Plan a family spring getaway to Wrightsville Beach, featured by Travel and Leisure as one of the best “Spring Break Destinations in the U.S.,” and discover what it means to beach better. Whether you’re seeking active adventures or quality time with your crew along crystal blue waters, you’ll find spring break experiences await the whole family.
Dive Into Family Fun
Dig for treasure with Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours on the outfitter’s family-friendly pirate adventure to Masonboro Island. Search for hidden gems and learn about the area’s mysterious pirate history while listening to eclectic stories from a costumed guide. Experience the island’s history from a new perspective during the Airlie Gardens & Bradley Creek Boat Trip.
Make coastal family memories with Epic Excursions. Explore miles of Wrightsville Beach’s coast during custom boat charters and tours to uninhabited islands. Captain your own ride for up to 10 people with Nauti Times Rentals and cruise to a private island to relax under the sun or add on a tube for the kids or kids at heart in your crew.
Hone your canoeing or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) skills as you navigate the waterways together with Wrightsville SUP rentals. Maneuver the marshland alongside your loved ones in rented single or tandem kayaks from Wrightsville Kayak Company, which provides instructions and laminated maps for your family’s self-guided adventures.
Embark on a family-friendly adventure with Soundside Adventures. Perfect for all ages, enjoy a private sunset sail aboard Zoe and cruise through the local waterways. Or, take the Island Hopper Cruise, which stops at a few surrounding islands, including Masonboro Island Reserve, the longest undisturbed barrier island in North Carolina.
Spring Into Island Adventures
Rest your sea legs at Wrightsville Beach Park, which includes a playground for the little ones, a variety of fitness equipment and picnic tables. At the end of the park is Harbor Way Gardens, featuring shaded benches and a Children’s Fountain where kids can cool off. Get energized by a walk around the 2.5-mile paved Loop shaded by live oak trees with scenic views of the Intracoastal Waterway, Banks Channel and salt marshes. Rent bikes from local outfitters like South End Surf Shop for a family cycle alongside The Loop. Located just across the bridge, venture through the picturesque grounds at Airlie Gardens and discover the colors of spring while learning about the seasonal blooms.
Head to the beach with the whole family to create some new memories by the sea. From resort-style beach chairs to canopies offering protection from the sun, Cape Fear Beach Rentals has you covered and will deliver beach equipment right to your door. Find everything you need for a beach day from Access 16 Beach Shoppe. Situated beside Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier, the shop carries a range of towels, beach toys, sunscreen, boogie boards and more. Equipped with a ground-floor elevator and stairs, it’s accessible to all.
Savor Coastal Cuisine
Fuel your day of active adventures with a beachside brunch at Drift Cafe. Delicious options like the Nutella French Toast and Sweet Stack will satisfy any palate. Toast to your family vacation with mimosas, specialty lattes or fruit smoothies.
Grab lunch at Shark Bar & Kitchen and enjoy a variety of tacos (firecracker shrimp, anyone?), small plates, burgers and sandwiches, alongside cocktails for the adults in a fun, casual environment. Head to Poe's Tavern, known for its gourmet burgers, handheld eats and craft brews, and even bring the family pup along and sit outside on the pet-friendly patio. With over 1,000 different menu combinations, Trolly Stop Hot Dogs is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. For those who like it plain, try the “Old Baldy” or add a little bit of spice and try suggested styles like the “Nuclear” dog.
Wrap up the day with oceanfront dining right on the beach at Oceanic Restaurant, known for its dishes featuring fresh catches from local fisheries. Watch the sunset over Island Shrimp Tacos or the fan-favorite Carolina Grit Cake while the little ones enjoy kid’s menu selections. Take in views of Banks Channels at South Beach Grill. Adults can savor specialties from the sea like the Grouper Linda while the kids take their pick from the children’s menu. Or opt for shareables like the Carolina Pork Nachos or South Beach "Sea-cuterie.”
From banana splits and floats to Italian ice and fruit smoothies, you’re sure to find a sweet treat for everyone in the family at the Original Ice Cream Stand. Enjoy the rotating gourmet flavors from Kohl’s Frozen Custard, or stick to the classics and order up a cone of chocolate, vanilla or both!
Stay in Comfort and Style
Find the perfect vacation rental from Sea Scape Properties to fit the whole family under one roof. Intracoastal Rentals offers elegant oceanfront condos, cozy beach cottages and spacious homes.
Book a stay at one of our full-service resorts located just steps from the ocean. As the only resort with surf to sound amenities, Blockade Runner Beach Resort allows families to enjoy sailing, surfing, paddleboard tours and other aquatic adventures during their stay. The reimagined and renovated Lumina on Wrightsville Beach, a Holiday Inn Resort offers rooms with bunkbeds and storage cubbies to better accommodate families. Take a dip in one of the three family-friendly pools, or recharge in one of the hammocks in the garden.
Plan a Wrightsville Beach getaway filled with active adventures and elevated experiences that will make this spring break the best yet for your family.
