The 5 Best Resorts in Wrightsville Beach NC | Right on the Sand
We analyzed all the choices out there to find the best resorts in Wrightsville Beach NC that offer the ultimate blend of beachfront access, updated rooms, large and relaxing pools, space for families, and even an on-site gourmet restaurant.
Some Wrightsville Beach resorts are tucked into quiet corners with fewer distractions and slower mornings, while others sit right along the more active stretches of sand where surfboards line the porches and cafes buzz from early daylight until dinner service wraps.
So, we figured it was worth doing a proper search across the board. We researched everything, comparing hundreds of traveler reviews, and dug into amenities, locations, room layouts, and general vibes.
Table of Contents
Methodology
To determine the best resorts Wrightsville Beach NC has to offer, we went through hundreds of online reviews, scaning feedback from real travelers on Google Reviews, TripAdvisor, and Expedia, and compared amenities, location strengths, and the overall feel of each property.
We also made sure that they are located on or very near Wrightsville Beach so that you can just walk right onto the sand from your room.
The 5 Best Wrightsville Beach Resorts for 2025
5. Harbor Inn
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- Only a 3-minute stroll from Wrightsville Beach’s main public access
- Intimate property with fewer than 20 rooms
- Balconies on most rooms overlook the sound or the marina
Harbor Inn is, in a way, a bit of a hidden treasure among the smaller resorts Wrightsville Beach has to offer.
It’s pretty laid-back and cozy, with a style that feels more personal than polished, yet still totally clean and thoughtfully maintained. The resort sits near the causeway, giving it excellent proximity to both the waterfront and the mainland without much of a commute or fuss.
Rooms are usually equipped with kitchenettes, and you’ll find either marina or Intracoastal Waterway views from most of the balconies. That, for some, is reason enough to return.
Though there’s no full-service restaurant on site, the nearby options are virtually steps away, and some of the best seafood in Wrightsville Beach NC is located right down the road.
As for family-friendliness, it’s somewhat geared more toward adults and couples looking for a peaceful getaway, although well-behaved kids are certainly welcome.
For travelers who are more focused on comfort, views, and affordability in Wrightsville Beach resorts rather than bells and whistles, Harbor Inn fits the bill almost perfectly.
4. Shell Island Resort – Most Affordable
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- All rooms are oceanfront suites with private balconies
- Located directly on the quieter north end of the beach
- Indoor/outdoor pool combo with hot tub
Shell Island Resort is, without a doubt, the most affordable full-service option among the resorts in Wrightsville Beach NC, especially considering that every suite has an oceanfront view. That, alone, is quite the value proposition.
This property sits right on the northernmost part of the island, where the atmosphere gets noticeably quieter and the dunes start to feel untouched.
Every suite includes a separate living area, a small but usable kitchenette, and a private balcony that looks out onto the Atlantic. So, you’re not sacrificing much space or view, even at the lower price point.
The indoor-outdoor pool setup is simple but reliable, and it includes a hot tub and a small sundeck. On the food front, the on-site restaurant is decent for breakfast and lunch, but most guests prefer heading a few minutes down to Wrightsville Beach proper for dinner.
Families often book here thanks to the spacious rooms and the easy beach access, while budget-minded couples appreciate the straightforward, stress-free vibe.
Among all the Wrightsville Beach resorts, Shell Island feels casual and just slightly retro—but in a way that’s actually kind of refreshing. It’s the kind of place that gets repeat visits not because it’s flashy, but because it’s familiar, reliable, and comfortable for the price.
3. Holiday Inn Resort Wrightsville Beach – Top Value Pick
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- Direct beach access with chair and umbrella rentals
- Outdoor pool, indoor pool, and a separate kids’ splash area
- On-site restaurant, tiki bar, and full-service spa
Holiday Inn Resort Wrightsville Beach doesn’t always get the attention it should, but it’s actually one of the most well-rounded resorts in Wrightsville Beach North Carolina.
And, it’s actually got a surprisingly upscale feel for a brand typically associated with road-trip hotels.
The rooms here are nicely updated, clean, and include balconies, many of which look out over the ocean. The beach is just steps away, and the resort offers chair and umbrella service if you don’t feel like hauling your own.
There’s a family-friendly energy to the whole place, with a kids’ play area and splash zone next to the pool, which means this spot draws a good number of parents traveling with younger kids.
The restaurant serves fairly solid seafood and Southern staples, and the outdoor tiki bar stays popular on warm weekends.
For adults who want some downtime, there’s a basic but functional spa on the premises offering massages and facials. It’s a mix of casual and capable, with just enough of everything to avoid disappointment.
If you’re weighing Wrightsville Beach resorts and want a dependable midrange choice with consistent amenities and beachfront location, this is arguably the best bang for your buck in the area.
2. Trailborn Surf & Sound
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- Marriott-brand boutique resort just steps from the shoreline
- Design-forward rooms with luxury bedding and coastal decor
- Heated saltwater pool and curated retail shop
Trailborn Surf & Sound has quickly carved out a niche as one of the more stylish, intentionally designed resorts in Wrightsville Beach.
It’s just a little bit different in tone and aesthetic, and that’s kind of the point, which is why it’s one of the best resorts Wrightsville Beach has to offer.
Unlike larger properties, this Marriott-brand boutique resort focuses more on curated experiences and intimate surroundings. Rooms feature high-thread-count linens, mid-century coastal furniture, and unique art from local creators.
And the pool? It’s a heated saltwater one, surrounded by palms and soft loungers. The whole thing feels like someone took a West Coast concept and planted it near the Atlantic, and frankly, it works.
You’re walking distance from the heart of Wrightsville Beach, but tucked into a quieter section that gives you some space to breathe. The retail shop downstairs is surprisingly well-curated, offering regional goods and beach essentials that are actually worth buying.
There’s no spa here, but they partner with local wellness therapists for in-room massages, which is a nice touch.
Families may find it a little less traditional, but couples and small groups of friends tend to love the ambiance. It’s for guests who want something polished, but not generic. Of all the Wrightsville Beach resorts on the rise, this one’s making the strongest impression lately.
1. Sandpeddler Inn & Suites – Top Overall
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- Oceanfront condo-style suites with full kitchens
- Just across from the beach and South End Surf Shop
- Outdoor pool and complimentary bike rentals
Sandpeddler Inn & Suites is the best resort in Wrightsville Beach NC—and once you stay, it becomes pretty clear why.
Positioned right across the street from the beach, and directly next to the southern end’s laid-back stretch, the property blends location, comfort, and flexibility in a way that’s hard to match.
Each suite is basically a small condo, fully equipped with kitchens, separate living areas, and balconies facing the ocean or the sound. For those who like the idea of making breakfast in their pajamas while watching the waves, this is the one.
The outdoor pool is small but pleasant, and guests get complimentary access to bikes, which makes beach-hopping and coffee runs both convenient and fun.
This part of Wrightsville Beach NC is also where the water tends to stay cleaner and the vibe stays quieter, especially on weekdays.
Whether you’re staying for three nights or ten, the suites offer room to spread out without sacrificing that resort-like atmosphere.
Among all the resorts Wrightsville Beach out there, this is arguably the most consistent all-around choice.
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