Shell Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

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
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

Activities

Wilmington Coup and Massacre Historic Tour

Wilmington Coup and Massacre Historic Tour

AU$28
per adult
Wilmington Coup and Massacre Historic Tour
Picture 2 for Activity Wilmington History and Architecture Tour

Wilmington History and Architecture Tour

AU$35
per adult
Wilmington History and Architecture Tour
Downtown Wilmington Historian Guided Tour

Downtown Wilmington Historian-Guided Walking Tour

AU$28
per adult
Downtown Wilmington Historian-Guided Walking Tour
5 Hour Wilmington River to Sea E-Bike Adventure Tour

5-Hour Wilmington River to Sea E-Bike Self/Or Guided Tour

AU$120
per adult
5-Hour Wilmington River to Sea E-Bike Self/Or Guided Tour
Picture 4 for Activity Wilmington: Ghosts of the Port City Haunted Walking Tour

Wraiths & Wicked Whispers: Wilmington Ghost Tour

AU$34
per adult
Wraiths & Wicked Whispers: Wilmington Ghost Tour
E-Bike Adventure to Wilmington's Historic sites & Breweries

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

AU$113
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
THE Wilmington History, Haunts & Breweries E-Bike Tour (4 hr)
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
The price is AU$321 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
AU$321
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! (1,548 reviews)
Beautiful ocean view!!!!

Reviewed on 6 Mar 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
Fully refundable
The price is AU$210 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
AU$210
30 Mar - 31 Mar
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! (1,468 reviews)
If you get a room with two beds, they’re more like full size beds than queen very uncomfortable sleeping in with two people

Reviewed on 7 Mar 2026

Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Sleep Inn Wilmington near University

Sleep Inn Wilmington near University

2.5 out of 5
5225 Market St Wilmington NC
The price is AU$126 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
AU$126
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! (1,067 reviews)
Shower head was broken. Told the manager. Found out my partner had the same problem in another room. They know. They aren’t making repairs.

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2026

Sleep Inn Wilmington near University
Comfort Inn University

Comfort Inn University

2.5 out of 5
151 S College Road Wilmington NC
The price is AU$134 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
AU$134
5 Apr - 6 Apr
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! (1,274 reviews)
The property was in poor condition and the clientele was sketchy. Probably got what I paid for but will not stay there again.

Reviewed on 7 Mar 2026

Comfort Inn University
DoubleTree by Hilton Wilmington, NC

DoubleTree by Hilton Wilmington, NC

3 out of 5
5032 Market St Wilmington NC
The price is AU$137 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
AU$137
15 Mar - 16 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! (217 reviews)
Indoor pool was freezing

Reviewed on 6 Mar 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Wilmington, NC
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 AU$352 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
AU$352
8 Mar - 9 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 5,042 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.

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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

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