Wrightsville Beach North CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina.
1. Wrightsville Beach
CRYSTAL BLUE WATERS
Wrightsville Beach features stunning crystal blue waters and spacious sandy shores perfect for relaxation and recreation. Visitors can enjoy the beach's active island lifestyle with world-class watersports including surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking. The beach maintains a relaxed local ambiance with lifeguard-monitored areas and dog-friendly sections that are less crowded during off-season.
2. The Loop
POPULAR FITNESS TRAIL
The Loop is a highly-rated fitness trail that encircles part of Wrightsville Beach island with beautiful water views. Joggers, walkers, and fitness enthusiasts frequent this path to enjoy outdoor exercise while taking in the coastal scenery. The trail offers both sunrise and sunset views over the water, providing a transformative experience for visitors.
3. Wrightsville Beach Museum of History
LOCAL HERITAGE PRESERVED
The Wrightsville Beach Museum of History celebrates the community's rich coastal heritage across 25 years as a dedicated local institution. The museum tells the story of Wrightsville Beach through the years and across a range of experiences that shaped the island community. Visitors can explore exhibits that highlight the beach's development, culture, and historical significance in the region.
4. Crystal Pier
ICONIC OCEANFRONT LANDMARK
Crystal Pier is a beloved Wrightsville Beach landmark offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The pier is connected to the newly rebuilt Oceanic restaurant, which provides excellent dining with improved coastal vistas. Visitors can stroll along this wooden boardwalk to enjoy fishing, people-watching, and panoramic ocean views.
5. Motts Channel Seafood
FRESH SEAFOOD MARKET
Motts Channel Seafood is a highly-rated seafood market offering the freshest catches from local waters. The market provides visitors and residents alike with quality seafood for home cooking or beach picnics. Their selection features a variety of sea-to-table options that showcase the region's abundant marine harvest.
6. Wrightsville Beach Farmers Market
LOCAL COASTAL PRODUCE
The Wrightsville Beach Farmers Market is a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors seeking fresh, locally-grown produce and artisanal products. Vendors offer seasonal fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and handcrafted items that reflect the coastal region's bounty. The market creates a community atmosphere where shoppers can connect with local farmers and creators while enjoying the island ambiance.
7. Wrightsville Beach Park
RECREATIONAL ISLAND OASIS
Wrightsville Beach Park offers diverse recreational facilities for visitors of all ages to enjoy during their island stay. The park features tennis courts, playgrounds, picnic areas, and green spaces for relaxation and outdoor activities. Its central location makes it an ideal spot for families seeking a break from the beach while still enjoying the coastal atmosphere.
8. Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier
PREMIER ANGLING DESTINATION
Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier extends into the Atlantic Ocean, providing an excellent spot for fishing enthusiasts to cast their lines. The concrete pier offers stunning panoramic views of the coastline and serves as a popular gathering place for both experienced and novice anglers. Visitors can rent fishing equipment, purchase bait, and enjoy the pier's gift shop during their visit.
9. WB Surf Camp
PREMIER WATERSPORTS INSTRUCTION
WB Surf Camp offers professional instruction in surfing and stand-up paddleboarding for visitors looking to embrace Wrightsville Beach's active water lifestyle. Their certified instructors provide lessons suitable for beginners and intermediate water sports enthusiasts in a safe, encouraging environment. The camp represents the beach's reputation as a world-class destination for water activities and outdoor adventures.
10. Redix
ICONIC BEACH LIFESTYLE STORE
Redix is a popular department store offering a wide selection of beach essentials, coastal apparel, and unique gifts. Shoppers can find everything from swimwear and casual clothing to home decor with a distinctly coastal flair. The store embodies the laid-back yet stylish atmosphere of Wrightsville Beach, making it a must-visit for tourists seeking souvenirs or beach necessities.
11. Tower 7 Baja Mexican Grill
BELOVED MEXICAN EATERY
Tower 7 Baja Mexican Grill serves up delicious Mexican and Southwestern cuisine in a casual beach setting. The restaurant offers a varied menu with vegetarian-friendly options that satisfy diverse dining preferences after a day of beach activities. Its popularity among locals and visitors alike is evident from its high ratings and reputation as a Wrightsville Beach dining institution.
12. Bluewater Waterfront Grill
SCENIC WATERSIDE DINING
Bluewater Waterfront Grill offers spectacular Intracoastal Waterway views paired with fresh American and seafood cuisine. Diners can enjoy watching boats pass by while savoring locally-inspired dishes in a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere. The restaurant's waterfront location makes it perfect for sunset dining, creating memorable meal experiences for visitors to Wrightsville Beach.
13. South Beach Grill
CONTEMPORARY COASTAL CUISINE
South Beach Grill combines American and seafood traditions with contemporary culinary techniques to create a distinctive dining experience. The restaurant's menu features fresh, locally-sourced ingredients prepared with attention to detail and flavor. Its popularity among both tourists and locals reflects its consistent quality and welcoming atmosphere within the Wrightsville Beach dining scene.
14. La Dee Dah Cruises
SCENIC HARBOR TOURS
La Dee Dah Cruises offers memorable sightseeing tours along Wrightsville Beach's picturesque waterways. Passengers can enjoy sunset harbor cruises and island hopping excursions that showcase the natural beauty of the coastal environment. These boat tours provide opportunities to spot local wildlife while learning about the area's ecology and history from knowledgeable guides.
15. Stanback Coastal Education Center
ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING HUB
The Stanback Coastal Education Center serves as an educational resource focused on coastal ecosystems and environmental conservation. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits that highlight the importance of protecting Wrightsville Beach's natural habitats and marine environments. The center offers programs and information that foster appreciation for the delicate balance of coastal ecology and human interaction.