One of the largest attractions in Wrightsville Beach – both literally and figuratively – is the town’s miles of ocean-facing shoreline. And over the decades, the local beaches are the prime reason why millions of visitors have discovered, (and return to), this cool coastal community.
With parking available throughout the town, seasonal lifeguarded beaches, and wide shorelines where splashing around is a breeze, it’s easy to see why people keep coming back to enjoy the local shorelines that have made this vacation destination famous throughout the generations.
Brush up on all there is to know about the local beaches, and make sure your upcoming vacation is as stress-free and as sunny as possible in the process. With miles of beaches to go around, it’s always a great time to enjoy the shore in Wrightsville Beach.
Beach Accesses and Parking in Wrightsville Beach
Parking is available throughout the town in Wrightsville Beach, both at designated parking lots and along side streets where meters mark the spot where visitors can pull in and hit the sand.
Parking rates are generally $15 per day, or $2.50 per hour, from March 1st until October 31st, and parking is free in the off-season months. Paid parking is enforced seven days a weeks, unless otherwise posted, so visitors will want to make sure they follow the parking guidelines, (and fees), to ensure their vehicle is waiting for them when they step off the shore.
Parking is available at the following locations:
- South Lumina Parking Lot (close to the Oceanic Restaurant)
- East & West Salisbury Street Parking Lots (next to Johnny Mercer's Pier)
- North Lumina Parking Lot
- North Wrightsville Beach Parking Lot (next to Shell Island)
- Jack Parker Boulevard Parking Lot - south end of the island adjacent to the gazebo
- Wynn Plaza Parking Lot - at the corner of Waynick Blvd and Causeway Dr.
- Ocean View Parking Lot - North end of Wrightsville Beach
- Moore's Inlet Parking Lot - beside the Holiday Inn
There are 26 pay stations located throughout Wrightsville Beach for the convenience of beach goers. All machines accept credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, and DISCOVER only), coins, and bills ($1, $2, $5, and $10 only.)
Residential parking permits may be required for certain streets that are located in specific subdivisions or areas, like Harbor Island. Look for signage that marks which streets or parking areas are for resort visitors or area residents only.
Rules and Regulations for Wrightsville Beach
Like any beach town that wants to preserve its natural allure, Wrightsville Beach has a few rules and regulations that apply to public visitors. Be sure you follow these guidelines to ensure a safe and fun time throughout your beach-centric vacation.
- Canopies and Day Tents cannot be left unattended or overnight.
- Please do not litter. No glass containers of any kind are allowed on the beach strand.
- Fires and cooking devices are not allowed on the shore, as Town ordinance prohibits any open flames in public areas, (which includes the beaches.)
- Alcohol consumption and open containers of alcohol are not allowed year-round on the beaches year-round.
- The removal of vegetation on the beaches, (such as sea oats), is not allowed
- Fireworks of any kind are not allowed on the beaches
- Vehicles are not allowed on the beaches, (although there are some areas open to 4WD vehicles with advanced permits in neighboring Carolina Beach.)
- It is against the law to leave beach equipment on the beach overnight. This includes canopies and chairs.
- Local noise rules are strictly enforced, and it is against the law to create unreasonably loud noises while visiting the beaches, for the comfort of everyone on the sand.
- Smoking is not permitted on the beach strand
- Pets are not allowed on the beach strand from April 1 through September 30. Pets ARE allowed, however, from October 1st through March 30th. During this timeframe, pets must be on a leash at all times, and owners must properly remove of any waste.
- Surfing is not allowed within 650’ ft. of the pier, and in front of lifeguarded beaches when manned, as well as any areas that are posted with “No Surfing” signs.
- Watch for sea turtles, especially in the summer and fall months. Nest sites will be marked, and it is illegal for beach-goers to disturb or harass area where turtle nests are located.
Lifeguarded Areas and Seasonal Info for Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach is home to a number of public beach areas that have seasonal lifeguard stands for the safety and enjoyment of beach-goers. Lifeguard stands are typically set up and manned from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and during the daylight hours of roughly 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. (which is subject to change.)
Popular beach access points that traditionally have lifeguarded shorelines include the following:
Beach Access Map
Beach Access #2
Shell Island – southern borders
Beach Access #4
Dune Ridge Resort – southern borders
Beach Access #8
Moores Inlet Street
Beach Access #10
Mallard Street near the Surf Club
Beach Access #15
Seagull Street
Beach Access #16
East Salisbury Street
Beach Access #22
Augusta Street
Beach Access #29
Stone Street
Beach Access #33
Seashore Drive
Beach Access #38
Northern side of Crystal Pier
Beach Access #40
Albright Street
Carolina Yacht Club Beach Access
Walkover South of Crystal Pier Beach Access
Shelling Spots along Wrightsville Beach
One of the favorite pastimes for Wrightsville Beach visitors is looking for shells, and depending on the crowds and weather conditions, the area can be a popular spot for treasure hunters of all varieties.
Beachcombers who are new to the area will want to arrive early to acquire the best finds, and may want to head north – close to Shell Island and beyond – where the beaches are less crowded and more isolated.
The shelling conditions can also be good at nearby beaches, (like Masonboro Island, which is only accessible by boat), as well as after a hurricane or summer storm, once the weather has passed, and the winds and waves have died down significantly.
Surf Fishing in Wrightsville Beach
Fishing is a popular activity in Wrightsville Beach, and surf fishermen will find that there are miles of shoreline to go around when it comes to casting a line. A wide range of saltwater species can be reeled in from the ocean beaches, which is dependent on the season, and which includes (but is certainly not limited to), bluefish, sea mullet, mackerel, flounder, red drum, puppy drum, croaker, blow toads, and sharks.
Fishermen will want to avoid popular beaches where a stray line can injure a swimmer or surfer, and will want to watch for lifeguarded beaches and / or popular beach access areas where fishing may not be allowed due simply to the local crowds.
For the best chances of reeling in a few big catches, head to the Johnnie Mercer Fishing Pier, where the local oceanside fishing conditions are at their best.
Rips Currents and Other Safety Info
Many shorelines along Wrightsville Beach operate under a flag system to notify beach-goers of any potential hazards along the shoreline for swimmers, surfers, and anyone entering the ocean waters.
These flags can be stationed at popular beach access points and / or lifeguarded beaches throughout the town, and are outlined as follows:
Green Flag: A green flag indicates low hazard conditions, with clam waters and waves. Normal caution and care should be exercised when swimming in the ocean.
Yellow Flag: A yellow flag indicates moderately hazardous conditions, where high surf and / or rip currents can be present. Beginning swimmers are discouraged from entering the ocean waters, and moderate and advanced swimmers should use caution.
Red Flag: A red flag designates high surf conditions with strong currents and rip currents. All swimmers, regardless of skill level, are discouraged from entering the water, though may do so at their own risk. Swimming conditions may be life threatening when red flags are present, so it’s best to just enjoy the sand and other attractions, and save a beach adventure for a better day
Double Red Flag: Generally present during hurricanes, a double red flag indicates that the waters are closed for public use.
Rip Currents
One of the biggest threats for beachgoers are rip currents, which can make sudden appearances on even the most sunny and clam days along the seashore. Swimmers can avoid rip currents by knowing the warning signs of when a current is present, which includes a section of ocean where the water is moving away from the shore instead of towards the beach. Watch out for abnormalities along the shoreline as well, and stick to lifeguarded beaches if the threat of rip currents is above normal.
Above all else, if you get caught in a rip current, the key is to not panic.
Never try to swim back towards shore, as the strength of the current will make this impossible and will only tire you out. Instead, swim parallel to the shoreline until you are out of the rip current and no longer feel the pull of the ocean. At this point, you can swim back to the shoreline.
Tips and Tricks for Enjoying the Wrightsville Beach Shorelines
- Wrightsville Beach is home to roughly a dozen surf shops and beach gear stores where it’s easy to pick up toys and supplies for enjoying the beach. Grab some cheap beach items like boogie / body boards, skim boards, rafts, and other fun supplies for an even brighter day on the beach.
- There are a number of surf camps and lessons available for visitors who want to learn the waves. Check out local surf shops for recommendations on instruction providers.
- Want to try something new? Wrightsville Beach’s calm ocean waters are perfect for enjoying other beach sports, such as ocean kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, and kite boarding. Just look for signs along the shore that note areas where watersports may be prohibited, (like near fishing piers.)
- Don’t forget the sunscreen! The sun is much stronger off the ocean waters, so sunscreen, (and preferably waterproof sunscreen), is a must for any beachgoer.
- For the best parking, arrive as early as possible. Parking areas in Wrightsville Beach can fill up quickly in the summer months, and especially on the weekends, when day-trippers from Wilmington pay the beaches a visit.
Wrightsville Beach’s shoreline is a great spot for ocean lovers, thanks to a gentle sloping shoreline, smaller waves, and miles of room to go around. Spend a vacation soaking up the rays and enjoying hours of playing in the water by visiting this coastal destination where enjoying the local seashore is a breeze.
