About Wrightsville Beach
Active Adventures in a Picturesque Setting
Wrightsville Beach is an island that retains its village-like feel and wonderful sense of removal from everyday cares. A clean, breathtaking stretch of white sand and sparkling water along the beach and Intracoastal Waterway just begs for watersports activities, swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, diving, fishing, and surfing. Narrated harbor cruises, a waterbird sanctuary and special events enhance the coastal experience. As North Carolina's most accessible beach from Interstate I-40, getting here is easy.
The athletic at heart can take on The Loop, a fitness trail that circles the inner island. Bargain hunters gravitate to the beachside stores and distinctive, welcoming shopping village. Boaters launch from full-service marinas and narrated scenic cruises along the Intracoastal Waterway that offer a glimpse into the island's past.
And some of the finest seafood restaurants on the North Carolina coast with spectacular oceanfront or Intracoastal Waterway views can be found here, along with vibrant nightspots.
Fast Facts
- Incorporated in 1899, Wrightsville Beach was once a summer retreat accessible only by boat and steam train before WWI. Today this small island community thrives with restaurants, shops, marinas and resorts.
- Wrightsville Beach is North Carolina’s most accessible beach, connected via Interstate 40. It’s easy to get here and even easier to stay.
- A state Highway Historical Marker honors Wrightsville Beach as the birthplace of surfing in NC. The "Pioneer East Coast Surfing" marker recognizes that early surfing activity was organized by Burke Haywood Bridgers and others in 1909 in Wrightsville Beach.
- The Carolina Cup's 13.2-mile Graveyard Race was elevated to 7-Star status - the highest ranking and one of only three races in the world to attain the lucky seven.
- Wrightsville Beach is an anchor location for the IRONMAN 70.3 North Carolina, an award-winning triathlon.
- Wrightsville Beach is home to several first-class fishing tournaments including the Cape Fear Blue Marlin Tournament which has been taking place for nearly 50 years.
- Historic shopping staple Redix department store has been serving Wrightsville Beach since 1969. The coastal shopper’s paradise has been visited by many celebrities while on location filming in the area.
- Outdoor enthusiasts can walk, jog or bike on The Loop, a 2.45-mile fitness trail that circles the inner island around the public park and scenic marshes.
- Wrightsville Beach is home to the Mason Inlet Waterbird Management Area, a 300-acre sanctuary located at the north end of Wrightsville Beach. Audubon North Carolina helps visitors enjoy close-up looks at natural marvels through free guided tours of the Mason Inlet Waterbird Management Area.
- Masonboro Island is the largest undisturbed barrier island along the southern part of the North Carolina coast and is an estuarine sanctuary home to many threatened species. Located just below Wrightsville Beach and accessible for groups by boat, 87% of the 8.4-mile long island is covered with marsh and tidal flats.
- Wrightsville Beach and specifically 26 to 40 miles off the coast is one of a few places in the world where you can find giant prehistoric Megalodon teeth in high concentration. Diving charters go to Megalodon tooth ledges, which are ancient river beds now filled in with the ocean. Advanced dives are more than 100 feet down. Teeth of the prehistoric sharks can measure more than six inches and are valuable, some worth thousands of dollars.
