Discover Wrightsville Beach, a walkable beach town with upscale amenities and relaxing vibes
Tucked just north of Wilmington, North Carolina, Wrightsville Beach is a classic island beach town. With more homes than businesses, wide swaths of sand and beach, and a laid-back vibe, this is the perfect place for a relaxing escape.
First stop is to check into Trailborn Surf and Sound, a stylish boutique hotel with a mid-century-modern-meets-classic-beach ambience. This property has been undergoing renovations for the past few years and is ready to welcome beachgoers. One of the few hotels on the island, the property is aptly named, with rooms facing either the sound or the ocean.
The resort offers most everything needed for a great beach getaway. There’s a large lawn area with firepits, hammocks, lawn games, and sun loungers. The pool has cabanas and a poolside bar. At the beach, there are umbrellas and chairs; on the sound, you can rent kayaks and paddleboards. Oh, and they even offer bikes for cruising around the island.
Exploring Wrightsville Beach
When you’re ready to explore, Wrightsville Beach is both walkable and not. From the hotel, it’s an easy half-mile walk to the center of town, which consists of just a handful of local businesses. Grab a bite to eat, peruse Sweetwater Surf Shop, and savor a sweet treat at Kohls Frozen Custard. Then take a stroll along The Loop, a 2.5-mile walking and biking path that circles the island and offers picturesque views of salt marshes and sailboats on the Intracoastal Waterway. For anything farther or across the causeway, it’s easier to drive.
Wrightsville Beach is a surfing and fishing destination, and you can watch both from the Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier. Along with enjoying fantastic beach and ocean views, you’ll be stepping into history (literally) as this was the first concrete pier to be built in the state and extends more than 1,200 feet over the water.
Located just across the drawbridge in Wilmington, Arlie Gardens is a must-see. The 67-acre breathtaking botanical gardens feature ancient oak trees (the Airlie Oak dates back to 1545), vibrant flowers (including more than 75,000 azaleas and thousands of tulips), a seasonal butterfly house, views of Bradley Creek, and peaceful walking trails with plenty of photo ops. Fans of the Dawsons Creek TV series can reminisce on the several filming locations around the grounds.
Close out the trip with a peaceful sunset boat cruise and let the refreshing sea breezes and the relaxing sound of waves lull you into bliss. Learn about the island’s history, and if you’re lucky, you might catch sight of a dolphin or two.
Message Not in a Bottle
Look for the Wrightsville Beach Mailbox on the beach near 2698 N. Lumina Avenue at beach access #2. This mysterious mailbox in the sand is where visitors pour their hearts out in letters and notebooks that are never delivered.
Where to Stay along Wrightsville Beach
Trailborn Surf and Sound – This reimagined Wrightsville Beach resort is sandwiched between the ocean and the sound.
275 Waynick Blvd.
Where to Eat
- SUNday’s Cafe – Above the South End Surf Shop, the chill coffee house serves up expertly brewed coffee, pastries, smoothies, and light bites. 708-B S. Lumina Ave.
- Drift Cafe – A local favorite for breakfast and beachy vibes, Drift features healthy and delicious options along with craft coffee. 114 Causeway Dr.
- Oceanic – Wrightsville Beach’s only restaurant directly on the beach is a favorite among locals and visitors for coastal-inspired cuisine. In season, patrons can dine on the covered Crystal Pier. 703 S. Lumina Ave.
- South Beach Grill – A cozy restaurant known for its daily chalkboard menu, farm-to-table approach, and seafood dishes. 100 S. Lumina Ave.
- King Neptune – Inspired by the Roman god of the sea, this Wrightsville Beach staple has been a go-to dining spot since 1947. By partnering with local farmers, bakers, and purveyors, the restaurant sources fresh, high-quality seafood and produce for an authentic farm-to-table dining experience. 11 N. Lumina Ave.
- G Prime Steak and Cellar – One of the newest ventures from famed restaurateur Giorgios Bakatsias, this classic steakhouse features prime cuts and seafood, craft cocktails, and one of the largest wine cellars in the area.
1981 Eastwood Rd., Wilmington
What to Do
- Wrightsville Beach Museum of History – Check out this quaint museum to learn about the early days of Wrightsville Beach along with information on events that have shaped the town’s 100+ year history. 303 W. Salisbury St., wbmuseumofhistory.com
- Sunset Boat Cruise – Take a relaxing cruise around the sound with Soundside Adventures at Wrightsville Beach.
- Alchemy Massage and Wellness Spa – A tranquil retreat offering luxurious massages and spa treatments to soothe the body and mind. 530 causeway Dr., Ste. 7
For more information, VisitWrightsvilleBeachNC.com.
