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Voted one of the top 10 coastal towns in their annual “The South’s Best Beaches” by Southern Living Magazine - Wrightsville Beach is located 8.5 miles from Downtown Wilmington and boasts stunning coastal blue waters, clean and spacious beaches, world-renowned surfing, unbeatable boating and fishing, and a thriving active island lifestyle. From sound to surf, the island welcomes travelers with a tranquil experience of stunning scenery and activities for everyone in the family. 

The Intracoastal Waterway is easily accessible through the public boat ramp for visitors that would like to bring their own vessel, which is located to the right of the drawbridge (109 Causeway Dr.) Visitors that want to explore the inlets and creeks of the ICWW on kayaks, paddleboards and canoes can do so by launching them at any public right of way. There are a number of locally owned marinas and restaurants to stop at on the ICWW. 

I-40 East is the main interstate that leads to Wilmington. The island is accessible by car via one drawbridge. Follow I-40 East to US-117 College Road. Turn left onto Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway and continue onto Eastwood Road. Cross the Heide Trask Drawbridge and enter Wrightsville Beach. The nearest public airport is located in Wilmington (ILM). 

Restaurants, Boutiques, Sur Shops, Farmers' Market, Museums

In the vibrant town of Wrightsville Beach, it’s always easy to find something to do year round. Check out the local boutiques and surf shops and enjoy a fine dining experience by the water. Walk to the local farmers’ market every Monday in the park, or sign up for a walking tour at the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History. The Wrightsville Beach Municipal Complex is accessible to all visitors and is newly renovated with a playground, basketball courts, tennis courts, soccer field and softball field. The Wrightsville Beach park offers a number of programs and activities throughout the year for both adults and children.

 

Masonboro Island

Explore the protected wildlife sanctuary on Masonboro Island Reserve, situated on the edge of the Cape Fear Coastline in between Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach, this unique undeveloped island extends over 8 miles of coast line and is filled with deserted beaches, salt marshes and sand dunes, Loggerhead sea turtle sanctuaries, and an abundant plant life.

Paddleboards, Kayaks, Canoes

Wrightsville Beach is known for having quiet creeks and inlets great for paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing. Check out a few different places around the island for SUP tours, lessons, and rentals. 

 

Pier Fishing, Surf Fishing, Fishing Charters

There are two fishing piers on the island, Johnnie Mercer's Pier and Crystal Pier. Local offshore charters are offered year round and fishing in the surf is accessible at all public beach access. You must obtain a fishing license.