 A small island of approximately 3,000 year round residents, Wrightsville Beach offers a laid-back beach lifestyle along with quaint ships, restaurants, and quality hotels. The island is perhaps best known for its recreational activities. The Wrightsville Beach Park offers a 2.45 mile paved walking trail lovingly referred to as “The Loop”, as well as a soccer and baseball field, tennis courts, volleyball pits, and a children's playground area.
The Loop is a wonderful place to get out and enjoy the island while taking care of yourself at the same time. On this circle you will encounter a wide variety of sights along the way. Most walkers start by parking at the large recreational area located in the center of the paved trail. While underway you will quickly find yourself crossing a bridge which takes you from the area commonly referred to as Harbor Island to actual Wrightsville Beach . While on the bridge, you are sure to see several large groups of impressive sail boats docked in the harbor. These boats travel together up and down the intracoastal and spend several days enjoying our area. As you continue on your walk, you will notice several historical homes that have survived decades of beach life and appear to be in as good of a condition as they were when originally constructed. On the final stretch of your walk you will encounter the marsh area. Countless birds can be seen along with several other types of wildlife will be enjoying this natural area. The “ Loop ” is a place that offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Boating and fishing have always been popular on the island. In April of 1853, the Carolina Yacht Club was established and now recognized as the third oldest yacht club in the United States . Several restaurants along the Waterway offer boat access, and Johnny Mercer's Pier is a local favorite for surf fishing. Johnny Mercer's was also recently renovated and is one of the few concrete fishing piers on the coast ensuring that it will last for years to come. Two annual events that always draw large crowds are the Cape Fear Blue Marlin Tournament and the North Carolina Holiday Flotilla just after Thanksgiving. Launch facilities fill up quickly so be sure to get to the ramp early for the best place to park the trailer.
The island provides a haven for the surfing enthusiast as well. On any given day year round you will see surfer's enjoying the strong swells and moderate water temperature the area provides. We have several Surf Camps that run sessions during the summer for novice surfers to get started. The summer season also provides Surfing competitions for several age and gender groups to compete for that perfect wave.
Wrightsville Beach continues to expand despite severe space limitations. Several smaller and older cottages are being expanded and renovated to handle larger families and allow more living space. These space limitations however help make Wrightsville Beach such a special place to live and enjoy. Just getting on the island can be a challenge as the draw bridge opens briefly on the hour. There has been much discussion on a possible bridge project however everyone agrees that it would do more harm than good. A stationary bridge would increase traffic counts and take away from the charm that is Wrightsville Beach .
When you come, slow down and don't be in a hurry. You never know what you might be missing!
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