Summertime calls for relaxing, rejuvenating and spending time together on a family vacation. Elevate your summer escape this year by choosing Wrightsville Beach, and plan a family getaway filled with experiences like cruising to a private island and paddleboarding as the sun sets over the water. Here are six ways to make the most of summer fun for the whole family in Wrightsville Beach:
Family Fun on the Water
Set sail on a Wrightsville Performance Sailing private cruise and revel in a transformative soundside sunset as an experienced captain steers you through local waterways. Or, master the basics of sailing with instruction from the Blockade Runner Sailing Center, one of only five ASA-certified sailing schools in North Carolina.
Embark on a pirate-themed cruise to Masonboro Island with Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours. The whole family will be entertained as a costumed guide leads you on a lore-filled adventure to find Captain Kidd’s lost treasure.
Aquatic Adventures
Known as the birthplace of surfing in North Carolina, Wrightsville Beach offers endless active adventures on crystal blue waters. The whole family can learn to ride the waves during a private group surf lesson from the trained instructors at Indo Jax Surf School or WB Surf Camp. Take part in one of the island’s most popular activities with a family stand-up paddleboard (SUP) adventure. Head to Wrightsville SUP or Cape Fear Paddleboarding to rent gear or reserve a private lesson. Soundside Adventures offers excursions and equipment rentals for SUP, surfing, sailing, kayaking and more.Wrightsville Beach’s Masonboro Island Reserve is the longest undisturbed barrier island ecosystem in southern North Carolina. Access the uninhabited island by boat, kayak or canoe to observe pristine salt marsh and tidal creek ecosystems brimming with protected wildlife. Join the pros at Wrightsville Kayak Company for a guided Masonboro Island excursion, which provides kayaks, paddleboards, dry bags, a map and all of the necessities for your eco-adventure. Coastal Eco Adventures offers intimate boating and eco-exploration opportunities for families and small groups.
Discover Local Parks
Take a break from the beach to explore Harbor Way Gardens, located at the west end of Wrightsville Beach Park. Wander the paved paths and the Plant it Pink Garden, honoring breast cancer survivors, to see seasonal Witherspoon Roses and native flowers in bloom. Cool off in the shade of the park’s tall trees as kids of all ages splash in the Children’s Fountain.
Scenic Strolls
Get active together with a family walk or jog along the island’s 2.5-mile Loop, providing scenic views of the Intracoastal Waterway, Banks Channel and salt marshes. Add some education to your exercise with the Loop Through History self-guided tour. Informational signs showcasing vintage photographs, history tidbits and trivia about your favorite coastal destination are displayed from sunrise to sunset during select weekends from June to December.
Island Eats
After a day of adventure, wind down al fresco or pick up family-friendly dinner fare to-go. At Trolly Stop Wrightsville Beach, choose from a menu of five types of delicious hot dogs and more than 1,000 different topping combinations. This casual spot serves something for everyone, including kids with picky palates.
Dine on the pier at Oceanic Restaurant, Wrightsville Beach’s only standalone restaurant on the beach. Indulge in coastal favorites from land and sea like the crab-stuffed salmon or the shrimp and white cheddar grits. Enjoy live music with the whole family on Sunday and Thursday evenings with Oceanic Summer Music Series. Savor local dishes at Dockside Restaurant, a Wrightsville Beach staple for more than 30 years, or take in marina views and seafood specialties at Bluewater Waterfront Grill. Rock the Dock: Bluewater Summer Music presents live music performances on Sundays during the summer months.
Something Sweet
Put the cherry on top of your family vacation with a tasty treat sure to satisfy the little ones. Cool down with gourmet frozen custard or a banana split on the outdoor patio at Kohl’s Frozen Custard. Or, grab a scoop of your favorite flavor at The Original Ice Cream Stand, conveniently located just steps from the ocean along the Loop.
Elevate your family getaway with a stay at one of Wrightsville Beach’s full-service oceanfront resorts with amenities for parents and kids alike including Blockade Runner Beach Resort and the completely renovated Lumina on Wrightsville Beach, a Holiday Inn Resort. Larger families can also choose from a variety of spacious vacation rentals suited to meet everyone’s needs.
Whether your family is adventuring on the water, dining al fresco at a locally owned seafood restaurant or enjoying the pristine surroundings at a seaside resort or rental, you’ll come to expect more from your vacation at Wrightsville Beach.
