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Wrightsville Beach Vacation Rental Homes

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Wrightsville Beach Fishing Guide

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Wrightsville Beach Guide

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Wrightsville Beach Rules & Guidelines

The Loop at Wrightsville Beach

The Loop at Wrightsville Beach

New visitors to Wrightsville Beach may hear the phrase “The Loop” tossed around by locals and long-time visitors in-the-know. This initially unfamiliar term actually refers to one of the town’s literally largest attractions – a roughly 2.5 mile long path that circles through the very heart of town. Popular with walkers, runners, and even four-legged visitors, this unique little trail offers a great opportunity to explore the center of this popular beach vacation destination.

Cameron Art Museum

Cameron Art Museum

Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2014, the Cameron Art Museum has grown over the past five decades into one of coastal North Carolina's premier collections of regional, national and international art, filling virtually every corner of its gallery space at its 17th Street and Independence Blvd. intersection location. The modern building with its trio of glass pyramid rooftops is easy to distinguish in Downtown Wilmington, however visitors are even more impressed when they walk through the doors and get a first glimpse of the permanent and rotating collections.

Rainy Day Activities in Wrightsville Beach

Rainy Day Activities in Wrightsville Beach

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.

Wrightsville Beach Fishing Guide

Wrightsville Beach Fishing Guide

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.

Masonboro Island Estuarine Reserve

Masonboro Island Estuarine Reserve

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.

Greenfield Lake Park

Greenfield Lake Park

Greenfield Lake Park is known as one of Wilmington’s coolest and most scenic destinations, and is a vast public park that’s located just south of the historic downtown area. Located on the western edge of Greenfield Lake, and just a stone’s throw from the Cape Fear Riverfront, this pretty public park is the perfect spot for hikers, birdwatchers, kayakers, and anyone who appreciates a natural vista to take a break from the bustling city and simply unwind.

Wrightsville Beach Kayaking Guide

Wrightsville Beach Kayaking Guide

Watersports are huge in Wrightsville Beach, and kayaking and paddle boarding have certainly taken this island community by storm. With multiple waterways, unique coastal destinations, and miles of wild terrain, a paddling adventure can easily be the highlight of any Wrightsville Beach vacation, and is an accessible sport that can be enjoyed by beginners and experts alike. Plan a kayaking expedition during your next vacation, and discover a new Wrightsville Beach experience that can only be enjoyed from a waterfront perspective.

Wilmington Riverwalk

Wilmington Riverwalk

The Riverwalk in Downtown Wilmington is a showstopper of a stroll that is a distinctive attraction all its own. Originally conceived in the 1980s as a way to generate more interest and tourism to the Cape Fear River waterfront regions of Wilmington's historic Downtown, today the Riverwalk encompasses a full mile of scenic boardwalk, hugging the borders of the riverfront, and providing visitors with endless views and easy access to some of the Downtown's most beloved attractions.

Airlie Gardens

Airlie Gardens

Arlie Gardens is home to a stunning collection of natural gardens and eye-catching artworks which continually impresses visitors to the Wilmington area. Established in 1901, and originally used as a private garden for the wealthy Pembroke family, the garden has since been transformed into a public attraction that’s dotted with thousands of camellias, magnolias, wisteria, azaleas, and other southern blooms that thrive in the warm coastal climate. The azaleas are arguably the star of the show, as there are more than 100,000 red, white, and magenta hued-azaleas to admire.

Victory Beach Vacations

Victory Beach Vacations

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

Wrightsville Beach Shelling

Wrightsville Beach Shelling

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.

Bald Head Ferry

Bald Head Ferry

The Bald Head Island Ferry Terminal is the gateway to exploring the small, but popular paradise of Bald Head Island. Located on the northern edge of the roughly 5 square mile island, and bordering the Cape Fear River, the terminal deposits visitors in the heart of the action. With two major property management companies located within walking distance, in addition to the Bald Head Island Marina, the Marsh Harbor Inn, and a number of transportation options, first-time visitors will have so problem stepping off the docks and finding their way towards a great weekly vacation, or a fun day trip on the beach.

Zeke's Island Coastal Reserve

Zeke's Island Coastal Reserve

Zeke's Island Coastal Reserve is found just south of the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, and is one of the three original 1985 National Estuarine Research Reserve components dedicated by NOAA and the Division of Coastal Management. Encompassing a wide range of habitats, the lagoon-like reserve is one of the most important feeding regions of the North Carolina shoreline for a wide range of birds, and is a popular destination for nature lovers, mariners, kayakers, and birdwatchers alike.

Wrightsville Beach Vacation Rentals

Wrightsville Beach Vacation Rentals

While Wrightsville Beach has a collection of hotels and motels, the primary type of accommodations in this region are vacation rentals. There are literally hundreds of vacation rentals in the town of Wrightsville Beach, which are scattered throughout the landscape and are found along the oceanfront, soundfront, and in between waterfront regions in the interior section of the island. Because of the sheer geography of this skinny barrier island, guests in vacation rentals will never be far from the town’s top attractions, which include the local beaches, the waterfront boasting, fishing, and paddling scenes, and the variety of shops and restaurants that are found throughout the area.

Wrightsville Beach NC

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.

Wrightsville Beach NC

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.

Wrightsville Beach NC

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 NC

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.

Wrightsville Beach NC

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.

Wrightsville Beach NC

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.

Wrightsville Beach NC

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.

Wrightsville Beach NC

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 NC

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.

Wrightsville Beach NC

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.

Wrightsville Beach NC

Wrightsville Beach NC