Wrightsville Beach, poised just east of Wilmington, NC may be one of the best kept secrets on the east coast of the Atlantic. Running from the Masonboro Inlet on the south, to the Mason Inlet on the north, this thin sliver is perfectly situated with all the water that surrounds it. Waves, surf and open waters to the east contrast nicely with the placid waters in the Banks Channel and Wrightsville Sound to the west. If you like water sports, this should be your destination.
Standup paddleboarders have discovered this place and it’s one of their favorites. The standup paddleboard (SUP) championship series begins here in April and attracts hundreds upon hundreds of participants and spectators. Three different length events are geared towards beginners, intermediate and advanced paddlers.
During the remaining part of the summer, other events continue the excitement and vibe of the community. The Cape Fear Blue Marlin Tournament and the Wahine Surfing Classic are held here each year.
If fishing is your interest, you’ve got multiple opportunities here as well. Rent a small boat and fish the channels and sound or walk a couple blocks east and you’ve got the whole ocean. The Johnnie Mercer’s Fishing Pier is very popular with locals and visitors alike. North Carolina’s only concrete fishing pier extends almost a quarter mile out into the Atlantic. A small admission charge will give you all day access and there’s a concession stand available. Watch the dolphins swimming by, fish for all that the ocean offers or just people watch.
Ready for a good walk? Want to read someone else’s love letters to perfect strangers? Thought so. Head north to where the beach ends at the Mason Inlet. Turn around and look southwest to the edge of the dunes. You’ll see a rural mailbox on a post amongst the sea oats. Open the box, take out the notebook, have a seat on the bench provided and enjoy reading previous visitors private thoughts recorded therein. When you’re done reading, grab a pen from in the mailbox and pen a letter of your own for the next visitor. Reinsert notebook, close mailbox and walk south again.
Pushing a stroller or riding a bike? There’s a 2.5 mile, multipurpose path that crosses the Intercoastal Waterway and circles back around a cute, compact, city park.
Wrightsville Beach isn’t your normal, overly- commercialized, beachfront town. There’s a great percentage of year-round residents living here. However, if you want the action of laser tag, bumper car racing, miniature golf and the shopping malls; it’s just a short drive over the bridge. Award-winning shopping areas and a beautiful nature preserve – Airlie Gardens are just minutes from the beach.
Ready to eat? Try Dockside Restaurant. Sit upstairs and you’ll get a great view of the boats coming and going in the marina. Terrific specialty drinks – you’ll want more than one, guaranteed. Food was fantastic. Not a place for fast service, but you’ll be enjoying your drink and the view so relax. 1308 Airlie Rd., Wilmington, NC 28403-3727 Phone 910-256-2752 Tower 7 Baja Mexican Grill is a combination bar/coffee house/restaurant. Great vibe as soon as you walk in. Place was jumping with locals even in off-season. Terrific selection of menu choices and food was served hot and quick. Staff was super friendly and helpful. 4 N Lumina Ave Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 Phone (910) 256-8585Looking for a place to stay? Click on the following links to check out separate reviews on:
Blockade Runner – a place for water sports enthusiasts with unparalleled surf and sound water access.
Summer Sands Suites – just like being at home while you’re at the beach.
Holiday Inn Resort – Wrightsville Beach – the perfect convention destination or family getaway.
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