Emerald Isle – North Carolina, USA
- Bogue Inlet Drive, Emerald Isle, Carteret County, North Carolina, 28594, United States
- +1 (252) 354-3424
- October 13, 2025
About This Beach
Wrightsville Beach, located just east of Wilmington, North Carolina, is one of the state’s most popular and upscale coastal getaways. Known for its crystal-clear blue waters, consistent surf, and active lifestyle scene, it’s a favorite among both locals and travelers seeking the perfect balance of relaxation and recreation.
This barrier island offers five miles of pristine sandy shoreline, vibrant beach culture, and easy access to shopping, dining, and nightlife. Whether you’re surfing, paddleboarding through salt marshes, or watching the sunset from Johnnie Mercers Pier, Wrightsville Beach delivers a quintessential Carolina coast experience.
It’s also considered one of the cleanest beaches in the U.S., earning consistent accolades for water quality and environmental care.
📜 History & Unique Features
Founded in 1899, Wrightsville Beach quickly became a resort destination after the construction of the electric trolley line connecting it to Wilmington.
The Lumina Pavilion, built in 1905, became a famous beachfront entertainment venue in the early 20th century.
Johnnie Mercers Pier, made of concrete, is one of the longest and strongest piers on the Atlantic Coast.
The town emphasizes environmental protection and sustainability, with several initiatives to protect its dunes and marine ecosystems.
Known as a watersports capital, it’s the birthplace of North Carolina surfing and paddleboarding culture.
Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit
Spring (Mar–May): Warm, less crowded, perfect for outdoor sports.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Peak season with ideal swimming conditions and events.
Fall (Sep–Nov): Great surf, warm water, fewer crowds.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Quieter, perfect for walks and photography.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Peak season with ideal swimming conditions and events.
Fall (Sep–Nov): Great surf, warm water, fewer crowds.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Quieter, perfect for walks and photography.
Things To Do
Popular Activities
- Surfing & Paddleboarding: Consistent waves and multiple surf schools.
- Walk the Loop: A scenic 2.5-mile trail around the island for joggers and cyclists.
- Fishing: Cast off from Johnnie Mercers Pier or book a charter boat.
- Sailing & Kayaking: Explore Banks Channel and nearby islands.
- Scuba Diving: Offshore wrecks like the USS Indra attract divers worldwide.
- Masonboro Island Reserve: A short boat or kayak trip to this unspoiled barrier island.
- Shopping & Dining: Explore the shops and cafés along Lumina Avenue.
- Beach Yoga & Fitness: Morning classes offered by local studios on the sand.
Amenities
Nearby Amenities
- Lifeguards during summer season
- Restrooms and outdoor showers
- Paid parking lots and metered street parking
- Picnic shelters and shaded pavilions
- Beach wheelchairs available
- Watercraft rentals (surfboards, kayaks, jet skis, bikes)
- Pet-friendly sections (seasonal restrictions apply)
- Dozens of beachfront hotels, shops, and restaurants
Where to Stay
Where to Stay
Blockade Runner Beach Resort: Iconic oceanfront hotel with private beach and water sports.
Holiday Inn Resort Wrightsville Beach: Family-friendly with pools and direct beach access.
Shell Island Resort: All-suite accommodations with ocean views.
Silver Gull Motel: Classic retro beach stay near the pier.
Airbnbs & Vacation Homes: Oceanfront condos and cottages throughout the island.
Holiday Inn Resort Wrightsville Beach: Family-friendly with pools and direct beach access.
Shell Island Resort: All-suite accommodations with ocean views.
Silver Gull Motel: Classic retro beach stay near the pier.
Airbnbs & Vacation Homes: Oceanfront condos and cottages throughout the island.
Beach Hours
Beach Hours
Open Now
Open 24/7
Hours/Lifeguards
Hours/Lifeguards
Beach Access: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Lifeguards: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Memorial Day–Labor Day)
Pier & Shops: Vary by season (typically 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM)
Lifeguards: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Memorial Day–Labor Day)
Pier & Shops: Vary by season (typically 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM)
Pricing
Pricing
Beach Access: Free
Parking: $5/hour or $25/day during peak season
Pier Entry: $2 (walk), $8 (fish)
Rentals: Surfboards $25–$35/day, kayaks $50/day, bikes $25/day
Parking: $5/hour or $25/day during peak season
Pier Entry: $2 (walk), $8 (fish)
Rentals: Surfboards $25–$35/day, kayaks $50/day, bikes $25/day
Nearby Attractions
Nearby Attractions
Carolina Beach: Family-friendly boardwalk and amusement park.
Kure Beach: Quieter vibe with fishing pier and aquarium.
Masonboro Island: Pristine, undeveloped beach.
Downtown Wilmington: Riverwalk, shops, and Civil War museums.
Airlie Gardens: 67-acre botanical paradise just 2 miles away.
Kure Beach: Quieter vibe with fishing pier and aquarium.
Masonboro Island: Pristine, undeveloped beach.
Downtown Wilmington: Riverwalk, shops, and Civil War museums.
Airlie Gardens: 67-acre botanical paradise just 2 miles away.
Food & Drinks
Food & Drinks
Wrightsville Beach is a foodie’s coastal paradise, with fresh seafood and creative Southern dining.
Top Picks:
Oceanic Restaurant: Oceanfront dining on the Crystal Pier.
Dockside Restaurant: Classic seafood with marina views.
Bluewater Waterfront Grill: Upscale dining on the Intracoastal Waterway.
Tower 7 Baja Mexican Grill: Local favorite for tacos and margaritas.
South Beach Grill: Fine dining meets casual coastal charm.
The Workshop: Smoothies, coffee, and shark-tooth jewelry — a local gem.
Top Picks:
Oceanic Restaurant: Oceanfront dining on the Crystal Pier.
Dockside Restaurant: Classic seafood with marina views.
Bluewater Waterfront Grill: Upscale dining on the Intracoastal Waterway.
Tower 7 Baja Mexican Grill: Local favorite for tacos and margaritas.
South Beach Grill: Fine dining meets casual coastal charm.
The Workshop: Smoothies, coffee, and shark-tooth jewelry — a local gem.
Events & Festivals
Events & Festivals
Wrightsville Beach Marathon (March): Scenic race along the coast.
WB Surf Pro (April): Professional surf competition.
Flotilla Festival (Thanksgiving Weekend): Holiday boat parade with fireworks.
Beach to Battleship Triathlon (October): Major athletic event.
Lumina Daze (August): Retro celebration of Wrightsville’s beach heritage.
WB Surf Pro (April): Professional surf competition.
Flotilla Festival (Thanksgiving Weekend): Holiday boat parade with fireworks.
Beach to Battleship Triathlon (October): Major athletic event.
Lumina Daze (August): Retro celebration of Wrightsville’s beach heritage.
Travel Tips & Local Insights
Travel Tips & Local Insights
Parking fills early — arrive before 9 AM in summer.
Stay hydrated and bring reef-safe sunscreen.
Visit Masonboro Island for a day trip by kayak or boat taxi.
For the best views, walk The Loop at sunrise or sunset.
No alcohol allowed on the beach.
Pets allowed on-leash before 9 AM and after 5 PM (April–Sept).
Stay hydrated and bring reef-safe sunscreen.
Visit Masonboro Island for a day trip by kayak or boat taxi.
For the best views, walk The Loop at sunrise or sunset.
No alcohol allowed on the beach.
Pets allowed on-leash before 9 AM and after 5 PM (April–Sept).
Safety & Rules
Safety & Rules
Swim in lifeguard-protected areas.
No alcohol, glass, or smoking on the beach.
Dogs allowed before 9 AM & after 5 PM (Apr–Sept); unrestricted rest of year.
No tents larger than 10x10 feet.
Drones require permits for commercial use.
No alcohol, glass, or smoking on the beach.
Dogs allowed before 9 AM & after 5 PM (Apr–Sept); unrestricted rest of year.
No tents larger than 10x10 feet.
Drones require permits for commercial use.
FAQs
Are there jellyfish or sharks?
Occasionally in late summer; follow lifeguard advisories.
Can you drink alcohol?
No, alcohol is prohibited on the beach.
Contact Information
Primary Phone
Website URL
Location
Beach Address
23, East Salisbury Street;Salisbury Street East, Parmele Isles, Wrightsville Beach, New Hanover County, North Carolina, 28480, United States
Access Points
Main Access Point:
Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier
23 E Salisbury St, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480, USA
Getting There:
From Wilmington: Follow US-74 East / Wrightsville Ave (~15 minutes).
Nearest Airport: Wilmington International Airport (ILM), 10 miles away.
Parking: Metered street parking and public lots ($5–$20/day).
Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier
23 E Salisbury St, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480, USA
Getting There:
From Wilmington: Follow US-74 East / Wrightsville Ave (~15 minutes).
Nearest Airport: Wilmington International Airport (ILM), 10 miles away.
Parking: Metered street parking and public lots ($5–$20/day).
23, East Salisbury Street;Salisbury Street East, Parmele Isles, Wrightsville Beach, New Hanover County, North Carolina, 28480, United States
Media
Review
Write a ReviewThere are no reviews yet.
Leave a Review
Carolina Beach – North Carolina, USA
- 100, Cape Fear Boulevard, Carolina Beach, New Hanover County, North Carolina, 28428, United States
- +1 (910) 458-8434
- October 13, 2025
Kitty Hawk Beach – Outer Banks, North Carolina, USA
- North Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk Beach, Kitty Hawk, Dare County, North Carolina, 27949, United States
- +1 (252) 441-6333
- October 13, 2025