6 Fun Things to do in Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach was once only accessible via boat or train— prior to WWI— when it was incorporated in 1899. Today, it is an extremely accessible island that boasts marinas, shops, restaurants, beautiful resorts, and many Wrightsville Beach activities. Thanks to the island demographic,
Wrightsville Beach offers a small town, beach village feel, removing it from everyday care. It is now considered the most accessible beach from Interstate 1-40.
The following are some of the best things to do when in Wrightsville Beach:
Johnnie Mercer's Fishing Pier
Johnnie Mercer’s Fishing Pier is one of the best spots in Wrightsville Beach to reel in the big catch. Its unique construction out of concrete was originally built in wood in the 1930s and was later replaced by the now beloved concrete version as a direct response to hurricane devastation from both Hurricane Fran and Hurricane Bertha that came through the area. The pier also features a pier house with a seasonal grill and tackle shop. There is even a gift shop to peruse and take some time out of the sun.
The pier extends 1,200 feet out into the Atlantic Ocean, making it a great spot for coastline exploration, and presents a photo-worthy background. While the strength of the concrete means Johnnie Mercer’s Fishing Pier is ideal to take a stroll on, its real notary is all about the fishing opportunities. King fishing is especially popular in this spot as is drum fishing throughout the spring and fall months.
Fishermen fishing off this pier can expect to catch spot, croakers, pompano, sheepshead, flounders, and mackerels. Interestingly enough, the pier house keeps a running total of the remarkable catches of the day, so catching a whopper might win you notoriety, making it one of many fun things to do in Wrightsville Beach.
Wrightsville Beach Park
Located in the heart of the town, Wrightsville Beach Park is a good alternative activity for someone who doesn’t want to spend hours at the beach. The main facilities include many wide open green spaces, a playground with several benches, an outdoor basketball court, four tennis courts and three volleyball pits. It also features a softball field and centrally located bathrooms, all of which are open to the public.
Facilities at Wrightsville Beach Park are a first-come, first-serve basis. There is also a wide covered picnic shelter. The park also hosts a wide variety of events, like local concerts and performances, which ramp up especially throughout the summer.
One of the most popular events at the park is the Sounds of Summer-Concert in the Park, which is a concert series and welcomes guests to bring their own picnic blankets or lawn chairs and even coolers to enhance the concert experience. Seasonal farmer’s markets are frequently set up throughout the weekends.
Wrightsville Beach Museum of History
Fulfilling the mission of “telling the story of Wrightsville Beach” to every visitor, the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History is a unique museum that showcases stories running from the pure delight of children playing in the local surf to information on the way the area has progressed while remaining true to the spirit of their past.
Annual events hosted by the museum include the Jingle Bell 5K Run and Walk, Lumina Daze, Camp Chris Stone, free children’s programs, art days and a variety of interesting exhibits.
Harbor Way Gardens & Airlie Gardens
North Carolina garden options within Wrightsville Beach and the nearby areas include visiting both Harbor Way Gardens and nearby Airlie Gardens. Harbor Way Gardens is a one-acre garden oasis with native plants complete with a peaceful sanctuary. The fountains, art, and flowers of Harbor Way Gardens are situated on the west end of Wrightsville Beach Park and were established in 2003.
Its claim to fame is its Witherspoon Roses. It is the only North Carolina garden to feature this particular rose. The Plant it Pink Garden is a seasonal offering that produces pink blooms to honor breast cancer survivors.
Airlie Gardens seeks to fulfill the mission of preserving Airlie Gardens as a historic public garden with rich cultural and environmental programs. Airlie Gardens was the vision of Sarah and Pembroke Jones, dating back to the early 1700’s. In 1999, the 67-acre garden was restored and opened to the public thanks to a grant along with the support of local residents.
Explore Airlie Gardens with one of the volunteer Garden Guides. Guided tours are an affordable way to get all you can out of the experience. Booking at least two weeks in advance is advised, and reservations are required to go on the tour and are only available throughout the weekdays.
Watersports
Known as the “Pioneer of East Coast Surfing,” Wrightsville Beach certainly has a lot to offer when it comes to water sports. The coastal waters of the Gulf Stream remain warmer for longer, allowing for a lengthy watersport season. One example of this is Cape Fear Paddleboarding. Here, families or individuals can enjoy stand up paddleboarding, along with lessons, tours, and even fitness classes.
Paddleboarding not your thing? Try your luck out at boating, taking part in fishing trips, or taking a sailboat out to Palm Tree Island for a spin. Wrightsville Beach has a large boating community, so the island is great for boaters who enjoy being out on the water as well!
WB Surf Camp, which takes place at both Kure and Wrightsville Beaches, is a surf camp for those aged seven and up. For younger surfers, the Guppy Ocean Safety Adventure Camp for ages 6-10 is fun, and there is even a Wrightsville Beach Teen Overnight Camp for ages 11-16.
In addition to the surfing camps and paddleboard rentals and lessons, Wrightsville Beach also offers an array of other rental opportunities for those interested in water sports. For example, jet ski rentals, motorboat rentals, sailing rentals and lessons, canoe and kayak rentals and scuba diving lessons and rentals are all available.
Local Shops and Boutiques
There are an abundance of local shops in Wrightsville Beach and the surrounding area. These range from chic beach boutiques to local surf gear stores, with everything in between. Featuring a unique combination of varied and upscale fare with budget-friendly options means there is something for every taste and price point.
One notable option is Hallelu Boutique, which offers women’s fashion, like swimwear, rompers, dresses, and more. There are even men’s and women’s accessories like fishing supplies, beach gear, fun souvenirs, and sunglasses, along with kid’s clothing. Another unique and noteworthy option is REDIX, which has been serving the island’s beach gear needs since 1969. Browse some fun items like unique, handmade necklaces made from prehistoric Meglalodon teeth that were discovered offshore by local SCUBA divers.
Visit Wrightsville Beach
There are many things to do in Wrightsville Beach and nearby locations. The seaside town is a true island life experience with uncrowded shorelines and an abundance of water sports and local activities and attractions.
Island shops, beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters and seashells make for a great beach vacation with plenty to offer. We at The 100 Collection, and our local partners – Sea Scape Properties, are both eager to share more about this amazing beach destination.
