An off-season beach trip to Wrightsville is good for the soul and the wallet

Plan a trip to Wrightsville Beach when the weather is cooler, beaches are less crowded, and rooms are priced to sell.

An off-season beach trip with friends and family will shake off the winter blues and reset you for the new season ahead. Think girls weekend, bachelor party, and family reunion—or a solo writer’s retreat, but that might just be me.

Wrightsville Beach, a 4-mile barrier island, 8 miles east of Wilmington in New Hanover County, stands out for its walkability to beaches, restaurants, and shops, and its access to sporting activities on land and the water.

Where to stay

Overnight accommodations can be the most expensive part of any getaway. Travel during the week for the steepest discounts.

Bryant Real Estate, Intracoastal Rentals, and Mira-Mar manage many of the properties, from two-bedroom condos to 6+ bedroom homes in Wrightsville Beach. In March and April, a two-bedroom oceanfront condo for up to eight guests may range from $650 to $850 per night. Splitting the rental cost between several friends makes it a financially manageable getaway.

Sandpeddler Inn and Suites offers one-bedroom efficiencies with a kitchenette, porch, and living area for $300 per night in March. Rates increase in April to $450 per night.

Trailborn Surf & Sound, a boutique hotel under new ownership and recently renovated, offers soundside rooms for two at $350 per night. A 13-bedroom house is available for extra-large parties.

What to do

Even with a tight budget, Wrightsville Beach has plenty to see and do. Grab a beach chair and enjoy the ocean. Pick up Nicholas Sparks’ “Message in a Bottle” or “Dear John,” both set in Wrightsville Beach.

Follow the 2.5-mile iconic John T. Nesbitt Loop—walk it enough times, and you’ll call it “The Loop” like the locals and start recognizing people on the path. Along the way, wander through the Harbor Way Gardens to see art, small ponds, a labyrinth, and several gardens. On May 9, the Gardens will host professional plein air artists and a local beekeeper. Ask questions, buy art, and learn about pollinators.

Stroll the 475-foot Crystal Pier, featured in “The Summer I Turned Pretty” and “Outer Banks.” Fans of “Dawson’s Creek” will recognize Banks Channel at the southern end of the island. Fish from Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier or stop by the grill for burgers, fries, wings, and hot dogs.

Explore Banks Channel and Lees Cut with Wrightsville SUP in a kayak or standup paddleboard. Guided and self-guided trips are offered April through October. Rent a bike to ride on The Loop and Summer Rest Trail, a 0.7-mile trail with views of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Where to eat

From fast casual to oceanfront dining, Wrightsville Beach has options for every type of vacationer. Grab sammies and drinks from Robert’s Grocery, opened in 1919 and known for its chicken salad sandwiches.

Since 1976, with new ownership in 2011, Wrightsville Beach’s Trolly Stop has been serving hot dogs to locals and visitors. Build your own or choose from several options, including the Chicago, German, Nuclear, and Surfer dogs. Finish with ice cream, Italian ice, or a milkshake at The Original Ice Cream Stand.

Views of the Atlantic Ocean and access to Crystal Pier make Oceanic a great spot to watch surfers navigate the waves. The menu features burgers, chicken, salads, seafood, and steak dishes.

Tower 7 highlights its Baja and Mexican vibe with burritos, enchiladas, salads, tacos, and wraps. Look for specials like this one throughout the week: Baja fish tacos, wannabe margaritas, large queso, large guac, large elote, Chile relleno, and chicken elote rolls are $5 on Cinco de Monday.

Other recommendations for food and drinks include Shark Bar for sushi and drink specials, Bluewater Waterfront Grill for Sunday brunch, and South Beach Restaurant for locally sourced fish and seafood.

When to go

With Wrightville Beach as home base, head to a festival in nearby Wilmington:

Mar. 28-29: FEAST Wilmington brings more than 60 of the region’s most creative chefs, brewers, and beverage artisans to the Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park. The two-day festival showcases award-winning restaurants, local makers, and food lovers for tastings, pairings, and hands-on culinary experiences along the Cape Fear River. Tickets start at $100 for individual events, and weekend passes start at $260.

Apr. 8-12: North Carolina Azalea Festival highlights the city’s art, gardens, history, and culture. Enjoy colorful parades, street fairs, art shows, home and garden tours, live entertainment, fireworks, and the coronation of the Festival Queen and Princess.