An Escape to Wrightsville Beach, NC
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March 2, 2023
This post was created in partnership with Wrightsville Beach CVB. I created my own itinerary based on personal preferences. All opinions are my own.
Wow, what a great little weekend getaway to Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina! I’ve been to the Carolinas a few times in my life, but I had never been to the beaches there. I honestly felt like it could be the perfect setting for a book. You know those summer beach reads that make you wish you lived in a charming beach town – or at least “summer” in one? That’s Wrightsville Beach. So pleasant. So laid back. So dreamy. I think this might be my new favorite Carolina getaway from Atlanta!
Wrightsville Beach Travel Guide
What to Know
Getting There
If you’re coming from Atlanta or the south in general, driving is an option. The drive from Atlanta is about 6 hours. But flying in is really quick and easy. The airport code there is ILM and it’s very close to both Wrightsville Beach and Wilmington.
Getting Around
Depending on where you want to go, there are lots of options. One of my favorites is renting a bike! If you’re planning to stay in Wrightsville Beach the whole time, you can totally walk or ride a bike anywhere. Our hotel was located perfectly right near everywhere we went. If you do want to venture over into Wilmington, you can rent a car or take Lyft. I will say that the wait can be long with Lyft, so plan ahead of time and schedule a ride just to be safe!
Where to Stay
When it comes to Wrightsville Beach oceanfront hotels, there is one option that absolutely takes the cake: Blockade Runner Beach Resort. I could not believe how beyond cute this boutique hotel is! The decor is fantastic and it truly feels like you’re in Aruba or some other exotic island. It’s boho luxury meets beach chic at its finest. I was so happy with the decor that it made the trip even more enjoyable than I imagined.
We went with a balcony room and I’m so glad we did as we enjoyed the balcony several times a day. It was a great size! Not only is there a gorgeous pool area, a pool bar, and the beach just steps away, but the gardens on the property is what makes it so special. There are various little “pods” that are private and cozy. It was a little chilly when I went, but they had fire pits next to the pods to warm us up. My mom and I loved relaxing in the pods with a bottle of wine.
Where to Eat & Drink
I’m not a huge foodie, but going out to eat if one of my favorite things in every place I visit. I love casual spots with good food and tasty drinks – Wrightsville Beach hit the nail on the head with that one!
SUNdays Cafe
This might have been my favorite place in town. The vibes in this coffee shop are on point. Not only do they serve coffee (which is phenomenal by the way), but they also serve kombucha on tap, beer, wine, and baked goods & snacks. It’s located above a surf shop which is owned by the same person. Overall it just has those laidback beach vibes while also feeling nice and high quality. If I lived in Wrightsville Beach, this would be my favorite hangout spot!
East Oceanfront
The restaurant in the hotel we stayed at was awesome. We were blown away by the delicious food, and of course you can’t beat that convenience! While everything was good, the tastiest item by far was the fried cauliflower. It had the sweetish spicy sauce on it and some sesame seeds for an Asian touch and man, it was phenomenal! We also really loved the quinoa & squash dish.
Wheelz Pizza
If you’re craving some good ole ‘za, Wheelz will not disappoint. My mom and I shared a white pizza and it was absolutely delicious. We got it to go and had a movie night in the hotel room with some wine. It was perfect!
Wrightsville Beach Brewery
As I mentioned already, there are tons of breweries in the Wilmington & Wrightsville Beach area! One of the closer options is Wrightsville Beach Brewery. Not only do they serve their own house-brewed beer, but they also have a great food menu. Talk about a winning combination!
What to Do
We were only in town for a few days, but there’s plenty to do in Wrightsville Beach! Here are my favorites.
Rent bikes and cruise around
Renting a bike to ride around is a great way to explore. The beach area is very safe, so you don’t have to worry about fast cars or anything like that. We saw other visitors that had bike rentals, along with many of the locals! It was so cute and bring so much wholesome charm to the area.
Go Shopping
Obviously ya girl had to shop while in town! My mom and I had a blast at Mayfaire. My top favorites were Tusc, Julie’s, and . There are also plenty of restaurants choices in the area, as well as a movie theater. I also enjoyed shopping at Hallelu in Wrightsville Beach. It’s walking distance to the hotel we stayed at and right next to a coffee shop and restaurants.
Explore Historic Wilmington
Check out the riverfront area of Wilmington and enjoy the shops, restaurants, and unlimited breweries the town has to offer. The quaint town is full of friendly people and history. We chose Cotton Exchange as our base and explored from there. There are tons of shops to choose from and so many restaurants that I wish I had an unlimited appetite!
Relax!
For me, the best part of Wrightsville Beach was the relaxing vibes. Everything is slow-moving and so perfect for a getaway. Take advantage of a break from work and lounge by the pool, hang on the beach, or enjoy the pods at Blockade Runner Beach Resort.
What to pack
Although it was on the cooler side during my visit, it actually felt much warmer in the sun. If it weren’t for the wind every now and then, I wouldn’t have believed the temperatures my weather app told me! For a visit to Wrightsville Beach, I’d bring typical comfy beach clothes (nothing too fancy at all), jeans, a maxi dress or two, and a sweater and jacket for nighttime.
This little getaway was exactly what I needed. I came back feeling so refreshed and ready to work. I can’t wait to visit again one day soon!
Have you ever been to Wrightsville Beach?
Pin for Later:
March 30, 2022 @ 10:42 am
This trip was such a pleasant experience! I was down for some mom & daughter time, but this area was above my expectations. I have to say, the resort restaurant was one of the best I’ve tried. That fried cauliflower beat chicken wings hands down!! Seriously. The shopping was great; cute boutiques with friendly staff. And the coffee shops and breweries had a lively vibe, but not loud and packed like so many others.
It was a wonderful trip and the location was perfect. I loved our little room with that great balcony and view. You really know how to treat! When we goin’ back?!
March 30, 2022 @ 6:18 pm
It was totally above my expectations too! I was blown away by how pretty the area was and the vibe was everything I had hoped for. I’m ready to go back just for that cauliflower!! Lol but I couldn’t agree more. The boutiques were adorable and the atmosphere at the coffee shops and breweries was perfect. Thank you so much for coming with me!!! Can’t wait for the next trip!!
March 30, 2022 @ 11:52 am
Wow! This seriously looks like the perfect getaway. I’ve never been to the North Carolina coast but it must be something special considering it comes up in so many books and movies! It sounds like the most charming little beach area. Also, I’m DROOLING over that fried cauliflower. YUM!
March 30, 2022 @ 6:16 pm
It was!! I’ve always heard that the Carolinas had beautiful beaches, but now I can personally say that it was gorgeous. I want to do some more exploring!! Such a quick and easy trip from Atlanta.
March 30, 2022 @ 12:17 pm
Omg looks amazing! Dying to visit! I’m in major need of a vacay lol
March 30, 2022 @ 6:15 pm
It was the perfect getaway! The vibe was just so laid back and relaxed. Such a perfect way to unwind!
March 30, 2022 @ 12:20 pm
Looks like an amazing place to visit. I absolutely love NC and will be putting this on my must visit list.
March 30, 2022 @ 6:15 pm
Do it, girl! It was the cutest area. I want to explore more of the coast now!
March 30, 2022 @ 12:21 pm
I need a couple of those wicker chairs! Everyone talks about how gorgeous the beaches are in North Carolina and it’s on my bucketlist to go
March 30, 2022 @ 6:14 pm
Seriously!! I totally want these wicker chairs for my patio! Obsessed. And yes!! You have to visit. I couldn’t believe how beautiful it was!
March 31, 2022 @ 11:08 am
When I was younger, my family and I would vacation at the beaches in the Carolinas semi-regularly. It’s been years since I’ve been and this post makes me want to visit again, specifically Wrightsville Beach (which is one that I *haven’t* been to). It looks like a beautiful place to go!
April 1, 2022 @ 11:08 am
It was so beautiful! This trip definitely made me want to explore more of the Carolina beaches.
March 31, 2022 @ 11:43 am
What a gorgeous place! It looks like the perfect getaway. The hotel, beach, garden, etc looks so dreamy! I’ll definitely have to check it out next time I’m in the area!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
April 1, 2022 @ 11:08 am
Dreamy is the perfect word! Everything was so relaxing and cheerful. We really had the best time!
March 31, 2022 @ 4:56 pm
Wow this looks like a great place to escape to! I need to go!
April 1, 2022 @ 11:07 am
It really was! I’m so glad I found such a great place so close to me!
April 4, 2022 @ 11:57 am
We used to go to Wrightsville Beach for vacation a lot when I was a kid, but I haven’t been in like 20 years! This post makes me want to check it out again! There are so many different things I’d appreciate as an adult, like the food!
April 5, 2022 @ 9:00 am
No way! I’m sure it was so fun to go as a kid! But yes, you should totally go back to experience it now as an adult. I’m sure you’ll love it! 🙂
April 4, 2022 @ 10:10 pm
What a great getaway, the resort looks fab! I’ve only been to South Carolina & not yet to North. I would absolutely love to visit, I think a trip to Wrightsville Beach is in order!
PS- you look gorgeous in that dress!
April 5, 2022 @ 9:01 am
Thank you so much, Amanda! You totally have to make the trip. I couldn’t get over how beautiful everything was!
April 7, 2022 @ 7:51 am
Wow, what a fun trip! Everything looks beautiful!
April 7, 2022 @ 2:05 pm
It was so beautiful! The most relaxing weekend getaway. I definitely want to explore more of the Carolina beaches!
April 13, 2022 @ 4:11 pm
Awesome article! I am headed there soon 🙂
April 14, 2022 @ 9:58 am
Enjoy! It’s such a special place!
April 21, 2022 @ 1:09 pm
One of my very best friends (since childhood) is flying in from NJ to visit me in SC. We are celebrating our recent retirement together and I’ve made reservations at Wrightsville Beach for 5 days in July. We both grew up in NY, however my family is from NC and so I spent every summer on the Wilmington area beaches. Living in SC now, most of our family beach trips are at Myrtle Beach which is awesome, but you don’t get that quaint, small town community feel that you get at Wrightsville Beach. My friend and I made this beach trip to Wrightsville Beach back in the 80’s and had a blast. Your story came up when I was googling something and I stopped in my tracks to read about your recent experience. I am so excited they still have the quaint little coffee shops and eateries. My friend is an early riser and loves to walk (in search of good coffee)!! Your experience has put a smile on my face. I can’t wait!! The Carolina’s DO have the most beautiful beaches.
May 2, 2022 @ 9:22 am
This is amazing!! I’m so happy that you and your childhood BFF get to celebrate such a huge milestone together – and in such a special place! I truly had the best time in Wrightsville Beach, and yes, it was just as quaint as I described. The whole trip was relaxing, peaceful and thoroughly enjoyable. My BFF is the same way (an early riser and loves to walk)! She will definitely find the cutest little coffee shops in Wrightsville Beach. I hope y’all have an awesome trip! Congratulations!!
April 21, 2022 @ 1:45 pm
You missed one of the best places to eat. The Bridgetender. It is right at the bridge going across to Wrightsville. We drive from Raleigh to eat there every chance we get. My 13 year old grandson says they have the best calamari and he is a calamari aficionado
May 2, 2022 @ 9:19 am
Oh wow! That’s good to know for next time! I don’t eat seafood but would still love to try another great local restaurant. Thank you for sharing!
April 30, 2022 @ 3:11 pm
I lived in Wrightsville Beach; raised my kids there; we lived (waterfront) 100-ft. from W.B.Elem’y School. My son had a classmate named Lara Y. (now known as LARA TRUMP)! [that was Late-1980s]. In 2012, my daughter had her Oceanfront Wedding; a year later my granddaughter was born, got named “Wright” (guess why!).
And then there’s a YouTube video of Weather-Channel Jim Cantore who Often Visits W.B.: especially during Hurricane Season! https://youtu.be/48r4IQTB3NE
May 2, 2022 @ 9:23 am
Wow! Such cool family history! I love that your granddaughter is named “Wright”. It sounds like Wrightsville Beach is a very special place for your family!
June 13, 2022 @ 11:28 pm
Going to Wilmington Waterfront for
2 concerts this coming weekend and thanks to your review, I ‘ll be checking out Wrightsville Beach also. John Boy and Billy talk about this town quite a bit on their radio show
June 15, 2022 @ 11:31 am
Oh you’re going to love it!! This is a great time of year to go! Enjoy 🙂
August 11, 2022 @ 10:44 pm
We have been going every year at least once for the past 10 years, and WB feels like a second home. Other restaurants we love are Tower 7 and Bluewater. The brewery pictured above is amazing, but that is Front Street Brewery in Wilmington, not Wrightsville Beach. It’s such a great place!
August 16, 2022 @ 7:30 am
Yes, you are correct about Front Street Brewery. We explored a little bit of Wilmington as well, so I shared some photos of multiple places 🙂 I love that you’ve been going to WB for 10 years. I can’t wait to visit again!
May 23, 2024 @ 8:33 pm
This was so great! I love the esthetic of your blog, first time reader but won’t be a last!