Where to Stay Active on Your Beach Vacation

Wrightsville Beach, NC - For some, a beach vacation means kicking back and relaxing while catching some rays and splashing in the surf. Not straying from your usual workout regime can be easier said than done, but staying fit while on vacation does not have to mean missing out on the fun. There are plenty of ways to keep moving at Wrightsville Beach that can provide a welcome change from your typical workout routine. Whether you are a dedicated fitness guru or just wanting a leisurely stroll after a delicious meal, Wrightsville Beach has workouts for all athletic levels.

Read on for more ways to stay active while visiting North Carolina’s most accessible beach this summer:

Workouts on the Water

  • Known as a premier watersport destination, Wrightsville Beach is the perfect place to embark on a unique water adventure. Grab a kayak or standup paddleboard for a workout that features beautiful views of the island’s scenic waterways. For a more intense workout that’s guaranteed to break a sweat, try alternating your course from downwind to into the wind while switching up your paddling tempo. If you’re a first timer, sign up for a lesson at one of the island’s outfitters like Carolina Paddle Co., Cape Fear Paddleboarding or Wrightsville SUP, all of which offer lessons for all ages and skill levels.
  • Guaranteed to provide you with a full body workout, surfing is an excellent way to burn some extra calories during your vacation. Wrightsville Beach is equipped to offer both group and individual lessons from certified instructors that will have kids and adults catching their first wave in no time. Feel the burn as you paddle out to the waves and put your upper body strength to the test to pop up on the board, all while using your leg and core muscles to maintain balance.

Jog with a View

  • Enjoy a breeze off the water while taking a stroll or scenic jog around the island’s infamous “Loop,” a 2.45-mile route that circles the inner island. Early risers can get their hearts pumping with a morning jog, or alternately, take the whole family for a post-dinner evening walk to catch the sunset over Banks Channel. Both choices are a great option for a quick and easy workout.

Playing on Land

  • Feeling competitive? Head over to Wrightsville Beach Park for some sports off the water. Grab a partner or group and organize a game at one of the park’s outdoor basketball courts, sand volleyball pits, softball field, or the new inclusive playground specially designed with disabled children in mind. Whatever sport you choose, there’s a spot to play it not far from your beach chair.
  • Complete with a flat landscape and well-maintained roads and sidewalks, Wrightsville Beach provides the perfect pathway for a tour on bike or by foot. Rent a bike from one of the local outfitters or grab your favorite pair of sneakers and venture out on Lumina Avenue to enjoy views of the local shops, restaurants, and beautiful beach homes that line the streets. If a lengthier ride is more your speed, check out the River to the Sea Bike Route, stretching from Johnnie Mercer’s Pier to Riverfront Park, just off Market Street in nearby Wilmington. This route stretches for nearly 10 miles and offers peaceful views of residential areas and a journey along the historic trolley line.

Zen Out on the Water

  • Picture a Saturday morning spent on the Crystal Pier, overlooking the ocean with a light breeze while meditating and finding your inner peace. Sounds relaxing, right? The nearby Wilmington Yoga Center is offering an hour-long yoga session on the pier every Thursday through Sunday morning through October. The classes are for yogis of all skill levels, including students who are trying yoga for the first time. We suggest starting your morning with a class then heading straight to the beach for more rejuvenation.
  • If you’re looking to invigorate your yoga routine, we suggest adding a little water. Enjoy the natural feeling of floating on water while introducing a new balance challenge to help refine your technique. Wrightsville SUP has partnered with LONGWAVE Yoga to offer classes throughout the summer for all levels of SUP-ers and yogis, although some basic SUP experience is recommended. Classes are 1.5-hours long and include a 15-minute paddle out and back.

About Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach is North Carolina’s most accessible beach from Interstate 40. It’s easier to get here and even easier to stay. Everything visitors need is right on the island, with an abundance of outdoor activities, rich history, the scenic Intracoastal Waterway, miles of beach, family-friendly events, and full-service hotels and rental options. For more information, go to www.VisitWrightsvilleBeachNC.com or call (800) 650-9106. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WrightsvilleBeachNC and Twitter @WrightsvilleNC.

Contact:
Leah Knepper
French West Vaughan
919-277-1176
lknepper@fwv-us.com