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<p>From fascinating history museums to beautiful gardens to explore, there are plenty of things to do near Wrightsville Beach, NC. The area offers something for every vacationer, whether you want to learn about the area’s historic roots or get to know the city through delicious food. </p>
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<p>Read on for a list of some of the best things to do near Wrightsville Beach, NC!&nbsp;</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="720" height="453" src="https://admin.blockade-runner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Look-Back-WB-Postcard-2.jpg" alt="1910 Steel Pier at Seashore Hotel" class="wp-image-15546" style="width:574px;height:361px" srcset="https://admin.blockade-runner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Look-Back-WB-Postcard-2.jpg 720w, https://admin.blockade-runner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Look-Back-WB-Postcard-2-300x189.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></figure>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. Wrightsville Beach Museum of History</h2>
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<p>Where: 300 W Salisbury St., Wrightsville Beach</p>
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<p>1.5 miles from Blockade Runner Beach Resort</p>
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<p>One of the best things to do near Wrightsville Beach, NC is learn about the place itself! The <a href="https://wbmuseumofhistory.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wrightsville Beach Museum of History</a> chronicles the story of Wrightsville Beach through the years with exhibits that contain early photography and video, clothing, and more.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier</h2>
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<p>Where: 23 E Salisbury St., Wrightsville Beach</p>
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<p>1.1 miles from Blockade Runner Beach Resort</p>
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<p><a href="https://johnniemercersfishingpier.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier</a> is a can’t-miss thing to do in Wrightsville Beach. The very first concrete fishing pier in the state of North Carolina, Johnnie Mercers Pier extends over 1,200 feet into the water and provides an unbeatable view of the Atlantic Ocean. You can fish from the pier, take a stroll and watch the waves, or shop at their impressively-stocked gift shop!</p>
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<p>Find more <a href="https://blockade-runner.com/things-to-do-in-wrightsville-beach/fishing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fishing options at Blockade Runner Beach Resort</a>.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="686" src="https://admin.blockade-runner.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/airlie-gardens-bottle-sculpture-1024x686.jpeg" alt="Bottle sculpture at Airlie Gardens in Wilmington, NC near Wrightsville Beach, NC." class="wp-image-20137" style="width:526px;height:352px" srcset="https://admin.blockade-runner.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/airlie-gardens-bottle-sculpture-1024x686.jpeg 1024w, https://admin.blockade-runner.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/airlie-gardens-bottle-sculpture-300x201.jpeg 300w, https://admin.blockade-runner.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/airlie-gardens-bottle-sculpture-768x514.jpeg 768w, https://admin.blockade-runner.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/airlie-gardens-bottle-sculpture.jpeg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. Airlie Gardens</h2>
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<p>Where: 300 Airlie Rd., Wilmington</p>
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<p>2.7 miles from Blockade Runner Beach Resort</p>
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<p>Just minutes from Blockade Runner Beach Resort, <a href="https://airliegardens.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Airlie Gardens</a> has been known as the Garden by the Sea for over a century. This 67-acre garden in Wilmington is a unique thing to do near Wrightsville Beach, NC. In addition to native plants and animals, Airlie Gardens hosts seasonal events like <a href="https://airliegardens.org/events/enchanted-airlie/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Enchanted Airlie</em></a><em> </em>in the winter. Check out their <a href="https://airliegardens.org/events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">event calendar</a>!</p>
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<p>Check out our <a href="https://blockade-runner.com/blog/wrightsville-beach-off-season/">Wrightsville Beach off-season</a> guide for more things to do during the fall and winter.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">4. Cape Fear Museum of History and Science</h2>
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<p>Where: 814 Market St., Wilmington</p>
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<p>9.7 miles from Blockade Runner Beach Resort</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://www.nhcgov.com/548/Cape-Fear-Museum" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cape Fear Museum of History and Science</a> is the oldest history museum in North Carolina, and one of the best things to do near Wrightsville Beach. The museum’s collection houses over 57,000 artifacts that preserve the science, history, and culture of the Lower Cape Fear region. One of the most well-known exhibits at the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science is the <a href="https://www.nhcgov.com/598/Giant-Ground-Sloth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giant Ground Sloth</a> skeleton, a replica of one discovered just a few miles away on Randall Parkway in 1991!</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="669" src="https://admin.blockade-runner.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/downtown-wilmington-waterfront-1024x669.jpg" alt="Downtown Wilmington along the banks of the Cape Fear River." class="wp-image-20116" style="width:530px;height:345px" srcset="https://admin.blockade-runner.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/downtown-wilmington-waterfront-1024x669.jpg 1024w, https://admin.blockade-runner.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/downtown-wilmington-waterfront-300x196.jpg 300w, https://admin.blockade-runner.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/downtown-wilmington-waterfront-768x502.jpg 768w, https://admin.blockade-runner.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/downtown-wilmington-waterfront-1536x1004.jpg 1536w, https://admin.blockade-runner.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/downtown-wilmington-waterfront-2048x1339.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">5. Historic Downtown Wilmington</h2>
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<p>About 12 miles from Blockade Runner Beach Resort</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/departments/general/wilmington-downtown" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Downtown Wilmington</a> is a must-see when you <a href="https://blockade-runner.com/blog/best-time-to-visit-wrightsville-beach/">visit Wrightsville Beach, NC</a> on vacation. In addition to the beautiful riverfront views, Wilmington’s downtown area is brimming with local shops, unique restaurants, <a href="https://hauntedwilmington.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ghost walks</a>, and even access to boat tours of the Cape Fear River. Downtown Wilmington has been featured in many TV shows and movies, and the city leans into it – you can find One Tree Hill and other show merch, visit filming locations for various shows and movies, and more.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">6. Battleship North Carolina</h2>
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<p>Where: 1 Battleship Rd., Wilmington </p>
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<p>13 miles from Blockade Runner Beach Resort</p>
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<p>Across the river from downtown Wilmington, <a href="https://battleshipnc.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Battleship North Carolina</a> is one of the best things to do on a vacation in Wrightsville Beach. Full of history and knowledge, the battleship allows self-guided tours where guests can explore the massive ship at their own pace while learning about what life was like for sailors on the ship during World War II.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="400" src="https://admin.blockade-runner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/600x400-alligator.jpg" alt="Animal Encounters alligator at Blockade Runner Beach Resort." class="wp-image-15247" style="width:520px;height:347px" srcset="https://admin.blockade-runner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/600x400-alligator.jpg 600w, https://admin.blockade-runner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/600x400-alligator-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></figure>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">7. North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher</h2>
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<p>Where: 900 Loggerhead Rd., Kure Beach</p>
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<p>25 miles from Blockade Runner Beach Resort</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher</a> is home to hundreds of marine species, interactive exhibits, and more. From freshwater streams to coastal shorelines and the open ocean, there are unique habitats and animals to discover at every turn! Advance ticket reservations are recommended – the aquarium’s resident sea otters bring in quite the crowd. </p>
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<p>Or let the animals come to you during you stay at Blockade Runner Beach Resort! During the summer, Fort Fisher Aquarium hosts &#8220;Animal Encounters&#8221;, an interactive exploration of coastal wildlife that will delight all ages. Learn more about <a href="https://blockade-runner.com/things-to-do-in-wrightsville-beach/kids/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blockade Runner&#8217;s kids&#8217; programs</a>.</p>
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<p>At <a href="https://blockade-runner.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blockade Runner Beach Resort</a>, guests are just minutes from the best things to do in and around Wrightsville Beach. There are plenty of places to visit, experiences to have, and local gems to explore – book your Blockade Runner stay today and start planning your Wrightsville Beach vacation!&nbsp;</p>
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Things to Do Near Wrightsville Beach, NC

150 guest rooms with spectacular views of either the ocean or harbor, each unique with its own décor, no two rooms are alike.

Historic, oceanfront cottage with room for 26 guests. Rental includes access to all Blockade Runner amenities.

Three bedroom, two bathroom apartment located on the oceanfront ground floor of the resort.

Oceanfront pool offering poolside bar and private cabanas.

Explore the only oceanfront garden in Wrightsville Beach. Enjoy seasonal blooms, lounge areas, lawn games, firepit and more.



From sailing to surfing, Blockade Runner Beach Resort offers some of the top things to do in Wrightsville Beach.

Multiple on-site dining options including restaurant dining, in-room dining, and our pool bar.

Maintain your physical health with state-of-the-art fitness center, sauna, in-room massage and wellness programs.

From island hopping, dock fishing, exploring the marshes, and more, there's fun for kids of all ages! (Available seasonally)

Enjoy award-winning creative fare in our resort restaurant with views of our lush gardens. Open daily.

The in-room dining menu for hotel guests features ordering from our restaurant menus delivered directly to your hotel room.

Enjoy views of our lush oceanfront gardens with a drink in-hand at this relaxing on-site Wrightsville Beach dining option.

Our pool bar serves fresh, casual poolside drinks and beach bites with plenty of seating around the pool and on our lawn. (Open seasonally)

Enjoy a variety of activities on our beachside including: cabana rentals, surfing lessons, yoga, lawn games, two fire pits, pool, and kid's programs. (Many activities only available seasonally)

The calm waters of our sound make it the perfect place to take a boat tour, learn to sail, fish from the dock, stand up paddleboard or kayak. (Many activities only available seasonally)

Offering more than 6,300 sq. ft of indoor meeting space perfect for groups up to 250. Our expansive oceanfront event lawns also offer several private areas for outdoor functions and special events.

Choose curated adventures on the land or water! All activities are designed to promote camaraderie, decision making skills and leadership qualities.

Let our experienced sales and catering team help you plan your perfect meeting or event, no matter the size or complexity.

From rehearsal dinners to outdoor receptions, there are plenty of unforgettable places to say "I DO".

Let our team help you plan the perfect day with a variety of event spaces and packages designed with your guests in mind. Contact us to get started!