In true coastal tradition, Wrightsville Beach offers a whole selection of sea sports, from sailing and kayaking to water skiing and fishing. An incredibly popular vacation resort with a sweet, yesteryear feel, this beach resort in North Carolina still delights families and individuals to this day.

Whether you want an Ocean view villa, or a nice log cabin retreat, FlipKey has the perfect vacation rental for you. Just start searching!

About Wrightsville Beach

Sitting in the county of New Hanover, Wrightsville Beach measures four miles long and has its own 'inner' island. It began life as the location of a yacht club back in 1884 and became a town in 1899, named after a local family on the mainland.

Both the beach and the water comprise the venues for numerous beach sporting activities such as Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Competitions, Water Surfing camps and even a Beach Treasure Hunt for the little ones. It’s definitely the place to come if you're in to watersports.

The town is also host to a water bird sanctuary and has a fitness trail for trekkers which incorporates the smaller island. There's a shopping village and local museum, as well as organized cruises along the waterways between Wrightsville and the neighboring island.

As you'd expect with an upmarket resort, there are plenty of impressive restaurants as well as night spots for those devout beach loungers to finally get rid of some energy.

What to do in Wrightsville, North Carolina

Take a horse-drawn carriage tour of Wilmington Historic District in order to get really into the past. If that's too expensive then opt for a trolley car, boat or walk (be warned though—it's 230 blocks long).

Go on a kayak expedition through the local streams and rivers. En-route, you can do a spot of bird and wildlife watching.

Go beachcombing on Masonboro Island—8.4 miles of unpopulated beach—in order to pick up some truly spectacular shells, driftwood and even sea glass. Get there by boat, kayak, water taxi or via a shelling cruise (of which there are many you can book).

A trip to Wrightsville Beach just wouldn't be complete without a bracing walk along Johnnie Mercer’s pier. Jutting into the ocean for around 1200 feet, you can watch fishermen land their catch and enjoy an ice cream in the cafe on the way back.

Top travel tips for Wrightsville Beach

Parking at the beach is around $2.50 per hour (or $15 per day) from March 1 to October 31. That's if you can find somewhere to park! Easier to park several miles away and get a taxi into town.

Johnnie Mercer’s pier costs $2 dollars to enter, even in the winter months when the cafe is closed. Get there well before closing time at 11pm.

If you’re traveling with your dog, it’s worth nothing that they’re not allowed on the beach from April 1 to September 30.

The town is incredibly busy in summer, which makes the atmosphere vibrant and fun. But expect to queue at restaurants, cafes and attractions.

Even after a century, Wrightsville Beach has retained a lovely village-like charm. Find your vacation rental in the heart of it all with FlipKey.