Unveiling Underrated Spots in Wrightsville Beach

Consider yourself already part of the “in” crowd for knowing Wrightsville Beach is one of the best beach destinations in North Carolina. But to truly set yourself apart from the other droves of tourists who come here every year, it’s time to explore some of the hidden gems in Wrightsville Beach.

Wrightsville Beach is one of the best places to stay on the North Carolina Coast. Guests staying in our vacation rentals always inquire about things off the beaten path to experience the authentic side of this busy beach town. Well, we’ve got you covered!

Here are six underrated activities to get even more out of your Wrightsville Beach getaway.

Discover Secret Beaches

Wrightsville Beach has been a popular tourist destination in North Carolina since it was first incorporated back in 1899. Fast-forward to today, and it’s a favorite beach destination for visitors near and far. If you want to avoid the busy beaches during the busy season, it’s time to uncover why these lesser-known beaches are the best hidden gems in Wrightsville Beach.

Your best bet at finding beaches with few foot tracks is by exploring the offshore islands and inlets. Take a boat to the Mason Island Reserve, surrounded by untouched sandy shores. Dock and claim a local Mason’s Inlet sand bar for yourself until high tide reclaims it for the ocean. Go on a seafaring voyage to Lea Island with Yacht Source to reach secret beaches only accessible by boat. Rent kayaks from Kayak Carolina and paddle to the secluded shores of Money Island.

Wander Past Charming Century-old Cottages

Take your eyes off the serene beach scenery momentarily, and your gaze will be met with some of Wrightsville Beach’s oldest cottages dating back over 100 years! These charming cottages have withstood the test of time and remain eye candy for beachgoers.

Explore the Wrightsville Beach Historic Square on West Salisbury Street to see cottages from the 1900s still standing after the 1934 Great Fire. The former Myers Cottage (1909) holds the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History. The Palmgren-O’Quinn House (1946) is now repurposed as the Fred and Alice Stanback Coastal Education Center with exhibits about coastal habitats. The Ewing-Bordeaux Cottage (1924) currently holds the Waterman Hall of Fame for water sports. Take a casual stroll down North and South Lumina Avenue, where you’ll find historic ocean front cottages. On your walk, you’ll pass the Carolina Yacht Club, the second oldest yacht club in the US, founded in 1853.

Think these cottages are charming? Stay in your own ocean front home in Wrightsville Beach.

High walkability for exploring on foot

At approximately four miles long, Wrightsville Beach is a very walkable beach town. We love a good stroll through town where you’re sure to brush elbows with friendly neighbors and smiling locals. The main drag on Lumina Avenue is lined with sidewalks past retail shops and restaurants. Explore the town on The Loop Through History walking tour with Wrightsville Beach Museum of History or take a self-guided tour to landmarks like the Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier and Crystal Pier.

In addition to exploring town, you can add walking to your exercise regime on The Loop. It’s a 2.45-mile loop trail through Wrightsville Beach and the Intracoastal Waterway.

Find rentals near Wrightsville Beach with parking and leave your car behind to explore!

Birdwatching

Did you know that Wrightsville Beach lies directly on the path of the Atlantic Flyway? It’s one of the major bird migration routes across North America, and the coastal habitats are perfect for a rest stop for birds flying south. Its why Wrightsville Beach is such a good birdwatching spot.

Look up, and you never know what exciting bird you’ll see next. During the migration season, the skies are filled with shorebirds like Piping Plovers and Sanderlings. Look out for the Great Blue Heron, the largest heron in North America. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot the high-speed Peregrine Falcon.

There are tons of opportunities for birdwatching in Wrightsville Beach. The Audubon Bird Sanctuary is located on the beach’s south end and is a popular habitat for nesting birds. The Masonboro Island Reserve also has birding tours to discover birds residing on this uninhabited island.

Harness the Power of the Wind

“Wow, it’s windy!” is commonly heard from first-timers visiting Wrightsville Beach. These breezy coasts catch many people off guard. However, us locals have learned how to harness the power of the wind and use it for some of our favorite activities.

The windiest season in Wrightsville Beach is between February and April, with gusts reaching speeds of up to 20 miles per hour. With just the right amount of wind, you can participate in activities like kiteboarding, kite surfing, windsurfing, and parasailing. There’s even the Cape Fear Kite Festival held every November nearby in Kure Beach (click here to find out where to stay in Kure Beach for this annual event).

These beach breezes are the perfect burst of cool air on a hot summer day. Enjoy it while dining outdoors at restaurants like the Oceanic Restaurant and Bluewater Waterfront Grill.

Wellness Activities

Rest and relaxation are a must for any beach getaway. Wrightsville Beach has much more than just great views to help you unwind. It’s a great place for holistic activities, blending wellness with the laid-back beach vibes.

Practice your downward dog and eagle pose with yoga on the beach programs, or join Be Unlimited Yoga for Yoga on the Crystal Pier. Across the Wrightsville Beach Bridge on South Harbor Island is the Alchemy Wellness Spa, which offers treatments for your body and skin. And don’t forget to set your alarm for sunrise and sunset every day!

Check out these vacation homes with pools in Wrightsville Beach to complement your wellness activities.

Stay in Wrightsville Beach

Staying local will help you discover even more to love about Wrightsville Beach. From a simple walk around the neighborhood to letting time pass graciously at the beach, you’ll find out what truly makes this destination special.

Check out our Wrightsville Beach vacations and book your stay today!