From sunrise to sunset, Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina is the kind of place where beach days are always magical, especially if you have a local to guide you.  Whether you’re visiting Wrightsville Beach for the first time, or this is your annual beach vacay, this guide has everything you need to make the most of your time. 

Getting Set Up: How, When, Where

When you’re on vacation, the last thing you want to worry about is where to grab some chairs or an umbrella that you don’t need any other time. That’s where local beach gear rentals come in handy. Luckily, there are plenty of beach equipment rental services in the area where you can pick up or get delivery directly on the sand, your hotel or vacation rental. 

At Got Shade Beach Rentals, you can place an order for pickup or free delivery to the public beach access you plan to visit. Just give them a 30-minute head’s up when you’re going to be done, and the team meets you there to load up your used gear. All rentals are due back by 5 p.m. but late dropoffs are available until 7 p.m. for an additional $10. Cape Fear Beach Rentals delivers to your hotel or vacation rental and will pick up when you’re finished. For the more last-minute planners out there, there’s always The Sweetwater Surf Shop, where you can pick up beach rentals. You can stay at one of the oceanfront hotels who have their own beach set up that you can enjoy at your convenience. 

When To Arrive

Wrightsville Beach is one of the most popular beaches in North Carolina. With that in mind, it’s always best to arrive as early in the morning as possible or late in the afternoon after all the sunworshippers are signing off for the day. Locals’ tip: parking is free before 9 a.m. and after 7 p.m. and it’s free all day between October 31st and March 1st. You can also park at Wrightsville Beach Park. It's free for the first two hours, and a short walk down The Loop. It's a great option if you're okay with stretching your legs. Check out our guide on parking at Wrightsville Beach to learn more. 

Where To Go

Nearly as important as the time you go to the beach is where you’re going to go. At Wrightsville Beach, there are 44 beach accesses, but each one is different based on what you’re looking for. If you want something central, access 16, next to Johnnie Mercer’s Pier, is the place to go. You’ll also find bathrooms and rinse stations at that access, so getting sand in the car is a non-issue. Some people want something a little more off the beaten path and secluded. If that’s you, the northernmost access, access number two, is the best spot. There’s a public restroom and rinse station there as well. When you walk onto the beach at access two, walk to the left and, if you go far enough at low tide, you will see a series of tide pools. There’s also a cute white mailbox where you can leave trinkets or notes. 

Another popular area is the south end. You can access the beach at Oceanic Restaurant and Crystal Pier, or at the end. If you go all the way to the tip of the south end at access #44, you have a choice: sit on the ocean side where you can take in views of the waves and jetty, or sit on the inlet side, where you can enjoy the calmer waters of Masonboro inlet and see the island. Locals’ tip: The inlet side is the perfect spot for unbeatable sunsets. 

 

Ocean Status Flags & What They Mean 

When you visit the beach, if lifeguards are on duty, there will always be flag indicators on their stations. Each one—green, yellow and red—have different meanings. Similar to traffic lights, they signal how safe the ocean is to swim in at a given time. 

🟩  Green Flag
When the flag is green, this means “low hazard.” Conditions during a green flag are calm with no indication of danger. Normal swimming caution should be exercised. 
🟨  Yellow Flag
If you notice a yellow flag, this means that conditions are moderately hazardous. Weak swimmers should not enter the water and others are encouraged to practice extra caution when entering the water. 
🟥  Red Flag
Red flags are an indication of extreme danger. All swimmers are discouraged from entering the water. Swimmers who do enter should take immense care. The risk of rip currents and undertow is high and conditions are life threatening. 
🏁  Checkered Flags
Checkered flags in the sand mark designated surfing zones. Surfers should stay within these areas to help keep swimmers safe.

 

Grab-and-Go or Walkable Bites

Wrightsville Beach has plenty of options for food that fits your day in the sand—whether you’re packing a picnic or heading off the beach for a more formal meal. 

Picnic Perfection 

  • Robert’s Grocery: A local installation established in 1919, you’ve got to try their famous chicken salad. Pair it with some drinks and you can call lunch done. While you’re in Robert’s, score some delicious shave ice with fresh fruit from Waves Shave Ice, and stay cool on the beach.

  • Bevvy Mart: Owned by Mason Barnes, a World Surf League Big Wave Awards winner and Wrightsville Beach, NC local, Bevvy Mart is another solid option for craft drinks, supplies and quick eats like sandwiches, wraps, burritos and more. 

Walkable Eats by Access Point

  • Near Access #30 - Latimer Ave.:

    • Trolly Stop: This iconic hot dog spot opened in 1976 originally as “Station 1.” It was called Station 1 because it was at the first stop of the trolley line that connected downtown Wilmington to the south end of the beach. Order one of the 12 hotdog styles or build your own. They also have coffees ranging from lattes to cold brew. 

    • Kohl’s Frozen Custard & Kitchen: From cheeseburgers to frozen custard and pies, Kohl’s is a local favorite since 1998. There’s nothing quite like dipping fresh french fries in some chocolate custard after a long day at the beach. 

    • South Beach Grill: Enjoy delicious southern dishes with a coastal flair and unbelievable sunset views over Banks Channel for a more formal meal.

  • Near Access #36 - Crystal Pier:

    • Oceanic Restaurant: A sit-down meal with unbeatable ocean views. Perfect for sunset cocktails or fresh seafood right on the pier.

    • SUNdays: This cozy cafe sits right above South End Surf Shop, offering refreshing drinks, prepared foods and their legendary açai bowls.