Wrightsville Beach, NC Travel Guide

Wrightsville Beach is a picturesque barrier island located just east of Wilmington, North Carolina. Known for its clear waters and sandy beaches, it’s a popular beach destination. The beach offers a variety of activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, and fishing. Wrightsville Beach also features a charming beach town with coffee shops, restaurants, bars, and clothing boutiques, making it a great place to spend a day, weekend, or whole week. My sister lives in Wilmington, NC and I’ve visited many times plus had her great input for this travel guide!

Eat and Drink

There are plenty of great places to visit in Wrightsville Beach, whether you’re looking for a tasty brunch, a refreshing drink, or a relaxing spot to enjoy the ocean views.

Breakfast

• For a delicious brunch, Neptunes is a great choice with a menu that includes classics like avocado toast, pancakes, and biscuits and gravy.
• Blueberry’s Grill is another great option for brunch with a full menu and delicious blueberry hush puppies to start your day!
• If you’re in the mood for a quick breakfast on the go, Adapt offers great coffee and an açaí bowl to take with you.
• Drift is an adorable coffee and breakfast spot located right on the beach. It’s a great place to grab a coffee and pastry before heading out for a morning walk.
• SUNdays is another great option for coffee (or beers if you’re visiting later in the day), depending on which side of the island you’re staying on.
• Finally, just off Wrightsville Beach, Vicious Biscuit is a popular morning spot for breakfast or brunch. The menu includes biscuits, sandwiches, and bowls, and everything is made from scratch with fresh ingredients.

Lunch

• For a perfect lunch spot to sit outside, Poe’s Tavern is a great choice. The menu includes burgers, sandwiches, and salads, and there’s plenty of outdoor seating. TIP: You can take your order to go and enjoy it next door at Lighthouse.
• Dockside is the place to go if you want to grab drinks on the intercostal waterway. The atmosphere is laid-back and the views are beautiful.
• For cocktails and appetizers, Fish House Grill is a must-visit spot. The menu includes seafood, salads, and tacos, and the drinks are creative and delicious.

Late Night

• For late-night pizza cravings, Vito’s Pizza is a perfect stop with options for delivery or takeout.

Breweries

Wrightsville Beach and Wilmington, NC are home to several great breweries, each with their own unique atmosphere and offerings.

• One popular choice is Flying Machine Brewing Company, which has a Wrightsville Beach location that not only offers a great selection of craft beers but also amazing cocktails. The brewery has a modern industrial feel and features an outdoor patio area with plenty of seating.
• Another great option is Wilmington Brewing Company, which has a spacious taproom and an extensive beer list that includes IPAs, stouts, and sours. They also offer brewery tours and host events such as trivia nights and live music.
• For a laid-back atmosphere, Wrightsville Beach Brewery is a great choice. The brewery is located in a historic building and has a large outdoor area with oak trees that provide shade on sunny days. The menu includes burger and pizza specials that pair perfectly with their selection of craft beers.
• Mad Mole Brewing is a unique brewery that is powered by solar panels. The focus at Mad Mole is on sustainability, and they use organic ingredients and locally sourced produce whenever possible. The beers they offer are innovative and delicious, with flavors ranging from fruity to hoppy.
• Finally, If you’re looking for a relaxed spot to hang out with a very large beer and wine selection, Lighthouse is a great choice. You can grab a beer or a bottle of wine from the cooler and enjoy the views from the outdoor seating area.

Do

There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Wrightsville Beach beyond just relaxing on the beach.

• If you’re looking to get active, stand-up paddle board rentals are a great option. You can rent a paddle board from several vendors and explore the calm waters of the intracoastal waterway or paddle out to the ocean for a different perspective of the beach. I recommend renting a paddle board from Wrightsville SUP and going to Palm Tree Island.
• Another popular activity is walking the loop, a 2.45-mile paved trail that circles the island and offers beautiful views of the beach and marshes. It’s a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the scenery at the same time.
• For a more family friendly activity, Airlie Gardens is a beautiful botanical garden that spans over 67 acres. The gardens are home to a variety of flowers, sculptures, and wildlife, and there are several walking trails to explore.
• Chartering a boat to one of the nearby islands or a sunset sail cruise is a great way to experience the beauty of the surrounding area. You can book a private boat tour or join a group excursion and explore the waters around Wrightsville Beach and the nearby islands.
• Finally, if you’re interested in booking a photographer, I highly recommend my sister, Ashley Clarke Pavlick Photography! She is based in Wilmington, NC and does an amazing job with couples (also surprise engagements and weddings), families, and kids. She made us feel so comfortable and my husband loved how easy and fun the entire experience was. Mention you came from this blog post for 10% off your booking!

Stay

Here are some hotel options for your stay:

• Surf Suites: Located just steps from the beach, Surf Suites offers comfortable and affordable accommodations for those looking to enjoy the sun and surf of Wrightsville Beach. Each suite is equipped with a kitchenette, private balcony, and free Wi-Fi, making it a great choice for families or groups of friends.
• Blockade Runner Beach Resort: This oceanfront resort is a popular choice for those looking for a luxurious getaway in Wrightsville Beach. With its elegant rooms and suites, on-site restaurant, and amenities like a spa and fitness center, the Blockade Runner Beach Resort is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
• ARRIVE by Palisociety: This hotel is downtown and not on Wrightsville Beach, but a great option if you are looking to explore both Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach. With its chic decor, cozy rooms, and on-site coffee shop, ARRIVE by Palisociety is a great choice for those looking for a trendy and convenient place to stay.

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– Karen