The Ultimate Summer Guide to Visiting Wrightsville Beach

Beach season has finally arrived, and it’s time to see why Wrightsville Beach is one of the most popular beach destinations in North Carolina. So, pack your bag and sunscreen and prepare for a fun summer!

Summer is the peak travel season in Wrightsville Beach. The vacation rentals lining the coast are filled with vacationers, seasonal businesses and tours are fully operational, and the best events of the year are happening during the summer months.

Bookmark this guide to ensure you don’t miss Wrightsville Beach’s top summer activities.

Summer Weather in Wrightsville Beach

Bring on the heat! Summer in Wrightsville Beach has the perfect weather for spending time on the beach and other outdoor activities. Average temperatures range between the 70s and 80s, and the water is warm at around 80°F all season. Thank goodness for the refreshing ocean breeze to keep cool during the day–or stop by your local ice cream parlor for a delicious frozen treat after the beach.

Here are a few essential items to keep in mind to pack while getting ready for your trip to Wrightsville Beach during the summer to make sure you’re prepared for the weather:

• Lightweight clothing
• Swimwear
• Sandals
• Sunglasses/hat
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray

Things to do in Wrightsville Beach During the Summer

1. Beach fun and water sports

The beach is calling, and our Wrightsville Beach vacation rentals are just steps away! Soak up the sun and enjoy a vacation full of fun water activities.

Wrightsville Beach offers more than two miles of ocean coastline. Rent surfboards to catch the waves. Go snorkeling to find colorful fish or spot loggerhead sea turtles coming to shore to nest for the season. Dive beneath the surface at popular snorkeling sites like the sunken Alexander Ramsey ship and Lobster Ledge. Or enjoy the adrenaline rush or jet skiing and parasailing.

Many of our rentals provide beach chairs, coolers, and other beach accessories. So, you’ll have everything you need to enjoy a day at the beach the moment you check in!

2. Cruises and Tours

Set sail on the many water excursions and tours in Wrightsville Beach during the summer. Scenic tours are an excellent way to see the beauty of the North Carolina coast. Embark on fishing and birding excursions to discover the rich wildlife of the region. Add a spark of romance to your trip on a sunset water cruise with your first mate. “X” marks the spot for buried treasure on family-friendly pirate tours.

Take a break from the water with self-guided walking tours. Take the Loop Through History Tour to sites like Jonnie Mercer’s Fishing Pier and Lumina Pavilion. Each location is marked by signs sponsored by the Wrightsville Beach Museum. Also, see film locations used in Dawson’s Creek and One Tree Hill TV series’.

Private charters are also available to chart your own excursion.

3. Go island hopping

Wrightsville Beach sits on Harbor Island, one of the many barrier islands in the area. Discover what unique activities and sights await on the other nearby islands, easily accessible from Wrightsville Beach via boat tours and kayaking.

Dock at Masonboro Island, the largest of the barrier islands, to explore the protected landscape of the Masonboro Island Reserve, full of hiking trails, untouched beaches, and wildlife. Collect unique shells on the pristine shores of Lea-Hutaff Island. The abundance of shorebirds inhabiting Zeke’s Island Reserve makes it a haven for birdwatchers.

4. Stay active with outdoor activities

Heads up! The beach is always busy during this peak travel season. If you’re looking for a place to escape the crowds during your summer getaway, there are plenty of other options for leisure and recreation. Mix in some of these fun activities into your itinerary to make the most of all that Wrightsville Beach has to offer.

Join the early birds for a morning walk or bike ride along the Loop, a 2.45-mile route through Wrightsville Beach and the Intracoastal Waterway. More experienced riders can attempt the 11-mile River to Sea Bike Ride, which takes you all the way to Downtown Wilmington. Several of our vacation rentals include bikes for our guests, or you can find nearby bike rental shops.

Delight yourself with family fun at Wrightsville Beach Park. It features a kid’s playground, a recreational center, and picnic spots. If you bring your pet along for the trip, they’ll have plenty of space to run around at the off-leash Empie Park.

Top Annual Summer Events in Wrightsville Beach

Clear your calendar because Wrightsville Beach has tons of events during the summer. Some of the biggest annual events happen during the summer that you don’t want to miss. From surfing to music concerts and plenty of freebies, there’s always something to check out.

For music lovers, visit Crystal Pier every Thursday and Sunday for free live music during the Oceanic Summer Music Series (May-August). Wrightsville Beach Park hosts the WECT Sounds of Summer Concerts in the Park for free live music every Thursday between June and August. The Airlie Gardens Summer Concert Series brings up to 2,500 people for each Friday night show—reserve your tickets for the show before they’re sold out!

Bring on the competition with the Wahine Classic All Female Surfing Competition during August and the Spanish Mackerel Open to test your fishing prowess. These events are free to attend if you simply want to cheer on your favorite competitor.

And you can’t forget about the exciting 4th of July celebrations. You can find everything you need to know about celebrating the holiday here.

Stay up to date on the best events happening in Wrightsville Beach here.

Finding Summer Accommodations in Wrightsville Beach

Planning a summer getaway to Wrightsville Beach? Don’t hesitate to make reservations for accommodations in Wrightsville Beach during the summer. It’s the busiest travel time, and many rentals and hotels fill up quickly during these months. Sea Scape Properties offers the perfect Wrightsville Beach vacation rentals for your summer stay. Enjoy a short summer stay for a weekend getaway to the beach or accomplish everything on your Wrightsville Beach summer bucket list with our top vacation rental properties.

Our sunny shores await!