Wrightsville Beach came about in the late 1700’s and was divided by an inlet approximately around where the Holiday Inn stands now. The Northern end of the island now consists of many homes as most of the Island and Shell Island Resort. The first structure to be built on Wrightsville Beach was the Carolina Yacht Club being built in the mid 1800’s which still a popular Club for its members today. Eventually came a long a train track to take visitors from the main land to the island for fun in the sun. One popular landmark still is in place is the Trolley Stop and is well known for wonderful specialty Hot Dogs. A must visit if you are vacationing here in the Port City.
The most exciting building that was established on the island back in the early 1900’s was the Lumina Pavilion. It attracted many for its dance floor and entertainers. It also included a bowling alley and outside theater which was a huge screen placed on the beach for visitors and natives to watch movies. Unfortunately, Lumina caught on fire and wasn’t rebuilt. The Oceanic Restaurant now stands where part of the Lumina Pavilion once did. Many natives know this Restaurant to be Crystal Pier in the late 1900’s. A majority of the pier was taken away during a hurricane and was not reconstructed back but stands for the restaurants outside dining and weddings!
From the 1970’s to present day Wrightsville Beach has grown immensely. Vacationers enjoy eating at our waterway restaurants, boating, kayaking and paddle boarding. That is not even the joy of enjoying sitting on our wonderful beach to obtain the perfect tan. There are approximately 4 hotels on the beach which consist of Holiday Inn Sun Spree Resort, Blockade Runner, Surf Suites along with several marinas you can dock your boat and enjoy.
It is always enjoyable to take a walk around the 3 mile loop where you will find many active runners and people who love to walk every morning, afternoon or evening to enjoy the sights and salt air. You will still experience many of our classic beach cottages which have been renovated or replaced but always interested to stop and read their plaques to see the story behind the lovely beach cottages.
Wrightsville Beach is located south of Figure Eight Island and is separated by Mason Inlet and North of Masonboro Island separated by Masonboro inlet. Both Islands are very popular boating spots on the weekends and especially summer holidays. We hope that you plan your next vacation to the Port City and enjoy the life of Wrightsville Beach! You will never want to leave!
Written By: BlueCoast agent Cami Marley