Whether you’re drawn to sunrise strolls, dockside dining or adventures on the water, Wrightsville Beach offers the perfect blend of relaxation and recreation. This three-day itinerary highlights the best ways to soak up the island’s coastal charm year-round.
Duration: 3 days
Available: Year-round
Day 1: Arrival and Island Flavor
Afternoon
Drop Your Bags
Whether you're staying at a seaside hotel or vacation rental, take a moment to settle in and get oriented. Most places are just a short walk or bike ride from the shoreline, making it easy to ditch the car and enjoy island life at your own pace.
Evening
Pre-dinner Drink: Lighthouse Beer and Wine
Start your weekend with a cold one at this casual bottle shop and beer garden. Tucked along the marina, Lighthouse offers a rotating lineup of craft beer and wine. Sip in the shade of the outdoor patio, challenge your crew to yard games or relax under string lights as the sun dips behind the palms.
Casual Dinner: Poe’s Tavern
Right down the road, eat at this Edgar Allan Poe–inspired restaurant. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, and the burgers are local favorites. Add a handcrafted cocktail or regional draft to round out the experience (their spicy margarita is a treasure).
Day 2: Sunrise to Sailboats
Morning
Sunrise Coffee at SUNday's Café
Catch the sunrise with a coffee in hand from Sundays, a cozy ocean-view café. Located steps from the Crystal Pier at Oceanic, it’s the perfect launch point for a peaceful morning stroll or beach sit as the day begins.
Walk the Loop
Join locals on The Loop, a 2.5-mile path that winds through town, across causeways and along scenic views of the Intracoastal Waterway. Whether you walk, jog or bring the pup along, you’ll find it’s a great way to get your bearings and stretch your legs.
Main Attraction: A Perfect Beach Day
No trip to Wrightsville is complete without a full day on the sand. Claim your spot early and enjoy swimming, sunbathing or surfing. Consider renting chairs, umbrellas or paddleboards to maximize comfort and fun. For extra planning help, see our guide to local favorite accesses and where to find parking. (Tip: book a beachside stay to skip the need for parking, especially in peak season)
Afternoon
Late Lunch at Tower 7 Baja Mexican Grill
Just steps from the beach, Tower 7 is a post-surf staple. The vibe is relaxed, the surf films are always playing and the menu is packed with tacos, bowls and burritos full of bold, beachy flavors. Don’t miss the fish tacos or their famous mexican street corn.
Soundside Adventure: Zoe Sunset Sail
As golden hour approaches, climb aboard Zoe, a captained sailing yacht offering intimate, two-hour sunset cruises. Glide past marshes, barrier islands and wildlife in the calm waters of Banks Channel and Wrightsville Sound. With room to spread out, this is one of the most peaceful ways to experience the coast.
Evening
Dinner at Bluewater Waterfront Grill
Overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, Bluewater offers the perfect mix of waterfront views and fresh seafood. Dine indoors or outside on the expansive covered patio. Live music is often playing during summer evenings. Try the local fish of the day, North Carolina–style Calabash platter or signature crab cakes.
Optional Late-night Activity: Wrightsville Beach Bars
Keep the night going at some of the island’s most beloved watering holes. Sip slushies at Jimmy’s, dive into fun at the small dive bar connected to King Neptune’s, dance into the night at 22 North or the Palm Room and then grab a late-night slice from Vito’s Pizza before heading home.
Day 3: Brunch and Backwaters
Morning
Brunch at King Neptune
This longtime favorite has elevated its offerings with a farm-to-table brunch menu served in a beautifully renovated space. Inside the nautical dining room or breezy pirate bar, enjoy favorites like eggs Benedict, steak and egg hash or the smothered breakfast burrito.
Daytime Activity: Birding Cruise with Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours
Before heading home, enjoy one last look at the natural side of the coast. Step aboard the Shamrock for a guided birding cruise to Masonboro Island and Bradley Creek. Best at low tide, this relaxing boat ride offers a chance to see pelicans, herons, oystercatchers and more, while learning about the ecology of the surrounding wetlands and barrier islands from a knowledgeable local guide.
Departure
After three days of sun, surf and unforgettable excursions, it’s time to pack up and head home. As always, consider extending your trip to explore off the island in Wilmington, NC.
