North Carolina’s chill beach town is a surfer’s paradise

Spend time on the beach or discover the town of Wrightsville Beach.

Key Takeaways

• This beach town, great for surfers, is ideal for learning to sail, exercising on the water, or enjoying a beautiful soundside boat trip.
• Take a stroll along the Loop walking trail across the island, or head to the beach to find the single mailbox where you can exchange notes with fellow travelers.
• Enjoy ocean vistas and fresh seafood feasts at local waterfront eateries, or opt for a relaxed meal of tacos or bowls.

Wilmingtonwithout water, it wouldn’t be the popular vacation spot it is today. A story of two waterways, the North Carolina city is recognized for its picturesque riverfront along the Cape Fear River and also for its three coastal communities on the Atlantic Ocean: Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach. Although eachbeach townhas a distinct character, the relaxed island atmosphere at Wrightsville Beach makes it one of our preferred destinations—and it also secured a leading position as our readers’ favorite coastal town in North Carolina.2024 South’s Best Awards. Spend time enjoying the sun on the beach, try a new water activity such as kayaking, or discover the surfer-friendly town where excellent dining options combine with distinctive local stores. Here are the top activities to experience in Wrightsville Beach.

Get Out On The Water

Set Sail

If you didn’t spend your childhood on the water, you might not be familiar with sailing. Learn about this type of water vehicle with Wrightsville Performance Sailing. The company provides a range of options, including half-day catamaran trips to three-hour private adventure charters to Masonboro Island. If you’re interested in learning how to steer rather than just enjoy the ride, enroll in an hour-long Hobie sail lesson.

wpsail.com;330 Causeway Drive, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

Cultivate a Love for Rowing

Residents of Wrightsville Beach enjoy physical activity on the water. The community hosts some of the nation’s top stand-up paddleboarding events, such as the annual Carolina Cup. Join the trend by renting or taking a lesson from Wrightsville SUP. The rental company also offers kayaks and bicycles, giving you a variety of options.outdoor adventures.

wrightsvillesup.com;96 West Salisbury Street, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

Take a picturesque harbor tour

For a more leisurely activity on Wrightsville’s clear blue waters, take a boat and enjoy a peaceful cruise across the calm surface. The Wrightsville Beach Sunset Cruise with Soundside offers a gentle journey through the serene sea, framed by the beautiful view of a lively sunset.

soundside-wb.com;226 South Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

Go Deep Sea Fishing

Fishing enthusiasts can opt for inshore or deep-sea fishing adventures with Captain Robbie Wolfe from Whipsaw Charters, a seasoned professional who has dedicated many years to leading people on the water for this exciting ocean activity. During a half-day family fishing excursion, you can catch a variety of fish including king mackerel, bluefish, and black sea bass, and then bring home a large cooler full of your freshly caught seafood.

wrightsvillebeachfishingtrip.com;1418 Airlie Road, Wilmington, NC 28403

Learn To Surf

If you’ve ever imagined riding a wave, North Carolina’s first surf town is the perfect spot to make that distant dream come true. The skilled and patient instructors at WB Surf Camp will get you on your board and catching waves quickly.

wbsurfcamp.com;222 Causeway Drive, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

See The Sights

Spend the Day at the Beach

One of the top features of Wrightsville Beach is the numerous ways to reach the shoreline. Instead of a single main public entrance, there are 44 smaller access points spread across approximately 4 miles. Locate a public parking area, and then load up yourbeach day essentials, and get ready to enjoy all the delights of the ocean, sunshine, and beach. Tip: To catch the finest sunset, check out Access points #43 and #44, located at the southern part of the island.

Walk Johnnie Mercer’s Fishing Pier

Stretching over 1,200 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, this famous fishing dock is a top attraction for anyone visiting Wrightsville Beach. Walk along the oldest concrete fishing pier in the state and try your luck with a cast if you’re inclined. The nearby bait shop provides rental rods if you forgot to bring your own, and daily fishing permits are only $8.

johnniemercersfishingpier.com;23 East Salisbury Street, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

Walk The Loop

For a fast look at the island, take a walk or bike along the 2.5-mile paved path called The Loop. Enjoy views of marshes and the intracoastal area as you effortlessly get your daily workout. Along the way, you can take detours to Wrightsville Beach Park, which features sports courts and a large grassy area; the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History; the Wrightsville Beach Arboretum; and the Wrightsville Beach Farmers Market, open from May to October.

Discover the Secret Behind a Single Mailbox

Standing out like a sore thumb among the gently swaying sea oats andmajestic sand dunes, the Wrightsville Beach Mailbox is a famous figure in this area of North Carolina. Go to Beach Access #2, then head north along the beach until you get to a spot just beyond Shell Island Resort. This is where the enigmatic mailbox is located. Look inside to find messages and letters from other visitors, and share your own tale for others to enjoy.

Explore The Town

Go to the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History

Whenever you travel to a new place, it’s beneficial to understand the specific part of the world you’re discovering. At the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History, you can discover the island town’s history spanning over 100 years. The historic Bordeaux Cottage offers a timeline of the town’s past, featuring various historical items. In the nearby Myers Cottage, you’ll explore more detailed information on several topics connected to the town’s heritage.

wbmuseumofhistory.com;303 W Salisbury Street, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

Explore a Self-Directed Historical Tour

Take a walk around the historic Wrightsville Beach town square to see what Wrightsville Beach used to look like. You can use the online map to locate various historic homes and attractions. During certain weekends, the Museum of History places informational signs along the Loop, providing more details about each building.

google.com/maps

Go Shopping

If you’re looking for a respite from the beach, venture inland to explore the numerous local shops and boutiques that define Wrightsville Beach’s vibrant community. Check out places such as South End Surf Shop, Holly Aiken, and Lighthouse Beer and Wine to find something suitable for all.

Experience Live Music at the Palm Room

If you’re searching for nighttime fun, one spot in Wrightsville Beach has been a favorite since 1955. The historic Palm Room Bar is the go-to location for those wanting a refreshing beer, a drink, or live music that covers various styles. It’s open until 2 a.m. every day, so there’s always a celebration happening at the Palm Room.

palmroomwb.com, 11 E Salisbury St., Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

Where To Eat

Enjoy Coastal Italian Fare

Paradise Dune, the newly opened restaurant insideTrailborn Surf & Soundresort features a modern dining area with a menu influenced by Italy, the Mediterranean, and the coastal region of North Carolina. It is accessible to both guests and the general public, offering a dinner selection that emphasizes fresh seafood and pasta, while the breakfast menu includes options like acai bowls and hearty pancakes. Bar Duna, the hotel’s lobby bar, operates from noon until 9 p.m. and serves salads, sandwiches, and drinks.

ladunaparadiso.com, 275 Waynick Blvd. Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

Grab a Breakfast at a Nearby Place

Begin your day with a delicious meal at Drift, featuring handcrafted toasts, breakfast bowls, and other options.

driftcoffee.kitchen; Multiple locations

Enjoy a Tasty Dinner at a Seafood Establishment

Dining that emphasizes farm-to-fork and sea-to-fork concepts is central to Wrightsville Beach. To enjoy fresh seafood with a beautiful ocean view, visit Bluewater Waterfront Grill or Oceanic, where you can try the traditional North Carolina-Style Calabash Platter filled with lightly fried flounder, shrimp, and oysters.

bluewaterdining.com; 4 Marina Street, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480oceanicrestaurant.com; 703 South Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

Indulge In Mexican Cuisine

If you’re not in the mood for seafood, visit Tower 7 for Mexican food with a Baja twist or Zeke’s Beans & Bowls for acai or poke bowls.

zekes.net/wrightsvillebeach; 534 Causeway Drive, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480tower7.com; 4 North Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

Indulge in a Sweet Treat at Kohl’s

It couldn’t be a coastal town without aice cream shop. If you’re looking for a refreshing, sweet treat in Wrightsville Beach, head to Kohl’s Frozen Custard & Kitchen. You can enjoy a traditional vanilla or chocolate cone, but you’ll also discover unique homemade flavors such as Huggy Bear featuring graham crackers and caramel, and Death by Chocolate with brownies, chocolate syrup, and chocolate flakes.

kohlscustard.com;92 South Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina 28480

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