Wrightsville is the closest beach to downtown Wilmington and is a popular choice for both tourists and locals. Whether a weekend getaway or a day trip from a nearby town, you will not be disappointed with its beautiful blue waters, surf town vibes, and proximity to both the ocean and the sound. If you’re also interested in visiting downtown Wilmington, you can click here to read my full guide.
The Basics
Parking and Transportation
Parking
There’s no sugarcoating it, parking at Wrightsville Beach is rough in the summer. If you’re not staying on the island, you can try to arrive early (by 7 am) to secure a spot, park further away and walk, or Uber. Alternatively, you can try arriving during peak times and hope for parking, but be prepared to spend up to an hour searching for a spot. Parking meters start at 9 am and the current rate is $6 per hour or $30 a day. There are also privately owned lots with rates at the discretion of the owners. If you decide to Uber, be very mindful of the sand you may bring from the beach, as Ubers can charge a cleaning fee and are weary of picking up at Wrightsville.
Getting around Wrightsville
Listed below are the main modes of transportation around Wrightsville Beach.
- Golf Carts
- Some golf carts are included with house rentals at an additional cost. Alternatively, you can rent golf carts through Got Shade Rentals. This is a convenient way to get around the island, as most destinations are nearby, and you don’t have to worry about getting your car sandy.
- Walking / Biking
- Wrightsville Beach is a 4-mile-long barrier island, which means everything on the island is technically within walking distance. While there are a few restaurants and bars centrally located, having a car is convenient for reaching other areas across the bridge, as it significantly expands your dining and shopping opportunities.
- Car/Uber
- It is an obvious option for getting around the area. Ubers are very accessible while on the island
Accommodations
There are several accommodation options based on the size of your group and your budget for your time in Wrightsville Beach.
Hotels and Resorts
- Blockade Runner $$
- This resort is perfect for vacationers who want a worry-free trip. Situated between the ocean and the sound, offering several activities such as paddle board and kayak rentals, kids’ nature excursions, boat rentals, water tours, private beach access with umbrella & chair rentals, and other wellness activities. With a restaurant and two bars on-site, you technically don’t even have to leave the resort!
- Holiday Inn Resort Lumina $$
- Located on the North End of the island, this beachfront hotel offers 3 restaurants, beach access, transportation, and a pool.
- Shell Island $$$
- Also located on the North End, Shell Island is the only resort that offers suite-style rooms. Other amenities include beachfront access & rentals, pool, and dining.
Houses and Condos
- Bryant Realty
- With over 125 vacation rentals, Bryant Realty is a great agency to work through to find somewhere that fits your vacation needs. Click the link above to see their offerings.
- AirBnB
- Of course, several AirBnB options can help you with your vacation accommodation.
Beach Rentals
If you are visiting and don’t want to deal with lugging around chairs, umbrellas, and other beach necessities, then there are a few companies that offer this rental service.
- Got Shade Beach Rentals
- Got Shade offers everything you could possibly need for your beach stay. Some of their rentals include beach gear, games and toys, transportation such as bikes and golf carts, grills, and water sports equipment. In addition to rentals, they also provide FREE delivery to Wrightsville. I have used Got Shade to rent one of their E-bikes, and the process was seamless. The owners were friendly and accommodating. Highly recommend! Click above to view the full list of rentals.
- Cape Fear Beach Rentals
- Here’s another rental service that offers beach gear and toys. Cape Fear Beach Rentals also provides delivery and pick-up services, making the process stress-free. To see their full list of rentals and their reservation process, click above.
- The Shed
- The newest rental service, located just steps from the beach, is The Shed. Owned by Sweetwater Surf Shop, The Shed provides beach and water activity rentals. With proximity to the beach, this is also a great option. Linked above is their website for more information.
Things to Do on Wrightsville Beach
Beach
How can you come to the coast and not enjoy the beach? Wrightsville Beach is unique from other beaches in the area because of its beautiful blue water. Scientifically, I cannot explain why, but on certain days it feels like you are on the Caribbean coast. Sitting on the beach is the best way to cool off from the North Carolina heat by feeling the ocean breeze and taking a dip.
Watch the Sunset
One of my favorite activities to do on the beach is to watch the sunset. Go to the South End of the island for the best views This makes for a great date night or a perfect evening with friends! Bring a picnic or order a pizza and remember how fortunate you are to be in this moment.
Water Activities
Wrightsville SUP
- Enjoy the water by renting kayaks, paddle boards, or a canoe from Wrightsville SUP. They offer convenient water activity rentals with their loading area and a prime location on the Banks Channel. You can paddle around the channel to visit different sandbars and explore the area at your leisure. You can view the rental rates by clicking here.
Surfing
- After being named one of the “Last Best American Beach Towns” by National Geographic, it’s only right to try your hand at surfing. South End Surf Shop offers surfing lessons and is located right across the street from the Crystal Pier. If surfing isn’t your thing, I recommend waking up at sunrise and watching the surfers. It is such a beautiful and tranquil way to start your day.
- Lessons start at $60 per hour and increase to $30 every 30 minutes. Group rates are available at $50 per hour. You can view more information by clicking here.
Boating
- North Carolina is unique because its barrier islands offer visitors the opportunity to dock their boat and relax on a secluded beach. If you prefer to avoid crowds and enjoy cruising on the intracoastal, then I highly suggest this option. Linked below are some rental companies you can choose from:
Wrightsville Beach Municipal Grounds
There are so many events and activities to do at this park that it deserves its own section! If you are beached out and are looking for another outdoor activity, check out what the municipal grounds offer!
Farmers’ Market
- Every Monday from 8 am-1 pm, the Wrightsville Beach Municipal Grounds hosts a farmers’ market with numerous vendors. Click here to get a full list of vendors in attendance.
Concerts in the Park
- Concerts in the park take place every Thursday from 6:30 to 8:00, beginning June 13th through August 8th. Concerts are free, so be sure to bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket to sit on. There are also food trucks if you wish to indulge in some yummy food. Concert schedule is linked here.
Wrightsville Beach Museum of History
- What most people do not know is that Wrightsville Beach has history dating back to the 19th century. Visit the Wrightsville Beach Museum for free to learn more about how this desolate beach town became a major tourist attraction with a trolley car taking visitors to and from downtown Wilmington in the early 1900s.
Other Facilities
- Pickleball
- Baseball
- Basketball
Shopping Around Wrightsville Beach
Lumina Station
- Lumina Station was inspired by the Lumina Dance Pavilion, once one of the biggest social scenes on the East Coast. This shopping center is now home to local boutiques, restaurants, salons and spas. You can see Lumina Station’s full directory here.
Mayfair Town Center
- If you want to hit more shops on your vacation, I suggest visiting the Mayfair Town Center. Here you will find more chain stores and local boutiques mixed in the shopping area.
Other Activities
- Trails
- Summer Rest Trail
- Another trail worth visiting is the Summer Rest trail. Lining the intracoastal, this .7-mile trail is great for a stroll while admiring some beautiful houses along the way.
- Walk the Loop
- A great way to see Wrightsville is by taking a stroll along the loop. This 2.45-mile trail crosses over two bridges that provides you with amazing views of the intracoastal and Banks Channel. This trail is popular among bikers and runners who enjoy the scenery. I would go during sunrise/sunset to see the beautiful hues bouncing off the water.
- Summer Rest Trail
- Pier Yoga
- I mentioned above that I suggest going to the Crystal Pier to watch the surfers in the morning. While you’re there you can also join a pier yoga class. There is no better way to find your zen in the morning than by doing yoga to the sound of crashing waves in the background. There are two studios linked below that provide pier yoga classes. You must register for the class before arriving.
- Johnnie Mercers Pier
- Whether you want to go fishing or just simply walk across the pier, I recommend checking out Johnnie Mercers Pier. This is the first concrete pier ever built in North Carolina and is a cool tourist stop. There is a small restaurant and gift shop you can look around in as well.
- Airlie Gardens
- Airlie Gardens is so beautiful that I also mentioned it in my Wilmington blog post. A fun fact about Airlie Gardens is that the term “keeping up with the Joneses” comes from the initial owners of the Airlie estate.
- Admission is $10 to stroll through the 67 acres of gardens. Guided tours and a tram are also available for anyone wanting a more in-depth tour or needing assistance walking.
THANK YOU
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this article by Squeeze with Louise. I’m very passionate about sharing my travel tips and recommendations with you. I would love to know your thoughts on how I can enhance my blog. Please feel free to comment below with any questions regarding this itinerary or general questions about Squeeze with Louise.
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