Wrightsville Beach was recognized as one of the “Best Beaches in the U.S.” by Travel + Leisure last year, thanks to its crystal blue waters and abundance of exceptional experiences for visitors. This year, expect even more from your Wrightsville Beach vacation as 2024 brings a wave of exciting additions to our shores.
Cruises and Water Tours
From the Intracoastal Waterway to the Atlantic Ocean, be refreshed by new explorations on the water this year. Immerse yourself in the area’s diverse wildlife and ecosystems with Wilmington Outdoor Adventures’ new guided kayak tour navigating the surrounding waterways. This new offering, the Wrightsville Beach Waterloop Tour, will be available starting in March 2024.
Coastal Eco Adventures, a new addition to the area, leads private charter boating adventures for families and small groups of up to six passengers. With combined experience of 70 years in environmental education, the all-female crew of expert guides will take you to uninhabited islands, sounds, tidal creeks and other ecosystems for hands-on learning opportunities. Choose from various tours such as the Estuarine Tidal Marsh Ecology tour to explore flora and fauna, the Dynamic Barrier Islands tour to trek from the estuary to the ocean or the Featured Creatures tour to try your hand at catch-and-release crabbing. Delve into the cultural and economic history of oyster harvesting in North Carolina as you visit an estuary farm and sample local oysters through a Coastal Eco Adventures aquaculture tour, offered in partnership with the NC Oyster Trail.
A First-Class Floating Restaurant
The Commodore Club is set to open its doors this year at the Wrightsville Beach Marina. Situated on a repurposed two-story barge overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, the floating restaurant is the only one of its kind in Wrightsville Beach and will be accessible by car or boat for a dock-and-dine experience. The first floor’s dining area will be open to visitors with reservations to enjoy cuisine and drinks. The Commodore Club’s food and beverage program is helmed by renowned Triangle-based restauranteur Giorgios Bakatsias. His Giorgios Hospitality Group is the force behind Kipos Hellenic Cuisine in Lumina Station, among many other acclaimed restaurants throughout the state.
Lights, Camera, Action!
Numerous Wrightsville Beach locations have served as settings for films and TV shows, including cult classics like “Dawson’s Creek.” The popular Amazon Prime TV series “The Summer I Turned Pretty” shot several scenes on the island's south end and is expected to return in 2024 for Season 3 filming. Additionally, the highly anticipated Season 4 of the Netflix’s “Outer Banks” used Oceanic Restaurant and the Crystal Pier as backdrops for scenes. Visit these film-worthy Wrightsville Beach spots and embark on a self-guided tour of the area’s film locations using this map.
Discover something blue and something new in Wrightsville Beach, where the new year’s additions will further enhance your beach experience. For ongoing updates on what’s new in Wrightsville Beach throughout 2024 and beyond, visit this webpage.
