Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos Courtesy: Caroline McKay, Thomas Broughton, David Mallett, Carlos Huber, Raquel Medina-Cleghorn
While plenty of beaches on the Mediterranean have been ruined by overcrowding and overexposure, there are little-known, yet still stunning, options with nary a TikToker. People with absurdly good taste gave us the broad strokes (and a few indispensable details) from trips they’ve taken to these very destinations.
Porquerolles, France
“To get to this small island off the coast of the south of France, we drove to Tour Fondueand then took a water taxi. We stayed at Le Mas du Langoustier, a secluded hotel on the far west side of the island. The half-board option at the hotel is like an old-school version of all-inclusive resort in the best way. Breakfast and amazing four-course dinners are included, so it takes a lot of the choice out and you can really embrace just being in nature. The island is filled with hidden beaches and small coves for swimming, and we biked and walked everywhere. One day we hiked the entire island, stopping at various swimming holes, and another day we visited Fondation Carmignac, a contemporary-art museum housed in an old farmhouse. Chanel also happens to own a vineyard on the island called Domaine de L’ile, and we drank a lot of their rosé.” — Caroline McKay, founder of creative agency Caro
Belvedere Marittimo, Italy
“I like to think I’m living like a real Italian in this tiny beach town in Calabria less than three hours by train from Naples where there are, thrillingly, never that many English-speaking tourists. There are also no luxury hotels — an Airbnb is your best bet. Try to book one that’s near the town center, where you’ll find everything you need: a grocery store, farm stand, pharmacy, and, of course, a wine store and butcher. There are tons of public beaches where you can lie out and paddle in the calm, clear, warm water. The town center has delicious casual restaurants serving pasta, Neapolitan-style pizza, and pesce spada, a.k.a. swordfish, which is a specialty here. At night, there are market stalls selling candy, ceramics, and (randomly) children’s school gear, and there is occasionally live music. You can also walk or take a 20-minute ride on a free shuttle bus up to the centro storico for a sunset aperitivo at Passato e Presente’s garden overlooking the castle ruins, then have Mangalitza pizza at the chic QB Food Lab and Spirits.” — Raquel Medina-Cleghorn, aesthetician and co-founder of Raquel New York
Northern Brittany, France
“When it’s boiling during the summer in Paris, this is where you want to be: It’s all moody skies, lush green cliffs, granite coastlines, and incredible seafood without the scene. I recommend renting a car and zipping along the coast to take in the stunning views, fishing towns, and wild beaches. In Saint-Malo, you have to stop at the original Le Beurre Bordier shop to stock up on butter — salted, yuzu, seaweed, whatever you can carry — then grab salted caramels from Maison Galland. In Saint-Cast-le-Guildo, you can take e-bikes on the D786 along the coast toward Saint-Lunaire. On the way, stop by Saint-Jacut-de-la-Mer to visit the abbey founded in the fifth century by the monk Saint Jacut. There’s also Plage du Rougeret, a quiet cove with sea views, and Le Théatre, a relaxed little restaurant for golden crêpes. The boardwalk at Saint-Lunaire, with its Belle Époque villas and sea breeze, is a dream. Once back in Saint-Cast, you can go for a freezing swim and collect shells at the public Pen Guen Beach, then head up to the WWII bunkers at Pointe de la Garde in Saint-Briac-sur-Mer. Hidden among the cliffs, the spot offers panoramic views of the English Channel. End the day with galettes and a cold glass of Muscadet at the restaurant Le 19ème, just above the golf course, where you can watch the sun sink behind the harbor. We like to spend a night in Dinard: Stay at Castelbrac if you’re splurging or Hôtel le Printania for its charming sea-view deck. Lunch is crêpes at Petit Bleu, and dinner is oysters at Le Petit Port.” — Sonia Gaillis-Delepine, founder of Verdoie
Sa Riera, Spain
“This small cove on the Costa Brava is where I go to escape. The sea is always calm, ideal for lazy swims, and the surrounding hills are reassuringly steep, which makes the beach feel private even though it’s public. I like to stay at Finca Victoria, recently reopened after a quiet renovation. Its whitewashed rooms, terra-cotta floors, and unfussy furnishings offer understated serenity. Each evening, I walk the half-hour up to Begur, to Can Climent Platillos, where I eat unusual and wonderful tapas like shrimp carpaccio laced with black garlic or orange-glazed pork sharp with pickled pink ginger.” — Tom Broughton, founder of Cubitts
The public beach in Sa Riera, Spain, feels like a secret. Photo: Courtesy Thomas Broughton
“Ithaca, on the Ionian side of Greece, is raw, natural, and totally untouristy. The food is some of the best in Greece — which is a big claim, but I stand by it. The meals are all prepared by young Greek chefs who are reshaping the island’s food scene with creativity. I’m still thinking about the Prespes gigantes beans I ate at Myrtia on our last trip. We stay at Levendis Estate, a small eco-retreat with four villas perched on a hillside. Even the bath products are handmade on site. We spend our days sailing or hiking — there are so many hikes and hidden beaches that you can access only by boat, and it’s essential to do this while you are there.” — Georgia Dant, founder of Marfa Stance
Lopud, Croatia
“My partner and I have been traveling to Lopud for three consecutive summers, and every time I’m struck by the lushness of the island’s Mediterranean vegetation; the vivid scent of fig, pine, and aromatic herbs carried by the breeze into the harbor; and the beautiful landscape of Renaissance-era stone houses, green hills, and transparent waters. Lopud is a 30-minute water taxi or 45-minute ferry from Dubrovnik and is one of the islands in the Elaphiti Archipelago, between Šipan and Kolocep, two other evergreen islands. Apart from the day-trippers who come to the sandy Šunj Beach, Lopud is relatively quiet, filled with locals and a small community of expats who have restored the stone houses near the old Franciscan monastery — 20 years ago, Baroness Francesca Thyssen-Bornemisza restored it, and now it’s Lopud 1483, a spectacular property that’s available to rent. I always start my days with an hourlong run through the old port, then we have breakfast at home and read and relax for a while before packing sandwiches and heading to one of the nearby coves for a swim. My favorite regular spot is under the monastery, but at least once every trip we head to Šunj Beach for a dip and have lunch at its beachside restaurant. The hike from there back to Lopud’s port is one of my favorite things to do because it takes you up these hills and by abandoned 14th- and 15th-century stone farmhouses and tenth-century early Christian churches with incredible views, towering cypress, Mediterranean pines, and wild thyme, peppermint, and rosemary. If we go out to dinner, there’s Restaurant Dubrovnik, a fish restaurant in the middle of Lopud’s harbor where you have to order a plate of mussels in Buzara tomato sauce, or Konoba Kod Marka on the neighboring island of Šipan, an unpretentious waterside restaurant with the freshest fish and delicious octopus meatballs.” — Carlos Huber, architect, historic preservationist, and founder of Arquiste
Guéthary, France
“I’m beholden to my children’s school schedules, so I can’t travel to European beach towns in the offseason the way a lot of people recommend. Guéthary, in Basque Country, is just south of the surfing and dining magnet of Biarritz, and it’s a quiet, beautiful little beach town with an easy atmosphere and great food. We stay in one of the many beach houses rented out by locals. You can grab produce, soaps, chocolates, and gifts at Yaoya, the local Basque and Japanese grocery and deli. In Guéthary, there’s a running trail, and you can also easily hike to the beach just north in Bidart, where there are surfing lessons for children and a beach-shack-style restaurant. We always dine at Le Madrid, or for a more casual meal, there is Hétéroclito on a cliff overlooking the beach or Le Txamara right on the water. At the end of the day, everyone gathers in the town square for ice cream around sunset, and there is often live music outside the main coffee hub and surf club, Parlementia. The coastal local train runs through town, so it’s super-easy to pop up to Biarritz to visit the gallery Champ Lacombe and eat at Cheri Bibi or go south to Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Ciboure for a sailing lesson and lunch at Arraina.” — Anja Tyson, brand consultant
Pembrokeshire, Wales
“The coastline is rugged, but there are sandy inlets where you can swim in the summer months (my favorite beach is at Traeth Llyfn) and beautiful walking paths that are part of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. It’s a pastoral landscape interspersed with cliff-top vistas and fishing villages. There are so many charming buildings to explore, many of them hundreds of years old. The 12th-century cathedral in St. Davids is an incredible example of medieval architecture from this period, and in most of the tiny seaside towns, you can find remnants of the region’s 19th-century industrial past. Although it’s too cold to swim, Pembrokeshire is also lovely to visit in the spring, when the wildflowers are in bloom and the weather is crisp enough to keep away the crowds. The best places to stay are small owner-operated vacation homes. I loved the Mill House in Nolton Haven; the hosts provided superb guidance on local dining and sightseeing.” — Yannik Neufang, architect and co-founder of Office JDY
Dobrota, Montenegro
“The bay water is turquoise and so calm. There are no waves or undercurrents. You can actually swim! Plus you’re tucked in between all these famous Montenegro mountains, so the views are incredible. If you’ve got the time and a taste for adventure, the best way to get there is to rent a car in Italy, then catch the overnight Snav ferry from Ancona to Croatia — you and your car can sleep onboard. Once you wake up on the Adriatic, hit the road down Croatia’s stunning coastline, past Dubrovnik, all the way into Montenegro. We stayed in a cozy Airbnb, of which there are many, but if you’re looking to splurge, there is the Heritage Grand in Perast.” — Olivia Villanti, founder and designer of Chava Studio
Pontine Islands, Italy
“There is something very special about the mixture of rocks, salt, sea, and sun here. I fly to Rome, make my way to Anzio and then catch a boat. About one and a half hours later, I arrive on the magical island of Ponza. We either rent a house or stay on a boat or check into a dusty but cute hotel called Chiaia di Luna. The hotel is perched on a cliff, and the beach below (where you’ll spend a lot of time) shares the same name; every day, you will experience the most incredible sunset you’ll ever see in your life and amazing views over the Mediterranean. The terrace of Bar Tripoli is the place to grab a really good coffee, lunch is at Ristoro da Gerardo, and for dinner, go to Aqua Pazza in the port. We spend our days traveling around on a small boat. We always take the boat to Palmarola to eat at my favorite restaurant, O’ Francese, and swim around the rock formations of the Cattedrali di Palmarola. I’ll swim at the Arco Naturale and the Cala Felci cove in Ponza, go diving in Zannone, and head to Ventotene, the most undiscovered gem of all the Pontine Islands.” — David Mallett, hairstylist
Ericeira, Portugal
“We flew to Porto and then drove down the coast to get to Ericeira. We split our time between an Airbnb and a hotel called You and the Sea right across the street from the beach, which is pristine, empty, and vast with so many places to surf. There’s no bad room at the hotel; because of the sloping streets, everyone gets an ocean view. We spent most of our days driving around searching for the best surfing breaks on Portugal’s west coast, and we ate seafood (the grilled octopus everywhere is amazing), bread, and olives at almost every meal. The town is gorgeous and charming, and the pace is laid-back.” — Joni Brosnan, author, chef, and owner of Joni’s in Montauk
Knokke, Belgium
“Here, you’ll find dozens of art galleries tucked into charming streets, plus plenty of art you’ll happen upon organically: Franz West’s bold lemur heads perch atop cylindrical pillars in Rubensplein, where children zip around on go-karts, and a walk down the beach reveals Antony Gormley’s figure standing sentinel in the water offshore. Even the local casino doubles as an unexpected art destination, housing pieces by Keith Haring and Magritte. Between gallery-hopping, when I visit, I love wandering through Het Zwin nature reserve, where tidal marshes create incredible bird-watching of more than 200 species. I stay at the recently renovated La Réserve, the perfect base for all this exploration, which has an excellent spa.” — Elena Soboleva, strategist and curator
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The adventure travel sector is experiencing a renaissance, driven by a confluence of rising disposable incomes, a shift toward experiential spending, and a global appetite for responsible tourism. At the forefront of this transformation is Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. (LIND), a pioneer in expedition cruising and sustainable travel. With a strategic trifecta of occupancy gains, product innovation, and a transformative partnership with The Walt Disney Company, Lindblad is not only capitalizing on current trends but also redefining the future of travel. For investors, the company’s 2025 guidance and operational execution signal a compelling case for long-term value creation.
Occupancy Gains: The Catalyst for Revenue Growth
Lindblad’s ability to drive occupancy rates is a cornerstone of its financial performance. In 2024, the company’s Lindblad segment achieved an 78% occupancy rate, up from 77% the prior year, while the fourth quarter saw a jump to 78% from 70%. This improvement, coupled with a 7% increase in net yield per available guest night to $1,170, underscores the power of pricing discipline and demand for premium, small-ship expedition travel.
The Land Experiences segment has also shown remarkable momentum, with 2024 tour revenues rising 29% to $221.4 million. The acquisition of Wineland-Thomson Adventures in 2023 has expanded Lindblad’s land-based offerings, providing a diversified revenue stream. Notably, the fourth quarter of 2024 saw a 46% surge in land tour revenues, driven by higher guest numbers and strategic pricing.
These occupancy gains are translating directly into profitability. Adjusted EBITDA for the Lindblad segment increased by $10.9 million to $59.4 million in 2024, while the Land Experiences segment added $9.1 million to reach $31.8 million. The company’s Q2 2025 results were even more striking: a 23% year-over-year revenue increase, with Adjusted EBITDA surging 139%, reflecting the compounding effects of occupancy and pricing.
Product Innovation: Expanding the Adventure Travel Ecosystem
Lindblad’s product portfolio has evolved beyond its core expedition cruises to include innovative offerings that cater to emerging consumer trends. The European river cruise program, launched in 2025, is already achieving strong booking performance, tapping into the growing demand for culturally immersive, low-impact travel.
The company has also pioneered multigenerational and family-friendly travel through initiatives like “Explorers in Training,” a youth-focused program that combines education with adventure. This not only broadens Lindblad’s demographic appeal but also fosters brand loyalty across generations. Meanwhile, the “Women’s Journeys” program and “Chef on Wheels” (a culinary cycling tour) demonstrate Lindblad’s agility in addressing niche markets, such as female travelers and food enthusiasts.
These innovations are not just revenue drivers—they are strategic tools for building a recurring customer base. By creating unique, high-value experiences, Lindblad is positioning itself as a destination for travelers seeking more than a vacation; they are seeking purpose.
Disney Partnership: A Game Changer for Market Expansion
The most transformative development in Lindblad’s 2025 strategy is its partnership with Disney, now part of the expanded National Geographic affiliation under The Walt Disney Company. This collaboration leverages Disney’s global brand equity and distribution network to introduce Lindblad’s offerings to a new audience.
Key to this partnership is the Disney Vacation Club’s points redemption program, which allows members to book Lindblad expeditions using their loyalty points. This has already led to a 45% increase in bookings from Disney’s travel advisors. The partnership also provides Lindblad access to Disney’s sales channels, including its 100,000+ travel advisors, significantly lowering customer acquisition costs.
Financially, the Disney partnership has been a catalyst. In Q2 2025, Lindblad reported a 23% revenue increase, with the Lindblad Expeditions segment up 19% and the land-based segment surging 41%. The company raised its 2025 revenue guidance to $725–$750 million, with Adjusted EBITDA projected at $100–$112 million—a 10% increase from prior forecasts.
Sustainability as a Competitive Advantage
Lindblad’s commitment to sustainability is not merely a marketing tactic—it is a core operational strategy. The company has electrified its vehicle fleet in Peru, a symbolic step toward reducing carbon emissions in key markets. It has also acquired four safari camps in East Africa, enabling vertical integration and enhancing its ability to control environmental impacts.
The upcoming release of Lindblad’s first ESG report will further solidify its reputation as a leader in responsible tourism. For investors, this aligns with the growing emphasis on ESG criteria in portfolio construction. Moreover, Lindblad’s sustainability efforts are resonating with travelers: 78% of its 2025 guests cited environmental responsibility as a key factor in their booking decision.
The Investment Case: A Strong Foundation for Long-Term Growth
Lindblad’s strategic momentum is underpinned by three pillars: 1. Operational Excellence: Occupancy gains and pricing power are driving revenue growth. 2. Strategic Partnerships: The Disney alliance is unlocking new markets and customer segments. 3. Sustainability Leadership: A robust ESG framework is future-proofing the business against regulatory and consumer risks.
With 2025 guidance reflecting a 9–11% net yield increase and a revenue range of $725–$750 million, Lindblad is positioned to outperform in a sector projected to grow at a 12% CAGR through 2030. The company’s focus on high-margin, small-group travel also insulates it from the volatility of mass-market tourism.
For investors, Lindblad represents a rare combination of thematic growth (sustainable travel) and operational execution. While the stock trades at a premium to traditional travel peers, its EBITDA margins (23% in Q2 2025) and recurring revenue model justify the valuation.
Conclusion: A Compelling Play in the Adventure Travel Revolution
As the world increasingly seeks meaningful, low-impact travel experiences, Lindblad Expeditions is uniquely positioned to lead the charge. Its occupancy gains, product innovation, and Disney partnership are not just driving near-term growth—they are building a durable competitive advantage. For long-term investors, Lindblad offers exposure to a high-growth sector with a clear path to sustainable profitability.
In a market where “travel” is no longer just about destinations but about purpose, Lindblad is the expedition vessel steering toward a golden era of adventure.
Brit-favourite Benidorm has even said to have been hit by the drop in visitors
Spain has reportedly seen a drop in the number of tourists flocking to the country, with Brit-favourite Benidorm, said to be a “ghost town” (Image: Daily Mirror/Ian Vogler)
Spain appears to have been met with a tourist crisis, as travellers have seemingly abandoned the country with beaches allegedly left bare.
Parts of the country have seen the number of holidaymakers flocking abroad drop in recent months, following years of anti-tourism protests led by locals.
In the most recent clip snapped by one traveller, it showed empty chairs lining bars and restaurants in Benidorm, with beaches said to be more quiet than usual for this time of the year.
British expat, Harry Poulton, 24, described Costa Del Sol as “like a ghost town,” with the man taking to TikTok to share his surprise at the scene at the peak of the summer months.
He said: “Benidorm is a ghost town…in July?! I’ve never seen it this quiet. Where is everyone?!”
Harry snapped himself standing by the main strip in the city, describing his shock at how quiet the coast was: “It’s the middle of July, look behind me, it’s dead. I’m on the Benidorm strip, there’s barely any people, this is crazy. I cannot believe it, this is the quietest I’ve ever seen Benidorm,” the Express reported.
A person on holiday at the time commented on Harry’s post to verify his claim that it appears quieter – suggesting there has been a higher influx of families to the holiday hotspot than usual.
They said: “Currently in Benners. Our first trip here and I was expecting carnage. It’s full of families.”
Another added: “In Benny now, it’s packed with families instead of stags and hens.”
The head of the nightlife association, Miguel Pérez-Marsá, told the Majorca Daily Bulletin of the crisis some are going through in Benidorm.
He said: “The tourists we’re interested in are being driven away; they don’t feel welcome and are going to other destinations.”
It has been reported the scenes in the city have become so bad that staff who would usually be busy have been given holiday due to the lack of tourists.
And what’s more, the drop in holidaymakers has also seen excursion sales drop by a huge 20 per cent this summer, Pedro Oliver, president of the College of Tour Guides said.
He remarked: “If you generate negative news, which has repercussions in other countries, tourists opt for other destinations when choosing their holidays.
“We are sending the message that we don’t want tourists and that everything is too crowded.”
Anti-tourism and overtourism protests have spiked across Spain in recent years, with locals protesting over numerous reasons, with a few due to the cost of living, and the price of affordable housing.
This surfer-friendly beach town is the place to learn to sail, work out on the water, or take a scenic soundside cruise.
Explore the island on the Loop walking trail, or follow the beach to the lone mailbox to share letters with other travelers.
Get ocean views and seafood dinners at area waterfront restaurants, or go for a casual taco or bowl dinner.
Wilmington wouldn’t be the oft-frequented vacation destination it is without water. A tale of two waterways, the North Carolina city is known for its charming riverfront on the Cape Fear River and also for its three beach communities on the Atlantic Ocean: Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach. While each beach town has a personality all its own, the laidback island vibes on Wrightsville Beach make it one of our favorite places to spend time—and it also earned it a top spot as our readers’ favorite waterfront town in North Carolina the 2024 South’s Best Awards. Spend time soaking up the sunshine on the sand, try out a new watersport like paddleboarding, or explore the surfer-friendly village where great restaurants meet unique local shops. Here are the best things to do in Wrightsville Beach.
Get Out On The Water
Credit:
Lisa Corson
Set Sail
If you didn’t grow up on the water, you may be unfamiliar with sailing. Get acquainted with this style of watercraft with Wrightsville Performance Sailing. The company offers everything from half-day catamaran sails to three-hour private adventure charters to Masonboro Island. If you want to learn how to captain instead of just ride, sign up for an hour-long Hobie sail lesson.
wpsail.com; 330 Causeway Drive, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
Develop A Passion For Paddling
Credit:
Courtesy of Wilmington and Beaches CVB
Folks in Wrightsville Beach love a workout on the water. The town is home to some of the country’s most prestigious stand-up paddleboarding competitions like the annual Carolina Cup. Get in on the craze with a rental or lesson from Wrightsville SUP. The outfitter also rents kayaks and bikes, so you’ll have your pick of outdoor adventures.
For a more passive activity on Wrightsville’s crystal blue waters, hop aboard a boat for a relaxing cruise on the calm waters. The Wrightsville Beach Sunset Cruise with Soundside gives a gentle tour of the tranquil sea that’s set against the picturesque image of a vibrant sunset.
soundside-wb.com; 226 South Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
Go Deep Sea Fishing
Courtesy of Wilmington and Beaches CVB.
Anglers can go inshore or deep sea fishing with Captain Robbie Wolfe of Whipsaw Charters, who has spent years taking folks out on the water to enjoy this active ocean sport. On a half-day family fishing trip, you can reel in everything from king mackerel and bluefish to black sea bass, then take home a giant cooler filled with your fresh catch.
If you’ve ever dreamt of hanging ten, there’s no better place to turn your far-off fantasy into reality than in North Carolina’s first surf town. The talented and patient instructors at WB Surf Camp will have you up on your board and catching waves in no time.
wbsurfcamp.com; 222 Causeway Drive, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
See The Sights
Credit:
Lisa Corson
Spend The Day On The Beach
One of the best things about Wrightsville Beach is that there are seemingly endless ways to get to the beach. Rather than one central public access point, there are 44 smaller access points spread out over around 4 miles. Find a public parking spot, load up your beach day essentials, and prepare to soak up all the wonders of the surf, sun, and sand. Pro tip: For the best sunset spot, try Access #43 and #44, which are on the southern end of the island.
Walk Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier
Credit:
Courtesy of Wilmington and Beaches CVB
Extending more than 1,200 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, this iconic fishing pier is a must-see for all Wrightsville Beach visitors. Take a stroll along the state’s oldest concrete fishing pier and stop to cast a line if you’re feeling lucky. The attached tackle shop offers rod rentals if you didn’t bring your own and daily fishing passes are just $8.
To get a quick overview of the island, walk or bike the 2.5-mile paved pedestrian path that’s known simply as The Loop. With marsh and intracoastal views, you’ll have plenty to look at while you unknowingly get your exercise for the day. Detours along the path include Wrightsville Beach Park, where you’ll find sport courts and a wide, grassy field; the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History; the Wrightsville Beach Arboretum; and the Wrightsville Beach Farmers Market from May through October.
Unlock The Mystery Surrounding A Lone Mailbox
Credit:
Courtesy of Wilmington and Beaches CVB
Sticking out like a sore thumb along gently swaying sea oats and majestic sand dunes, the Wrightsville Beach Mailbox is a legendary character in this part of North Carolina. Head to Beach Access #2, then walk north along the shore until you reach a point just past Shell Island Resort. It’s here that the mysterious mailbox resides. Peek inside to discover notes and letters from fellow travelers, and add your own story for others to read.
Explore The Town
Credit:
Courtesy of Wilmington and Beaches CVB
Visit The Wrightsville Beach Museum of History
Any time you visit a new destination, it’s good to have context about the corner of the world that you’re exploring. At the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History, you can learn about the island town’s more-than-100-year history. The historic Bordeaux Cottage gives a chronological account of the town’s history, complete with artifacts. In the neighboring Myers Cottage, you’ll find a deeper dive into several subjects relating to the town’s history.
Take a stroll through the historic Wrightsville Beach town square to get a glimpse into what the Wrightsville Beach of yesteryear looked like. You can follow the online map to see several historic homes and landmarks. On select weekends the Museum of History even installs exhibit signs along the Loop, giving additional information about each of the structures.
When you need a break from the beach, head inland to peruse the many local shops and boutiques that makeup Wrightsville Beach’s sunny town. Try spots like South End Surf Shop, Holly Aiken, and Lighthouse Beer and Wine for a little something for everyone.
If you’re looking for evening entertainment, one place in Wrightsville Beach has been a beloved standby since 1955. The historic Palm Room Bar is the universal gathering place for anyone seeking ice-cold beer, a cocktail, or live music performances spanning all types of genres. Open until 2 a.m. every day, there’s always a party at the Palm Room.
palmroomwb.com, 11 E Salisbury St., Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
Where To Eat
Credit:
Courtesy of Wilmington and Beaches CVB
Grab Breakfast At A Local Spot
Start your day with a hearty meal in the form of artisan toasts, breakfast bowls, and more at Drift.
Farm- and sea-to-table dining is the name of the game in Wrightsville Beach. For fresh seafood with a gorgeous view of the ocean from which it came, head to Bluewater Waterfront Grill or Oceanic for dishes like the classic North Carolina-Style Calabash Platter that’s jam-packed with lightly fried flounder, shrimp, and oysters.
It wouldn’t be a beach town without an ice cream shop. In Wrightsville Beach, the place to go when you’re craving a cold, sweet treat is Kohl’s Frozen Custard & Kitchen. You can get a classic vanilla or chocolate cone, but you’ll also find creative homemade flavors like Huggy Bear with graham crackers and caramel and Death by Chocolate with brownies, chocolate syrup, and chocolate flakes.
kohlscustard.com; 92 South Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
