Thanksgiving in Wrightsville Beach is all about water views, fresh island eats and the start of the holiday season. This five-day plan covers everything from dolphin sightings to festive meals and waterside adventures.

Duration: 5 days (Nov. 26-30)

Available: Seasonal

Day 1: Island Flavors & Sunset Views

Drop bags/place to stay: Lumina on Wrightsville Beach

Start your getaway at a modern oceanfront resort with spacious suites, a heated indoor pool and two hot tubs. Step outside for views of the Atlantic or the Intracoastal Waterway, and you’re officially in Thanksgiving vacation mode.

Afternoon

Lunch: Tower 7 Baja Mex

Get your first taste of Wrightsville Beach at Tower 7 Baja Mex. The Baja fish tacos and specialty margs hit the spot every time.

Afternoon activity: Walk along Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier

Walk to the end of Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier, stretching more than 1,200 feet into the water. Keep an eye out for seabirds, cast a line if you feel like it or just enjoy the cool ocean breeze.

Evening

Evening activity: Spot wildlife on the Dolphin Sunset Cruise with Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours

Set sail at 5:30 p.m. on a Dolphin Sunset Cruise. Glide through the waterways of Wrightsville Beach and Harbor Island, watch the sky turn gold and keep your camera handy – you never know when a dolphin might pop up!

Late Dinner: The Bridge Tender

Finish the night with views of the Intracoastal Waterway. Start with the gorgonzola buffalo shrimp or fried Brussels sprouts, then sample the Chef’s Trio: grilled salmon, jumbo shrimp and a crab cake.

 

Day 2: An Active Thanksgiving Day

Morning

Morning activity: Join the Wrightsville Beach Turkey Trot, or play pickleball at Wrightsville Beach Park

Get in some exercise before the big meal by joining a 5K or 1-mile Turkey Trot along The Loop, complete with scenic salt marsh views, fun prizes and plenty of turkey costumes. Prefer a slower start? Grab a paddle and play a friendly game on the new pickleball courts at Wrightsville Beach Park.

Afternoon

Thanksgiving at Wrightsville Beach offers something for every taste and tradition:

  • Bluewater Waterfront Grill starts service at 11 a.m. with a traditional Thanksgiving menu – turkey, baked Black Forest ham, stuffing, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie – alongside fresh seafood favorites from the regular menu, all served with sweeping waterfront views. Visit this link to reserve your table today or pre-order a Thanksgiving Family Meal to-go.
  • An Oceanfront Thanksgiving at Oceanic Restaurant features a holiday plate with herb-roasted turkey, garlic potatoes, green beans, cornbread stuffing and even key lime pie, plus ocean views from the Crystal Pier. Reservations are strongly encouraged – check out this link to call today.
  • Jerry Allen’s Sports Bar & Grill is ideal for football fans and pub fare, like fried okra, mac and cheese and hearty sandwiches, including turkey or corned beef Reubens. Catch the big game over a casual, satisfying plate of Southern comfort faves.
  • La Duna Paradiso offers a family-style feast with roasted turkey, maple-glazed Carolina ham, bread baskets and classic Southern sides. Visit this link to make a reservation, and be sure to save room for a slice (or two) of pumpkin or pecan pie!

Evening

Evening activity: Walk the beach and Crystal Pier

After your holiday meal, take a stroll along the Crystal Pier and adjacent beach. Stretch your legs, breathe in the salty sea air and let the waves bring a peaceful close to your Thanksgiving.

 

Day 3: Ocean Views & Beach Adventures

Morning

Morning activity: Discover the Wrightsville Beach Mailbox

Start your morning at the Wrightsville Beach Mailbox, a hidden dune-side spot where locals and visitors leave handwritten notes. Stop by to read a few messages or add your own. Pro tip: To find the mailbox, begin at the northernmost public beach access, Access #2 (2698 North Lumina Ave.), and walk north along the shore past Shell Island Resort.

Brunch: Oceanic Restaurant

Oceanic Restaurant offers everything from breakfast tacos to chicken and waffles, plus grit cakes and applewood-smoked bacon. Pair your brunch with ocean views for an energizing start to the day.

Afternoon

Afternoon activity: Bike on the beach with a Wrightsville SUP fat bike rental

Hop on a fat bike from Wrightsville SUP to explore the shoreline with your crew. Pedal through the sand and catch those unforgettable Atlantic views.

Late afternoon activity: Annual Holiday Kick Off and Tree Lighting Ceremony at Wrightsville Beach Park

Grab a cup of cocoa, gather around the town’s Christmas tree and light displays, and watch it all sparkle to life at 5:30 p.m.! Stick around for an appearance from Santa at 5:45 p.m., plus live music by the Elf Patrol and Wilmington Celebration Choir.

Evening

Dinner: King Neptune

King Neptune has been serving up Southern coastal flavors along Banks Channel since 1947. Order a bowl of carrot-ginger soup, then dig into sautéed scallops with lemon risotto or candied bacon. The menu packs local autumnal flavors and fresh ingredients into every dish. 

Evening activity: Take in the holiday lights at Airlie Gardens’ Enchanted Airlie

After dinner, grab a cup of cocoa from Bevvy Mart and step into a holiday dreamscape at Enchanted Airlie, a longtime local tradition. Wander the garden paths to see thousands of lights, festive greenery and interactive displays, while holiday tunes add to the magic. Tickets sell out quickly, so be sure to plan ahead for this popular event. For guaranteed tickets and round-trip transportation, Lumina on Wrightsville Beach offers the Enchanted Airlie Package later in the holiday season – the perfect excuse to come back for Christmas celebrations! 

 

Day 4: Holiday Shopping & Waterfront Magic

Morning

Breakfast: Zeke’s Beans & Bowls

Start the morning with an acai bowl or made-to-order eggs. Enjoy your meal with a coffee or tea as sunlight streams through the café windows.

Morning activity: Explore local shops on Small Business Saturday

Explore Wrightsville Beach’s chic boutiques and local surf shops for holiday gifts and goods. At Hallelu Boutique, you’ll find one-of-a-kind accessories, while Sweetwater Surf Shop has everything from surfboards to handcrafted souvenirs.

Afternoon

Afternoon activity: Join Epic Excursions’ Oyster Farm Tour & Tasting, or visit the Day in the Park festival

Hop on the 1 p.m. tour for a ride to Middle Sound Mariculture Farm. Learn how oysters grow and taste freshly shucked oysters while taking in Masonboro Island views. Prefer to stay on land? Check out the Day at the Park festival at Wrightsville Beach Park with local vendors, food trucks and family-friendly activities before the NC Holiday Flotilla.

Evening

Early dinner: Bluewater Waterfront Grill

Reserve an outdoor table for a front-row seat to the NC Holiday Flotilla. Indulge in favorites like baby back ribs or blackened mahi tacos, and sip seasonal cocktails as the festive boats parade by.

Evening activity: Watch the NC Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach

As the sun sets, watch dozens of illuminated boats glide across the water, each decorated with its own festive flair. Once the parade starts, vote by text for the People’s Choice and Crowd Favorite awards, then stick around for the fireworks finale! Pro tip: Plan to park at Wrightsville Beach Park before the drawbridge opens at 6 p.m., and check out the NC Holiday Flotilla website for all the best viewing spots.

 

Day 5: Garden Strolls & Kayak Outings

Morning

Breakfast: SUNday’s Cafe

Embrace your inner surfer at this casual spot above South End Surf Shop. With specialty fall drinks like the maple leaf matcha, apple chai and cinnamon bun latte, you might just have to try them all.

Morning activity: Stroll the Birds of a Feather Art in the Garden exhibit at Airlie Gardens

Explore the Birds of a Feather Art in the Garden exhibit, full of large, locally designed bird sculptures. We can’t promise any turkeys, but the colors and creativity are just as festive! Be sure to purchase tickets in advance using this link, and take your time strolling the gardens’ peaceful paths.

Afternoon

Lunch: Shark Bar & Kitchen

Just steps from Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier, Shark Bar & Kitchen dishes up favorites like chargrilled oysters, a Nashville hot chicken sandwich and Maine lobster rolls. Dig in, sip a signature margarita and enjoy the laid-back waterfront vibe.

Afternoon activity: Paddle to Shark Tooth Island 

Rent a kayak from Wrightsville Kayak Company and paddle out at low tide to explore Shark Tooth Island. Before you set off, a guide will share maps and tips so you can explore – and maybe even find a fossil or shark tooth – on your own.  

Departure

After returning to the shore, take one last stroll on the beach, snap a few photos and soak up the crisp sea breeze. Dolphins, flotilla lights and island flavors make for a cozy Thanksgiving weekend you won’t soon forget.