Wrightsville Beach: The Ultimate Guide

You’re currently watching Summer I Turned PrettyWrightsville Beach is a popular filming location in North Carolina. The Jenny Han-created series filmed some scenes in this charming North Carolina barrier island and beach town. most iconic scenes here. The awkward dinner where Jeremiah and Belly announce their engagement in the third episode? It was shot at the OceanicIt is the only restaurant on the beach. 

Wrightsville Beach has many reasons to be visited, regardless of your opinion on Conrad and Jeremiah. For starters, the newest addition to Wrightsville Beach’s hospitality scene is one of its biggest. This year, Trailborn Surf & Sound The former Blockade Runner Beach Resort was renovated and reimagined in a playful, modern way. The new chapter of the hospitality brand follows its ethos which encourages guests spend as much time outdoors as they can, whether it’s relaxing under an umbrella on the beach or paddleboarding along the Intracoastal Waterway. 

While summer may be beginning its slow wave goodbye, the relatively warm weather, historically, sticks around Wrightsville Beach well into late fall—so you have plenty of time to plan a trip to this laid-back surf town.

Wrightsville Beach is a great place to visit, but you should know a few things before you go.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Trailborn Surf & Sound

“The central location of Trailborn Surf & Sound to all the restaurants, bars, and shops can’t be beat,” says Matty Roberts, the owner and captain of Soundside Adventures. The hotel is located on Waynick Boulevard, which means that guests can choose between a room with a view of the harbor or the ocean. However, the rooms facing the Atlantic are the best. You won’t likely spend much time in the hotel. On the beach are umbrellas and beach loungers reserved for guests. The pool and Blockade Surf Bar, which is adjacent, welcomes you back after a day of sand, surf and sand.  

Holiday Inn Resort Lumina Wrightsville Beach by IHG

A beachfront getaway is also possible with the Holiday Inn Resort Lumina on Wrightsville Beach by IHG This 184-room hotel is located in the quieter northern end of the island. The rooms are light and airy, and amenities are plentiful—there are three on-site restaurants, a pool, daily housekeeping, and easy beach access. 

The Best Things to do

Get on the Water

The lack of rivers in our region has also resulted in the bluest, clearest water. The Gulf Stream from the Caribbean is pushed towards us, resulting in the most incredible clarity of the water as well as the marine life.

Wrightsville Beach’s life revolves around water, so it is no surprise. Robert’s bucket list includes fishing, sailing, surfing, and diving. Montoya adds that you can choose between ocean or sound water activities, depending on your level of comfort.

He adds that “families with young children will find the calm waters perfect for easy kayaking or swimming, while those more adventurous can swim, surf or boogie-board.” Renting is available. paddleboards or kayaks You can also take lessons. Wrightsville SUP, or, if you’re a Trailborn Surf & Sound guest, you can talk to the front desk about getting you set up with the proper gear. 

You can write a note.

There’s a quirky and unique thing at the northern end of the island, called the Wrightsville Beach Mailbox,” says Nicolas Montoya, the general manager of Trailborn Surf & Sound. It’s a mailbox in the sand that visitors can write notes and letters inside. The original mailbox now resides at the Wrightsville Beach MuseumIt still contains a few letters that were left over the years. A new mailbox has been installed just north of Beach Access No. In its place, a new mailbox is located just north of Beach Access No. 

Take a sunset cruise on the harbor. 

Wrightsville Beach can be explored on foot or by bike, but you will gain more insight if you take a tour. sunset harbor cruise The 40-foot Carolina Runner. Roberts and crew take passengers on a 1.5 hour tour of Wrightsville Beach. They point out different sites and stop for photos. 

Visit Wilmington for a day.

You can spend a day or two exploring the nearby town if you stay in Wrightsville Beach longer than two days. WilmingtonNorth Carolina. The port city’s growing restaurant scene is beginning to rival those of other Southern cities—watch out, Charleston and Savannah—and the Wilmington Riverwalk in the downtown area is tailor-made for travelers who want to stretch their legs and take in scenic views. Swing by BespokeBefore settling down at a table, you can enjoy a Negroni or a martini on tap, served by Brooklyn’s Grand Army Bar alumni Robby Dow. Seabird. The seafood restaurant is faultless when it comes to flavor, presentation, and service, and the menu tempts you to order one of everything—or you can sample several of Chef Dean Neff’s creations by requesting the seasonal seafood tower. 

Visit Airlie Gardens.

Airlie Gardens It’s technically located in Wilmington, but is only a six minute drive away from Wrightsville Beach. The property, which spans 67 acres, is famous for its massive live oak trees and historic structures. You can enjoy a leisurely walk along the walking trails to see these. 

Shop for Best Deals

Redix

You can’t visit Wrightsville Beach unless you first stop at RedixMontoya. It’s been around since 1969 and has everything from clothing to fishing gear. The shop is your one-stop beach shopping destination.

South End Surf Shop

You’ll find it in the same place as its name suggests. South End Surf Shop On the south end Wrightsville Beach is a great place to start if you’re interested in surfing. Montoya says that they offer everything from clothing to surfboards and paddleboards. They also have wetsuits. The owners and staff love to talk about surfing.

Robert’s Grocery

The oldest grocery store in Wrightsville Beach, the only one. Robert’s Grocery The dates go back to 1919. If you’re interested in trying the famous chicken saladThe store sells a wide range of food and beach essentials such as ice, sunscreen and sunglasses. 

Best Restaurants

La Duna Paradiso

Trailborn Surf & Sound’s on-site restaurant, La Duna ParadisoGuests and non-guests are welcome to dine at the restaurant. The dinner menu, inspired by coastal Italian food, offers something for everyone. There’s also the diver scallop crudo or the spaghetti and crab. If you prefer something on the lighter side, the market salad—topped with shaved zucchini, beets, quinoa, and pumpkin seeds—is also a home run. 

Sundays Café

Start your morning with an iced acai, smoothie, or granola topped acai. Sundays Cafe. The laid-back spot is on the second floor of ​​South End Surf Shop, and it’s common to see surfers coming in for fuel and caffeine after a morning catching waves. The cozy place is open until 8 p.m. every day of the week (except Sundays) and serves beer and wine. 

South Beach Grill

Wrightsville Beach has a unique feature: there are no chains on the island. Montoya says that many of the restaurants are owned by locals and are a part of the small community. One of these spots is South Beach GrillHe notes that the hotel has a stunning view of Banks Channel’s sunset and local seafood. He adds that the chef’s chalkboard always lists out local specials from both land and sea.

Flying Machine Oyster Bar 

“Flying Machine Oyster Bar Montoya says, “There are great salads as well as burgers. There is also seafood, pasta and oysters.” You can end the day with some local oysters and a pint or two of Flying Machine Brewing Company craft beer, crispy pickles and tuna nachos. 

Oceanic

“OceanicRoberts claims that “the view of Crystal Pier is stunning, and there is a fantastic bar setup.” The menu includes grilled mahi-mahi tacos, Parmesan-crusted oysters and Carolina crab. 

When To Visit

Montoya says that Wrightsville Beach has something to offer at any time of the year. “In the summer, you get peak beach season and the area is filled with vacationers enjoying all the activities the beach offers both in and out of the water; in the fall, which is called ‘locals’ summer,’ you get warm days, cool nights, and fewer crowds.”

Roberts prefers to travel during the shoulder seasons. He says that April, September, and May are all ideal. “They are a bit quieter, but still have beautiful weather and spectacular sunsets,” says Roberts.  

While winter in Wrightsville Beach isn’t exactly ideal for swimming—and many restaurants and shops do shut down—you can still find a bit of beach magic. Montoya says that couples who want to spend some time together can enjoy the quiet of winter. 

How to get there

Look at the flights that depart and arrive from Wilmington International Airport. There are many airlines that fly into and out of Wilmington International Airport (ILM), including American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Breeze Airways, Avelo Airlines and United Airlines also service the airport. It is only 10 miles away from Wrightsville Beach. You can rent a vehicle (or use a car service), or drive to Wrightsville Beach. After crossing the Heide Trask Drawbridge you are officially in Wrightsville Beach. 

How to Get Around

Wrightsville Beach has a traditional coastal town feel. biking is a way of life. The city has many designated bicycle lanes, as well as roads that are shared by cyclists. Bikes can be rented from South End Surf Shop, Wrightsville SUP. The Shed. Wrightsville Beach is also accessible on foot using the 2.5-mile pedestrian “loop” This road encircles Wrightsville Beach. If you plan to explore the area around Wrightsville Beach, it is best to have a vehicle.