WrightsvilleBeach.com

Wrightsville Beach Watersports Events - 2025 Schedule

Week of August 25, 2025 - August 31, 2025
Saturday, August 30th - Monday, September 1st
Bald Head Island

Labor Day weekend on Bald Head Island is truly a celebration, and the annual Labor Day Cookout offers a lot more besides a chance to feast on burgers and beachy fare. With corresponding activities and events held all along the island, and plenty of unique attractions to discover along the way, the annual celebration is a prime opportunity to uncover everything this popular North Carolina vacation destination has to offer.

Week of September 1, 2025 - September 7, 2025
Monday, September 1st
Oak Island

The fall season brings plenty of big waves to the Brunswick Islands, and visitors and locals alike can test their skills on the ocean waters at this annual tournament that’s open to youth and adult boarders alike. Oak Island Labor Day Surf Off is a surfing, body board, and SUP contest that’s open to participants of all ages, and which is sure to be a competition that both spectators and participants won’t want to miss.

Saturday, August 30th - Monday, September 1st
Bald Head Island

Labor Day weekend on Bald Head Island is truly a celebration, and the annual Labor Day Cookout offers a lot more besides a chance to feast on burgers and beachy fare. With corresponding activities and events held all along the island, and plenty of unique attractions to discover along the way, the annual celebration is a prime opportunity to uncover everything this popular North Carolina vacation destination has to offer.

Week of September 15, 2025 - September 21, 2025
Friday, September 19th - Saturday, September 20th
Carolina Beach

Both spectators and mariners will have a ball at this colorful celebration that celebrates life on the water in Carolina Beach. The Dragon Boat Regatta & Festival is a fun-filled weekened event that includes plenty of food and entertainment, and a competitive but family-friendly race in the cool waters of the Cape Fear region.

Week of October 6, 2025 - October 12, 2025
Friday, October 10th - Sunday, October 12th
Wilmington

Wilmington is known as the “Port City” for a reason, and lifelong local mariners and visitors alike can celebrate this heritage with a stop at the Wilmington Boat Show. Featuring multiple events throughout town over the course of several days, this sprawling event features plenty of ways to discover the past, present, and future of Wilmington’s life along the water.

Friday, October 10th - Monday, October 13th
Wrightsville Beach

The annual U.S. Sailing Youth Championship is coming close to home for Cape Fear mariners, and participants and spectators alike will find plenty of reasons to cheer at this annual event. Held at the Carolina Yacht Club at Wrightsville Beach, this annual competition is an exciting sporting event that features top young sailors from around the country in a challenging race that circles the beautiful Cape Fear coastline.

Week of October 13, 2025 - October 19, 2025
Friday, October 10th - Monday, October 13th
Wrightsville Beach

The annual U.S. Sailing Youth Championship is coming close to home for Cape Fear mariners, and participants and spectators alike will find plenty of reasons to cheer at this annual event. Held at the Carolina Yacht Club at Wrightsville Beach, this annual competition is an exciting sporting event that features top young sailors from around the country in a challenging race that circles the beautiful Cape Fear coastline.

Week of December 1, 2025 - December 7, 2025
Saturday, December 6th
Carolina Beach

Pleasure Island is inherently known for celebrating life on the water, and at this holiday event, spectators and participants alike will enjoy a glowing show in one of the prettiest corners of the waterfront Cape Fear region. The Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla is an annual tradition that rings in the holidays with plenty of dazzling style, and which is sure to charm and delight anyone with a front-row seat along the Intracoastal Waterway.

Cape Fear Map
Wilmington Sunset Beach Ocean Isle Beach Holden Beach Oak Island Bald Head Island Southport Kure Beach Carolina Beach WrightsvilleBeach
Southport Waterfront Park

While Downtown Southport has an ample supply of wide front porches to take a load off and enjoy a breeze, many longtime visitors attest there's no better place to relax than the Southport waterfront Park.

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

The Name Says It All-Sensational-8BR/8BA...
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Sensational--8 Bedrooms 6 baths and 2 1/2 baths. Giant elevated pool, elevator, and 2 family rooms. Pool Heating Available (for an additional fee)!Book your ideal vacation hideaway in this oceanfront home with an elevated pool for the ideal Ocean Vistas. Six bedrooms will have King beds and 2 bedrooms will be bunk rooms with full over full bunk beds with a twin trundle. Double the appliances at this beauty with 2 ranges, 3 microwaves, 3 fridges, 2 and 2 dishwashers. The upsized island is a must-see feature along with the oceanfront bar, and all the additional details with rounded corners, shiplap accent walls, coffer and tray ceilings, and broad decking. The layout of this home is ideal for any family gathering and you will have room to spare. Sit out and gaze over the ocean on one of the 2 covered porches and feel the ocean breeze lightly caress your hair. Imagine yourself, friends, kids, and family, calming on the elevated pool deck, playing and splashing in the pool, all the while, overlooking the ocean waves rolling in on the beach. The view from this home is really a place where you can see Bald Head Island, all the way down Oak Island to Holden Beach. You will not be disappointed at this "Sensational" home. Conveniently located in the old Yaupon section of Oak Island so it has painless access to the bridge to get on and off the island. Eateries, the pier, and golf are just down the street so there are plenty of things to do close by for you and your guest to savor. Event Home (Additional Fee, please contact us a week before arrival for prep time) ** This property can fit 6 cars **

  • Oak Island
  • 8 Bedrooms
  • 7 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 22
Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park

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.

Just Beachy | Pet Friendly + Near the Be...
4.4
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Welcome to "Just Beachy Spartanburg", your home away from home in the enchanting neighbourhood of Carolina Beach Homes, Carolina Beach, North Carolina. This welcoming three-bedroom and two-bathroom vacation rental offers a comfortable escape from everyday life.Tucked away on Spartanburg Avenue, this vacation getaway is a delightful blend of tranquility and convenience, known for its community vistas and painless beach access. As you step inside, you'll find the property equipped with modern amenities including heating, air conditioning, high-speed wireless internet, and intelligent TVs for your indoor entertainment. The home's deck offers the ideal place to start your morning with a cup of coffee or relax after a day at the beach.The full kitchen includes an array of devices to enable simple meal preparation— from a microwave for fast snacks, a refrigerator for storing summer treats, to a dishwasher for effortless clean-up. Linens and extravagant bath towels are included, adding an additional layer of comfort to your stay.Unwind in one of three inviting bedrooms, each offering an ambiance of home-like comfort. The primary and second bedroom feature queen beds while the third is equipped with twin bunk beds, ideal for kids and young-at-heart adults.Venture out from your comfortable abode and you'll find appealing close by activities like surfing, windsurfing, fishing, beach combing, and more. Take a short drive to local golf courses, delightful eateries, or discover the various shopping options in the area.Covered parking is available as well, making travelling to and from this vacation heaven hassle-complimentary. Don't forget your furry friends either "Just Beachy Spartanburg" is a pet-friendly property, making it the ideal spot for the whole family.There really is no better place to experience Pleasure Island than at "Just Beachy Spartanburg." Book your stay today. Sea you soon!Please Note: There is construction going on at the property next door, there may be noise throughout the day.

  • Carolina Beach
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
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.

Beautiful and spacious beach cottage a s...
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In a peaceful neighborhood a few blocks from the ocean is where you will find this handsome 4 bedroom bungalow with a fenced in back yard. It is charmingly decorated in warm pastel colors and is equipped with all the amenities you would expect from home.The back has a screened porch and a gas grille for your afternoon barbecues. The front porch has a swing to savor the warm Carolina summer evenings.Within a short walk is the Carolina beach boardwalk with all the stores, entertainment, eateries and of course the handsome Atlantic Ocean!

  • Carolina Beach
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
Shell Island

Shell Island may not be a familiar term for new visitors to Wrightsville Beach, but it’s certainly well-known among locals and historians who like to explore the original roots of the area. Referring to the northern tip of Wrightsville Beach which was once the site of a popular resort, “Shell Island” is still an attractive destination for shell-seekers, fishermen, beachcombers, and anyone who likes a little peace and quiet in this otherwise bustling beach town.

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.

Canal home with afternoon shade on decks...
4.9
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Custom home constructed in 2002 offers an open, bright floor plan, well supplied kitchen, fenced yard and broad decks. Located on the preferred side of the canal so the rear decks receive afternoon shade. With five bedrooms (two of which are Masters with King beds) and five full baths there is bed space for 12 people. WIFI, hammock, Weber charcoal grille, gas grille, and more.Two Kings, One Queen, Bunk bed with Twin & Double bed, One other Twin and one Double. PLEASE NOTE: Sheets, towels, toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies, etc. are not included and must be supplied by Guest. See Rental Agreement attachment for details. Rental linens & towels are available to rent through numerous companies on the island.Check-in is 2pm or later. Check-out is 10am.Located on a deep-water, concrete canal you can savor vistas of the canal and Intracoastal Waterway. Direct access to the ICW and a dock with freshwater wash down makes boating a enjoyment. Even if you don’t have a boat everybody enjoys fishing, crabbing and swimming in the canal.OIB Charges for Beach Access Parking (cars & golf carts) - Hourly, Daily & Weekly Prices - •$5 per hour for up to 3 hours•$20 per day and durations longer than 3 hours (with buy-up to Max $20)•$80 per week as seven consecutive days from the time of purchaseCable TV, Stereo, Ceiling Fans in Each Bedroom, Whirlpool Tub in Upstairs Master bath, DW, Microwave, Blender, Toaster, Coffee Maker, Outdoor Shower & Two freshwater wash downs, Washer & Dryer in Dedicated Laundry Room. Please note the fireplace is not operable. There are no gas appliances in the home due to safety concerns.We require a signed rental agreement prior to your stay. No home events, Spring Break events or other sizable gatherings are allowed. House is monitored by on-island staff and a violation will automatically terminate your stay.

  • Ocean Isle Beach
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 5 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 12
Driving on the Beach - Cape Fear and Brunswick Islands

The coastline of North Carolina is unique in that beach-goers have ample opportunities to explore the shoreline from the comfort and convenience of a 4WD vehicle. From the northern Outer Banks along the Virginia state border to the sunny beach towns that border Wilmington, visitors will find that there are plenty of options when it comes to cruising the coast.

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.

Saw Mill Sunset Beach, NC

Be one of the first to stay in this property, located in pretty Sunset Beach, North Carolina:Brand new Townhomes, Completed Spring 2024Cavernous (1,900 - 2,200 sq ft)Inside Sea Trail Golf Resort (3 Championship Golf Courses on site)Three-bedroom townhomes with Brand New Queen LinensBrand New High-end kitchen appliances & Big screen TV'sScreened porches for calming evenings< 2 mil to Sunset Beach, 7th best beach in the world (nat geo)Walking distance to Sea Trail Resort Clubhouse / 55 Bistro / Sunset Slice / Sunset Prime.When making a reservation, you must be 25 to rent with us. We do not rent to locals. All cancellations incur a $150 Cancellation Fee, the Security Deposit Waiver, and the Booking FeeCancel 60+ days before arrival: Deposit is returnable minus cancellation costsCancel less than 60 days: No refund unless re-rented; cancellation costs still applyCancel less than 30 days: No refunds

  • Sunset Beach
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 12
Top 10 Attractions in Wrightsville Beach

While the Cape Fear area is brimming with attractions that span from the historic Civil War Fort Fisher to the chic downtown streets of Wilmington, the small beach town of Wrightsville Beach has its own allures to attract visitors of all interests. With unique public parks and pathways, cool local museums, and ample ways to have fun on the water, there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to fun destinations in this popular beach community.

The 7 Best Beach & Fishing Coolers 2025

Nothing beats an ice-cold beverage while relaxing on the beach. Nothing is worse than reaching for an icy drink and finding your cans swimming. Coolers are essential for family days on the sand. A good modern cooler will keep food and drinks fresh for days. In addition to beverages, fishermen rely coolers to keep bait fresh, and hopefully the catch of the day. Walk onto any beach or pier in North or South Carolina and you’ll see a plethora of cooler models and sizes. Cooler technology has advanced rapidly in modern years. Top-end hard-sided coolers can keep ice frozen for a week. Soft coolers are easier for one person to carry onto a beach, but can still keep food cool for days. Cooler materials and price points vary wildly, so we put together this guide with our recommendations for your coastal vacation.

Re-Juvenated: 5 bedroom oceanfront class...
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5 Bedrooms | 4 Baths3 Kings | 4 Twins Includes huge master suite upstairs. One CCTV, VCR, DVD player, wireless internet. Well-equipped kitchen with ample counter space, sizable pantry with plenty of storage, ice maker, and charcoal grille. Enormous dining room table (seats ten) and four stools allow seating at the counter. Open dining and living area with new enormous windows provide a great view of the ocean. New luxury vinyl floor and refreshed living space in 2019. Oceanside deck with partial shade from the roof above and rockers. Walkway to the beach. Deck on the street side. Plenty of storage on the first level, which includes a full bathroom for those fast trips off the beach and for showering after a swim in the ocean. An outdoor shower (cold water only) provides a invigorating end to a day on the beach. Washer/dryer on the first level. Nightly rental off-season only and four-nighttime minimum. You will be Re-juvenated after slipping into vacation mode and calming at the beach.Those with allergies should note that although no family pets are allowed during guest stays, dogs may occasionally be present during owner reservations.

  • Oak Island
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 4 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 10
New Hanover County Arboretum

The New Hanover County Arboretum, located on the outskirts of Downtown Wilmington on Oleander Drive, is a peaceful retreat for nature lovers everywhere. With seven acres of greenery, and gorgeous foliage that changes with the season, every visit offers a new way to experience the native and beloved plant life of Wilmington in a perfectly tranquil setting.

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.

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