9 Best Things to Do in Wrightsville Beach, NC

© Sirena Designs/stock.adobe.com

Known as the most accessible beach in the state of North Carolina, Wrightsville Beach always has something happening throughout the year, whether it’s community or group gatherings, outdoor wellness activities, or a variety of watersports. Noted for its spacious sandy beach, crystal blue waters, signature children’s programs like surf camps and pirate-led treasure hunts, and standup paddle boarding and surfing competitions, Wrightsville Beach has been voted as the best beach in North Carolina many times. Wrightsville Beach has also been called one of the world’s top surfing towns by National Geographic. Johnnie Mercer’s Pier also offers opportunities for fishing.

Wrightsville Beach, NC

© Wrightsville Beach Museum of History

The Wrightsville Beach Museum of History is located within the town’s turn-of-the-century Myers Cottage and is dedicated to preserving and sharing the local history of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Visitors at the museum can view a scale model of how the town looked back in 1910, several pieces of exquisite artwork, and exhibits depicting what life was like during Wrightsville Beach’s early days. The history museum also highlights the interaction between the natural environment and people that has shaped the town’s over one hundred years of history. The cottage itself is reflective of a typical summer beach cottage.

303 West Salisbury St, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480, Phone: 910-256-2569

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Motts Channel Seafood is a family-owned and operated seafood market in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Operated by the Long family, it’s not uncommon to see a few of the family members out fishing for products that will be sold in the market later that day. Motts has been one of the town’s best markets for fresh seafood since 1990, staffed with a well experienced crew, that work hard to provide customers with an excellent seafood product selection, along with suggestions for preparation and cooking. Motts Channel Seafood sells an impressive assortment of sauces and spices, along with local food specialties.

120 Short St, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480, Phone: 910-256-3474

© Redix

Redix, formerly Big Gun Surplus, was started by Gordon Reddick, Jr. in the 1940’s and has undergone several changes over the years. Originally selling Army Surplus goods, the store changed to offering hardware, groceries, clothing, and other items. The Wrightsville Beach location opened back in 1969, and ever since then, it has been the go-to one-stop shop in town, selling an array of items from fishing tackle to apparel, to nearly anything in between. Redix is open from 8:00am until 7:00pm Monday to Thursday, until 8:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 10:00am until 6:00pm on Sundays.

120 Causeway Dr, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480, Phone: 910-256-2201

© North Carolina Coastal Federation

The Stanback Coastal Education Center in Wrightsville Beach is a regional hub for a wide variety of fun activities, classes, and events centered around coastal education. Visitors can stop by between 9:00am and 5:00pm Monday to Friday and join one of the center’s activities. The Stanback Coastal Education Center offers Touch Tank Tuesdays during the months of June, July, and August from 10:00am until 1:00pm, providing a chance for guests to touch sea stars, sea squirts, hermit crabs, and several other creatures. The center also provides a Coastal Adventures Series as part of its public education program.

309 W Salisbury St, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480, Phone: 910-509-2838

© Trolly Stop

The first Trolly Stop was opened by B.C. Hedgepath in 1976, originally named Station 1, since it was situated at the trolley line’s first stop in Wrightsville Beach. This location still exists today. The Wrightsville Beach Trolley Stop has changed hands a few times since then, but it still retains its “mom and pop” charm and tradition of serving delicious made-to-order hot dogs with fresh ingredients. The hot dog eater makes its own baked beans, coleslaw, and chili and uses freshly cut cucumbers, green peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Along with a variety of hot dog, the menu also features smoked sausage.

94 South Lumina Ave, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480, Phone: 910-256-3421

© 22 North Restaurant

The 22 North Restaurant in Wrightsville Beach blends rustic Creole and classical French fare with the best of the traditional cuisine of the Lower Cape Fear. The restaurant takes pride in offering customers the most eclectic and unique Southern comfort food within the Wilmington, North Carolina area, taking full advantage of the Carolina low country’s varied and naturally abundant resources. Daily specials that reflect the best seasonal and sustainable offerings of the region are displayed on a blackboard menu. Open every night for dinner starting at 5:00pm, the 22 North Restaurant also supports local fishermen, farmers, vintners, and brewmasters.

22 N Lumina Ave, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480, Phone: 910-509-0177

© SurfBerry

With a motto of “something for everyone,” SurfBerry boasts a mission of supporting community wellness and educating people on the life enhancing qualities of active living and health eating. The healthy dining establishment takes a great amount of pride in its menu that nourishes the body, from its 100-percent Vegan smoothies to its organic juice bar, carefully selecting every ingredient. The menu primarily features superfood smoothies and cold-press juices, as well as a wide array of vegan protein supplements and healthy dietary alternatives. SurfBerry also offers several different outdoor activities available to both visitors and locals alike.

222 Causeway Dr, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480, Phone: 910-679-8027

© Jimmys at Red Dogs

Jimmy’s at Red Dogs is one of the premier sports bars and live music venues in the heart of Wrightsville Beach, one of the best coastal towns in North Carolina. Formerly a pharmacy, the building has been around for more than forty years and now provide the community with live music every day of the year, as well as a full bar, eight rotating taps, and a large assortment of local craft beers. Jimmy’s at Red Dogs opens at 12:00pm Monday through Saturday and at 10:00am on Sundays so guests can get their “Bloody Mary fix.”

5 N Lumina Ave, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480, Phone: 910-256-2776