Wrightsville Beach Attractions

Top Things to Do in Wrightsville Beach

Things to Do in Wrightsville Beach

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Top Attractions in Wrightsville Beach

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.

*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • Dacia Z.
    Wilmington, NC37 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is one of the most beautiful, clean beaches in North Carolina. This beach is 25 minutes from Downtown Wilmington. Parking is really hard to find during summer and the price per hour is around $6. Get there before 8am if you want to find parking and enjoy the beach. Parking is free after 7pm.

    This beach extends a few miles and has 3 major hotels and TONS of airbnbs. There are about 20 restaurants, shops, and bars along the beach and you will have to go over 2 bridges to get to the beach.

    There is a loop that goes around the island that many locals and visitors use while staying at the island. This is a very dog friendly place and the beautiful blue waters are worth seeing and swimming in.
    Written 21 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • libertosart
    Leland, NC26 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    All about Wrightsville Beach history to present day. Many awesome exhibits and information. A must visit if you are at the beach.
    Written 21 September 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Travelinglizarded
    Moneta, VA295 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stopped in quick to pick up fish for my drive back inland. They had a great selection, and everything looked scrumptious. I took home some striped bass. And it was tasty.
    Written 12 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mark G
    Catonsville, MD3,366 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It looks like there has been a little remodel on the left side of the store and we found a nice Wrightsville Beach sign for home. Beach supplies, tee shirts, fishing needs etc, as well as a nice large selection of men's and women's higher end clothing to the right.
    Written 28 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • alindner25
    The Cincinnati Region223 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A good afternoon activity after lunch. There is a restaurant on the beginning of the pier (Ocenana or something like that) that takes all of the parking, but plenty of public parking in the area for pay.
    Written 8 May 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mark G
    Catonsville, MD3,366 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We usually come a couple times a year when staying in Wrightsville, and this time found some incredible peaches and cucumbers. For seafood our go to spot had good sized soft crabs that were excellent. A great spot to visit to take a break from the beach. We normally get there around 9:30 and pull right in, but this year at 11:15 parking was backed up into the park.
    Written 26 July 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • pparrothead
    Wilmington, NC4,384 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I recently visited Wrightsville Beach for work and stopped by the Stanback Coastal Education Center to tour it myself. Upon arrival I was greeted by McKenzie, an intern who answered my questions and then introduced me to Jessica and Mark who both work at the center. Their insight into the N.C. Coastal Federation and its work was very much appreciated.

    They gave me a tour and answered all of my questions and were very pleasant to talk with.The work that the North Carolina Coastal Federation does is so important in preserving the beauty, integrity and natural environment for our generation and future generations. If you enjoy the ocean and all of its associated activities, you need to visit and support this fine organization.....
    Written 11 October 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Timothy M
    Leesburg, VA3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    great jogging,walking,sightseeing path around the island. crossed both the north and south bridges to the mainland.
    Written 10 January 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • MonicaGabriela
    Charlotte, North Carolina12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful place to go solo or with friends or the family. It’s small, hidden in plane sight, but very intimate and calm. Perfect to go to meditate or have a quiet time. It has a tiny library, a laberinto, and a fountain. It’s just perfect for quiet time.
    Written 3 October 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • DCLMom
    North Carolina854 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We have driven by this place on our way on to or leaving the island, but didn’t realize that it was there. We rented bikes and got a completely different view of the island and discovered this place. We parked our bikes at the edge and walked through. It is really cute and definitely worth a stop. I love the little cottage in the middle.
    Written 23 March 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mark G
    Catonsville, MD3,366 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Over the decades we have been to many very nice beach towns, but never quite found one to equal the Wrightsville vibe, atmosphere or mystique.
    The nearly 4 miles of beautiful beach is complemented with clean, warm water due to the Gulf Stream presence only 60 miles off shore giving Wrightsville an extended swimming season. There are 2 piers, the Johnny Mercer to the north, an old school shop, grill and fishing pier, and south, the Crystal Pier, more of a destination spot with the excellent Oceanic restaurant on the pier. There are many feels to the island, starting with the southern tip overlooking Masonboro Island, The Crystal pier area, The Blockade Runner Hotel, the main strip over the south bridge, the avenue over the north bridge around Mercer's pier, the Holiday Inn Resort and the far north end of the island at the Shell Island Resort. Just west over the bridges is Harbor Island with a huge athletic complex, Monday's farmers market, concerts, movies, parks, gardens and a 2.5 mile walking loop that has become an institution. Restaurants abound, ocean front, on the intercoastal waterway and all over town as well shops and countless things to do such as fishing, boating etc. Over the past 61 years we have enjoyed coming to Wrightsville Beach and look for any excuse to return, usually a few times a year. Founded in 1899, Wrightsville has seen many changes, but hat's off to the officials who have guided Wrightsville over the years and given us this unique place we have today.
    Written 21 September 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Stephanie
    Middletown, NY200 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This beach pier, has :
    Old school shopping, a long fishing pier, and a snack shop all-in-one.
    Bathrooms are basic, but usually clean.
    Written 25 September 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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