The town of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina is a walkable island and a vibrant beach community that offers a spacious beach, nearby open-air villages, surf shops, beach boutiques, and restaurants serving delicious food. Wrightsville Beach is also home to an array of seasonal activities, internationally recognized SUP events and surfing competitions, a waterbird sanctuary, a historic square, and much more.
1. Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
Known as the most accessible beach in the state of North Carolina, Wrightsville Beach always has something happening throughout the year, whether it’s community or group gatherings, outdoor wellness activities, or a variety of watersports. Noted for its spacious sandy beach, crystal blue waters, signature children’s programs like surf camps and pirate-led treasure hunts, and standup paddle boarding and surfing competitions, Wrightsville Beach has been voted as the best beach in North Carolina many times. Wrightsville Beach has also been called one of the world’s top surfing towns by National Geographic. Johnnie Mercer’s Pier also offers opportunities for fishing.
Wrightsville Beach, NC
2. Wrightsville Beach Museum of History, Wrightsville Beach, NC
The Wrightsville Beach Museum of History is located within the town’s turn-of-the-century Myers Cottage and is dedicated to preserving and sharing the local history of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Visitors at the museum can view a scale model of how the town looked back in 1910, several pieces of exquisite artwork, and exhibits depicting what life was like during Wrightsville Beach’s early days. The history museum also highlights the interaction between the natural environment and people that has shaped the town’s over one hundred years of history. The cottage itself is reflective of a typical summer beach cottage.
303 West Salisbury St, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480, Phone: 910-256-2569
3. Motts Channel Seafood, Wrightsville Beach, NC
Motts Channel Seafood is a family-owned and operated seafood market in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Operated by the Long family, it’s not uncommon to see a few of the family members out fishing for products that will be sold in the market later that day. Motts has been one of the town’s best markets for fresh seafood since 1990, staffed with a well experienced crew, that work hard to provide customers with an excellent seafood product selection, along with suggestions for preparation and cooking. Motts Channel Seafood sells an impressive assortment of sauces and spices, along with local food specialties.
120 Short St, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480, Phone: 910-256-3474
4. Redix, Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
Redix, formerly Big Gun Surplus, was started by Gordon Reddick, Jr. in the 1940’s and has undergone several changes over the years. Originally selling Army Surplus goods, the store changed to offering hardware, groceries, clothing, and other items. The Wrightsville Beach location opened back in 1969, and ever since then, it has been the go-to one-stop shop in town, selling an array of items from fishing tackle to apparel, to nearly anything in between.
120 Causeway Dr, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480, Phone: 910-256-2201
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5. Stanback Coastal Education Center, Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
The Stanback Coastal Education Center in Wrightsville Beach is a regional hub for a wide variety of fun activities, classes, and events centered around coastal education. Visitors can stop by and join one of the center’s activities. The Stanback Coastal Education Center offers Touch Tank Tuesdays during the months of June, July, and August, providing a chance for guests to touch sea stars, sea squirts, hermit crabs, and several other creatures. The center also provides a Coastal Adventures Series as part of its public education program.
309 W Salisbury St, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480, Phone: 910-509-2838
6. Trolly Stop, Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
The first Trolly Stop was opened by B.C. Hedgepath in 1976, originally named Station 1, since it was situated at the trolley line’s first stop in Wrightsville Beach. This location still exists today. The Wrightsville Beach Trolley Stop has changed hands a few times since then, but it still retains its “mom and pop” charm and tradition of serving delicious made-to-order hot dogs with fresh ingredients. The hot dog eater makes its own baked beans, coleslaw, and chili and uses freshly cut cucumbers, green peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Along with a variety of hot dog, the menu also features smoked sausage.
94 South Lumina Ave, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480, Phone: 910-256-3421
7. Things to Do Near Me: 22 North Restaurant, Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
The 22 North Restaurant in Wrightsville Beach blends rustic Creole and classical French fare with the best of the traditional cuisine of the Lower Cape Fear. The restaurant takes pride in offering customers the most eclectic and unique Southern comfort food within the Wilmington, North Carolina area, taking full advantage of the Carolina low country’s varied and naturally abundant resources. Daily specials that reflect the best seasonal and sustainable offerings of the region are displayed on a blackboard menu. The 22 North Restaurant also supports local fishermen, farmers, vintners, and brewmasters.
22 N Lumina Ave, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480, Phone: 910-509-0177
8. Things to Do in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina: SurfBerry
With a motto of “something for everyone,” SurfBerry boasts a mission of supporting community wellness and educating people on the life enhancing qualities of active living and health eating. The healthy dining establishment takes a great amount of pride in its menu that nourishes the body, from its 100-percent Vegan smoothies to its organic juice bar, carefully selecting every ingredient. The menu primarily features superfood smoothies and cold-press juices, as well as a wide array of vegan protein supplements and healthy dietary alternatives. SurfBerry also offers several different outdoor activities available to both visitors and locals alike.
222 Causeway Dr, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480, Phone: 910-679-8027
9. Things to Do Near Me: Jimmys at Red Dogs, Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
Jimmy’s at Red Dogs is one of the premier sports bars and live music venues in the heart of Wrightsville Beach, one of the best coastal towns in North Carolina. Formerly a pharmacy, the building has been around for more than forty years and now provide the community with live music every day of the year, as well as a full bar, eight rotating taps, and a large assortment of local craft beers.
5 N Lumina Ave, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480, Phone: 910-256-2776
10. Things to Do in Wrightsville Beach, NC: Harbor Way Gardens
Nestled on the west end of Wrightsville Beach Park is Harbor Way Gardens, one of only three public gardens located in New Hanover County. Despite being only one acre large, the gardens are a popular oasis for the community to escape the heat and the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Enjoy peace and quiet while relaxing amidst native plants and flowers and soak up the fresh air that Harbor way Gardens has to offer. Be sure to stop by the Plant It Pink Garden which is filled with stunning pink blooms to honor and celebrate the bravery of breast cancer survivors.
US-74 Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina 28480, Phone: 910-297-4674
11. Things to Do in Wrightsville Beach, NC: Lighthouse Beer and Wine
If you’re on the hunt for specialty wine, beers that feel impossible to find, or the perfect cigar to enjoy while coasting down the roads of Wrightsville Beach, head over to Lighthouse Beer and Wine. With an amazing selection of over 600 wines, Lighthouse Beer and Wine is bound to have what you’re looking for, or, at the very least, something close to it. If over 600 wine bottles to choose from aren’t enough, you can also pick from the over 800 varieties of international beers and craft beers that the shop carries. With over 18 years in the wine and beer industry, Lighthouse Beer and Wine can even help you select the perfect bottle for your needs.
220 Causeway Drive, Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina 28480, Phone: 910-256-8622
12. Things to Do in Wrightsville Beach, NC: Tower 7 Baja Mexican Grille
Soak up the beach vibes while munching on mouthwatering dishes at Tower 7 Baja Mexican Grille. Over here, everyone’s a local, and visitors are sure to get a taste of “home” with a ton of spectacular recipes and an equally incredible atmosphere that will transport you to Baja. Eat dishes made with the freshest possible ingredients and prepared with over 20 years of culinary experience. Sink your teeth into a delicious burrito like the Baja Fish Burrito or the Mondo Burrito or enjoy amazing tacos like the original K38 Baja Fish Taco, or the Blackened Tuna Taco. Whatever you choose, Tower 7 promises an amazing dining experience.
4 N Lumina Ave, Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina 28480, Phone: 910-925-8585
What is Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina known for? What to do. What are the top attractions to visit in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina?
The top attractions to visit in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina according to local experts are:
- Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
- Wrightsville Beach Museum of History, Wrightsville Beach, NC
- Motts Channel Seafood, Wrightsville Beach, NC
- Redix, Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
- Stanback Coastal Education Center, Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
- Trolly Stop, Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
- Things to Do Near Me: 22 North Restaurant, Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
- Things to Do in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina: SurfBerry
- Things to Do Near Me: Jimmys at Red Dogs, Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
- Things to Do in Wrightsville Beach, NC: Harbor Way Gardens
- Things to Do in Wrightsville Beach, NC: Lighthouse Beer and Wine
- Things to Do in Wrightsville Beach, NC: Tower 7 Baja Mexican Grille
More Ideas: Blockade Runner Beach Resort
Soak up North Carolina’s laid-back coastal culture at the Blockade Runner Beach Resort. Located on one of the most beautiful and serene beaches on the North Carolina coast, the Blockade Runner Beach Resort is a contemporary resort hotel surrounded by landscaped gardens and stunning ocean views. The resort offers peaceful accommodation in the form of minimalist rooms with en-suite marble bathrooms, private balconies and modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi and televisions.
The easy-access beach offers an array of fun activities for the whole family, from swimming, snorkeling to volleyball and beachcombing, while adults can enjoy fishing charters, stand-up paddle boarding, surfing and sailing lessons, and boat tours from the hotel. Other hotel perks include a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center and gym, a seasonal pool bar and an oceanfront restaurant serving fresh seafood and regional fare.
Guest Accommodations
The Blockade Runner Beach Resort features stylish guest rooms and suites with cool, nautical-inspired décor, tiled floors, and modern furnishings, and private balconies with breathtaking views. Differing in layout and size, guest rooms and suite feature double, queen or king-size beds in designer linens and comforters, and en-suite bathrooms with walk-in showers, soaking tubs, spa terry robes and towels, and Signature Collection bath products.
Spacious and sunny sitting areas have comfortable seating, work desks and chairs, and natural stone finishes, and conveniences in every room and suite include 37? flat screen HDTVs, mini fridges, Keurig coffee makers, Bitel Mobile charging station, and complimentary wireless Internet. Rooms are available as Harbor Front Rooms, Atlantic Oceanfront Rooms, Deluxe Atlantic Oceanfront Rooms with Balconies, and Premier Atlantic Oceanfront Staterooms.
Premier Atlantic Oceanfront Staterooms are the resort’s largest and most luxurious suites, with breathtaking, panoramic views of the lush gardens and shimmering ocean. Suites have walls of floor-to-ceiling windows that capture the magnificent views, as well as large, private balconies with comfortable furnishings and outdoor in-wall fireplaces. Bedrooms have king-size beds with designer linens, and spacious en-suite bathrooms feature rainfall showers, soaking tubs flat screen TVs, and signature bath products. Coastal-style décor and contemporary furnishings are elegant and stylish in natural and ocean-inspired hues, work areas have desks and ergonomic chairs, and there are areas for business meetings and social gatherings. Special touches include in-room spa services, Champagne on arrival and valet parking.
Dining
The Blockade Runner Beach Resort has several places to wine and dine against a backdrop of spectacular ocean views. EAST Oceanfront Dining serves award-winning cuisine in a beautiful oceanfront garden setting. Celebrating the tastes and flavors of the surrounding environment, this chef-driven restaurant offers menus of creative seafood-centric and vegetarian dishes with influences from Asia, California, Mexico, and the Mediterranean. Guests can enjoy lunch, and dinner in the contemporary restaurant or outside on the canopied garden deck.
The Sea Escape Pool Bar serves a variety of colorful cocktails and other libations, along with light meals and snacks. Open seasonally, the bar features pool patio and beach areas in which to dine and enjoy drinks with garden and ocean views.
Amenities and Recreation
In addition to deluxe accommodations with private balconies and modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi and televisions, the resort has easy access to the beach and offers an array of fun activities for the whole family, from beachcombing and swimming to snorkeling and beach volleyball. Other beaches and water-related adventure include fishing charters, and boat tours from the hotel, which also features an outdoor swimming pool with a seasonal pool bar, an oceanfront restaurant serving fresh seafood and regional fare, and a fully equipped fitness center and gym. The contemporary resort hotel is situated next to US Route 76 and is only one mile from Johnnie Mercer's Pier.
Weddings and Events
The Blockade Runner Beach Resort caters for destination and oceanfront weddings, offering luxury accommodations, modern amenities, and spectacular views. Boasting an idyllic beach ambiance with white sands, blue seas and elegant, nautical themes, the resort lends itself to romantic island-style weddings, beach ceremonies, and elegant receptions. In addition to beautiful venues, the resort also offers exclusive services such as customized menus and outstanding cuisine, preferred vendor lists, professional wait staff, and event planning and management teams to take care of every detail.
The Blockade Runner Beach Resort also features flexible meeting space for group functions, seminars, and conferences, with versatile layouts for all types of events and functions, state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, and additional services such as accommodations, concierge services for excursions to recreational sites and ‘must-see attractions.’
275 Waynick Blvd, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480, Phone: 910-256-2251
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More Ideas: Shell Island Resort
Shell Island Resort is a deluxe oceanfront hotel overlooking Wrightsville Beach, NC with elegant accommodations and spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. Set along miles of white sandy beaches, the all-suite Shell Island Resort features 169 beautiful guest suites with large living rooms, fully equipped kitchenettes, modern amenities and private balconies. The resort offers guests the use of exclusive facilities such as an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, a casual oceanfront restaurant and laid-back bar, a fully equipped fitness room, and on site laundry facilities.
There is complimentary wireless Internet around the property and miles of white sandy beaches with beach volleyball and an array of water sports to enjoy. The Shell Island Resort is situated within a short drive from downtown Wilmington and the University of North Carolina.
Guest Accommodations
Set on 3,000 feet of beautiful white sandy beach with spectacular ocean views, Shell Island Resort features 169 beautiful guest suites that sleep up to six guests with one king or two double beds dressed in deluxe linens and hypoallergenic pillows, and en-suite bathrooms with shower/bath combinations, fresh towels, and organic bath products. Separate living rooms have full-size sleeper sofas, dining areas with tables and chairs for six guests, and fully equipped kitchenettes with fridges, microwaves, stovetops and coffee makers. Spacious living areas are stylishly decorated and open onto private balconies with chairs and breathtaking ocean views. Every suite offers modern conveniences including flat screen televisions with cable channels in both bedrooms and living rooms, BlueRay and DVD players, individual climate control, iron and ironing boards, and complimentary wireless Internet.
Dining
A delicious buffet-style breakfast is served in the restaurant every morning and includes fresh fruit and juices, cereals, yogurt, freshly baked bread and muffins, and hot coffee and tea. The Shell Island Restaurant and Oceanfront Lounge also serves fresh seafood and innovative American cuisine for lunch and dinner in a casual and relaxed setting with indoor and outdoor seating.
Amenities and Recreation
The Shell Island Resort offers an array of upscale amenities and facilities for guests to enjoy, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a hot tub spa, miles of beautiful white sandy beach in front of the hotel with cabanas, umbrellas, and sun loungers, and the Shell Island Restaurant and Oceanfront Lounge. The outdoor swimming pool has a poolside cabana-style bar, which serves lunch and drinks and offers a happy hour of handcrafted cocktails and other libations, there is a fully equipped fitness center, and a fully equipped business center at the resort offers a variety of business services.
The resort has a Tiki Hut with a range of beach sports equipment and activities, from surfboards, skim boards and boogies boards, to stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, and a sand volleyball court. Other equipment for rent include bicycles, beach chairs and umbrellas and DVD from a fully stocked library. Guests can make use of the resort’s laundry facilities, and a gift and sundries shop sells a variety of essentials.
Wrightsville Beach is packed with things to see and do for the whole family from outdoor and recreational activities, water sports, and cultural attractions. Voted as North Carolina’s favorite beach destination for its vast array of experiences, Wrightsville Beach offers excellent shopping, scenic harbor cruises, sailing, deep sea fishing charters, water activities such as kayaking, paddle-boarding, and kite-boarding, and hiking or running the Loop fitness trail.
Wedding & Events
The Shell Island Resort features over 6,000 square feet of flexible space for business conferences and social gatherings, including Wrightsville Beach's only oceanfront ballroom. The resort is ideally located for a romantic beachside wedding, intimate ceremony or grand reception with a selection of spectacular venues, including the Oceanview Ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Atlantic, and the Soundview Ballroom that looks over the Intracoastal Waterway.
2700 N. Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville Beach, NC, Phone: 800-689-6765
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