Wrightsville beach question (Carolina Beach, Southport, Kure Beach: credit card, hotel, purchase)

[ZoeMaui]

It's a last minute decision and plan on leaving probably within the half hour. We want to head down to Wrightsville Beach for the day. So we figured we would get there around 12pm. Is it too late to go now? Do the beaches have public entry and public parking? I grew up along the Jersey shore and we used to go around 12ish anyway but we can always find parking locally. I'm not sure how it is down NC coast.

[sandycat]

We just got back from a weekend at Wrightsville, although we stayed at a hotel. There is public access, but as far as parking, there are meters. Parking seemed a little cramped on the weekend. Maybe others have better info as far as the prices for the meters. It was a nice beach, easy drive, definitely on our list for day trips. Have fun!

[ferrickhead28]

Originally Posted by ZoeMaui

It's a last minute decision and plan on leaving probably within the half hour. We want to head down to Wrightsville Beach for the day. So we figured we would get there around 12pm. Is it too late to go now? Do the beaches have public entry and public parking? I grew up along the Jersey shore and we used to go around 12ish anyway but we can always find parking locally. I'm not sure how it is down NC coast.

They usually start to fill up around 10 am. I would bring some cash with if I was you. There are some pay lots that you can pay around $10 for the day.

OR, keep going. Follow the signs to Kure beach to the aquarium. There is a huge, open (and free!) public beach access parking lot. They have extremely clean restrooms, places to change and a snack bar. There are not alot of those at Wrightsville beach, so its worth the additional 20 miles.

Have fun!!!

[lamishra]

Wrightsville has both public parking on the streets and public beach accesses. Bring money for the meters. It's not actually very crowded on the weekdays though except the week of the 4th. I was just down there all last week and there were PLENTY of parking spots on the street all day. Have fun!

[jmd123]

I agree with Ferrickhead28, take the extra time to go down to Fort Fisher and enjoy the public access beach there, the fort museum and aquarium, and be sure to try the ferry ride to Southport, a lovely day trip town:
Southport, North Carolina**< *NC Coastal Community along the Cape Fear River and Intracoastal Waterway >
NCDOT Ferry Division: Ferry Routes - Southport / Fort Fisher

[ZoeMaui]

I'm glad we made the last minute beach trip. We decided on Kure Beach then afterwards went to the aquarium. It was such a beautiful day for the beach. Plenty of parking and an empty beach. The water was perfect temperature and there was a great coastal breeze that made it bearable. We have plans to go back down on Monday.

[FrancisM]

I need to add one key point in this discussion of "which beach?" WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH has some of the clearest ocean water you will find on the entire eastern seaboard. Carolina/Kure/Ft. Fisher ("Pleasure Island") is nowhere near as clear. It is due to the proximity to where the Cpae Fear River pours into the ocean right near Pleasure Island. Kure Beach has little visitor parking; Carolina Beach is nice in parts but WAY ticky-tacky. Wrightsviille is the genuine article in terms of a true blooded surfer dude bikini girl beach town! Most of the parking is NOT meter but rather a receipt you purchase at machines (cash, credit card) and place in your windshield. It's a great place!

[sundycat]

We just got back from Wrightsville Beach. I slept in a porty potty...my wife slept in the dumpster. Hope this helps even though the thread was started in 2007

[InformationPlease]

Originally Posted by FrancisM

I need to add one key point in this discussion of "which beach?" WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH has some of the clearest ocean water you will find on the entire eastern seaboard. Carolina/Kure/Ft. Fisher ("Pleasure Island") is nowhere near as clear. It is due to the proximity to where the Cpae Fear River pours into the ocean right near Pleasure Island. Kure Beach has little visitor parking; Carolina Beach is nice in parts but WAY ticky-tacky. Wrightsviille is the genuine article in terms of a true blooded surfer dude bikini girl beach town! Most of the parking is NOT meter but rather a receipt you purchase at machines (cash, credit card) and place in your windshield. It's a great place!

Wrightsville isn't always clear and Car/Kure isn't always murky. Wrightsville can be extremely CROWDED... even more than Jax Beach if any of you are familiar with that east coast mainstay. There is plenty of parking at all of the beaches but you will either have to pay or walk or both...

I will concede that Kure Beach can be very rough and slam you around... so I only went in the water there a few times... but if sand is your gig... it's better sometimes because the sand at Wrightsville can be so dirty that your feet turn black. Cigarette butts everywhere, beer cans buried... it gets trashed... disgusting how little respect some of the people have for the shores.

I've been to Wrightsville just as much as anyone else... and I love ti with my friends... but if you are over 30 and want to relax... it's not the most family friendly place to be at times.