Where is Wrightsville Beach,Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

Wrightsville Beach is located in North Carolina, USA. It lies between Wilmington and Masonboro Island and is situated on the southeastern Atlantic coast. It is famous for its sandy beaches, water sports, and family-friendly coastal activities.

Wrightsville Beach Location Map,Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina

Top Attractions Inside Wrightsville Beach

  • Wrightsville Beach Oceanfront – Popular sandy beach ideal for sunbathing and swimming.
  • Johnnie Mercer's Pier – Fishing pier with scenic ocean views and recreational opportunities.
  • Water Sports – Surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking along calm and open waters.
  • Beachwalk Shops & Restaurants – Local dining and shopping near the beachfront.
  • Eco Tours & Boat Rentals – Guided tours exploring nearby marshes, inlets, and waterways.
  • Live Music & Festivals – Seasonal events and concerts hosted along the beach area.
  • Scenic Walking & Biking Paths – Coastal trails for exercise and relaxation with ocean views.

Wrightsville Beach Facts

Official NameWrightsville Beach
LocationWrightsville Beach, New Hanover County, North Carolina, USA – Barrier‑island along the Atlantic Ocean & Intracoastal Waterway, near Wilmington
Latitude & Longitude34.2169° N, 77.7966° W
Total Area≈ 2.27 sq mi total (≈ 5.89 km²) – land ≈ 1.40 sq mi (≈ 3.61 km²), water ≈ 0.88 sq mi (≈ 2.28 km²) :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Established / IncorporatedTown of Wrightsville Beach (as current municipality) — per U.S. Census designation :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Managed ByTown of Wrightsville Beach / New Hanover County authorities
RegionNorth‑Carolina Atlantic Coast, near Wilmington metro area
AddressWrightsville Beach, NC 28480, USA
Zip Code28480
Area Code910 / 472
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneEastern Time (ET) – UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Theme / ConceptBeach & coastal recreation, surfing, boating & water‑sports, laid‑back beach town living, Atlantic Ocean + Intracoastal Waterway lifestyle
Main Sections / FeaturesOcean‑front beach, Intracoastal waterway, Marinas, Surf spots, Peninsula‑island residential & resort areas, “The Loop” pedestrian/bike path, Pier & fishing areas
Famous AttractionsLong Atlantic beach shores, Surfing & paddleboarding, Stand‑up paddleboarding & kayaking, Charter boating & fishing, “The Loop” 2.5‑mile walking/biking trail, Marinas and waterfront nightlife/ dining, Relaxed coastal vibe
Population (2020)2,473 residents :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Entry Fee TypePublic beach access (free/walk‑in); parking & some amenities may require fees
Ticket Price RangeNot applicable (no standard admission fee) — amenities/parking/activities may vary
Ticket OptionsBeach access, Water‑sports rentals (surf, SUP, kayaking), Boat & charter rentals, Local accommodations & rentals, Fishing / boating charters
Best Time to VisitLate Spring through Summer – ideal for swimming, surfing, boating, and enjoying warm weather; early morning or late afternoon for milder sun & nice beach ambience :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Nearby AirportWilmington International Airport (ILM) – ~10–15 miles (depending on ingress via Wilmington) :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
TransportationCar / Parking (access via mainland and bridge), Local roads and residential streets, Walking & biking on “The Loop”, Boats and marinas for water access, Ferries/charters for boat excursions
Official Websitehttps://wrightsville-beach.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/

Distances from Wrightsville Beach to Nearby Landmarks

  • Wilmington, NC – 7 km (4.3 mi)
  • Carolina Beach – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Fort Fisher State Recreation Area – 22 km (13.7 mi)
  • Airlie Gardens – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Historic Downtown Wilmington – 8 km (5 mi)
  • University of North Carolina Wilmington – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Mayfaire Town Center – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site – 28 km (17.4 mi)
  • Isle of Wright Park – 7 km (4.3 mi)
  • Wilmington Riverwalk – 8 km (5 mi)
  • Ogden Park – 9 km (5.6 mi)
  • Blockade Runner Beach Resort – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Poplar Grove Plantation – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Figure Eight Island – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • New Hanover County Arboretum – 14 km (8.7 mi)
  • Airlie Beach – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Holly Shelter Game Land – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • Kure Beach – 24 km (14.9 mi)
  • Carolina Beach State Park – 18 km (11.2 mi)