Wrightsville Island Information

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Wrightsville Beach

New Hanover Banks (now Wrightsville Beach) was only accessible by boat until 1875 when a charter was granted to the Wilmington Seacoast Railroad Company to build a track from Wilmington to the Hammocks (now Harbour Island). With rail transportation to the Hammocks and a footbridge to New Hanover Banks, development of the island began to accelerate. The 1950's Hurrricane Hazel closed an inlet, merging Shell Island with Wrightsville Beach. At sundown when you travel across Wrightsville's drawbridge, notice the dozens of cormorants perched on electrical wires.

Basic information about Wrightsville Beach Island

• Beach Accesses - Lumina Avenue runs parallel to the Atlantic Ocean; all other streets are perpendicular to the ocean and serve as public beach accesses. Pay parking is available on these sides streets and several public accesses are strategically located on the north end of the island with adjacent pay parking.
• Dining - Wrightsville Beach and Harbour Island have great restaurants - for both land lubbers and sea farers alike. Lumina Station (5 minutes) and Mayfaire and The Forum (10 minutes) offer additional restaurants. Restaurants on the Intracoastal Waterway allow for boat parking.
• Shopping, General - Locally owned gift stores are primarily located in the central business district of Wrightsville Beach. Lumina Station (5 minutes) and Mayfaire and The Forum (10 minutes) have more specialty stores.
• Shopping, Grocery - The island has one locally-owned grocery store. The Galleria (5 minutes) and Mayfaire (10 minutes) have larger grocery stores.
• Towns - Wrightsville Beach has one municipality: Town of Wrightsville Beach.

Attractions to visit while you are vacationing in Wrightsville Beach include:

• Airlie Gardens - A quintessential Southern gardens with 10 acres of freshwater lakes and 67 acres of gardens. Features include azaleas, camellias, statuary and the Historic Airlie Oak.
• "The Loop" - The Loop is a 2.45 mile walkway that encompasses all of Wrightsville Beach. It's perfect for walking and/or jogging.
• Wrightsville Beach Museum of History - The Museum is designed to reflect how life was lived in a typical home on the Beach, and throughout the community. The turn of the century Myers Cottage houses was relocated from off the beach to its current location to house the museum.
• Wrightsville Beach Park - provide services and leisure opportunities that will contribute significantly toward the physical, social, and emotional well being of the community. Facilities include tennis courts, playground, and fields.