Wrightsville Beach offers activities and adventures everyone can enjoy from kiddos to the kids at heart. From paddleboarding to pier fishing and surf lessons to sunset cruises, here are the best ways to make memories together in Wrightsville Beach.

Activities for All

To make the most of your visit, explore local landmarks that are sure to appeal to all ages. Start with The Loop, a 2.5-mile walking and running path that circles part of the island and is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. It provides scenic views of the Intracoastal Waterway and Banks Channel.

 

Wrightsville Beach Park, located along The Loop, features courts for basketball, pickleball and beach volleyball, as well as a playground for younger visitors. In the summer, the park hosts free events like an outdoor concert series and family-friendly movies in the park.

Adjacent to the park is Harbor Way Gardens, a quiet retreat filled with native plants and garden art. Kids can cool off at The Children’s Fountain, a reclaimed water feature that invites playful splashing.

 

In the heart of town, Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier stretches more than 1,200 feet into the Atlantic Ocean. For just $2 for adults or $1 for kids, you can walk the pier and take in breathtaking coastal views. Any and all anglers will enjoy fishing from the pier, with rod rentals, daily passes and a seasonal snack bar available at the bait and tackle shop.

The Wrightsville Beach Museum of History journeys through the island's past. Exhibits include a 1910 scale model of the beach, along with past letters found in the Wrightsville Beach Mailbox, located on the northern end of the island where people leave undelivered notes. 

 

Surf’s Up

Surfing is one of Wrightsville Beach’s most popular pastimes – and it’s truly a sport for everyone can enjoy. Anyone from little ones to lifelong learners can catch a wave here with help from the island’s instructors and outfitters. Wrightsville Beach School of Surf offers private lessons and surf camps for ages 4 and up, while WB Surf Camp provides group lessons for ages 10 through adult, as well as surf camps organized by age group. Many of Wrightsville Beach’s local surf shops, like South End Surf Shop and Sweetwater Surf Shop, offer private lessons too.

 

Guided Excursions

Whether you're in the mood for a relaxing cruise or hands-on learning, there are plenty of guided excursions. Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours has daily cruises to and around Masonboro Island Reserve, the longest undisturbed barrier island in the area, as well as harbor cruises. Kids will love themed adventures like eco-scavenger hunts and pirate cruises, while adults may prefer birding or shelling tours. Soundside Adventures provides sailing experiences ranging from adventurous to relaxing – including performance sails, cocktail cruises and peaceful sunset tours.

 

For private eco-adventures, Coastal Eco Adventures offers barrier island excursions with hands-on learning about the region’s marine life, like the Atlantic blue crab, and a tour dedicated to  oysters, complete with a tasting.

The calm waters of Banks Channel are ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking. Wrightsville Kayak Company rents all the gear needed for self-guided outings, while Wrightsville SUP offers lessons and tours, including an LED night paddle that illuminates the water below, offering a magical glimpse into marine life.

 

Embark on a personalized fishing adventure with Feel Good Fishing Charters & Adventures in Wrightsville Beach. Led by Captain Andre, these trips cater to all skill levels with a variety of experiences – from inshore and offshore fishing to nature tours and sunset cruises.

Dining Details

Wrightsville Beach boasts a variety of dining options to satisfy every palate and age. For casual family dining, Tower 7 Baja Mex is a favorite, offering flavorful tacos, burritos and a kid’s menu in a vibrant setting just steps from the beach. For a classic coastal option, South Beach Grill features a chalkboard menu that rotates based on seasonal catches and a kid’s menu for picky eaters. Diners will enjoy eating on the Crystal Pier at Oceanic, which serves fresh seafood dishes like the mahi-mahi Swimsuit Special or land-based fare such as tempura chicken tenders.

 

No meal is complete without a sweet treat. The Original Ice Cream Stand’s selections Italian ice and milkshakes to sundaes. Kohl's Frozen Custard serves up classic frozen custard flavors and rotating options that change weekly – be sure to check the flavor of the week in advance

 

Staying in Style

A stay at one of Wrightsville Beach’s vacation rentals or full-service resorts is sure to please the whole crew. Trailborn Surf & Sound has standard suites, as well as a deluxe garden suite with three rooms and plenty of space for everyone. The property’s lawn features games and hammocks for relaxing, along with a resort pool and cabana rentals. Lumina on Wrightsville Beach, a Holiday Inn Resort also provides everything guests need for a seaside stay, including rooms with a view and suites with bunk beds, as well as  indoor and outdoor pools, including a kiddie pool. Summer Sands Suites has spacious surf-inspired, family-friendly accommodations just steps from the sound, complete with kitchenettes and a saltwater pool.

With activities on land and sea, a variety of dining options and accommodations designed for comfort and fun, it’s easy to keep everyone entertained in Wrightsville Beach.