Shell Island Travel Guide

Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach featuring general coastal views and a sandy beach as well as a large group of people
Wrightsville Beach featuring general coastal views and a sandy beach as well as a large group of people
Wrightsville Beach which includes a house, a beach and general coastal views
Wrightsville Beach featuring a house, a coastal town and general coastal views
Wrightsville Beach featuring a beach and general coastal views as well as children

Popular places to visit

Wrightsville Beach showing a beach as well as a small group of people

Wrightsville Beach

This picturesque barrier island offers consistent waves for surfers, a vibrant nightlife and a wide range of outdoor activities.

Wrightsville Beach
This pier makes for great sunrise photos. $2 to walk out onto it but totally worth it. Lots of avid fishermen to entertain you AND they sell beer and other beverages to carry out there with you. The Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach is a great area to visit with numerous excellent breweries and many great restaurants.

Johnnie Mercer's Pier

After visiting Johnnie Mercer's Pier, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Wrightsville Beach. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

Johnnie Mercer's Pier

South End Surf Shop

Enjoy an outing to South End Surf Shop during your stay in Wrightsville Beach. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event.

South End Surf Shop

Things to do

Picture 2 for Activity Wilmington History and Architecture Tour

Wilmington History and Architecture Tour

฿796
per adult
Wilmington History and Architecture Tour
Wilmington Coup and Massacre Historic Tour

Wilmington Coup and Massacre Historic Tour

฿634
per adult
Wilmington Coup and Massacre Historic Tour
Picture 4 for Activity Wilmington: Ghosts of the Port City Haunted Walking Tour

Wraiths & Wicked Whispers: Wilmington Ghost Tour

฿1,019
per adult
Wraiths & Wicked Whispers: Wilmington Ghost Tour
Downtown Wilmington Historian Guided Tour

Downtown Wilmington Historian-Guided Walking Tour

฿634
per adult
Downtown Wilmington Historian-Guided Walking Tour
E-Bike Adventure to Wilmington's Historic sites & Breweries

THE Wilmington History, Haunts & Breweries E-Bike Tour (4 hr)

฿2,547
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
THE Wilmington History, Haunts & Breweries E-Bike Tour (4 hr)
Two- Hour Group Surfing Lesson in Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral

Two- Hour Group Surfing Lesson in Cocoa Wrightsville Beach, NC

฿3,502
per adult
Two- Hour Group Surfing Lesson in Cocoa Wrightsville Beach, NC
See all activities in Wrightsville Beach

Top hotels in Shell Island

Shell Island Resort - All Oceanfront Suites

Shell Island Resort - All Oceanfront Suites

3.5 out of 5
2700 N Lumina Avenue Wrightsville Beach NC
The price is ฿5,868 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
฿5,868
฿7,461 total
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in Wrightsville Beach. Enjoy a beach locale, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,541 reviews)
Very clean suite, courteous and helpful staff. They gave us a late check out at no charge because of our situation.

Reviewed on 24 Feb 2026

Shell Island Resort - All Oceanfront Suites
Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

4 out of 5
301 N Water St Wilmington NC
The price is ฿3,029 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
฿3,029
฿3,423 total
1 Apr - 2 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,458 reviews)
Clean room. Quiet. Nice gym and good price. What more could I want?

Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026

Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Sleep Inn

Sleep Inn

2.5 out of 5
5225 Market St Wilmington NC
The price is ฿2,428 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
฿2,428
฿2,743 total
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,064 reviews)
Rooms are always clean.

Reviewed on 23 Feb 2026

Sleep Inn
DoubleTree by Hilton Wilmington, NC

DoubleTree by Hilton Wilmington, NC

3 out of 5
5032 Market St Wilmington NC
The price is ฿2,520 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
฿2,520
฿2,848 total
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (215 reviews)
Room was fine and clean. Walls are paper thin - could hear the next room’s alarm clock and a guy yawn. Mattress was very hard and springs squeaked when I rolled over. I heard everyone leave and let their heavy doors shut starting at 4:30am.

Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Wilmington, NC
Comfort Inn University

Comfort Inn University

2.5 out of 5
151 S College Road Wilmington NC
The price is ฿2,333 per night from 5 Mar to 6 Mar
฿2,333
฿2,636 total
5 Mar - 6 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,264 reviews)
Friendliest staff

Reviewed on 26 Feb 2026

Comfort Inn University
Holiday Inn Resort Lumina on Wrightsville Beach by IHG

Holiday Inn Resort Lumina on Wrightsville Beach by IHG

3 out of 5
1706 N Lumina Ave Wrightsville Beach NC
The price is ฿4,626 per night from 4 Mar to 5 Mar
฿4,626
฿6,279 total
4 Mar - 5 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in Wrightsville Beach. Enjoy a beach locale, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
The suite was huge! The staff from the lady who brought us extra towels to the gentleman who makes the best omelets, at breakfast ($22.00 per) were exceptional. First class resort!

Reviewed on 24 Feb 2026

Holiday Inn Resort Lumina on Wrightsville Beach by IHG
See all 5,006 properties in Shell Island
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Shell Island

Aerial view over Wrightsville Beach in Wilmington North Carolina

Parmele Isle

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Parmele Isle and surrounding area, you can visit Wrightsville SUP and Wrightsville Beach.

Parmele Isle
Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Sunset on the south end.

South Harbor Island

When in South Harbor Island, you can plan a visit to Wrightsville SUP and Wrightsville Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

South Harbor Island
Sunset at the south end of Wrightsville beach

South End

If you're spending some time in South End, Wrightsville Beach and South End Surf Shop are top sights worth seeing.

South End

Shell Island Travel Guide