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 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...
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...
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...
July 31, 2025
Visitors to Bald Head Island in the middle of the summer will be surprised and delighted to discover that the pirates have taken the beach by storm. The Bald Head Island Pirate Invasion is a fun and engaging annual event that brings some of North...
July 31, 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...
August 6, 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...
Find your perfect Wrightsville Beach
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