Looking for the perfect way to beat the lingering summer heat? Cool down with a day spent exploring Wrightsville Beach’s unique variety of locally-owned shops and stops. One of the few beaches known for its quantity and variety of both upscale and budget-friendly shopping options from outdoor gear to delicate jewelry and tasteful trinkets, you’ll end the day with an arm full of shopping bags to show off to your travel companions.

Beach Buys 

Take the beach home with gear from one of Wrightsville Beach’s local surf shops or outdoor outfitters. Turn your backyard into your own island oasis with a handmade rope hammock, porch swing or rocker from Outer Banks Hammocks, a local shop creating high-quality, handcrafted products since 1972. Or, embrace the surfing lifestyle at Sweetwater Surf ShopSouth End Surf Shop or Surf City Surf Shop, where you can explore a wide selection of contemporary gear and apparel. Be sure to head upstairs at South End Surf Shop to refresh, rehydrate and relax at SUNday’s Cafe, a popular hangout spot for locals and surfers. SUNday’s offers everything from smoothie bowls and coffee to craft draft, and you can even bring your furry friends along. Annex Surf Supply, named one of the best surf shops in the world, is the perfect stop for music and art lovers looking to immerse themselves in the local surfing community. One of the few shops in North Carolina carrying Volcom’s boutique BASL brand and the Vans California Collection, you’ll look like a local from head to toe in no time.  

 

Don’t miss out on a trip to Redix, where you’ll find “everything under the sun,” from clothing to tackle, gifts and more. Started in 1940 as an Army Surplus supplier, Redix opened its doors in Wrightsville Beach in 1969 as the town’s one-stop-shop for beach gear. Today, shoppers will find more than 20,000 t-shirts, over 1,000 pairs of sunglasses and a huge selection of designer apparel from popular brands to explore.

 

Accessorize in Style 

No outfit is complete without the perfect accessories to tie it together. Shop for a new handbag, wallet, tote and more at Holly Aiken. The North Carolina-based company’s hand-crafted, simple, bright and durable accessories are perfect for working women or on-the-go moms. Featured by notable publications like Southern LivingParenting and Huff Post, Holly Aiken’s exclusive die-cut geometric patterns and functional styles are instantly recognizable. You never know what will catch your eye at Hallelu Boutique, where you’ll find a carefully curated selection of women’s clothing, jewelry, shoes and accessories. Head to The Workshop to find unique jewelry crafted from Mako, great white, tiger and megalodon teeth collected by the shop’s owners, whose passion for diving and coffee is evident as soon as you walk through the doors. While you’re there, grab one of their French-inspired almond croissants, sandwiches or smoothies. Just over the drawbridge is Lumina Station, a shopping village by the beach offering a charming collection of boutiques set among beautiful landscaping, whimsical sculptures and storybook bridges.

 

Island Bites and Sips 

Once you’ve shopped till you drop, recharge with a stop at one of Wrightsville Beach’s locally owned eateries. Grab a superfood smoothie, energy-boosting espresso, wellness shot or fresh, organic juice at Adapt Kitchen & Juice Bar. Or, pick up a pint of the famous chicken salad from Robert’s Grocery, Wrightsville Beach’s oldest store, to enjoy for lunch on the beach or pack in a cooler for the trip home. After a busy day shopping, wind down with a glass of wine and delicious bite of Sun-Kissed Shrimp or Artichoke Spinach Dip at Oceanic Restaurant. Wrightsville Beach’s only standalone restaurant on the beach, take in unparalleled views as you relax at a table in the outdoor dining area on the Crystal Pier. End the day with everyone’s favorite beach treat at The Original Ice Cream Stand, conveniently located on the Wrightsville Beach Loop, where you can savor fruit smoothies, Italian ices, floats, banana splits, hand-scooped ice cream and more. 

 

Whether you have your eye on something special or you simply want to spend a pleasant afternoon perusing, support the many unique locally owned and operated island shops found in and nearby Wrightsville Beach on this year’s vacation. Find a full list of shopping options here.