Bordering the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, just outside of the larger city of Wilmington, lies a popular yet quaint beach town known as Wrightsville Beach. Picture summertime days full of live music, surf and sand, local eats, and all the proximity to the Atlantic Ocean that you could ask for.
Only have time to visit for the day? No problem! Let’s dive into planning your perfect day trip to Wrightsville Beach.
Everyone’s idea of the “perfect day” at the beach is different, and that’s part of the magic of Wrightsville. Whether you’re craving sand-between-your-toes relaxation, outdoor adventure, or a little of both, we’ve got you covered.
1. If You Want a Day on the Water
Of course, to visit Wrightsville Beach, most people are focused on the beach. If this is your vibe, but maybe you want a little extra, here’s what we recommend:
Let’s be real: most people come to Wrightsville Beach for exactly that—the beach. But if you want a little more out of your seaside experience, here’s how to level it up.
Morning: Beach Day & Coffee
Start your day by grabbing a coffee from SUNday’s Café and heading to one of Wrightsville’s scenic beach access points. Enjoy a morning centered around a pristine beach, set up near a quintessential lifeguard tower, and live out the beach day of your dreams.
Lunch: Ocean-View Dining
From outside covered patio spaces to beachfront cafes and bars, there are plenty of options for a casual dining experience. Grab a bite at one of the many outdoor cafes or head down the beach to The Oceanic at Crystal Pier, where the views are just as satisfying as the food.
Sunset Boat Tour
Later, take a sunset cruise and take in the crystal blue waters, birds flying overhead, and other Wrightsville Beach sights from the water.
2. Looking for More Beach Time?
Easy! Nix the boat tour and commit to a beach day. Grab some food nearby at South Beach Grill, or one of the many other fan favorites in Wrightsville Beach.
If you’re planning on spending the bulk of your time at the beach, make the most of it with beach chairs, all your beach toys, and plenty of snacks. The Shed is our go-to for bike and beach rentals, offering everything you need for a successful visit to the beach.
You could even grab some fresh seafood from nearby. After all, what is better than enjoying some fish tacos with your feet in the sand?
Don’t waste precious minutes by walking back and forth from your car to the beach, especially at some of the longer, sandy beach accesses in Wrightsville. We think everyone deserves the luxury of an easy beach day.
Call a Sherp and let our team help create the most stress-free beach day you’ve ever had. A day trip calls for treating yourself and maximizing every second of your time.
Stroll Johnnie Mercer’s Fishing Pier
As a walkable beach town, Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina has its fair share of local shops and downtown areas to explore, but we always say that Johnnie Mercer’s Pier is a pleasant surprise. The only concrete fishing pier in North Carolina, soak in views of the spacious beach and the delicate and diverse ecosystem that surrounds it.
3. Nature Lovers Welcome
Sunny beach days are great, but there’s a reason you’ll see surf shops and stand-up paddle board rentals scattered through the Wrightsville Beach area. Whether it’s water activities or birdwatching, getting out into nature could not possibly be easier. Here are some of our favorite options to mix and match as you please:
Outdoor Activities
Hit the water and get active, from stand-up paddleboarding to other ocean activities like surfing and kayaking, WB has plenty for nature lovers to do.
Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours to Masonboro Island
Sunset cruises aren’t the only boating option here. In fact, with Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours, you can head to Masonboro Island and Bradley Creek on a birding tour. The focus of these tours is education about conservation, local wildlife, and the sensitive coastline ecosystems that make up our part of the North Carolina coast.
You’ll learn about everything from salt marsh function and wetland plants to bird ecology and identification.
Head to Airlie Gardens
If you’ve been to Wrightsville or Wilmington before, you may be in the market for something new. Go check out the 67 acres of Gardens that make up this unique slice of local history. Busy during the peak summer season, you can always make reservations ahead of time or book a $10 guided tour to ensure that you get to explore Airlie and all the flora it has on display.
Staying the Night?
Even day trips require hotel stays sometimes… let’s say you only have one full day in the area but need a place to crash before driving, or flying, onto your next stop.
Trailborn Surf & Sound (The Old Blockade Runner Beach Resort)
Many people still refer to this resort as the Blockade Runner, the name it was known by for 6 decades. The name change to Trailborn Surf & Sound came after extensive rebranding just months ago, in early 2025. So, if you hear both of these names, don’t get too confused!
Every good beach town has a hotel or resort that is an institution, and this might just be the one.
The resort is a gorgeous place to spend a night and get stunning waterfront views. With fun events, great onsite restaurants, and beach access, you could spend your entire mini-vacay to Wrightsville Beach right here!
Lower Cost Stays
Of course, if a resort isn’t in your budget, that’s just fine! We know that day trips often come up as a cost-effective way to spend quality time with loved ones, or some solo relaxation. That’s why we have a whole piece on The Best Places to Stay in Wrightsville Beach. Check it out, there’s truly something for everyone.
See You Next Time
We hope that your next visit to Wrightsville Beach allows you to stay longer and do more. Certainly, after getting a taste of our little slice of paradise, you’ll be back!
For now, keep up with us on socials @beachsherps and let us know if you think we missed any must-do activities for a short trip to WB.