Wrightsville Beach FAQ's

Before you can find yourself here you have to find us. So look here for anything you need to know about how to get here, our gentle climate, our unique events like the Holiday Flotilla and more.

Are there tennis courts and volleyball courts at Wrightsville Beach?

Yes, there are 4 public hard surface tennis courts and several sand volleyball courts at the Wrightsville Beach public park. There are private volleyball courts at the Holiday Inn Sunspree and the Blockade Runner Beach Resort. Children’s playgrounds are located at Wrightsville Beach Park as well as softball fields, soccer fields, and basketball courts.

Are there walking/running paths or trails?

The “loop” at Wrightsville Beach is a circular scenic 2.45-mile path around the public park and scenic marshes and through the village of Wrightsville Beach.

Are there golf courses nearby?

There are several coastal golf courses near the beach. Click here for a list of area courses.

Is there a kayak trail at Wrightsville Beach?

Yes, there is a new 5-mile trail that winds through the out island marshes markedby buoys. Kayak rental are available on the island at Saltmarsh Kayak Co.
www.saltmarshkayak.com

Is there sailing at Wrightsville Beach?

Yes, there are many regattas both in the sound and ocean during the season. There are facilities that rent and instruct sailing on boats from 12’ to 40’. See website under Activities.

Where can I fish at Wrightsville Beach?

There is one new concrete public fishing pier which sells and rents fishing tackle. It is Johnnie Mercer’s pier. Also, some hotels have sound side piers which allow guests to fish. Additionally, there are boats to charter for everything from fly fishing in the sounds to marlin fishing in the gulf stream. There is also excellent surf fishing in Spring and Fall.

Are there lifeguards at Wrightsville Beach?

Yes, the fire department's Ocean Rescue Squad is responsible for ensuring public safety on the beach strand. Led by a full-time coordinator, Ocean Rescue employs 22 seasonal lifeguards from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Our Ocean Rescue program is certified by the U.S. Lifesaving Association. We staff nine lifeguard stands, and we also patrol the entire length of the beach strand using all-terrain vehicles and a personal watercraft. All seasonal lifeguards are certified in lifesaving and first aid. Our lifeguards are supported by full-time fire department staff who are certified EMTs. Lifeguards also assist bathers by providing public information, recovering lost children, and enforcing beach regulations. Our Ocean Rescue Squad is on duty from 10AM to 6PM, seven days per week from Memorial Day until Labor Day.

Is there surfing at Wrightsville Beach?

Yes and it is some of the best surf on the east coast. There are several good surf shops listed on this web site for rental and instruction as well as a good surf camp. Surfing at Wrightsville Beach is allowed only in designated areas beginning the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. Surfing within 500 feet of any commercial fishing pier or the Masonboro Inlet jetty is prohibited. Surfing is not restricted within designated areas after Labor Day until Memorial Day again approaches. Town ordinances provide for "Surf areas" rotating surfing areas. These areas rotate each day and are only in effect from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm when surfing is not permitted elsewhere on the beach. During the times that these areas are in effect, no swimming is allowed in the designated surf zone. The area to be used each day will depend on the calendar date. For instance, on July 9, area nine will be used, on August 22 area 22 and so on. These areas are well marked and may vary slightly at the discretion of the head lifeguard depending on the existing conditions.

Can I get married on Wrightsville Beach?

The three full service resorts at Wrightsville Beach will arrange for your wedding to take place in front of their oceanfront properties. However, if you would like to be married at the south inlet public gazebo or other public beach locations you will need to contact the Wrightsville Beach Town Hall @ 910-256-7900 and obtain a special event permit. Information about the special event permit for a wedding or any other group activity is listed on the town’s website at www.townofwrightsvillebeach.com/specialevent.htm

Are pets allowed on Wrightsville Beach?

During high season (April – November), pets are not allowed on Wrightsville Beach strand. There are no hotels on the island that allow pets other than certified aids for handicapped individuals. During the off season pets are allowed on the beach with leashes, however they are still not allowed at the hotels.

Nearby kennels are listed below:

Azalea Coast Animal Care 6205 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 790-3112
MeadowSweet 5523 Greenville Loop Road, Wilmington, NC 791-6421
Port City Animal Hospital 4012 Masonboro Loop Road Wilmington, NC 452-4093
Sylvia’s Pet Care Center 26 New Bern Street, Wilmington, NC 799-2375

What are the Alcohol Laws at Wrightsville Beach?

The legal drinking age in North Carolina is 21 years of age. Alcoholic beverages may be served until 2 AM standard or daylight time. No alcoholic beverages purchased before 12 noon on Sunday. Most restaurants and all full service resorts are permitted to sell alcoholic beverages as well as beer and wine. Drinking and driving is of course illegal, however, most resorts provide transportation to area restaurants and bars.

What are the Wrightsville Beach Public Ocean Access streets?

Are the parking spaces metered:

All (35) public streets at Wrightsville Beach have public beach access and 8 of these ADA accessible ocean access points. Wrightsville Beach has four ocean accessible parking lots with public restrooms and one public restroom in the Wrightsville Beach Park by the tennis courts. All public parking spaces are metered and the charge is $1.25 per hour. The meters are active from March until October.

Where are the Public Restrooms:

2698 N. Lumina Ave - 29 parking spaces, ADA accessible, public toilets, and a shower. Public access #2
2398 N. Lumina Ave - 99 parking spaces, ADA accessible, and public toilets. Public Access #4
25 E. Salisbury St - parking spaces, ADA accessible, covered gazebo, public toilets, and a shower. Public Access #16
650 S. Lumina Ave - 86 parking spaces, ADA accessible, public toilets, and a shower. Public Access #36

Wrightsville Beach ADA Accessible Ocean Access Points

The Town of Wrightsville Beach has three sand wheelchairs available for use at no charge. The sand wheelchair may be picked up and returned to the park office anytime between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Advance reservations are required. Call the Wrightsville Beach Parks & Recreation Department at 910-256-7925 to make your reservation or for more information.

2698 N. Lumina Ave - Access #2
2498 N. Lumina Ave - Access #3
2398 N. Lumina Ave - Access #4
1800 N. Lumina Ave - Access #8
1700 N. Lumina Ave -Access #9
25 E. Salisbury St - Access #16
650 S. Lumina Ave - Access #36
1000 S. Lumina Ave - Access #43

What are the local taxes at Wrightsville Beach?

Sales and use tax on purchases, including food, clothing and other retail, are taxed at the rate of 7%. Occupancy tax for rental of any room or cottage less than 30 days is an additional 6%.