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

For those staying at the Trailborn Surf & Sound, check out their Trailborn Kids program and keep the kids entertained with day camps like kayaking, dock fishing and cruising. Enjoy family-friendly live entertainment poolside with movie nights at Lumina on Wrightsville Beach, a Holiday Inn Resort. Board a pirate treasure cruise to Masonboro Island Reserve in search of buried treasure with Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours or a kayak eco-tour with Soundside Adventures. Set sail on one of the island’s many charter boats to cast a line with an experienced boat captain. Kids will love the Butterfly House at nearby Airlie Gardens.

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Music on the Crystal Pier in Wrightsville Beach, NC Oceanic Restaurant

EVENTS HIGHLIGHTS

Enjoy live music paired with scenic views and local flavors at Oceanic every Thursday and Sunday during their Summer Music Series or Bluewater Waterfront Grill’s Rock the Dock Summer Music each Sunday. Head to WECT Sounds of Summer Concerts at Wrightsville Beach Park every Thursday for live music and entertainment. Or, pack a picnic and relax under the live oaks at Airlie Gardens while listening to live tunes during the Airlie Gardens Concert Series, every first and third Friday June 6-Sept. 5. Cheer on pro and amateur female surfers at the Wahine Classic Surfing Competition, a beloved surfing tradition Aug. 9-10.

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Jul 15

Birds of a Feather Art in the Garden

July 15, 2025 - December 31, 2025

Airlie Gardens

Jul 15

Butterfly Releases at Airlie Gardens

July 15, 2025 - September 2, 2025

Airlie Gardens

Jul 15

Foiling Flight

July 15, 2025 - October 30, 2025

Soundside Adventures at Wrightsville Beach

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Two women on stand up paddleboards on the water taking a lesson.

Water Excursions

Beginners can sign up for a group surf lesson with experienced instructors at local surf schools to spend a day on the water with family or friends. 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 Wrightsville SUP or Cape Fear Paddleboarding. Captain your own boat with Nauti Time Rentals and amp up the fun with water skis, tubes, wakeboards and more. Cruise to a private island and indulge in a seafood boil with Epic Excursions. Dive in and search shipwrecks or habitats for Megalodon teeth with WB Diving. Or, become a diving pro by taking a SCUBA diving certification course with Aquatic Safaris. Sail the day away with a sailing lesson or guided adventure from area sailing schools like Blockade Runner Sailing School, one of the few ASA Certified Sailing Schools in North Carolina, or sign up for a private lesson and earn your US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification from Wrightsville Performance Sailing.

Water Experiences & Rentals

Yoga on The Wrightsville Beach Pier

Wellness Trip Ideas

With a variety of outdoor activities to experience, Wrightsville Beach is the perfect place to reset your mind, body and spirit. Stroll the path through the shady trees at Harbor Way Gardens and let the little ones splash in the Children’s Fountain. Bring the kids along to Wrightsville Beach Park to swing, slide and play on the playground while adults practice their serve on the tennis or pickleball courts. Take in the scenic marsh and Intracoastal Waterway views during a jog or stroll along the island’s popular 2.5-mile Loop that circles around the town. Or, catch an early yoga class on Crystal Pier with BeUnlimited Yoga.

Get Active On Land

4x3 Oceanic dining

Taste of the Island

Dine alfresco along the Crystal Pier and enjoy coastal-inspired dishes like the Carolina Grit Cake at Oceanic. Step right off the beach for classic kid treats like hot dogs from Trolly Stop with 1,000 combinations possible and 13 different toppings or find beach bites and craft cocktails on the Admirals Deck at Shark Bar & Kitchen. Check out South Beach Grill's seasonal menu and enjoy fresh-to-table favorites like the Low Country Sea Scallops with Carolina Caviar and bacon jam. Sip on local craft beverages complemented with fresh oyster dishes at Flying Machine Oyster Bar. Visit Dockside Restaurant for scenic Intracoastal Waterway views as you indulge in coastal seafood creations, the catch of the day and daily specials.

Indulge in Island Flavors