Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach
4.5
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- Dacia Z.Wilmington, North Carolina57 contributionsWrightsville Beach is a must visit locationThis is one of the most beautiful, clean beaches in North Carolina. This beach is 25 minutes from Downtown Wilmington. Parking is really hard to find during summer and the price per hour is around $6. Get there before 8am if you want to find parking and enjoy the beach. Parking is free after 7pm. This beach extends a few miles and has 3 major hotels and TONS of airbnbs. There are about 20 restaurants, shops, and bars along the beach and you will have to go over 2 bridges to get to the beach. There is a loop that goes around the island that many locals and visitors use while staying at the island. This is a very dog friendly place and the beautiful blue waters are worth seeing and swimming in.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 21 February 2024
- Sunshine20 contributionsA beach to remember the past and make new memories.It has been several years since I walked this beach. The condition of the beach was awesome, with plenty of room to set up to sun and enjoy the surf. Many surfers were riding the waves. Families enjoyed the sand and surf. Johnnie Mercers Pier was nearby, which offers lots of amenities, including food. The Oceanic Restaurant offered great food with a view on the Crystal Pier. I would highly recommend The Surf Suites Hotel as well.Visited July 2024Travelled soloWritten 30 July 2024
- PhillyShaneyPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania1,261 contributionsScenic NC Coastal ParadiseI had a great time at Wrightsville Beach! There isn't a boardwalk...but this beach is very clean...chill and monitored frequently by lifeguards and other beach staff! I was there during the off season...it allowed me to enjoy the solitude and tranquility of the waves crashing and sounds of nature! What a great time!Visited September 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 27 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
1,111 reviews
Excellent
719
Very good
259
Average
64
Poor
23
Terrible
46
Liv
2 contributions
Jul 2020 • Friends
Wrightsville Beach was much more pleasant and mindful of social distancing than Carolina Beach. Carolina Beach had people that were not 6feet apart and parking cost was ridiculously overpriced. Wrightsville was cheaper to park, and a much cleaner and enjoyable beach.
Written 10 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill C
Henrico, NC3 contributions
Apr 2021 • Friends
Parking meters on streets in this seaside town appear broken and missing major parts. However rather than fix or remove them this town merely added stickers to the meter posts, fairly low and difficult to read, telling the parker to phone a number to pay the parking fee. Pretty friggin wierd!
The fees are $5/1st hour, or $25 for the day, or so I read online...later. I figured the meters were broke and did not notice the post sticker. So ended up paying $50 fine plus $2 processing fee for a 1 hour park. That fee applies to hourly rates too. Best to walk over the causeway and let them have their parking spaces left empty. I will never return.....
Call me foolish, but there are miles of beaches where I live in Florida with zero parking fees. Upper class areas like Naples and Marco Island charge a max of $$8 per day, or $2.50/hour. Come on down!
The fees are $5/1st hour, or $25 for the day, or so I read online...later. I figured the meters were broke and did not notice the post sticker. So ended up paying $50 fine plus $2 processing fee for a 1 hour park. That fee applies to hourly rates too. Best to walk over the causeway and let them have their parking spaces left empty. I will never return.....
Call me foolish, but there are miles of beaches where I live in Florida with zero parking fees. Upper class areas like Naples and Marco Island charge a max of $$8 per day, or $2.50/hour. Come on down!
Written 21 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Misterjynx2000
Hawley, PA238 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
The beach has ample public access. I don’t know how the parking situation is in the busy season ($3/hr) but there was plenty in February. The beachis NOT lined with tall hotels/condos as is many other east coast beaches. Off season rates seem to be reasonable. There are not many restaurants right in the immediate area, but within a mile there are a few.
Written 6 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jill2bz
Green Bay, WI259 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
Unfortunately the weather was much cooler than I anticipated therefore I couldn’t enjoy the beach as much. There was also huge tubes along the beach. There was dredging going on-bringing more sand to the beach-a very good thing. Lots of surfers were “catching waves”. I was able to walk many of the side streets that end at the beach. I was extremely fortunate to have rented a place on one of the side streets that included parking. The city has increased the fee to $5-$6 per hour or $25 for the day.
Written 19 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John M
Raleigh, NC1,735 contributions
Sept 2020
We stayed at the Holiday Inn on the north side of the island. The beach here is rather gritty with lot of broken shells - wear foot protection. As you go north, there is plenty of parking and access. We prefer the sandier south end - go all the way to parking at the end of the road. There is also street parking. The cost is $5 per hour or $25 per day. You can walk around the nesting area to calmer water on the other side of the breakwater.
Written 16 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ginger G
Raleigh, NC43 contributions
Jul 2020
Beautiful waters, nice beach that is very clean, lifeguards are very detailed and watching thoroughly to ensure all stay safe. My favorite spot is 2 signs down from the pier. However, it is $17 to park for the day if you are not walking from a local hotel or beach rental.
Written 24 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dacia Z.
Wilmington, NC57 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
This is one of the most beautiful, clean beaches in North Carolina. This beach is 25 minutes from Downtown Wilmington. Parking is really hard to find during summer and the price per hour is around $6. Get there before 8am if you want to find parking and enjoy the beach. Parking is free after 7pm.
This beach extends a few miles and has 3 major hotels and TONS of airbnbs. There are about 20 restaurants, shops, and bars along the beach and you will have to go over 2 bridges to get to the beach.
There is a loop that goes around the island that many locals and visitors use while staying at the island. This is a very dog friendly place and the beautiful blue waters are worth seeing and swimming in.
This beach extends a few miles and has 3 major hotels and TONS of airbnbs. There are about 20 restaurants, shops, and bars along the beach and you will have to go over 2 bridges to get to the beach.
There is a loop that goes around the island that many locals and visitors use while staying at the island. This is a very dog friendly place and the beautiful blue waters are worth seeing and swimming in.
Written 21 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melaney68
Chesapeake Beach, MD11,395 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
Wrightsville is well known and adored so expect to arrive early for parking during peak season. Take a picture of your license plate (unless you have it memorized) so you can pay for your parking with your credit card via the parking kiosks. You can add time if you stay longer and there is an all day flat rate. There are public restrooms and outdoor showers.
Written 20 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Samantha H
1 contribution
Feb 2021 • Solo
Just wanted to leave a friendly update to Wrightsville beach's parking. It is now $5.00 an hr. and $25.00 a day March 1st through October 31st. You must pay to park between the times of 9am to 7pm unless otherwise posted. I am just glad I am close enough to enjoy it in the off season as two Topsail beaches to the north will be having paid parking as well.
Written 23 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TangoNY
Great Neck, NY1,645 contributions
Jul 2022 • Solo
I got here while staying in Wilmington NC on business from NYC. The beach seems like a very popular place among locals and for many good reasons. It’s very well maintained, cleaned, with lifeguards and piers. The weather was beautiful and I sincerely enjoyed the water as well as all the premium multimillion dollar real wastage beachfront homes around here along South Lumina avenue. A great place to surf or stay at the beach with a family. Highly recommend this place!
Written 21 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jen D
Charlotte, North Carolina
Looking for a beach for a girls trip. Relaxing, but has a lot of choices for nightlife. Looking for restaurants and bars. We usually go to Charleston/Folly Beach in Sept., so we're use to that vibe. Will Wrightsville Beach be similiar?
Written 18 February 2020
Yes, We actually went to James Island, Folly Beach two years ago and Wrightsville last year. It is laid back and there are definitely restaurants and bars. I feel like Charleston is a bit busier but wrightsville is very nice too.
Would be a nice trip.
Written 19 February 2020
Is much open at Wrightsville Beach in December? My sister and I are traveling there for the Wilmington Historic Half, not sure whether we should stay in town or go to the beach or head south after the race. Looking for experience and suggestions. Thanks!
Written 9 September 2019
It is kind of a ghost town in December. But there are things open and who needs tourist at the beach anyways?
Written 10 September 2019
Yes, you can rent chairs and umbrellas (not sure of the cost)
Written 21 October 2019
whats the best time of year to visit? Looking for some warmth relaxation, and beauty. Thinking of going in April. Thank you
Written 1 December 2018
April is a pretty time it’s not crowded the temperatures will be about mid 70s but the water will be ice cold if you don’t care about getting in the ocean that’s the perfect time. May is great as well. I am buying a little condo down there on the intercoastal waterway you can take bicycles over to the beach from my condo that I’m going to purchase. Look on Airbnb you may find something really nice for rent. I highly recommend driving down to the southernmost tip of the beach the homes are spectacular in the beach down there by the jetty is gorgeous. You usually have to pay to park along their The pier is very nice as well and there are some restaurants even some restaurants inside the hotels there very few it’s more of a private type beach if you’re looking for a lot of action Wrightsville is not the place.
Written 1 December 2018
can anyone confirm that the no-smoking law is enforced at Wrightsville Beach? I cannot tolerate any level of cigarette smoke and am hoping that the no-smoking ban on the beach is enforced. will appreciate any info! thanks -
Written 6 April 2018
No smoking, no drinking any alcohol on beach. Yes enforced. Beach is patrolled all day and tickets are written for violators.
Written 14 May 2018
Are there any handicap accessible beach locations on Wrightsville Beach? I use a walker and would love beach accessibility.
Written 23 October 2017
There are handicapped parking spots close to the beach and there are sidewalks and ramps near the piers and restaurants. However on the beach itself ?
Written 23 October 2017
Is there a charge to get on wrightsville beach?
Written 18 September 2017
As far as I know, there is no charge, there are plenty of public beach areas, very nice
Written 19 September 2017
I organized an academic conference a few years ago at the beginning of Nov: the weather was beautiful and the water warm.
As Nov. progresses it gets somewhat cooler, but in my experience only March holds consistent cold & stormy weather. ('Consistent cold' means in NC not what it means in Illinois or New York :-) -- it means that the temp might be in the 40s for a few days, but if that combines with a storm the Beach can be pretty unpleasant.
The beach in Jan and Feb can be beautiful, but with a kind of desolate air -- good for walking, thinking, contemplating. If you swim or surf, wet suits are common; when you walk (especially in the afternoon, with the breeze, sweaters and hoodies predominate).
Written 6 September 2017
we will be celebrating our honeymoon the last week of October. How is the water that time of year? Any recommendations for activities in the fall in the Wrightsville Beach / Wilmington area?
Written 15 August 2017
Excellent choice!
Airlie Gardens will be beautiful in the Fall-- A great place for a romantic walk & the pictures you can get will be amazing!
Stop at the Visitor's Center & Museum-- explore the old beach cottage & get local information on everything, take a walk around the porch & play checkers on the porch in the rocking chairs--may still have the free Lemonade & Cookies
Enjoy a romantic dinner on the pier over the Atlantic at Oceanic (assuming you can get a seat) Don't forget Wilmington... The River Walk, Battleship & River Cruises---perfect to do since the weather will be cooler.
And for a different shopping experience & dining ...visit Mayfaire Town Centre.
Oh & of course...the Beach is beautiful, clean...you must walk all the way down past Shell Island Resort to the Inlet...romantic, great shells, picture opportunities, fishing, shelling.
I hope you enjoy!
Written 16 August 2017
mateusinhowy
Silver Spring, Maryland
How are you now in April? Anybody know if everything is working on the beach? I would like to go now at the end of April, but I do not want to go and see the empty beach
Written 20 April 2017
Hi, April is a beautiful time of the year to come to Wrightsville Beach, it is still always a all-year round beach town, and the Parks and Recreation departments are open to some things, marathons and other competitions are listed, and the public access baths all along the beach are open as of April 1st. The weather with much less people overall present then in the beach town is a big draw to some people able to take advantage of off-season. Of course, things begin to literally warm up at Wrightsville Beach during the months of April and May, as the high- or busier summer- season begins around Memorial Day & U. N. C.'s graduation dates across the state, that tend to coincide w/ Mothers' Day, with the full season un-officially extending to Labor Day signalling the beginning dates of public schools,(though the fall weather is divine)! The still-warmer weather, and cooler evening breezes, with again the presence of fewer visitors on the beach, draw a lot of visitors when the full season has past.
For more information detailing locations of bathhouses, parking areas that are open or require payment, etc., go to the Town of Wrightsville Beach website where you may want to check for more you would like to know about! Enjoy your time at Wrightsville Beach, and YES all of the town's offices, including all municipal ones are easily reachable, including of course, always the police and fire stations, town offices, and ways to get information on availability of activities at the Parks and Recreation offices.
There you will see a place to click for detailed, dates, hours as they differ within the township. THERE is also a map of the entire area as a guide w/ listed parking, pay stations, zones, etc.
Written 26 September 2017
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