Wrightsville Beach, Cape Fear Coast

Current Weather

8 /10

90°F

Feels like 96°F

Clear

9 mph

Today's Recommendations:

• Perfect beach day - bring sun protection!

• Beautiful sunny day - perfect for all outdoor activities

Must Knows

8.5 miles from Wilmington with stunning blue water beaches

Year-round fishing at Johnny Mercer's Pier (24/7 access)

Shark Bar & Kitchen serves elevated Mexican with premium tequilas

Dogs allowed on beach October 1 - March 31 only

Shell Island Resort offers oceanfront condos with beach access

Sights Worth Seeing

Crystal Pier

Historic fishing pier extending into the Atlantic Ocean with fishing, walking, and ocean views.

historic pier fishing ocean views walking

Good for: fishing sightseeing photography pier walking

Iconic Wrightsville Beach landmark with restaurant and fishing opportunities.

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Wrightsville Beach Park

Waterfront park with boardwalk, gazebo, and beautiful views of Banks Channel and sound.

waterfront park boardwalk gazebo sound views

Good for: families walking picnics water views

Peaceful park with scenic boardwalk and sound views.

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Masonboro Island

Pristine undeveloped barrier island accessible by boat with pristine beaches and nature preserve.

barrier island pristine beaches nature preserve boat access

Good for: nature solitude pristine beaches boat trips

Undeveloped barrier island perfect for nature lovers and boat excursions.

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Top Restaurants & Bars

Bluewater Waterfront Grill

Upscale waterfront restaurant with fresh seafood, steaks, and spectacular Intracoastal Waterway views.

waterfront upscale seafood Intracoastal views

Good for: special occasions waterfront dining date night sunset views

Beautiful waterfront location with consistently excellent food and service.

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Oceanic Restaurant & Grill

Iconic oceanfront restaurant on Crystal Pier serving fresh seafood with panoramic ocean views.

oceanfront iconic Crystal Pier panoramic views

Good for: ocean views seafood special occasions pier dining

Famous restaurant located right on Crystal Pier with stunning ocean views.

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South Beach Grill

Casual beachside restaurant with fresh seafood, burgers, and outdoor seating near the beach.

beachside casual outdoor seating burgers

Good for: families casual dining beach proximity lunch

Popular casual spot just steps from the beach with good food and atmosphere.

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Trolly Stop Hot Dogs

Local institution serving gourmet hot dogs, fresh seafood, and coastal favorites since 1950.

local institution hot dogs since 1950 gourmet

Good for: quick meals local tradition families affordable

Wrightsville Beach landmark known for unique gourmet hot dogs.

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Gear Rentals & Activities

Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours

Boat tours, kayak rentals, and stand-up paddleboard adventures exploring local waterways.

boat tours kayak rentals paddleboards scenic tours

Professional guides offering tours of beautiful local waterways.

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Surf City Surf Shop

Premier surf shop with board rentals, lessons, and complete line of surf and beach gear.

surf shop board rentals surf lessons beach gear

Full-service surf shop with experienced instructors and quality equipment.

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Crystal Coast Beach Equipment

Beach chair, umbrella, and water sports equipment rentals with convenient beach delivery.

beach chairs umbrellas water sports delivery

Convenient delivery service throughout Wrightsville Beach area.

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Beach Access & Parking

Getting to the Beach

Public beach access points with metered parking along Lumina Avenue
Shell Island Resort guests have private beach access
Johnny Mercer's Pier offers paid parking for fishing access
Street parking available but limited during peak summer season
Consider arriving early morning for best parking availability

Safety & Local Tips

Stay Safe & Respect Local Guidelines

Lifeguards on duty at main beach areas during summer season
Dogs only allowed on beach October 1 - March 31
Strong currents near inlet areas - swim near lifeguarded beaches
Sunscreen essential - minimal natural shade on beach
Check surf conditions before entering water

Essentials (Grocery, Pharmacy)

Robert's Grocery

Coastal classic market famous for chicken salad, serving as the oldest store at the beach with essential beach supplies.

IGA Wrightsville Beach

Full-service island grocery store with fresh produce, deli, and beach essentials.

Convenient grocery store serving the Wrightsville Beach area.

Beach Shop Wrightsville

Beach supply store with souvenirs, swimwear, sunscreen, and vacation essentials.

Convenient beach supply store for all vacation essentials.

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