmers’ markets, which will be going strong every Wednesday for the majority of summer. The weekly Farmer and Artisan Market is a great destination for any Cape Fear visitor who wants a taste of all the local artworks, produce, and other goodies that the greater Wilmington area has to offer.
July 24, 2025
(+ more dates)Rain or shine, visitors can uncover a wealth of local growers, artisans, and craftsmen at this weekly summertime market that highlights the best that Sunset Beach has to offer. Held every Thursday in the warm weather months, the Market in the Park is brimming with local goodies, and is a must-stop destination for shoppers of all tastes.
July 30, 2025
(+ more dates)Under the shade of the Magnolia and ancient Oak trees of Historic Poplar Grove Plantation, you’ll find one of Wilmington’s longest-running farmers’ markets, which will be going strong every Wednesday for the majority of summer. The weekly Farmer and Artisan Market is a great destination for any Cape Fear visitor who wants a taste of all the local artworks, produce, and other goodies that the greater Wilmington area has to offer.
Find your perfect Wrightsville Beach
Visitors who are on the hunt for the postcard-perfect vacation rental in the heart of the Carolina Beach or Kure Beach area will find an enticing selection and plenty of friendly customer service when they rent through Victory Beach Vacations. Based in Carolina Beach in the coastal Cape Fear region, Victory Beach Vacations has more than 100 vacation rentals in all shapes and sizes to ensure that every vacationing family can find their dream home away from home on the beach. When you book your Cape Fear getaway with Victory Beach Vacations, the fun doesn’t end when you leave the beach, it continues with an array of privately-owned properties outfitted with all of the amenities needed for a fabulous beach vacation. Jenna Lanier, General Manager, explains that her family first opened the rental and property management business in 2002. At the forefront of Victory Beach operations is Lanier’s mother, Caroline Meeks. Meeks is both the Broker in Charge and co-owner with husband, Buck Meeks, who manages the Field Services team with Lanier’s husband, Scott. For nearly 20 years, the Victory Beach team has worked tirelessly to establish a network of top-of-the-line rental properties for Cape Fear visitors to enjoy. “As far as our properties go,” explains Lanier, “they are all updated, well-furnished and appointed. “We have always performed post-cleaning inspections and since the pandemic, have put freshly laundered duvets over all of the comforters between rentals.” Lanier emphasizes how important the guests experience is “we strive to give our guests a relaxing, stress free, memorable vacation.” This emphasis on customer service has led to Victory Beach Vacations having a 4.8 Google rating with over 300 reviews by happy owners and guests.In addition to Victory Beach’s superior sanitation practices, the company offers properties for every type of visitor. Choose from luxury oceanfront houses and condos to more reasonbly priced 2nd row properties with oceanviews. Many properties include pools and hot tubs as well, perfect for outdoor entertaining, and many are dog friendly. Lanier also notes that all properties are within walking or driving distance to Pleasure Island’s main attractions – Carolina Beach and Kure Beach. The former, as described by Lanier, is the more commercialized of the two destinations and features a boardwalk, outdoor dining options and a plethora of weekly activities including fireworks, live music, amusement park pop-ups, and movies under the stars. Kure Beach offers a more residential feel with its fishing pier, intimate restaurants and family favorite, North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.More water fun awaits, too. “There is a harbor and a canal that feed into the intercoastal. We have several properties on the harbor so guests can bring their boat, kayak, [or jet ski] and travel between islands,” says Lanier. A stay with Victory Beach Vacations is an annual pilgrimage for most. “A large percentage of guests are previous guests. Some even reserve the same property for the next year as they’re checking out,” Lanier says. “It’s almost like it’s their personal vacation home.” Even before guests arrive at their vacation destination, the Victory Beach Vacations’ website greets them with a live beach cam and exquisite aerial footage of both Carolina and Kure Beaches. See for yourself by scanning the QR code and call Victory Beach Vacations at 910.458.0868 to book your Cape Fear getaway. Start making your memories today! —Grace Silipigni
There’s an ocean of adventures waiting for visitors at the Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park. Featuring a full range of entertainment options including a water park, mini golf course, go karts, arcade, and so much more, veritably every visitor under the sun can enjoy an active excursion or just a day of splashing around at this all-encompassing amusement center.
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.
The Carolina Beach Boardwalk is the place to go for family-oriented or even late-night fun after a sunny day on the beach. Noted as one of the top 10 boardwalks in America by Food & Wine magazine, this classic oceanside boardwalk features a full host of shops, amusements, restaurants, and nightlife for visitors of all ages to explore.
Beach canopies and umbrellas 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.
One of Kure Beach’s newest pubic parks is already becoming one of its most popular, thanks to a prime location along the oceanfront, and a host of concerts, shows, and special events that have all been held within its borders. The Kure Beach Ocean Front Park & Pavilion is home to the town’s largest public green space, and is perched along the oceanfront, inviting visitors to stop by and admire the scene. Fun for big community-wide events and everyday visitors alike, this park is charming both the visitors and locals of Kure Beach.
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