Wrightsville Beach’s dedication to accessibility makes it more than just a picturesque destination with crystal blue waters. The island welcomes visitors of all abilities to explore at their own pace and experience renewal in the island’s scenic beauty and outdoor activities. Our community offers a one-of-a-kind beach experience for all, from beach wheelchairs for seaside sunbathing to ADA-accessible lodging for comfortable stays.
Inclusive Surf Camps
Family-owned Indo Jax Surf School hosts free camps with the mission of empowering children with disabilities to dive in and discover the ocean’s therapeutic benefits. Surfers Healing, a camp for children with autism, stops in Wrightsville Beach each year as it travels across the county. The transformative power of the ocean instills calm and confidence, while instructors assist participants in catching waves on tandem boards. Learn alongside certified instructors at WB Surf Camp during one of the day and overnight camp offerings. Although children of all abilities are welcome, please contact the camp’s Program Coordinator at (910) 256-7873 to discuss safety precautions.
Accessible Outdoor Experiences
Five beach wheelchairs and one beach walker are available for visitors to reserve, free of charge. Designed to navigate the sand, these chairs help ensure everyone can enjoy the full beach experience alongside crystal blue waters. Call Wrightsville Beach Parks & Recreation at (910) 256-7925 to reserve a chair, or visit the town’s website for more information on pick-up locations and times.
Wrightsville Beach Park contains a large playground equipped with a variety of inclusive activities for children of all ages and abilities. The Liberty Swing allows wheelchair users to safely experience outdoor excitement. To access keys and instructions for the Liberty Swing, please call Wrightsville Beach Parks & Recreation.
With a wheelchair-accessible ramp, Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier welcomes visitors of all abilities to take in breathtaking coastline views along the 1,200-foot concrete pier, the first of its kind in North Carolina. Wheelchair users can access the pier free of charge, and other visitors can purchase a walkout pass for the day. Alternatively, opt for a fishing pass and rod and reel rental. Located at Access #16 at the pier, the ADA-accessible oceanfront gazebo at East Salisbury Park provides restrooms, beach showers and parking.
Nearby, Airlie Gardens is home to 67 acres of seasonal blooms, historic and contemporary sculptures and mighty live oaks. Paved pathways and rest benches throughout the grounds enhance accessibility for visitors in wheelchairs or with restricted mobility.
Accommodations for All
Choose from Wrightsville Beach’s convenient vacation rentals, including spacious, accessible homes with elevators like “The Great Escape” from Sea Scape Properties or “Sandpiper Cottage” from Intracoastal Rentals. Unwind by the ocean with accessible rooms and resort-style amenities from full-service hotels. Lumina on Wrightsville Beach, a Holiday Inn Resort, serves as an ideal home base for your vacation and provides accommodating features, including Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD) telephones, communication kits and more. From ADA-compliant guest rooms to the pool, several accessible areas throughout the hotel ensure all guests can enjoy the facilities. Situated between the sound and the sea, the Blockade Runner Beach Resort provides a relaxing stay with accessible rooms and on-site wheelchairs are available by advance request. The resort’s front desk can also assist with arranging a beach wheelchair from the town.
Wrightsville Beach offers a supportive environment for every visitor to expect more from his or her beach experience.
