The town of Wrightsville Beach is a coastal municipality located mainly on a barrier island on the Atlantic Ocean in New Hanover County, North Carolina. The town is situated just east of Wilmington and consists of a barrier beach island that is approximately four miles long, an interior island called Harbor Island, and two commercial areas. Its location, weather, climate, natural resources and amenities draw people to it year-round.
History of Wrightsville
Wrightsville Beach began as an unincorporated beach resort known as Ocean View Beach. The town became official in 1899 and the name is a nod to the Wright family of nearby Wilmington. The town has seen many changes in its lifetime. In the late 1880s the town developers built a rail line to the Hammocks, which was extended onto the barrier island in 1889. It survived the Great Fire of 1934, where more than 100 buildings were destroyed. In 1954 Hurricane Hazel destroyed more than 200 homes and damaged 500 more. As of 2010, the town's permanent population is 2,604 residents. In summer, however, the population can swell to more than 50,000.
The Parks
For a town of limited scope and size, Wrightsville Beach has a number of parks. The Fran Russ Recreation Center is located within the flagship park, Wrightsville Beach Park. The park provides tennis courts, volleyball pits and softball fields as well as a multipurpose sports field. Many playground areas dot the island, and the John Nesbitt Loop -- a 2.45 mile jogging trail -- attracts fitness buffs. Other parks include the Wynn Plaza Waterfront Park, several miniparks of less than one acre each, Lee's Nature Park and the 5-mile kayaking trail through the marshes.
The Beach
As a southern Atlantic coastal community, Wrightsville Beach offers a number of surfing options. The beaches have several lifeguards on duty during warmer months. No surfing zones are clearly marked by the black and white checkered flags around lifeguard posts. The beaches have several accessible entrances for people with disabilities, and the town provides sand wheelchairs for those who want to enjoy the beach but are unable to walk. The beaches are also home to sea turtles, and the town is active in the preservation of the species.
Jogging and Bicycling
If you want to jog around the town, the John Nesbitt Loop traverses both the inner island and outer island to create a triangular loop. The loop's total measurement is just under 2.5 miles. Lee's Nature Park is situated along the John Nesbitt Loop, making it easily accessible for leisurely walks. Bicyclists have the River to the Sea Bikeway, which runs in tandem with West Salisbury Street. Bicycles are not permitted on the jogging loop. The town is host to the Quintiles Wrightsville Beach Marathon and half-marathon, the Son 5K Race and the annual River to Sea bike ride.
Mini-Parks
Each of the town's minipark is different. Greensboro Street Mini Park has playground equipment, picnic shelter and tables. South Channel Drive Mini Park is a small, grassy area on Harbor Island with benches that provides a scenic overlook onto Banks Channel on the sound side of the barrier island. Island Drive Mini Park is a small open space with a bench overlooking Motts Channel. Lee's Nature Park is the least-used park, and is located on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. It is close to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission boat ramp.
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