At Wrightsville Beach, you don’t need a big budget to have a great time.Take a walk along the shore to spot the iconic Wrightsville Beach Mailbox, visit filming locations from popular TV shows or jump into a game of pickleball at Wrightsville Beach Park. From sunrise strolls and historic stops to picnics and live music, there are tons of ways to enjoy the island life without draining your wallet.
Easy Beach Time
Kick off your day with a walk along the shore to collect seashells or watch the sunrise, then grab an affordable breakfast at Zeke’s Beans and Bowls, offering a selection of bowls and smoothies for under $10. Don’t miss the Wrightsville Beach Mailbox at the north end of the beach, often stocked with paper and pens so you can leave letters, notes or vacation memories.
Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier, open year-round, is another must-see. It’s the only concrete fishing pier in North Carolina and stretches over 1,200 feet into the ocean. The panoramic views are worth every penny of the small entry fee.
On-Screen Spots
Spend an afternoon exploring filming locations around town. Stroll out onto the 475-foot Crystal Pier, featured in “The Summer I Turned Pretty” and “Outer Banks” (Pro tip: The pier offers free admission year-round for both walking and fishing). Or, head to the southern end of the island to see Banks Channel, a popular backdrop shown in “Dawson’s Creek.” Check out this map for even more set-jetting spots.
Local History
Experience 19th-century beach culture at the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History, located in the charming Myers Cottage. Don’t miss the scale model of Wrightsville Beach from 1910, which shows how much the island has changed, and the original Wrightsville Beach Mailbox. After your tour, relax on the front porch and take in the coastal vibes.
Pack a Picnic
Grab snacks from Bevvy Mart or Robert’s Grocery (and check out SUNday’s Cafe for affordable coffee drinks), then set up a picnic on the beach or at Harbor Way Gardens, where shaded benches and a fountain offer a quieter spot to relax.
Get Moving
Walk or jog the Wrightsville Beach Loop (a.k.a. The Loop), a paved, 2.45-mile trail that runs alongside the Intracoastal Waterway and salt marshes. Along the way, historical markers from the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History highlight the island’s past.
For more fun on land, head to Wrightsville Beach Park, where you can play pickleball, softball, soccer, basketball or tennis. The park also features free outdoor fitness equipment and an inclusive playground for kids of all abilities.
Ready to get on the water? Bring your own gear (or rent locally from affordable outfitters) for surfing, stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking. Check out this blog for rental recs and tips to make the most of your time on the waves.
Free Seasonal Activites
Kick off spring with the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Wrightsville Beach Park on March 28, or relax by the water at the NC Azalea Festival: After Garden Get-Down at Bluewater Waterfront Grill on April 10. Then on May 9, take a stroll and browse locally made sculptures and paintings at Art in the Harbor Way Gardens.
Summer in Wrightsville Beach means live music at the Oceanic Summer Music Series on Crystal Pier, with artists performing on Fridays and Sundays. For a seasonal lawn concert experience, check out WECT Sounds of Summer, taking place every Thursday from May through September at Wrightsville Beach Park, or hear live music by the water at Bluewater Waterfront Grill’s weekly summer concerts.
Check out Bark in the Park at Wrightsville Beach Park on Oct. 3 for some pet-friendly fun, or join the WB Bike Rodeo on Oct. 11 for a kid-friendly bike safety obstacle course, free food and plenty of bikes to borrow. On Oct. 30 and Dec. 4, Movies in the Park brings festive movies to the big screen, complete with free snacks.
Celebrate an island-style Christmas in Wrightsville Beach! Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies at the Christmas Kick-Off & Tree Lighting on Nov. 27, followed by the NC Holiday Flotilla.
Check out this calendar for the most up-to-date info about upcoming concerts and events.
