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Wrightsville Beach, NC

The Cape Fear coast will forever be tied to the centuries old nautical legacy of the area. Its rich heritage dates back to the early explorers who named the area Cape Fear for its rugged shoals and treacherous waters that, even today, give even the saltiest of sea captains reason to pause.

Wrightsville Beach, one of two barrier islands in the mouth of the Cape Fear River, is unlike any other place in the world, a fact of which island residents are considerably proud. In the 1840s, the island became a vacation spot for the well-todo of nearby Wilmington. Following the Civil War, Wrightsville Beach became one of the first island communities to incorporate. Shortly thereafter, rustic bridges were built to connect the island community to the mainland.

Today, Wrightsville Beach has become a prospering small island town that has found the right balance between preserving both the environment of the island and the island village feel. Though development has been steady on the island, it has not been allowed to overwhelm the island.

“This prospering small island town has found the right balance between preserving the environment and the island village feel."

The waterfront location of Wrightsville Beach allows for a multitude of recreational options. The clean and uncluttered fivemile white sand beach is perfect for a day of lounging in the sun, collecting shells, swimming, surfing and fishing. And after a morning at the beach, residents and visitors alike can enjoy the Wrightsville Beach City Park, complete with lighted tennis courts, volleyball and basketball courts and soccer fields. And for fitness buffs, there is a fitness trail that circles the inner island.

The island is not short of culture either. The Wrightsville Beach Museum of History has a fascinating collection of local artifacts, including pirate treasure. Riverboat cruises on the Intracoastal Waterway are another favorite activity, and provide a glimpse into the past of the area.

Neighboring Wilmington is only a short drive for residents of Wrightsville Beach, providing many of the big-city amenities the island is lacking. National retail and restaurant chains, as well as high-quality medical care are an easy drive from Wrightsville Beach.