Whether you want to hang ten or just hang out, Wrightsville Beach is a classic Carolina beach town with a little something extra.

by Cathy Martin

The N.C. coast is dotted with old-school beach towns, where the sun, sand and waves are the main attractions.

What sets Wrightsville Beach apart is its proximity to Wilmington, with a burgeoning culinary scene and UNCW, which brings a young-and-fun energy to the beach town, especially on weekends. And it’s only a 3.5-hour drive from Charlotte, making it ideal for a weekend getaway or longer stays.

I’ve visited Wrightsville Beach off and on since college, when I spent a summer living in Wilmington. I went back recently to check out what’s new, and which old favorites are still holding strong.

Here’s a guide to making the most of your stay at Wrightsville Beach.

EAT

Start with gourmet coffee, pancakes, bennies, breakfast burritos or bowls at Drift Café, located on the causeway. If you’re in a hurry to hit the beach, order ahead online for a grab-and-go meal.

At lunchtime, head to Tower 7 for California surf-hut vibes, margaritas, and Baja-Mexi fare like burritos, tacos and enchiladas. Flip-flops and wet swimsuits are totally fine here. Cool off with a Cabo lemonade and grab a seat by the window for the ultimate people-watching at this busy intersection of the island.

For many years, Dockside was the place to go for beers, burgers and baskets of shrimp. Based on the crowds, this waterfront bar and cafe hasn’t lost its appeal — the boats pulling up to the marina have just gotten bigger.

For dinner, Ceviche’s is a longtime favorite for great cocktails, Panama-inspired fare and a lively atmosphere. Order a bunch of small plates and share —  choose from fresh-made guacamoles and salsas, empanadas, coconut shrimp, and of course, ceviches. There are four flavors here, from the traditional Corvina — sea bass with lime, onion, jalapeno and cilantro — to the Mango Mahi. Can’t decide? Get a sampler and try them all.

South Beach Grill is a bustling dinner spot in the middle of the island. The seafood-focused menu has a Southern slant, and the restaurant sources from regional farms and vendors. You can’t go wrong with the benne shrimp appetizer and their bestselling dish, the grouper Linda.

For a slice of Wrightsville history, tuck into a cozy wood-paneled booth at the Pirate Room at King Neptune for a nightcap. King Neptune opened in 1947, then shuttered briefly in 2021. The owner of Jimmy’s, a bar next door, bought it and reopened it in 2022. The restaurant was given a modern refresh, but the Pirate Room feels like old times with classic photos on the walls and a come-as-you-are atmosphere.

Next time, I hope to check out the new Four Corners, the Wrightsville Beach outpost of the Chapel Hill classic sports bar, or Bluewater Waterfront Grill near the sleek new floating Commodore Club, a private social club.

PLAY

If you need a break from sitting on the beach and splashing in the surf, rent cruiser bikes from Wrightsville Beach Kayak Co. and explore the island. 

Kayaking and searching for shark teeth with Wilmington Outdoor Adventures.

For something a little more adventurous, book a kayaking tour with Wilmington Outdoor Adventures. Owner and guide Kay Lynn Hernandez started the business in 2021 after working in the Florida Keys and leading environmental research projects in various locales. Her passion for ecology is palpable as she points out egrets, yellow-crowned herons and belted kingfishers that inhabit the area’s creeks and Cape Fear River. Our tour started among the smooth cord grass of Barnard’s Creek, where we got an up-close view of an osprey nest (and a couple of local alligators) and included a stop at a secret island to search for shark’s teeth.

Before the day heats up, Airlie Gardens is a peaceful way to pass an hour or two on the grounds of a 67-acre historic property. At the center of it all is a nearly 500-year-old live oak draped with Spanish moss. There’s a butterfly house, labyrinth, a whimsical bottle chapel and a tiny Episcopal church built in 1835.

Airlie Gardens

STAY

Beach home rentals are the most popular option, and there are plenty, from classic cottages to large, modern homes for extended families. However, in peak season, many require a weeklong stay. If you’re just visiting for a few days or prefer the amenities of a hotel, there are a few options.

The Blockade Runner is a Wrightsville Beach classic. The midcentury hotel turns 60 this year. The best part: All the rooms face either the ocean or the intracoastal waterway. There’s a large lawn for kids to run around and a poolside bar for sandwiches, salads and cocktails without having to stray too far from the beach. The hotel also offers kayak and standup paddleboard rentals on-site; you can put in right across the street and explore the marshlands on the sound side of the island.

Another option is the seven-story Lumina (formerly the Holiday Inn Sunspree), which has a new light and airy feel after an extensive renovation and rebranding completed in 2022.

PROVISIONS

If you need to pick up beachwear, snacks or cooler essentials, skip the big-box stores and check out some of the local shops.

Robert’s Grocery has served the island for more than a century with a streamlined selection of convenience-store staples, plus tubs of their famous homemade chicken salad and pimento cheese.

Don’t let the dated façade fool you at Redix on Causeway Drive. Half of this emporium is knickknacks and beach gear like you’d find at any coastal surf shop. But the other half is upscale clothing and accessories. With brands like Johnnie O., Tommy Bahama and Southern Tide, the menswear selection in particular is a cut above what you’d expect to find in the average surf shop.

For more beachwear, check out Sweetwater Surf Shop and its new sibling The Shed for grab-and-go sunscreen, sunglasses, rash guards and more. There’s even a coffee bar tucked inside The Shed, which also offers bike, surfboard, umbrella and chair rentals.

TAKE A DAY TRIP TO WILMINGTON

It’s hard to visit Wrightsville without popping into Wilmington for at least one meal. Downtown, check out Seabird (chef-owner Dean Neff was a 2024 James Beard Award finalist) for oysters and standout seafood fare in this sophisticated-yet-casual restaurant with midcentury vibes. For zesty Latin fusion cuisine, Savorez delivers in a small but vibrant downtown spot. For a fun atmosphere and delicious Thai-Vietnamese cuisine, Indochine never disappoints. The restaurant is always busy and doesn’t take reservations, but you’ll forget about the wait while sipping a tropical-inspired cocktail in the restaurant’s lush courtyard. SP

Featured image: The view from Lumina hotel

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