Shell Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Popular places to visit

Wrightsville Beach showing a sandy 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
Johnnie Mercer's Pier

Johnnie Mercer's Pier

You can learn about the history of Wrightsville Beach when you stop by Johnnie Mercer's Pier. Stroll along the seaside in this romantic area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

Johnnie Mercer's Pier

Wrightsville SUP

You can take time to visit Wrightsville SUP during your travels to Wrightsville Beach. Stroll along the riverfront or attend a sporting event in the area.

Wrightsville SUP

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

Wrightsville Beach Museum of History

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Wrightsville Beach Museum of History in Wrightsville Beach. Amble around this romantic area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event.

Wrightsville Beach Museum of History

Aussie Island Surf Shop

Enjoy an outing to Aussie Island Surf Shop during your stay in Wrightsville Beach. Stroll along the riverfront or attend a sporting event in the area.

Aussie Island Surf Shop

Activities

History and Architecture Walking Tour

History and Architecture Walking Tour

AU$38
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
History and Architecture Walking Tour
Picture 2 for Activity Wilmington History and Architecture Tour

Wilmington History and Architecture Tour

AU$38
per adult
Wilmington History and Architecture Tour
Wilmington Coup and Massacre Historic Tour

Wilmington Coup and Massacre Historic Tour

AU$30
per adult
Wilmington Coup and Massacre Historic Tour
Picture 2 for Activity 2-Hour, 15-Minute Tour de Wilmington E-Bike Tour

2-Hour, 45-Minute Tour de Wilmington E-Bike Tour

AU$106
per adult
2-Hour, 45-Minute Tour de Wilmington E-Bike Tour
Wilmington Ghosts: Phantoms of Pirates and Patriots Tour

Wraiths & Wicked Whispers: Wilmington Ghost Tour

AU$39
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Wraiths & Wicked Whispers: Wilmington Ghost Tour
Downtown Wilmington Historian Guided Tour

Downtown Wilmington History Walking Tour

AU$30
per adult
Downtown Wilmington History Walking Tour
See all activities in Wrightsville Beach

Our pick of the best Shell Island Hotel Deals

Shell Island Resort - All Oceanfront Suites

Shell Island Resort - All Oceanfront Suites

3.5 out of 5
2700 N Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville Beach, NC
Stay at this 3.5-star beach resort in Wrightsville Beach. Enjoy a beach locale, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,537 reviews)
"Gorgeous beach, and sound! Our favorite beach and spot to vacation. Peaceful, calm and great service. The area has many different and delicious food and beverage options."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Get rates
Shell Island Resort - All Oceanfront Suites
Sleep Inn

Sleep Inn

2.5 out of 5
5225 Market St, Wilmington, NC
The price is AU$123 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
AU$123
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,017 reviews)
"Bed, linens, pillows, and mattress were very good. There was a musty smell but there was a northeaster with lots of rain and wind. Breakfast clean and well serviced"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Sleep Inn
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 AU$212 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
AU$212
9 Nov - 10 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,348 reviews)
"There were stains on the curtains of our room."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Coastal Inn & Suites - Wilmington, NC

Coastal Inn & Suites - Wilmington, NC

2.5 out of 5
3604 Market St, Wilmington, NC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$119 per night from 28 Oct to 29 Oct
AU$119
28 Oct - 29 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Wilmington. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (831 reviews)
Good stay!
"The room was clean and nice. The staff were friendly and helpful. I would stay there again."

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

Coastal Inn & Suites - Wilmington, NC
Trailborn Surf & Sound

Trailborn Surf & Sound

4 out of 5
275 Waynick Blvd, Wrightsville Beach, NC
The price is AU$370 per night from 5 Nov to 6 Nov
AU$370
5 Nov - 6 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Wrightsville Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (216 reviews)
"Ocean front was great! Courtney Paugh the manager at the restaurant was super friendly and professional. As restaurateurs for 20 years, we appreciated her hospitality and kindness!"

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2025

Trailborn Surf & Sound
Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront

Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront

3.5 out of 5
9 Estell Lee Place, Wilmington, NC
The price is AU$226 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$226
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,015 reviews)
"Nice room, nice roof top. We enjoyed the night"

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront
See all 5,027 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

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Parmele Isle

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

Parmele Isle
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South Harbor Island

When in South Harbor Island, you can plan a visit to Johnnie Mercer's Pier and Wrightsville SUP, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

South Harbor Island
Wrightsville Beach which includes a sandy beach and general coastal views

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

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