Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach showing a sandy beach as well as a small group of people
Photo provided by Photo courtesy of VisitNC.com
Wrightsville Beach which includes general coastal views
Wrightsville Beach featuring general coastal views as well as a small group of people
Wrightsville Beach featuring general coastal views and a beach


This picturesque barrier island offers consistent waves for surfers, a vibrant nightlife and a wide range of outdoor activities.

Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, is known as the home of some of the best surf on the U.S. east coast. It also features clean, uncrowded beaches and the clear, warm waters of the Gulf Stream.

At just just 5 miles (8 kilometres) long, this island lends itself to exploring on foot. There is really no reason to get into your car with many of the best activities and attractions within walking distance of each other.

Learn about the town and its history by visiting the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History. This is housed in a turn-of-the-century beach cottage. Take a look at the scale model of the town circa 1910 as well as exhibits that feature the island’s early days and its hurricane history.

If you’re in town on a Monday during the summer, stop by the Wrightsville Beach Farmer's Market. Here, you can shop for regional handcrafted items, fresh produce grown on local farms and locally caught seafood. Browse downtown shops to find anything from beachwear and surfing equipment, to unique gifts and antiques.

A short walk from downtown is Wrightsville Beach Park where you can take a surfing lesson or spend time soaking up the sun. Bring your binoculars and watch the native marsh birds and loggerhead sea turtles. Rent a kayak and take the 5-mile (8-kilometre) kayaking trail winding through the marshes. Join the locals and take part in one of the most popular island activities: walking or running “The Loop.” This 2.5-mile (4-kilometre) scenic path circles the park as well as the natural marshes.

At the end of the day, there are many options for dinner. Choose from hot dogs at the beach, to one of many eateries featuring local seafood such as mussels in blue cheese, king crab legs or clams smothered in garlic and butter sauce.

Finish the day with a visit to the waterfront. There are a number of venues featuring live music by local bands. Sip a cold beer or cocktail on an outdoor patio with sweeping ocean views.

Tours & day trips

See all 20 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 5 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 5 activities

History & culture

See all 4 activities

Popular places to visit


Top Wrightsville Beach Hotel Deals

Trailborn Surf & Sound

Trailborn Surf & Sound

4 out of 5
275 Waynick Blvd, Wrightsville Beach, NC
Trailborn Surf & Sound
Shell Island Resort - All Oceanfront Suites

Shell Island Resort - All Oceanfront Suites

3.5 out of 5
2700 N Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville Beach, NC
Shell Island Resort - All Oceanfront Suites
Holiday Inn Resort Lumina on Wrightsville Beach by IHG

Holiday Inn Resort Lumina on Wrightsville Beach by IHG

3 out of 5
1706 N Lumina Ave, Wrightsville Beach, NC
Holiday Inn Resort Lumina on Wrightsville Beach by IHG
Silver Gull Motel

Silver Gull Motel

2 out of 5
20 E. Salisbury St, Wrightsville Beach, NC
Silver Gull Motel
Harbor Inn

Harbor Inn

2.5 out of 5
701 Causeway Dr, Wrightsville Beach, NC
Harbor Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, is a delightful destination offering a variety of activities such as surfing, fishing, and breathtaking sunrises. Visitors can enjoy boat tours and rent paddleboards for a fun day on the water. Additionally, the area boasts excellent recreational opportunities, including scenic nature trails and exciting water slides, ensuring a memorable experience for all who visit.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience in Wrightsville Beach, visit South End Surf Shop, just 966m away, and Aussie Island Surf Shop, 3.2km away. If you're up for a drive, explore Mayfaire Town Center, located 6.4km away, offering a vibrant mix of shops and entertainment.

Recreation

At Live Oak Bank Pavilion, immerse yourself in vibrant music concerts that uplift your spirits. Freeman Park offers a serene escape with its calming atmosphere, perfect for relaxation. Meanwhile, Eagle Point Golf Club invites you to enjoy invigorating outdoor sports amidst beautiful landscapes.

Adventure

The Riverwalk, located 14.5km from Wrightsville Beach, offers a picturesque boardwalk experience with outdoor and romantic vibes, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park, 4.8km away, is an exciting waterpark featuring thrilling rides and family-friendly entertainment. For a unique adventure, try Wrightsville SUP, situated 3.2km away, where you can enjoy exhilarating water sports.

Nightlife

Wrightsville Beach offers a delightful nightlife with Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts showcasing cultural performances only 12.9km away, while Regal Mayfaire cinema provides a romantic film experience 6.4km from the beach. For adventure seekers, the Topsail Skating Rink, 25.7km away, promises thrilling arcade fun.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, offers a delightful mix of attractions for tourists, including urban parks, a modern college university, and a scenic jetty pier. Visitors can immerse themselves in culture at the Wrightsville Beach Museum, relax on the beautiful beaches, and enjoy the best oceanfront hotels. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are ample opportunities to explore the area, and beach chairs are readily available for a comfortable day by the shore.

  • University of North Carolina at Wilmington: This modern university offers a vibrant atmosphere, blending academic excellence with city life. Explore the picturesque campus, engage with students, and enjoy cultural events that reflect the local community's spirit.
  • Johnnie Mercer's Pier: A perfect spot for families, couples, and business travellers alike, this charming pier offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy leisurely strolls, fishing, or simply soaking in the sunset, making it an ideal romantic getaway.
  • Airlie Gardens: This enchanting private garden is a tranquil retreat featuring lush landscapes and friendly locals. Explore the stunning flora, attend seasonal events, and soak in the serene ambiance that makes it a favourite for relaxation and inspiration.

Best time to go to Wrightsville Beach

The best time to visit Wrightsville Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Wrightsville Beach falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Wrightsville Beach falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January48.6°F (9.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
February51.6°F (10.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
March56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May71.2°F (21.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June77.9°F (25.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July81.0°F (27.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August80.1°F (26.7°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September76.1°F (24.5°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October67.8°F (19.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Wrightsville Beach

For a budget-friendly visit to Wrightsville Beach, consider travelling between December and February for lower accommodation rates, with Tuesdays being the cheapest days to stay. Utilise Expedia's search tool to filter by budget and eco-friendly options, and sort by price to find the best deals. Combining hotel bookings with flights and activities can also lead to significant savings. Additionally, take advantage of the area's free activities like beach access and nature trails to enjoy your holiday without overspending.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Wrightsville Beach are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Wrightsville Beach is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Wrightsville Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your options according to your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the most affordable prices and offers, sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your Wrightsville Beach hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.