Fall Things to Do

Fall Hues And Coastal Views In Wrightsville Beach

Escape to Wrightsville Beach during the fall to experience the things you know and love about the coast with the added benefits of mild temperatures, warm waves and fewer crowds. Voted one of the “South’s Best Beaches” by Southern Living, Wrightsville Beach is the perfect place to try something new for two or return to your favorite island spots with friends. Adventure seekers and outdoor lovers alike will want to embark on an eco-adventure to Masonboro Island Reserve or learn to ride a wave with a surf or SUP lesson. Step up your fitness game with a jog along The Loop or pack your yoga mat and take your practice to the beach. Wind down with craft brews complemented by scenic views or savor elevated island fare and fresh-to-table favorites. There’s no better time to get away to Wrightsville Beach.

Carolina Cup Surf ProAm

ACTIVE AUTUMN ADVENTURES

Hang ten at surf schools in one of the top surfing towns in the world with year-round surf waters. Find out why Wrightsville Beach is known as one of the best “SUP hubs” in the U.S. with a low-impact, high-performance SUP fitness class or challenge your balance with a Yoga SUP class from local outfitters. Hang ten at surf schools in one of the top surfing towns in the world with year-round surf waters and warm waves. Explore the island’s calm waters on a guided kayak adventure tour to Sharks Tooth Island or go beneath the waves with SCUBA diving companies to discover offshore reefs, ledges, shipwrecks and underwater habitats within a few miles of Wrightsville Beach. Land lovers can take a brisk walk or jog around the island’s 2.5-mile Loop or grab a bike to traverse the 11-mile River to Sea Bikeway winding from Johnnie Mercers Pier to Historic Downtown Wilmington.

Find Active Adventures

Epic Excursions Sunset Excursion, island dinner

A FRESH PERSPECTIVE

Explore the South End of the island, where you can spot beach-nesting birds and spectacular sunsets at the protected North Carolina Estuarine Research Reserve, or head to the North End and look for the Wrightsville Beach Mailbox where visitors can write letters and share stories or read through the notes left by others. Let the experts lead the way as you travel along Wrightsville Beach’s scenic waterways with tours and cruises in search of rare bird species, or visit Masonboro Island Reserve. Head out on a catamaran that docks at an uninhabited island to explore the surrounding waters on a stand-up paddleboard or savor a catered dinner on the shore. Set sail with an experienced sailboat captain or take the helm on your own with a class from area sailing schools . Or, step back in time at the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History as you explore the last 100-plus years of the island’s history.

Embark an on Eco-Adventure

Harbor Way Gardens beauty spot.

PARKS AND GARDENS

Situated on the west end of Wrightsville Beach Park is Harbor Way Gardens. This one-acre garden is the perfect place to practice yoga or rest in the shade surrounded by large trees and seasonal blooms. Wrightsville Beach Park is home to a large playground with plenty of space for children to climb, swing, spin and slide. Visitors will also find fitness equipment, basketball courts, tennis courts, pickleball courts, picnic shelter and sports fields. Nearby, explore more than 67 acres of beautiful gardens and walking trails at Airlie Gardens, and be sure to check out the towering nearly 500-year-old Airlie Oak. Visit East Salisbury Oceanfront Park, located near Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier, for the best ocean access, parking, showers, changing rooms and restroom facilities that make getting on the beach a breeze.

Explore Parks & Gardens

Blockade Runner East dining

FALL FLAVORS, CRAFT BREWS AND DRINKS WITH A VIEW

From chef-driven eateries with seasonal specials to comfort food with a twist and seafood steam pots to-go, find all your favorite island eats in Wrightsville Beach. Autumn is the perfect time to soak in the views while sipping on craft cocktails and brews in Wrightsville Beach. When the sun goes down, the vibrant nightlife scene heats up. Live like a local with cocktails and live music on an oceanfront pier or at a waterfront restaurant, or sip on local brews at one of our island dives. No matter what evening activities you prefer, you’re sure to enjoy a variety of entertainment under the stars in this walkable beach town.

Savor Island Flavors