Things to Do in Wrightsville Beach, NC
Known for its beautiful coast, time spent at Wrightsville Beach can be packed with adventure or lazy days on the beach.
Whichever is your cup of tea, this breathtaking paradise offers something for everyone. Fill your days with outdoor adventures like fishing or kayaking, plan to revel in quiet relaxation, or fill your days with museum trips and relaxing cruises. Keep reading for a list of activities that everyone from shoppers to surfers will enjoy.
Brush up on some history.
First known as The Banks, then as Ocean View Beach, the town of Wrightsville Beach was incorporated in 1899, and finally named after the Wright family of Wilmington. A town full of rich history, Wrightsville Beach offers up all kinds of details and information for any history buff. Step into coastal cottages from the 1900s and explore the Historic Square, home to the survivors of the Great Fire of 1934. Find out more significant and historical details about this “playground of the south” by visiting the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History.
Experience world-class watersports.
Surfing, sailing, kayaking, boating, this quaint and historic island in North Carolina offers it all! Sail on the Intracoastal with lessons from one of the local sailing schools or discover wildlife on nearby Masonboro Island with a kayak rental from one of the local rental companies. Ride the infamous North Carolina waves, or experience a more relaxing standup paddleboard excursion on the intercoastal. Combine watersports and history with a SCUBA dive into one of the 200 sunken wrecks along the coast, plan a day fishing from the historic Johnnie Mercers Pier, or explore farther out into the Atlantic with a fishing charter.
A foodie’s paradise.
If you’re a foodie and on a mission for your next coastal cuisine adventure that offers something a little different from the traditional beach cuisine, then this is where you need to be. This peaceful island is not only a surfer’s paradise, but a foodie’s as well. From oceanfront dining to farm-to-table menus, Wrightsville Beach is the perfect place to spend the day or the weekend. You can find everything from boozy brunches to fresh smoothie bars, and delicious seafood staples like South Beach Grill. Wrightsville Beach has something to satisfy your every craving.
Plenty of seaside shopping.
When you need a break from the sun, you’ll find everything from open-air shopping villages to quaint beach boutiques. Shop for souvenirs in one of the many surf shops and don’t forget to pick up assortments in one of the many island shopping spots. From clothing and apparel to home goods and beach essentials, you’ll find everything you need here in Wrightsville Beach.
See the sights.
Whether you’ve never visited this beautiful beach town before, or you live here, make a plan to explore the island in style. Wrightsville Beach is home to both the Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours and Epic Excursions. You can choose from several packages and tours, but all of them showcase the stellar beaches and the incredible atmosphere of the town.
Enjoy the active life.
Are you looking to stay active while on the island? This vibrant community is known for its bustling activity. Wrightsville Beach is an ideal place to feel and stay healthy with its endless fitness style activity options. Find your Zen with yoga classes in scenic locations, navigate the island by bike, jog the Wrightsville Beach Loop fitness trail, and perfect your swing at nearby golf courses.
Fun attractions for everyone.
Plan a day among nature in the beautiful 67-acre Arlie Gardens or explore the seven acres of North Carolina plant species at The Arboretum. Visit the living classroom and bring the kids to Touchtank Tuesdays to learn about coastal wildlife at the Fred and Alice Stanback Coastal Education Center. Stroll along the beach on the north side of the island to find the Wrightsville Beach Mailbox, where visitors can share stories, leave messages, and read stories left behind by other travelers. Plan a treasure hunt with the whole family, or take a trip on the Brewboat for an adult day out. Whatever you choose to do during the day, end it with taking in a beautiful Wrightsville Beach sunset while enjoying a fabulous dinner from South Beach Grill.