Named by Southern Living as one of the “South’s Best Beaches” and by MSN as one of the “Best Beaches in the U.S.”, Wrightsville Beach’s beautiful views and a wide variety of on- and off-shore activities are only made more exciting by the new offerings coming to the island in 2020.

Sail the Seas

Known for its crystal blue waters, Wrightsville Beach offers a variety of watersport opportunities for everyone from beginners to experienced athletes. Build a customized three-and-a-half-hour sailing experience with Shamrock Sailing Adventures’ Captain Jim. Grab up to six friends and embark on a private charter adventure to sail offshore, cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway or relax in secluded anchorages.

 

Sweetwater Surf Shop’s Before Work Surf Club continues to grow in popularity. The club’s mission is to keep people stoked about surfing while also encouraging sustainable living, leaving a small carbon footprint and giving back to the community. Anyone is welcome to join the early morning surf sessions to share coffee, find their Zen with a yoga flow, ride the waves or take part in a beach sweep. Surf’s up!

New Drinks

New on the spirits scene is the area’s first distillery, Blue Shark Distillery. Look for its unique bottle, each made from hand-blown glass and featuring a one-of-a-kind shark at the bottom, now available in ABC stores across New Hanover County. Cheers!

 

Lighthouse Beer & Wine announced it will once again be bringing the Voracious Rare Beer Festival to Wilmington on Oct. 23. Sip on rare and unique brews under the stars aboard the historic Battleship NORTH CAROLINA. 

History Gets a New Look

History buffs will find that some of their favorite attractions have a new look this year. New exhibits at the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History will highlight the importance of water to an ecosystem

Renovations to the Ewing-Bordeaux Cottage, a circa 1924 beach cottage, are slated for completion in 2020. The cottage will serve as an extension of the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History to create the Wrightsville Beach Historic Square. Once complete, the cottage will be the permanent home of the Waterman Hall of Fame, which will celebrate the island’s watersports heritage and coastal professions.

Out and About

Explore the outdoors with Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours’ new guided tour that walks visitors through the history of scenic Airlie Gardens and Bradley Creek. Bird watchers will want to join Audubon NC’s Wrightsville Beach Bird Stewards for a beach walk to view a nesting colony of black skimmers, common terns, least terns and American Oystercatchers on the south end of the beach.

 

Development of the East Salisbury Oceanfront Park, which will be located near Johnnie Mercers Pier, is underway. The new park, featuring ocean access, parking, showers and restroom facilities, is slated to open in the summer of 2020.

East Salisbury Park Render