Escape to Wrightsville Beach, where public beach access points transport you to iconic crystal blue waters and world-class waves. Let our shore transform your mindset as you step onto the sand at one of this destination’s local-favorite entry points.
North End Access
On the island's northern end lies a breathtaking strip of silver sand with several access points. Journey to Shell Island from Access #2, the northernmost public access point that also features showers and bathrooms, and discover a natural stretch of sand dunes along Mason Inlet. From this access, continue north along the beach and keep your eyes peeled for the mysterious Wrightsville Beach Mailbox, where visitors can leave letters with their favorite memories or wishes for safekeeping. Close by, Access #3 and Access #4 offer public parking and handicap-accessible walkways to the beach. The town of Wrightsville Beach has five beach-friendly wheelchairs and one walker available for visitors to reserve. Call (910) 256-7925 for more information.
Located near Lumina on Wrightsville Beach, a Holiday Inn Resort, Access #8 has several public parking spots and a lifeguard stand nearby with a guard on duty during summer months. Beachgoers can walk from the beach, with appropriate attire, to the resort’s on-site Solstice Oceanfront Kitchen + Cocktails for delicious, coastal-American cuisine.
Heart of Town Access
One of the most popular public access points on the island is Access #16. Situated right beside Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier and the oceanfront gazebo at East Salisbury Park, this access provides public restrooms, beach showers and parking, as well as wheelchair-friendly access. Beachgoers can stock up on gear and goodies at Access 16 Beach Shoppe. For a delicious, coastal casual meal just steps from the beach, head to nearby Shark Bar & Kitchen.
Right in the heart of downtown Wrightsville Beach, Access #26, Access #27 and Access #28 are popular with locals because of their proximity to local hotspots like Adapt Kitchen & Juice Bar and Robert's Grocery, the island's oldest store. Pick up an Adaptogenic Super Smoothie or Robert’s Famous Chicken Salad for a picnic on the beach. Public parking is available at Access #29, where you can cool down with a treat from The Original Ice Cream Stand, conveniently located nearby.
South End Access
Toward the island's southern tip, Access #36 is another wheelchair-accessible point offering beachgoers convenient public parking and restrooms. The public access’s location at the base of Crystal Pier allows visitors to venture from the beach to Oceanic Restaurant for breathtaking ocean views and classic coastal cuisine.
Access #43 and Access #44 are beloved by locals for their location at the southernmost point of the island, which provides a prime position for catching mesmerizing sunsets. Go for an evening stroll along the beach or enjoy the views from the pavilion before finding the jetty at the south end, which separates Wrightsville Beach and Masonboro Island Reserve, North Carolina’s longest undisturbed barrier island.
Wrightsville Beach’s shoreline beckons you to beach better on your next retreat. Bookmark this map for additional information on this destination’s public beach accesses, as well as their restrooms, parking lots and handicap-accessible points.
