Oceanside or Sound Side in Wrightsville Beach? A Comparison Guide

Two is better than one—especially when it comes to the beach! Wrightsville Beach is nestled between two bodies of water: the Atlantic Ocean and inland waterways. That gives you two options for where to spend a day in the water! But which side is the best one?

The ocean side at Wrightsville Beach is the main attraction for many visitors. But for travelers in-the-know, the sound side also has its perks. In fact, some activities are exclusively available on the sound side, which can sway your preference for where you want to spend most of your time during your Wrightsville Beach vacation.

If you’re stuck between the two, this comparison guide will point you in the right direction: the ocean or the sound.

Overview: Oceanside vs. Soundside

Exhilarating watersports, an expansive beachfront, landmark piers, and ocean view restaurants are just a taste of what makes the oceanside of Wrightsville Beach special. It’s a four-mile stretch of white sand and the perfect waves rolling in from the Atlantic Ocean to enjoy a day at the beach—in and out of the water.

Most first-timers spend most of their time on the oceanside. It’s where you’ll find most visitors with umbrellas and Shibumi Shades lining the entire stretch of beach.

The sound side consists of multiple waterways, including the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), Banks Channel, Motts Channel, and Big Lollipop Bay. You’ll see these while crossing over the WB Causeway Drive Bridge onto the barrier island.

Boat docks are one of the defining characteristics on the sound side near the centralized tourist area, before transforming into salt marshes as you travel towards the northern and southern ends of Wrightsville Beach.

Which side should you visit?

If you’re spending a few days in Wrightsville Beach, you’ll have plenty of time to visit the oceanside and the sound side. They both have their highlights, but some activities are preferred on one side over the other.

Here are the best features of each to help you plan your activities for the day.

Oceanside highlights

1. More beach – both sides offer sandy shores, but the sound side only has tiny pockets of sand. You can’t beat the oceanside if you want the typical “beach day” filled with fun in the sun, playing in the water, long walks in the sand, or simply relaxing and enjoying the views.
   
   
2. Wave-fueled watersports – heads up, the oceanside has tons of waves. It’s one of North Carolina’s top surf destinations with surfboard rentals and lessons readily available at local surf shops. Check out our popular Wrightsville Beach vacation rentals, Harbor Tide Estate and Lumina Sands, which both include complimentary surfboards for guests to use during their stay! Other common watersports include jet skiing, SUP, paddleboarding, etc.
   
   
3. Fishing piers – Johnnie Mercers Pier (north end) and Crystal Pier (south end) are two popular fishing spots.
   
   
4. Sunrise – the oceanside faces the east, making it the perfect location to wake up and enjoy a stunning sunrise over the ocean.
   
   
5. Safety – lifeguard stations are staffed during the beach season. Check out WB Live Surf for current water conditions or look for warning signs at the lifeguard stations before going into the water.

Sound side highlights

1. Gentle tides – Wrightsville Beach gets breezy and it can make the waters a bit too rough for the average swimmer. The sound side has protected waters, so it’s much calmer than the ocean side. The good news is that you won’t have to watch out for rip currents! Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are popular water sports for these water conditions.
   
   
2. Boating – bring your own boat or charter one locally. The sound side has plenty of waterways to explore, and you can even navigate to the ocean. There are plenty of boat access points and several dockside restaurants accessible with your boat. Check out our Coastal Cottage and Ocean Mist vacation homes that have their own docks!
   
   
3. Diverse Wildlife – the salt marshes are home to a wide variety of species. You’ll encounter migratory seabirds, sea turtles, and you may even encounter dolphins.
   
   
4. Sunsets – spend golden hour on the sound side to watch the sunset every evening. Visit the South End for one of the best sunset spots in Wrightsville Beach.

Vacation homes on the Oceanside and Sound Side

Staying in Wrightsville Beach offers the convenience of checking out both the ocean and sound sides. Spend part of your vacation lounging on the beach and surfing the waves before awaking the next day for a boating adventure through the sound.

Sea Scape Properties features accommodations set on either side. Take in sunrise or sunset views from your own balcony. And you’ll always be a short distance from the beach. Check out our popular Wrightsville Beach vacation homes and create memories on both the ocean and sound!