Summer Things to Do

Find Island Bliss Without a Passport in Wrightsville Beach

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 our little slice of paradise.

Wrightsville Beach Pirate Cruise

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

Check into the Blockade Runner Beach Resort’s Sandcampers program and keep the kids entertained with day camps like kayaking, dock fishing and surfing. Enjoy family-friendly live entertainment like poolside 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. Or, set sail on one of the island’s many charter boats to cast a line with an experienced boat captain. Nearby, let the butterflies flutter around you in the Butterfly House at Airlie Gardens, or see vibrant painted turtle sculptures created by local artists at the upcoming outdoor exhibit, Turtley Awesome beginning July 10.

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Oceanic Summer Music Series

SEASONAL 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 Summer Patio Sessions each Sunday. Head to WECT Sounds of Summer Concerts in the Park at Wrightsville Beach Park every Thursday beginning June 15 - Aug. 3 for live music and entertainment. Or, pack a picnic and relax under the live oaks at nearby Airlie Gardens while listening to live tunes during the Airlie Gardens Concert Series, every first and third Friday through September. Explore the island’s history by foot viewing vintage photographs and historical trivia during Wrightsville Beach Museum’s pop-up Loop Through History. Cheer on pro and amateur female surfers at the Wahine Classic Surfing Competition, a beloved surfing tradition Aug. 12-13.

Featured Events

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Jun 09

The Butterfly House at Airlie Gardens

June 9, 2023 - September 12, 2023

Airlie Gardens

Jun 10

Pier Yoga on the Crystal Pier

June 10, 2023 - September 30, 2023

Crystal Pier

Jun 10

Spanish Mackerel Open

June 10, 2023 - June 11, 2023

Motts Channel Seafood

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Sailing Instructor on a Sailboat

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 like 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 fresh seafood boil with Epic Excursions. Dive in and search underwater 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 conquer your wellness goals or 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. Rent a bike from South End Surf Shop and navigate the 10-mile River to the Sea Bikeway, a scenic route that starts at Johnnie Mercers Pier and stretches to the Riverwalk in historic downtown Wilmington. 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 Wilmington Yoga Center or BeUnlimited Yoga.

Get Active On Land

4x3 Oceanic dining

Taste of the Island

Start your day at Adapt Kitchen & Juice Bar for delicious breakfast options like the Blue Majik Smoothie Bowl or OG Avocado Smash. Dine alfresco along the Crystal Pier and enjoy coastal-inspired dishes like the Carolina Grit Cake at Oceanic Restaurant. Step right off the beach for classic kid treats like hot dogs from Trolly Stop with 1,000 combinations possible and 13 different toppings. Check out South Beach Grill's seasonal menu and enjoy fresh-to-table favorites like the Low Country Sea Scallops with Carolina Caviar, bacon jam and more. Sip on local craft beverages complemented with fresh oyster dishes at Flying Machine Wrightsville Beach Taproom + Kitchen. Dine alfresco at The Bridge Tender and enjoy scenic Intracoastal Waterway views as you indulge in coastal seafood creations, the catch of the day and nightly specials.

Indulge in Island Flavors