For surf and shore near Wilmington, NC, it might be suggestible to head towards Wrightsville Beach, a town within the city’s metro area. Within a half-hour’s drive of Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach offers plenty of options for seaside accommodations.
We’ve selected three affordable resort hotels to pique your interest. All three choices are similarly priced three-star resorts, as the area is a bit lacking in higher-end properties. A perk shared by all three, however? Beach access.
Blockade Runner Beach Resort
From $105/ night
Recent guests have highly rated this beachfront property, and it’s not hard to see why. The usual amenities are here: a restaurant, gift shop, free parking, shuttle service and a fitness center. Yet this resort offers more than the typical hotel, from in-room massages to a well-equipped outdoor pool with views of lush gardens that change seasonally. The private beach is especially cozy, with chairs and umbrellas provided. If you’re looking to get more adventurous in the water, head to the dock and paddle cove, where kayaks, paddle boards, canoes, sailing, fishing (as well as instructors and rentals) await.
Holiday Inn Resort Wilmington East
From $108/ night
Three pools, two hot tubs, and easy beach access: whether you want to soak or swim, this Holiday Inn Resort is likely a worthwhile destination. Past guests have gushed about this property, praising the ocean vistas, on-site bar and general cleanliness. Before your (short) trek to the beach, you can rent umbrellas, chairs or even bikes. For cuisine, surf meets Southern at Oceans Restaurant, while Lazy Daze Poolside Bar & Grill serves up lunch and tropical cocktails. Bringing kids with you? An on-site playground, arcade, sports court and “KidSpree activity center” should help amuse them.
Shell Island Resort
From $107/ night
The 143 suites in this oceanfront resort are well-prepared to handle families and groups. The traditional double room, for instance, can accommodate up to six people. Each full-service suite comes with a living room, sofa bed, kitchenette, two TVs, a Blu-ray player and a balcony —with dazzling, salt-scented ocean views, of course. A breakfast buffet arrives fresh every morning, and the on-site restaurant serves up lunch and dinner. And for another kind of serving: there’s a sand volleyball court available. Kids can enjoy a play area, and their parents can use the fitness center to burn off some calories from that breakfast omelette.