This Laidback North Carolina Surf Town Is Perfect For Your Next Beach Vacation

Key Takeaways

• This surfer-friendly beach town is the place to learn to sail, work out on the water, or take a scenic soundside cruise.

• Explore the island on the Loop walking trail, or follow the beach to the lone mailbox to share letters with other travelers.

• Get ocean views and seafood dinners at area waterfront restaurants, or go for a casual taco or bowl dinner.

Wilmington wouldn’t be the oft-frequented vacation destination it is without water. A tale of two waterways, the North Carolina city is known for its charming riverfront on the Cape Fear River and also for its three beach communities on the Atlantic Ocean: Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach. While each beach town has a personality all its own, the laidback island vibes on Wrightsville Beach make it one of our favorite places to spend time—and it also earned it a top spot as our readers’ favorite waterfront town in North Carolina the 2024 South’s Best Awards. Spend time soaking up the sunshine on the sand, try out a new watersport like paddleboarding, or explore the surfer-friendly village where great restaurants meet unique local shops. Here are the best things to do in Wrightsville Beach.

Get Out On The Water

Set Sail

If you didn’t grow up on the water, you may be unfamiliar with sailing. Get acquainted with this style of watercraft with Wrightsville Performance Sailing. The company offers everything from half-day catamaran sails to three-hour private adventure charters to Masonboro Island. If you want to learn how to captain instead of just ride, sign up for an hour-long Hobie sail lesson.

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

Develop A Passion For Paddling

Folks in Wrightsville Beach love a workout on the water. The town is home to some of the country’s most prestigious stand-up paddleboarding competitions like the annual Carolina Cup. Get in on the craze with a rental or lesson from Wrightsville SUP. The outfitter also rents kayaks and bikes, so you’ll have your pick of outdoor adventures.

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

Take A Scenic Harbor Cruise

For a more passive activity on Wrightsville’s crystal blue waters, hop aboard a boat for a relaxing cruise on the calm waters. The Wrightsville Beach Sunset Cruise with Soundside gives a gentle tour of the tranquil sea that’s set against the picturesque image of a vibrant sunset.

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

Go Deep Sea Fishing

Anglers can go inshore or deep sea fishing with Captain Robbie Wolfe of Whipsaw Charters, who has spent years taking folks out on the water to enjoy this active ocean sport. On a half-day family fishing trip, you can reel in everything from king mackerel and bluefish to black sea bass, then take home a giant cooler filled with your fresh catch.

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

Learn To Surf

If you’ve ever dreamt of hanging ten, there’s no better place to turn your far-off fantasy into reality than in North Carolina’s first surf town. The talented and patient instructors at WB Surf Camp will have you up on your board and catching waves in no time.

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

See The Sights

Spend The Day On The Beach

One of the best things about Wrightsville Beach is that there are seemingly endless ways to get to the beach. Rather than one central public access point, there are 44 smaller access points spread out over around 4 miles. Find a public parking spot, load up your beach day essentials, and prepare to soak up all the wonders of the surf, sun, and sand. Pro tip: For the best sunset spot, try Access #43 and #44, which are on the southern end of the island.

Walk Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier

Extending more than 1,200 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, this iconic fishing pier is a must-see for all Wrightsville Beach visitors. Take a stroll along the state’s oldest concrete fishing pier and stop to cast a line if you’re feeling lucky. The attached tackle shop offers rod rentals if you didn’t bring your own and daily fishing passes are just $8.

johnniemercersfishingpier.com; 23 Eeast Salisbury St., Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

Walk The Loop

To get a quick overview of the island, walk or bike the 2.5-mile paved pedestrian path that’s known simply as The Loop. With marsh and intracoastal views, you’ll have plenty to look at while you unknowingly get your exercise for the day. Detours along the path include Wrightsville Beach Park, where you’ll find sport courts and a wide, grassy field; the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History; the Wrightsville Beach Arboretum; and the Wrightsville Beach Farmers Market from May through October.

Unlock The Mystery Surrounding A Lone Mailbox

Sticking out like a sore thumb along gently swaying sea oats and majestic sand dunes, the Wrightsville Beach Mailbox is a legendary character in this part of North Carolina. Head to Beach Access #2, then walk north along the shore until you reach a point just past Shell Island Resort. It’s here that the mysterious mailbox resides. Peek inside to discover notes and letters from fellow travelers, and add your own story for others to read.

Explore The Town

Visit The Wrightsville Beach Museum of History

Any time you visit a new destination, it’s good to have context about the corner of the world that you’re exploring. At the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History, you can learn about the island town’s more-than-100-year history. The historic Bordeaux Cottage gives a chronological account of the town’s history, complete with artifacts. In the neighboring Myers Cottage, you’ll find a deeper dive into several subjects relating to the town’s history.

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

Take a Self-Guided Historic Tour

Take a stroll through the historic Wrightsville Beach town square to get a glimpse into what the Wrightsville Beach of yesteryear looked like. You can follow the online map to see several historic homes and landmarks. On select weekends the Museum of History even installs exhibit signs along the Loop, giving additional information about each of the structures.

google.com/maps

Go Shopping

When you need a break from the beach, head inland to peruse the many local shops and boutiques that makeup Wrightsville Beach’s sunny town. Try spots like South End Surf Shop, Holly Aiken, and Lighthouse Beer and Wine for a little something for everyone.

southendsurf.com; 708 South Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
hollyaiken.com
lighthousebeerandwine.com; 220 Causeway Drive, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

Hear Live Music At The Palm Room

If you’re looking for evening entertainment, one place in Wrightsville Beach has been a beloved standby since 1955. The historic Palm Room Bar is the universal gathering place for anyone seeking ice-cold beer, a cocktail, or live music performances spanning all types of genres. Open until 2 a.m. every day, there’s always a party at the Palm Room.

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

Where To Eat

Enjoy Coastal Italian Fare

La Duna Paradiso, the recently opened restaurant inside Trailborn Surf & Sound resort, has a stylish dining room and a menu inspired by Italy, the Mediterranean, and North Carolina’s coast. Open to the public as well as guests, the dinner menu is heavy on fresh seafood and pastas, and the breakfast menu has dishes ranging from acai bowls to loaded pancakes. Bar Duna, the hotel’s lobby bar, is open from noon to 9 p.m. and offers salads, sandwiches, and cocktails.

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

Grab Breakfast At A Local Spot

Start your day with a hearty meal in the form of artisan toasts, breakfast bowls, and more at Drift.

driftcoffee.kitchen; Multiple locations

Have A Delicious Meal At A Seafood Restaurant

Farm- and sea-to-table dining is the name of the game in Wrightsville Beach. For fresh seafoodwith a gorgeous view of the ocean from which it came, head to Bluewater Waterfront Grill or Oceanic for dishes like the classic North Carolina-Style Calabash Platter that’s jam-packed with lightly fried flounder, shrimp, and oysters.

bluewaterdining.com; 4 Marina St., Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
oceanicrestaurant.com; 703 South Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

Indulge In Mexican Cuisine

If you’re not in the mood for seafood, head to Tower 7 for Baja-inspired Mexican cuisine or Zeke’s Beans & Bowls for acai or poke bowls.

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

Treat Yourself To Custard At Kohl’s

It wouldn’t be a beach town without an ice cream shop. In Wrightsville Beach, the place to go when you’re craving a cold, sweet treat is Kohl’s Frozen Custard & Kitchen. You can get a classic vanilla or chocolate cone, but you’ll also find creative homemade flavors like Huggy Bear with graham crackers and caramel and Death by Chocolate with brownies, chocolate syrup, and chocolate flakes.

kohlscustard.com; 92 South Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

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