It can be hard to fully disconnect from work when we have nonstop access to phones, tablets and computers. A beach getaway is a perfect excuse to ditch the devices and leave work behind. As important as it is to unplug from the technology that keeps us connected, it is usually easier said than done. Luckily, a digital detox in Wrightsville Beach is effortless and exciting – so put up your out-of-office message and set out on an island getaway.
Nature is Healing
One of the most popular ways to disconnect is to get outside and explore. Wrightsville Beach is surrounded by beautiful expanses of nature and hidden sanctuaries so enchanting that picking up your device won’t even cross your mind.
Leave your phone on the counter and head out for a stroll along the beach, where you might be lucky enough to discover a sea turtle nest blocked off by the Wrightsville Beach Sea Turtle Project. While strolling along the shore, look for the Wrightsville Beach Mailbox, the mysterious and inconspicuous landmark where, for more than a decade, visitors have deposited letters containing memories, hopes and dreams. Discover years of letters, from love poems to prayers of peace, that were left in the mailbox on display in the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History.
The Loop – a roughly 2.5-mile scenic path that winds through the heart of town – is the perfect place for running and jogging enthusiasts to take a self-imposed break from screens and take in popular landmarks and attractions. If running is not your forte, rent a bike from local outfitters and hit the trails along the Intracoastal Waterway to catch scenic views of several beautiful salt marshes.
Just across the inlet, there are 8.4 miles of undisturbed barrier island waiting to be explored. Rent a kayak from Wrightsville Kayak Company or take in the breathtaking scenery with Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours as you cruise over to Masonboro Island Reserve and discover the many different species that live in the salt marshes and tidal creeks.
Ring! Ring! The Ocean is Calling
Wrightsville Beach is a well-known hotspot for water activities and adventures. So, get out – or in – the water and leave your phone or tablet on dry land.
Standup paddleboarding with Wrightsville SUP is an experience all ages can enjoy, so leave your worries behind as you glide through the water on your digital cleanse. For Yoga enthusiasts, they also offer seasonal SUP classes or you can book a private class with them. Indo Jax Surf School and Sean’s Private Surf Instruction offer individual and group lessons that will have you focused on catching some waves. Shred the Gnar provides a variety of watersport activities, such as wakeboarding or tubing, so you don't have to own a boat or board to join in on the fun.
Live in the moment and set sail with Wrightsville Performance Sailing or Blockade Runner’s Sailing School for how-to lessons or a relaxing tour guided by an experienced captain through the beautiful, blue water. Your devices will thank you for leaving them behind while you enjoy the abundance of waterfront activities the island has to offer.
Go out to Dinner (and out to Sea)
Fully commit to your digital detox during an island dining experience with Epic Excursions. Enjoy a private cruise to the uninhabited Masonboro Island to spend an evening listening to the sound of the waves while indulging in a delicious dinner. Choose from a DIY or catered steam pot seafood boil or a gourmet dinner prepared over an open fire by the chef at Wilmington’s True Blue Butcher & Table.
De-stress from your everyday life and take a much-needed break from the digital world to focus on being present when it matters most. There are many ways to live in the moment in Wrightsville Beach, from sharing experiences with the people most important to you or simply taking a breather to appreciate the beauty in your surroundings.
