Wrightsville Beach, NC

As a local's favorite and surfer's paradise, the beautiful shores of Wrightsville Beach draw quite a crowd in the summer. As one of the closest beaches to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach stays busy until the cooler months of October and November, when it becomes once again a quiet residential town. There are many different activities and amusements to enjoy, with surfing and boating at the top of that list. There are designated surfer spots and times to ensure the safety of all on the beach. Some groups provide a "motion picture over the waves" event where you can take a blanket and picnic basket to enjoy a movie on the sand. While others enjoy the many concerts the beach offers.

Restaurants on the island are as varied and enjoyable as the activities of this coastal community. A must-try eatery, Middle of the Island, is a cash-only restaurant and seemingly hole-in-the-wall that serves some of the best meals in the area. Locals and residents from nearby Wilmington drive from up to 30 minutes away just to eat the great breakfast and lunch the restaurant offers. If you're looking for a more upscale restaurant, The Oceanic located right on the waters edge provides beautiful sunsets, fine dining seafood meals and delicious key lime pie. You can take a stroll along the beach until your dinner's ready and watch as waves crash against the sand as the sun sets over the Atlantic.