South Harbor 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
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 riverfront or attend a sporting event in the area.

Wrightsville SUP

Aussie Island Surf Shop

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

Aussie Island Surf Shop

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 family-friendly area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event.

Wrightsville Beach Museum of History

Activities

Picture 2 for Activity Wilmington History and Architecture Tour

Wilmington History and Architecture Tour

AU$37
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 4 for Activity Wilmington: Ghosts of the Port City Haunted Walking Tour

Wraiths & Wicked Whispers: Wilmington Ghost Tour

AU$48
per adult
Wraiths & Wicked Whispers: Wilmington Ghost Tour
Downtown Wilmington Historian Guided Tour

Downtown Wilmington Historian-Guided Walking Tour

AU$30
per adult
Downtown Wilmington Historian-Guided Walking Tour
Two- Hour Group Surfing Lesson in Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral

Two- Hour Group Surfing Lesson in Cocoa Wrightsville Beach, NC

AU$164
per adult
Two- Hour Group Surfing Lesson in Cocoa Wrightsville Beach, NC
Wilmington Ghosts: Phantoms of Pirates and Patriots Tour

Wraiths & Wicked Whispers: Wilmington Ghost Tour

AU$48
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Wraiths & Wicked Whispers: Wilmington Ghost Tour
See all activities in Wrightsville Beach

Our pick of the best South Harbor Island Hotel Deals

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$220 per night from 28 Jan to 29 Jan
AU$220
28 Jan - 29 Jan
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! (1,437 reviews)
Staff was courteous, place was nice.

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Sleep Inn

Sleep Inn

2.5 out of 5
5225 Market St Wilmington NC
The price is AU$123 per night from 11 Feb to 12 Feb
AU$123
11 Feb - 12 Feb
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,048 reviews)
Yes

Reviewed on 7 Jan 2026

Sleep Inn
DoubleTree by Hilton Wilmington, NC

DoubleTree by Hilton Wilmington, NC

3 out of 5
5032 Market St Wilmington NC
The price is AU$129 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
AU$129
1 Feb - 2 Feb
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! (166 reviews)
Very friendly staff, very nicely decorated and maintained.

Reviewed on 14 Jan 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Wilmington, NC
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,569 reviews)
Nice staff - clean room and good space - excellent view . On site restaurant had little ambience but staff was friendly and accommodating .

Reviewed on 4 Jan 2026

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Shell Island Resort - All Oceanfront Suites
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$215 per night from 28 Jan to 29 Jan
AU$215
28 Jan - 29 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
Great room, friendly staff, and an excellent location

Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026

Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront
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$233 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
AU$233
1 Feb - 2 Feb
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
Mordern room..great views.A+

Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026

Holiday Inn Resort Lumina on Wrightsville Beach by IHG
See all 4,671 properties in South Harbor 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 South Harbor 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 Wrightsville SUP and Aussie Island Surf Shop.

Parmele Isle
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
Wrightsville Beach which includes general coastal views and a beach as well as a large group of people

Shell Island

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Shell Island and surrounding area, you can visit Wrightsville SUP and Aussie Island Surf Shop.

Shell Island

South Harbor Island Travel Guide

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