Location: Wrightsville Beach
Top Things to do in Wrightsville Beach
Top Restaurants in Wrightsville Beach
10 Things to Do in Wrightsville Beach That You Shouldn't Miss
Known for its premier water sports, Wrightsville Beach is an ideal place for active families seeking world-class surfing, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. It’s also perfect for leisure travelers happy to cast a line from Johnnie Mercer’s Pier, try a walking tour or visit the local Museum of History. Waterfront dining options offer fresh seafood and farm-to-table fare. With both adventure and relaxation, Wrightsville Beach has become an annual destination for many families.
Restaurants in Wrightsville Beach
1. Wrightsville Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 861 reviews
Reviewed By jwmcrazynurse - Augusta, Georgia
We enjoy the beach and this is a beach area that we visited this past summer for the first time. Nice beach. not too crowded when we were there. It is now one of our favorite beach areas and we can't wait to visit the area again some day. Lots of fun.
2. Noni Bacca Winery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 205 reviews
Reviewed By pparrothead - Wilmington, North Carolina
I recently stopped at Noni Bacca Winery for the first time while running between errands this past week. While I have passed it many times I never thought to stop and check it out.
I walked in and met Tony the owner and Nancy and introduced myself. He was in the process of bringing in the barrels of grape must for wine making. We spoke for awhile as he worked and answered all of my questions regarding the types of wines they produce and how long they have been in the wine making business.
I was very impressed with the wall of wine bottles featuring all of the awards that Noni Bacca has accumulated over the years at wine competitions. I had a chance to speak with the "wine maker" and that is always fun. We have visited various vineyards while on vacations over the years and always took the time to speak with those who are making the wines....
I am sure that my wife and I will be visiting Noni Bacca soon for a wine tasting and to bring home a bottle or two for upcoming dinners. You should definitely make Noni Bacca Winery a must visit while in Wilmington if you are a wine enthusiast. You will be impressed.
3. Airlie Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 897 reviews
Reviewed By Dream_teamML - St. George, Utah
We were in the area and decided to stop by, we walked a long the route and saw almost all the main attractive areas. The gardens were beautiful and flowers and trees were great! We had 4 adults and 1 baby in our group and...MoreThanks for visiting us. We're doing our best to track down the websites that advertise the admission incorrectly- we really appreciate the visit and the info!
4. Wrightsville Beach Museum of History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
A popular tour spot with beautiful views of the Intracoastal Waterway.
Reviewed By BeachMartie - Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
Learn about the trolley that once was the main way to get to Wrightsville, the old cottages (not many left!), Lumina, the devastating fire, and the long-gone and wonderful way of life!
5. New Hanover County Arboretum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 200 reviews
Reviewed By Claudia D - Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
We visited it on a Sunday afternoon. On Sunday the grounds are open but the gift shop and greenhouses are closed. We enjoyed the scenery particularly the Japanese garden section and the pond that is central to the park. There are lots of signs telling you what each plant is and mailboxes with information you Can take to learn more about the theme of that section of the park. It's obvious that it is intended for educational purposes but there are sections that one could enjoy for peaceful contemplation, like the small labyrinth area. They've really crammed a lot into a relatively small park. Like a group picnic area, an area on vegetables gardens, and comparisons if different kinds of
grasses.
There were some unsightly areas too. For example they had dug up a large area in the
far side of the pond and also the rearmost part of the park looked pretty plain and
barren.
Best thing about it is it's free. It's also conveniently located.
PS I disagree that this is called an arboretum. It doesn't feature trees but rather mostly small bushes and plants
6. Johnnie Mercer's Pier
Overall Ratings
4 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By matt1evan2017 - Charlotte, North Carolina
Nice pier, kid was very rude and searched coolers and your gear. I went back the next day and was treated better by a different older person. If you plan to fish bring your own bait. Four shrimp $5.00 or a few slices of squid for $5.00
7. Motts Channel Seafood
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By BeachMartie - Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
We've lived on Wrightsville Beach for many years and have never been disappointed in Motts Channel! Delicious shrimp, clams and mussels and wonderful fresh-caught fish. The staff is friendly and helpful and the location is easy to get to (and has ample parking). We'd never go anywhere else for our seafood!
8. Redix
Overall Ratings
5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Mark G - Catonsville, Maryland
Redix is the ultimate beach store and has been a Wrightsville Beach staple since 1969. They have such a diverse selection of goods,that there is something for everyone.As you enter you will find a nice t-shirt /beach clothing section and to the left items for the beach such as lotions,towels,toys,food, drinks and all types of miscellaneous items.In the back they have an outstanding fishing center covering everything you could possibly need.
To the right there are excellent upscale men and women's clothing sections carrying brands like Sperry,Vineyard Vines,Southern Tide,Tommy Bahama and so on.Though these are higher end brands some off season bargains can be had.Outside there is a section with beach chairs,umbrellas boogie boards etc...We had no problem finding a parking spot and though it can get crowded never have.An automatic stop every time we vacation here.
9. Crystal Pier
Overall Ratings
4 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Mark G - Catonsville, Maryland
Crystal Pier is that classic wooden pier when you envision your vacations at the beach. Originally built in 1939, it suffered hurricane damage over the years and was completely restored in 2012-13 though not quite to the original 900 foot length.
At the base of the pier sits the beautiful 3 story Oceanic Restaurant that also has a large section of covered outdoor pier dining but has a walkway on the right side to allow you to walk on the pier at no charge without going thru the dining area.The Oceanic has a small bar at the end of their dining area and there is nothing better than getting a drink at night and watching the fisherman,listening to the music from the Oceanic and looking a the sunset and night lights of the island.On our 1st visit to Wrightsville this year we watched the 4th of July fireworks from the pier and the show up and down the island was spectacular.
10. Stanback Coastal Education Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By Hank W - Wilmington, North Carolina
The Fred and Alice Stanback Coastal Education Center opened last May (2014). The center is in the historic 1948 Palmgren-O’Quinn cottage which was donated to the N.C. Coastal Federation. They moved the cottage, by barge, to the town’s historic square; and renovated it to include a classroom, education and art displays, public event space and offices for Federation staff. They are working on their education displays, but they have great education programs. These are all listed on their website www.nccoast.org. They have a coastal speaker series, coastal adventures and touch tank tuesdays. You can tour the center, all the cool rain gardens and other outdoor projects and learn more about the coast. The staff, interns and volunteers are all great.
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