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 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
Wrightsville Beach showing a sandy beach as well as a small group of people

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

Wrightsville SUP

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

Wrightsville SUP

Activities

Picture 2 for Activity Wilmington History and Architecture Tour

Wilmington History and Architecture Tour

AU$35
per adult
Wilmington History and Architecture Tour
Wilmington Coup and Massacre Historic Tour

Wilmington Coup and Massacre Historic Tour

AU$28
per adult
Wilmington Coup and Massacre Historic 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
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
Sunset at Cape Fear

Public Sunset Wilmington Boat Tour Downtown Experience

AU$106
per adult
Public Sunset Wilmington Boat Tour Downtown Experience
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 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! (1,530 reviews)
Yes it was very clean.

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2026

Get rates
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
The price is AU$209 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
AU$209
5 Apr - 6 Apr
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! (1,475 reviews)
Great location in Wilmington. Walking distance to lots of restaurants and shops.

Reviewed on 13 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$131 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
AU$131
5 Apr - 6 Apr
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! (1,061 reviews)
It was great!

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026

Sleep Inn Wilmington near University
DoubleTree by Hilton Wilmington, NC

DoubleTree by Hilton Wilmington, NC

3 out of 5
5032 Market St Wilmington NC
The price is AU$136 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
AU$136
22 Mar - 23 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! (230 reviews)
This hotel is fantastic. Fairly new, great staff, and VERY clean. Would definitely return when back in town

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Wilmington, NC
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 22 Mar to 23 Mar
AU$134
22 Mar - 23 Mar
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! (1,279 reviews)
Wonderful location and staff. Entire place was very clean, beds were extremely comfortable, and the showers were hot.

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2026

Comfort Inn University
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$366 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
AU$366
15 Mar - 16 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! (1,002 reviews)
A couple of the ocean view rooms have an obstructed view. i was initially given one of those rooms. When it was brought to the management's attention they quickly gave me a room with an unobstructed view. the management is very responsive. The hot tub was great, very warm. All of the staff were friendly ...

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2026

Holiday Inn Resort Lumina on Wrightsville Beach by IHG
See all 5,064 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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