Fall Things to Do

Fall Hues and Coastal Views in Wrightsville Beach, NC

Escape to Wrightsville Beach for all the things you know and love about the coast with the added benefits of mild temperatures, warm waves and fewer crowds. Named the "Best Waterfront Town in North Carolina” by Southern Living, Wrightsville Beach is the perfect place to try something new for two or return to your favorite island spots solo or with friends. Adventure seekers and outdoor lovers alike will want to embark on a guided kayak tour 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 or on the pier. Wind down with surf-inspired cocktails and craft brews complemented by scenic views while savoring fresh-to-table, local favorites. There’s no better time to get away to Wrightsville Beach.

Nature & Active ADVENTURES

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 from local outfitters. Hang ten at surf schools in one of the top surfing towns in the world with year-round surf waters. 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. Let local outfitters lead the way as you travel along Wrightsville Beach’s scenic waterways with a guided kayak tour. 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 Fishing Pier to Historic Downtown Wilmington.

Find Active Adventures

CRUISES & EXCURSIONS

Explore beneath the waves with SCUBA diving companies to discover offshore reefs, ledges, shipwrecks and underwater habitats near Wrightsville Beach. Set sail on “Bella,” Soundside Adventure’s catamaran for a private excursion and explore local spots like Palm Tree Island or Money Island. Book a private charter with Awesome Adventures to Masonboro Island Reserve, an uninhabited island only accessible by boat to explore the surrounding waters. Sit back and relax during a scenic sunset cruise with La Dee Dah Sunset Cruises or Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours. Navigate the waterways with an experienced sailboat captain or take the helm on your own with a class from area sailing schools.

Discover Island Excursions

FALL FLAVORS & Experiences

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

Harbor Way Gardens instagrammable spot.

Scenic Parks & 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