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Greater Wilmington  ·  NC Coast

Wrightsville Beach, NC
The Premier Beach.

Consistently ranked among the best beaches in the Southeast for good reason. Clear water, reliable surf, Johnnie Mercer’s Pier, Banks Channel paddling, and Masonboro Island — the last undeveloped barrier island in NC — right across the ICW. This is the Wilmington beach that raises the bar.

Paddleboard & SUP
Dolphin & Wildlife Tours
Surf Lessons
Beach Photography
Clearest Water in NC
Live Conditions
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Wrightsville Beach, NC
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ShoreList Experiences at Wrightsville Beach

Book a Local Experience

These are the experiences available right here at Wrightsville Beach through ShoreList. Every operator is one we know personally. Bookings open June 1st.

Paddleboard & SUP
Banks Channel is one of the finest stand-up paddleboard spots on the East Coast — calm, sheltered water with stunning views of the ICW and barrier islands. Guided lessons and board rentals available. Perfect for total beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
Banks ChannelAll Skill LevelsEquipment IncludedFamily Friendly
From $45 per person
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Wildlife & Dolphin Tours
Masonboro Island is NC’s largest undeveloped barrier island, sitting just across the ICW from Wrightsville Beach. Bottlenose dolphins are abundant year-round in these waters. Nesting shorebirds, loggerhead sea turtles, and total natural beauty. Guided eco-tours departing from Wrightsville Beach.
Masonboro IslandDolphinsEco-TourFamily Friendly
From $65 per person
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Surf Lessons
Wrightsville Beach has been producing surfers since the 1960s. The Atlantic breaks here are clean, consistent, and ideal for learning. Certified local instructors, all equipment provided. Groups and private lessons available. This is where NC surfers learn to surf.
Wrightsville BeachCertified InstructorAll Gear IncludedAll Ages
From $75 per person
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Beach Photography Sessions
Golden-hour portrait sessions on one of the most beautiful Atlantic beaches in the Southeast. Family portraits, couples, engagements. Wrightsville Beach at sunrise or sunset is extraordinary. Professional photographer, professional results.
Wrightsville BeachGolden HourFamilies & Couples
From $95 per session
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By the Numbers

Wrightsville Beach at a Glance

1889
First bridge to the island
3 mi
of Atlantic coastline
Top 10
NC beaches by multiple rankings
1,000 ft
Johnnie Mercer’s Pier length
5 min
from downtown Wilmington
Free
beach access always
Upcoming Events

What’s Happening at Wrightsville Beach

For the full events calendar with 75+ events across all of Wilmington & the Beaches, visit our Events Guide.

Wrightsville Beach Triathlon
September 2026  ·  Ocean swim, coastal bike, beach run  ·  One of the most scenic courses in the Southeast
Registration Required
Holiday NC Flotilla
Late November  ·  Decorated boats parade the ICW at night  ·  Free to watch from the Wrightsville Beach drawbridge
Free to Watch
Peak Surf Season
June — September  ·  Prime surf conditions daily at Johnnie Mercer’s Pier end and the north end
Free Beach
Taste of Wrightsville Beach
November 2026  ·  Sample signature dishes from Wrightsville Beach’s best restaurants
Ticketed
View Full Events Calendar →
Bookings open June 1st — join the waitlist for early access
Get Early Access →