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What is the difference between Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach?

Because Wrightsville Beach is smaller and closer to central Wilmington, it's packed. At Carolina Beach, you can enjoy a simpler, more secluded beach environment, especially during the off-season. It offers more kid-friendly activities.



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Wrightsville Beach Here, the water is more clear and blue since it is located further north of the Mouth of the Cape Fear River. The waves are better for surfing, bodyboarding, and other surf sports. The restaurants and bars are upscale, and the surrounding neighborhoods are wealthier, with fewer beach rentals.

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It is known for being one of the best beaches in North Carolina, having warm climate year round, and wide range of recreational activities. It's only a two-hour drive from Raleigh, North Carolina's capital city, making it one of the most popular day trip destinations state-wide.

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Benefits of Living at Wrightsville Beach It's an upscale environment. To many people, Wrightsville Beach seems a little more “polished” than Carolina Beach. You'll definitely get a greater “wine-and-cheese” sort of vibe from Wrightsville Beach-goers.

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Wrightsville Beach is known for its year-round welcoming social community and vibrant nightlife scene.

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Wrightsville Beach was established because of the beauty and lure of the ocean and its marshes as a place to fish, sail, swim, surf and recreate on the water.

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Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina's cost of living is 45% higher than the national average. The cost of living in any area can vary based on factors such as your career, its average salary and the real estate market of that area.

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A visit to Wrightsville Beach, whether for a day or for a vacation, is bound to be a pleasant experience that will be repeated time after time. The island is wonderfully walkable, and you can find everything you need for a comfortable and memorable vacation almost any time of the year.

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With clear waters, a spacious beach, wellness activities such as spas and sailing cruises, and water sports – including surfing, paddleboarding and sailing – it's easy to see why Wrightsville Beach remains a favorite vacation spot, especially for families.

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Medium hazard. Moderate surf and/or currents are present. Weak swimmers are discouraged from entering the water. For others, enhanced care and caution should be exercised.

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Insiders know the island is extremely crowded during peak summer weekends and are inclined to leave those times for visitors. On in-season weekends, visitors are wise to arrive before 9:30 AM and bring plenty of quarters for the parking meters.

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Wrightsville Beach This particular beach is a favorite among the locals and easily one of the most popular beaches in the area. It's located on a barrier island separated from the mainland by the Intracoastal Waterway which is less than 30 minutes from downtown Wilmington.

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Also the beach does not close, you can walk or sit all night if you want.

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Here is a quick look at some things to remember while enjoying Wrightsville Beach: Alcohol: Public consumption of alcohol, as well as carrying an open container of alcohol, is prohibited year-round. Bicycles: Bicycling can be a great way to get around the town of Wrightsville Beach.

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Netflix's hit show Outer Banks is based off of beaches and coastal towns in the Carolinas. According to writer Jonas Pate who was born and raised in NC, he took inspiration from his summers in places like Wrightsville Beach and Charleston.

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A state Highway Historical Marker honors Wrightsville Beach as the birthplace of surfing in NC. The Pioneer East Coast Surfing marker recognizes that early surfing activity was organized by Burke Haywood Bridgers and others in 1909 in Wrightsville Beach.

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History of Wrightsville Beach It was known as The Banks until 1899 when it was renamed Wrightsville Beach after the Wright family of Wilmington. Access to the beach was once connected by a trolley, and today a drawbridge allows locals and tourists to reach the beautiful island.

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