Solo travelers need look no further than Wrightsville Beach for a vacation that combines adventure and relaxation. This small island is the ultimate destination for those seeking an active and elevated experience with an abundance of watersports, dining options, wellness activities and comfortable lodging. Dive into these ideas to inspire a solo itinerary tailored to your own travel timeline and preferences.
Choose your own Outdoor Adventure
Wrightsville Beach is a coastal paradise for nature enthusiasts, offering solo travelers endless outdoor activities on both water and dry land. Known for world-class watersports and activities on crystal blue waters, our island has something in store for all skill levels. Paddle to pristine Masonboro Island with Wrightsville Beach Kayak, take a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) tour through salt marshes with Cape Fear Paddleboarding or hang ten with private instruction from Sweetwater Surf School. Solo sailors will find rentals and lessons through Blockade Runner Sailing and Wrightsville Performance Sailing. Equipment rentals and excursions are also available through Soundside Adventures, Epic Excursions, WB Surf Camp, Wrightsville SUP and other local outfitters.
If you’re more of a landlubber, stroll The Loop, a nearly 2.5-mile paved, popular trail circling the inner island and reflect on stunning Intracoastal Waterway views. Or, take a solo spin along the River to Sea Bikeway. This 11-mile cycling route runs from Johnnie Mercers Pier to Wilmington’s River District. Several local outfitters, including South End Surf Shop, provide rental bikes – and Wrightsville Kayak Company will deliver and retrieve your rental beach cruiser anywhere on the island. Reel in your catch of the day alongside friendly anglers at Johnnie Mercers Pier and the Crystal Pier.
Dine and Drink Like a Local
Wrightsville Beach offers culinary options ranging from casual seafood shacks to upscale restaurants, perfect for solo travelers looking to sample new coastal flavors – and strike up a conversation with locals or other solo travelers in bars or communal seating areas. Enjoy elegant coastal cuisine and ambiance at the Oceanic, dig into the catch of the day at the casual Shark Bar & Kitchen or soak up soundside views while dining on the patio of South Beach Grill. Grab a bite and beverage in the Pirate Lounge of King Neptune, an iconic local spot with a reimagined menu for dinner and Sunday brunch. Sports lovers can catch the game with fellow fans at Jerry Allen's Sports Bar & Grill, a lively pub only steps from the beach. Or, sample local craft beers at Flying Machine Oyster Bar.
Self-Care with Coastal Flair
While visiting our island oasis, solo travelers can find peace and relaxation in the area’s wellness activities. Meditate among blooming native flowers in the tranquil Harbor Way Gardens. Yoga enthusiasts can tree pose with the sea on the Crystal Pier, where BeUnlimited holds sunrise classes seasonally, and balance on the water during a seasonal SUP yoga session with Wrightsville SUP. Replenish afterward with an acai bowl or fresh juice from Surfberry or Adapt Kitchen & Juice Bar. Or, venture over the bridge for Wilmington’s Prana Salt Cave, which hosts salt therapy sessions in a cavernous room filled with Himalayan salt, which is said to have holistic healing properties.
Unwind in Laid-back Lodging
Solo travelers can choose from a range of accommodations to suit any budget and preference. Book a suite at Summer Sands Suites for a breezy stay featuring rooms with both ocean and harbor views and is walking distance to local hotspots like South Beach Grill and Hallelu Boutique. Cozy cottage and condo vacation rentals, like a one-bedroom oceanside suite at One South Lumina Suites, provide the ease and conveniences of home. Treat yourself to a seafront sojourn at a full-service resort like Lumina on Wrightsville Beach, a Holiday Inn Resort, featuring a hammock garden and three pools, or the Blockade Runner Beach Resort, complete with surf-to-sound amenities and an oceanfront garden. Both resorts offer onsite dining and fitness centers, among many other amenities that make for a luxurious stay.
With an unparalleled variety of water and land adventures, delicious dining and drinking options and welcoming accommodations, our active and elevated seaside escape offers plenty for solo travelers to love. Set your own coastal travel itinerary and discover all that awaits in Wrightsville Beach.
