fbpx

Questions? Call us at (910) 398-8453

menuiTrip NC Beaches
BOOK NOW
✖
houses near beach

Your Guide to Wrightsville Beach

Check out some of the top activities that you can enjoy at Wrightsville Beach, including attractions, dining options, and shops.

bridge to island

So Much to Do and See

A Place Where Relaxation and Excitement Meet

Wrightsville Beach is a lively island with a serene vibe. It offers a stunning white sand beach and crystal-clear water, which makes the area ideal for various water sports! Some of the most popular activities at Wrightsville Beach include swimming, sunbathing, diving, fishing, and surfing. Additionally, Wrightsville is filled with some of the best restaurants on the North Carolina coast, and great nightlife, making it an incredible vacation destination!

Please keep in mind that some activities and restaurants we mention might be seasonal, please check directly with the business for updated availability and hours.

Things to Do in the Area

Wrightsville Beach Activities

If you want to take a vacation that includes plenty of interesting activities, Wrightsville Beach has got you covered. From adventurous excursions, to places to go fishing, and more, you will never be at a loss for things to do when you come to visit. Read on to find out about some of our top recommendations for things to do at Wrightsville Beach!

double rainbow over beach

Things to Do

  • Visit the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History, which showcases the town's over 100-year history through displays, memorabilia, and seasonal exhibits. Located in an original early 1900s beach house, it features replica rooms, hurricane encounters, the Lumina Pavilion, and authentic surfing artifacts. Open year-round, this museum offers unique insights into the town's rich history. https://wbmuseumofhistory.com/
  • Go fishing at Johnnie Mercers Pier, North Carolina's only concrete fishing pier, extending over 1,200 feet. It features an on-site grill, bait and tackle shop, and ample fishing space. The pier offers stunning views of the town and excellent photo opportunities. http://johnniemercersfishingpier.com/ 
  • Have some fun away from the sand at Wrightsville Beach Park. This spot offers plenty of outdoor fun with 2 basketball courts, 3 volleyball pits, 4 tennis courts, a softball field, and an open area for pick-up games. It features an all-inclusive playground, arboretum, and regular events like weekly movie nights.
  • Hop aboard one of the many picturesque cruises and enjoy the breathtaking views as you cruise the beautiful waterways around the island. There are many different types of cruises that are offered, including sunset cruises, historical cruises, and even a pirate-guided treasure hunt cruise to uninhabited Masonboro Island for the kids! https://wrightsvillebeachscenictours.com/
  • Enjoy a walk at The John Nesbitt Loop. The loop is a 2.45-mile circuit that offers great sightseeing of Wrightsville Beach. It is also very dog friendly with multiple doggy fountains along the path.

Rental Companies

  • Wrightsville SUP: Rent stand up paddleboards (SUP), canoes, kayaks, and bikes from Wrightsville SUP. They also offer tours, and SUP lessons. Visit https://www.wrightsvillesup.com for more information.
  • Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours: Offers a variety of cruises including sunset cruises , inshore bottom fishing, and childrens tours. For more information go to https://wrightsvillebeachscenictours.com.
  • Cape Fear Beach Rentals: Rent beach chairs, umbrellas, beach wagons and more. https://capefearbeachrentals.com/shop/
  • Wrightsville Beach Bikes and Rental: Rent beach cruisers, surfboards, stand up paddle boards (SUP) and kayaks from Wrightsville Beach Bikes and Rentals. https://www.wbbikesandboards.com/
  • Epic Excursions: Enjoy a private cruise over to one of the islands for a steam pot low country boil with spectacular views! Relax and enjoy some island time while your captain prepares your customized steam pot dinner on the beach. They also offer custom boat tours and boat rentals. https://epicexcursionsnc.com/
  • Alchemy Wellness Spa: Unwind with a deep tissue massage and facial at Alchemy Wellness Spa. They have a variety of massages and skincare services. https://alchemywb.com/
  • Baby Quip: Need baby equipment during your stay? You can rent them from Korie Tarquino with BabyQuip: email [email protected] or give her a call at 908-887-1590. https://www.babyquip.com/korie484

Experience the Delicious Flavors of the Region

Restaurants at Wrightsville Beach

While you are visiting Wrightsville Beach, you will have lots of options when it comes to places to eat! Whether you are looking to try some fresh seafood while looking out at the ocean, grab some lunch downtown before heading to the beach, or something else, the area’s selection of restaurants is sure to provide.

person eating seafood

Coffee Shops

  • SUNdays Cafe: Laid-back coffee shop and cafe that serves coffee, lattes, smoothies, shakes, and more. They are also dog friendly! https://www.facebook.com/SUNdaysWB/
  • The Workshop: Unique cafe that serves coffee, frappes, smoothies, sandwiches and more. They also have an awesome display of megalodon shark teeth and fossil jewelry. https://www.theworkshopwb.com/
  • Zeke's Beans & Bowls: Located in the heart of Wrightsville, serving coffee, fresh juice, all day breakfast, poke bowls and more! https://www.zekes.net/wrightsvillebeach

Seafood

Seafood

Pizza

Other Lunch & Dinner Options

Dessert

  • Kohl's Frozen Custard & Kitchen: Locally owned and operated frozen custard shop on the beach with weekly rotating flavors and a variety of food options available from the grill. https://www.kohlscustard.com/
  • Cinnaholic: Locally owned and operated bakery specializing in custom gourmet cinnamon rolls and homemade cookie dough, brownies, and cookies. Visit site.

Catering & Private Chefs

Wrightsville Beach Bars

One Place That Has It All

Mayfaire Town Center

Mayfaire is Wilmington NC's premier lifestyle shopping center, offering a diverse mix of over 80 stores and over 20 restaurants. Click here to view their website. Below are some of our favorites places to eat, things to do, and places to shop in and around the area of Mayfaire.

women shopping

Check Out the Heart of the Area

Downtown Wilmington

The downtown area of Wilmington is on the Cape Fear River, not too far from Wrightsville Beach, and we highly recommend checking it out if you have time! There is a riverfront boardwalk, restaurants, shops, bars, and many other fun things to do in Wilmington.

downtown ILM

Wilmington Activities

  • Downtown SunDown: Downtown SunDown is a FREE event with concerts every Friday night during the summer with amazing tribute bands right on the boardwalk.
  • Haunted Wilmington: Get spooky on a ghost walk or haunted pub crawl with Haunted Wilmington! https://hauntedwilmington.com/
  • Wilmington Water Tours: Cruise along the Cape Fear River on one of Wilmington Water Tours’ excursions, which are lots of fun for the whole family! https://wilmingtonwatertours.net/
  • Cape Fear Riverboats: Enjoy a sightseeing or sunset cruise with Cape Fear Riverboats, offering great views of Downtown Wilmington and the port! https://capefearriverboats.com/
  • Museums: Visit some or all of Wilmington’s historic museums: The Children’s Museum of Wilmington, Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, and the Bellamy Mansion Museum.
  • Thalian Hall: Relax and enjoy a show at Thalian Hall in Wilmington. https://www.thalianhall.org/
  • Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park: Experience a great water park, putt putt, laser tag, go karts, mini bowling, rock climbing, and more. https://junglerapids.com/
  • Axes and Allies: Practice your axe-throwing skills while sipping on a selection of drink choices. https://www.axesandalliesnc.com/
  • FlipnFly: Unleash your inner child at this fun trampoline park! https://flipnfly.com/
  • CrossFire Paintball: Get ready for action with paintball, NERF, and more at this indoor arena. https://crossfirenc.com/
  • NC Battleship: Step back in time and let history come alive at the USS NC Battleship docked in Wilmington. https://www.battleshipnc.com
  • Please let us know if you need any other specific recommendations for your stay!

Wilmington Restaurants

Wilmington Bars