Wrightsville Beach Live Cam

Wrightsville Beach is a picturesque coastal town located in New Hanover County, North Carolina. It has a rich history dating back centuries. Here's an overview of the history of Wrightsville Beach:

Early Inhabitants: The area surrounding Wrightsville Beach was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Cape Fear and Lumbee tribes. They relied on fishing, hunting, and gathering resources from the land and the nearby waterways.

European Settlement: European settlers arrived in the region during the late 17th century. The first recorded exploration of the area was conducted by Giovanni da Verrazzano, an Italian explorer, in 1524. English colonists established permanent settlements in the area in the early 18th century, with Wilmington, located nearby, becoming a major port city.

Early Development: Wrightsville Beach itself was largely uninhabited until the early 19th century when a few scattered families began to settle there. The area was primarily used for fishing, farming, and logging. The land was known as "Ocean View" until 1899 when it was renamed Wrightsville Beach in honor of the Wright family, who were prominent landowners.

Tourism and Recreation: In the late 19th century, Wrightsville Beach started to gain popularity as a tourist destination. The opening of a rail line connecting Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach in 1888 made it more accessible to visitors. The natural beauty of the beach, along with its proximity to Wilmington, attracted tourists who came to enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. Several hotels and resorts were built to accommodate the growing number of visitors.

Hurricanes and Rebuilding: Wrightsville Beach has been affected by several hurricanes throughout its history. In 1899, the town was severely damaged by the Great Carolina Hurricane, which led to significant rebuilding efforts. Over the years, subsequent hurricanes, including Hurricane Hazel in 1954 and Hurricane Florence in 2018, have also caused damage to the area. Each time, the community has come together to rebuild and restore the beach and its structures.

Modern Development: In the 20th century, Wrightsville Beach continued to evolve as a vacation destination. The construction of the Intracoastal Waterway and the development of the automobile industry further facilitated tourism. Today, Wrightsville Beach is known for its beautiful beaches, water sports, and a vibrant coastal community. It has a mix of permanent residents, vacation homes, and a thriving tourist industry.

Preserving the Environment: Over the years, there has been a concerted effort to protect and preserve the natural environment of Wrightsville Beach. Various initiatives have been implemented to safeguard the dunes, wildlife, and marine ecosystems. The town and its residents have embraced sustainable practices to ensure the long-term health of the area's natural resources.

Wrightsville Beach continues to be a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, attracting visitors with its scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and a rich history rooted in the coastal heritage of North Carolina.

Top Tourist Attractions

Wrightsville Beach offers a range of attractions and activities that draw tourists from near and far. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Wrightsville Beach:

• Wrightsville Beach: The main attraction is, of course, the beach itself. With its pristine sandy shores and crystal-clear waters, Wrightsville Beach provides a picturesque setting for swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, and relaxation. It's a perfect spot for enjoying water sports such as surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing.
• Johnnie Mercer's Pier: This iconic pier stretches out into the Atlantic Ocean and offers breathtaking views of the coastline. It's a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts and provides an opportunity to observe marine life. The pier also features a restaurant and a souvenir shop.
• Wrightsville Beach Museum of History: Located in the historic Myers Cottage, the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History provides insight into the rich heritage of the area. Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing the history, culture, and natural environment of Wrightsville Beach, including artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays.
• Masonboro Island Reserve: Just south of Wrightsville Beach, Masonboro Island is an undeveloped barrier island and a designated nature reserve. It offers pristine beaches, tidal flats, salt marshes, and maritime forests. Visitors can explore the island's trails, enjoy picnicking, birdwatching, and even camp overnight (with a permit).
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP): Wrightsville Beach is renowned for its calm, shallow waters, making it an ideal location for stand-up paddleboarding. Several rental shops and guided tours are available, allowing visitors to explore the coastal waters, marshes, and estuaries on paddleboards.
• Airlie Gardens: Located just a short drive from Wrightsville Beach in Wilmington, Airlie Gardens is a stunning historic garden spanning over 67 acres. It features walking paths, formal gardens, a butterfly house, a freshwater lake, and numerous sculptures. The gardens are known for their beautiful azaleas and camellias, making it a popular attraction for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
• Wrightsville Beach Park: This park offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors of all ages. It features sports fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking trails. The park also hosts events and concerts throughout the year, providing entertainment for locals and visitors alike.

These attractions, along with the charming coastal atmosphere and the town's dining and shopping options, make Wrightsville Beach a popular destination for tourists seeking relaxation, outdoor adventures, and a glimpse into the coastal heritage of North Carolina.

Climate

Wrightsville Beach experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Here's a breakdown of the climate in Wrightsville Beach:

• Summers (June to August): Summers in Wrightsville Beach are hot and humid, with average high temperatures ranging from the upper 80s°F (around 30°C) to the low 90s°F (mid-30s°C). The humidity can make it feel even hotter. July and August are the warmest months, with occasional afternoon thunderstorms.
• Autumn (September to November): Autumn brings pleasant temperatures to Wrightsville Beach. September is still quite warm, with temperatures gradually cooling down in October and November. High temperatures range from the upper 70s°F (around 25°C) to the mid-80s°F (around 30°C). September and October are relatively drier months with lower humidity.
• Winters (December to February): Winters in Wrightsville Beach are generally mild and relatively short. Average high temperatures during winter range from the upper 50s°F (around 15°C) to the mid-60s°F (around 18°C). Overnight lows can drop into the 30s°F (around 0°C). While snow is rare, it can occasionally occur during the winter months.
• Spring (March to May): Spring in Wrightsville Beach brings mild temperatures and blooming flowers. High temperatures gradually rise from the upper 60s°F (around 20°C) in March to the upper 70s°F (around 25°C) in May. It is a transition period with increasing humidity and occasional showers.

Rainfall is spread throughout the year, but the wettest months tend to be in the summer and early fall. The area is susceptible to tropical storms and hurricanes, particularly from June to November.

It's important to note that weather patterns can vary, and it's always a good idea to check local forecasts for the most up-to-date information before planning a trip to Wrightsville Beach.

Geography

Wrightsville Beach is a barrier island located in New Hanover County, North Carolina. Here's an overview of the geography of Wrightsville Beach:

• Barrier Island: Wrightsville Beach is situated on a barrier island along the southeastern coast of North Carolina. Barrier islands are long, narrow landforms that run parallel to the mainland and are separated from it by bodies of water such as sounds, bays, or inlets. The island is approximately four miles long and is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Intracoastal Waterway to the west.
• Intracoastal Waterway: The western side of Wrightsville Beach is bordered by the Intracoastal Waterway, a navigable inland waterway that stretches along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. The waterway provides access to boating, fishing, and other recreational activities.
• Atlantic Ocean: The eastern side of Wrightsville Beach is fringed by the Atlantic Ocean. It boasts beautiful sandy beaches and is a popular destination for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The ocean also provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water sports.
• Banks Channel: Running parallel to the ocean on the eastern side of Wrightsville Beach is Banks Channel, a narrow body of water that separates the island from the nearby Figure Eight Island. It offers calm waters and is a popular spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating.
• Masonboro Sound: To the south of Wrightsville Beach lies Masonboro Sound, a large body of water that is part of the Intracoastal Waterway. Masonboro Island, an undeveloped barrier island and nature reserve, acts as a buffer between Wrightsville Beach and the open ocean. The sound provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife observation.

The geography of Wrightsville Beach combines the natural beauty of barrier island ecosystems with easy access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. This unique setting offers residents and visitors a wide range of recreational activities and stunning coastal scenery.