Summer Things to Do in Wrightsville Beach, NC

Find Island Bliss Without a Passport

Beach better on your summer vacation with an island getaway to one of the “South’s Best Beaches,” as voted by Southern Living readers. Embrace Wrightsville Beach’s active island lifestyle with watersports on crystal blue waters or on land along the scenic 2.5-mile Loop encircling town. Embark on a private charter and cruise to nearby barrier islands or kick back and relax on the shore. Kids can hit the waves on surfboards or stand-up paddleboards at a day camp, while adults toast poolside with surf-inspired specialty cocktails. Book your summer vacation to Wrightsville Beach to enjoy your own little slice of paradise.

Wrightsville Beach Pirate Cruise

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

Check into one of our full-service hotels and resorts to sign up for kids’ camps, featuring daily activities including kayak or SUP lessons, arts and crafts or beach treasure walks. Board a pirate treasure cruise to Masonboro Island Reserve in search of buried treasure or an island eco-tour with local cruise companies. Set sail on one of the island’s many charter boats to cast a line with an experienced boat captain in hopes of reeling in a flounder, king mackerel or black sea bass. Nearby, let the butterflies flutter around you in the Butterfly House at Airlie Gardens.

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SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS

Sign up to participate in the annual Cape Fear Blue Marlin Tournament held each June, or head to the Wrightsville Beach Marina to watch the anglers weigh in their catch. Enjoy live music paired with scenic views and local flavors at Oceanic or Bluewater Waterfront Grill’s Summer Music Series. Head to nearby Airlie Gardens to relax under the tall live oaks while listening to live music during the Airlie Gardens Concert Series, every first and third Thursday from June through September.

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Water Excursions

Beginners can sign up for a group surf lesson with experienced instructors at local surf camps to spend a day on the water with family or friends. For more advanced instruction, take a private surf lesson. Try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding as you embark on a guided tour, or sign up for a group or private lesson from local outfitters. Sail the day away with a sailing lesson or guided adventure from area sailing schools. Wrightsville Beach has one of the few ASA Certified Sailing Schools in North Carolina, where you can earn your US Sailing Basic Keelboat and Coastal Cruising Certifications.

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WELLNESS BY THE WATER

With a variety of outdoor activities to experience, Wrightsville Beach is the perfect place to recharge and reconnect with yourself. Find your Zen at Harbor Way Gardens while the kids splash in the Children’s Fountain, or take your yoga practice to the Crystal Pier or the beach with drop-in classes from yoga instructors. Bring the kids along to Wrightsville Beach Park to swing, slide and play on the playground while adults practice their serve at the tennis or pickleball courts. Or, take in the scenic marsh and Intracoastal Waterway views during a jog or stroll along the island’s popular 2.5-mile Loop.

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Taste of the Island

Have Sunday brunch in lavish gardens at EAST Oceanfront Dining. Step right off the shore and nosh on classic beach treats like hot dogs from Trolly Stop with 1,000 combinations possible and 13 different toppings. Cool off with an afternoon sweet treat for the whole family at Kohl's Frozen Custard. With an assortment of seafood options, from fresh oysters to the catch of the day, in addition to amazing cocktails, like the jaws colada or sharkberry rose margarita, Shark Bar & Kitchen is perfect for starting the night with your crew. Order off the seasonal menu showcasing fresh local seafood at South Beach Grill and watch the boats float by as you dine along Banks Channel. Grab a cook-it-yourself steam bucket from Topsail Steamer filled with your choice of shrimp, crab legs, corn on the cob, red potatoes and more to cook up back at your beach house rental.

Island Restaurants

SUMMER NIGHTS

Sip on surf-inspired cocktails and margarita pitchers paired with scenic views at an oceanfront bar or lounge in lush poolside gardens with an ice-cold coastal cocktail in hand. Relax with a cocktail in the lush poolside gardens at the Blockade Runner Beach Resort or enjoy an assortment of surf-inspired cocktails, margarita pitchers and ocean views at Oceanic's Jetty Bar. Kick back and take in sunset views from the second-floor deck of Bluewater Waterfront Grill watching boats cruise along the Intracoastal. End the evening with a late-night burger and local craft beer on the patio of Poe's Tavern. Dance the night away to live music and party with the locals at beach bars.

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