Named the “Best Waterfront Town” for the state of North Carolina by Southern Living and ranking No. 4 on USA Today’s 10Best list of North Carolina beaches in 2024,Wrightsville Beach is adding even more for visitors to explore in 2025.

Elevated Accommodations

Trailborn Surf & Sound has officially opened its doors following a rebrand and renovation of the Blockade Runner Beach Resort. A Wrightsville Beach landmark since 1954, the property upgraded the lobby and public and meetings spaces, as well as renovated guestrooms and elevated outdoor areas. To top it off, the property is also revamping the beachfront pool and pool bar.

Trailborn

Trailborn Surf & Sound

With 360-degree views showcasing the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the sound on the other, the resort is also home to La Duna Paradiso. Set to open in early 2025, the on-site restaurant will offer Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, with highlights including fresh catches and specialty cocktails. Guests can choose to eat in the refurbished dining room or the lush, oceanfront garden.

Making Waves

What’s a trip to the coast without some fun on the water? Whether you are surfing the waves or sailing through them, there is an activity to be found for all water enthusiasts. Hit the sea or sound by boat with Wrightsville SUP, which is launching its new Sea Gate Boat Club. The only boat club on the island, this new venture expands Wrightsville SUP’s offerings – including standup paddleboard (SUP), kayak, canoe, outrigger and bike rentals – to include an impressive selection of boat rentals and activities. Members of Sea Gate Boat Club will have access to a versatile fleet of boats and exclusive club events, ensuring more opportunities for fun on the water.

 

Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours is debuting its brand-new Bennington Pontoon boat, the Leprechaun. Designed for island adventures, this versatile boat provides convenient shuttles to Masonboro Island and private excursions for up to eight guests. Through the new Masonboro All-Inclusive Package, guests can partake in a 4-hour private boat ride including an eco-tour and a picnic for a memorable day on the water.

 

Upgraded Parks and Must-Attend Garden Events

Wrightsville Beach’s parks and gardens are also leaning into new additions and exciting events. In response to the growing popularity of pickleball, Wrightsville Beach Park has five brand-new pickleball courts under construction, all of which should be completed early this year.

While a visit to Airlie Gardens is already a must-do activity for anyone visiting Wrightsville Beach, Airlie Gardens is also preparing for the return of its highly anticipated event, Blooms & Brews. Taking place in March, the event offers a charming blend of vibrant blooms and refreshing craft brews, providing the ideal backdrop for a relaxing and enjoyable afternoon. Airlie Gardens is also pleased to once again host an art exhibit, with the theme set to be revealed early this year.

 

Star-Studded Shores

Wrightsville Beach has served as the setting for numerous films and TV shows for decades, and the destination is adding more to its list this year. Amazon Prime is releasing its highly anticipated series, “The Runarounds.” Created by Jonas Pate, a cocreator of the Netflix series Outer Banks, it focuses on a group of young adults that come together to form a rock band the summer after graduating high school, featuring Wrightsville Beach as its backdrop.

Another Amazon Prime hit series, “The Summer I Turned Pretty” also returned to Wrightsville Beach to film its third season, set to premier this summer. Based on the books by New York Times best-selling author Jenny Han, seasons one and two of the show highlighted Wrightsville Beach’s South End and Crystal Pier.

 

Explore everything Wrightsville Beach’s new additions have to offer this year to make your vacation even better. Keep an eye on what’s new in Wrightsville Beach throughout the year by visiting this webpage.