Shell Island Travel Guide

Wrightsville Beach

An aerial view of a coastal town with a long beachfront, clear blue waters, and a marina.
A crowded beach with people sunbathing, walking, and playing in the water.
A row of beach houses with a wooden fence in the foreground.
A beachside residential area with houses, a wooden fence, and a sandy beach.
A sandy beach with people walking and playing in the water.

Stay near popular Shell Island attractions

Wrightsville Beach

9.4/10 (1,992 reviews)
This picturesque barrier island offers consistent waves for surfers, a vibrant nightlife and a wide range of outdoor activities.
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Things to do

Wilmington: Wrightsville Beach Afternoon Sailboat Cruise

Intracoastal Waterway: Eco Tour

Rp2.105.640
per adult
Intracoastal Waterway: Eco Tour
Sunset Location on Banks Channel Perfect Photograph Shot

Wrightsville Beach Sunset Cruise

Rp875.550
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Wrightsville Beach Sunset Cruise
Picture 4 for Activity Wilmington: Ghosts of the Port City Haunted Walking Tour

Wraiths & Wicked Whispers: Wilmington Ghost Tour

Rp421.128
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Wraiths & Wicked Whispers: Wilmington Ghost Tour
Downtown Wilmington Historian-Guided Walking Tour

Downtown Wilmington Historian-Guided Walking Tour

Rp348.469
per adult
Downtown Wilmington Historian-Guided Walking Tour
Wilmington Coup and Massacre Historic Tour

Wilmington Coup and Massacre Historic Tour

Rp348.469
per adult
Wilmington Coup and Massacre Historic Tour
Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach

Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach

Rp875.550
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach
See all activities in Wrightsville Beach

Top hotels in Shell Island

Shell Island Resort - All Oceanfront Suites

Shell Island Resort - All Oceanfront Suites

3.5 out of 5
2700 N Lumina Avenue Wrightsville Beach NC
The price is Rp2.521.895 per night from 11 Oct to 12 Oct
Rp2.521.895
Rp3.320.835 total
11 Oct - 12 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this resort in Wrightsville Beach. Enjoy 2 bars/lounges, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very good! (1,754 reviews)
"Overall, a good trip, although the hot tub was not working and one of the elevators was down. But very relaxed and a good location!"

Reviewed on 14 Sept 2026

Shell Island Resort - All Oceanfront Suites
Sleep Inn Wilmington near University

Sleep Inn Wilmington near University

2.5 out of 5
5225 Market St Wilmington NC
The price is Rp1.347.242 per night from 14 Oct to 15 Oct
Rp1.347.242
Rp1.522.383 total
14 Oct - 15 Oct
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 ...
8/10 Very good! (1,187 reviews)
"I went for a softball tournament and I will be booking here again."

Reviewed on 14 Sept 2026

Sleep Inn Wilmington near University
Comfort Inn University

Comfort Inn University

2.5 out of 5
151 S College Road Wilmington NC
The price is Rp1.369.607 per night from 4 Oct to 5 Oct
Rp1.369.607
Rp1.547.656 total
4 Oct - 5 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very good! (1,557 reviews)
"Easy check-in."

Reviewed on 13 Sept 2026

Comfort Inn University
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Wilmington West - Medical Park by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Wilmington West - Medical Park by IHG

2.5 out of 5
839 Medical Center Drive Wilmington NC
The price is Rp2.044.637 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
Rp2.044.637
Rp2.310.440 total
28 Sept - 29 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Wilmington West - Medical Park by IHG
DoubleTree by Hilton Wilmington, NC

DoubleTree by Hilton Wilmington, NC

3 out of 5
5032 Market St Wilmington NC
The price is Rp1.718.481 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
Rp1.718.481
Rp1.941.883 total
28 Sept - 29 Sept
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (546 reviews)
"Parking is $12 but everything else was great"

Reviewed on 14 Sept 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Wilmington, NC
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 Rp2.527.179 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
Rp2.527.179
Rp2.855.713 total
21 Sept - 22 Sept
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! (1,688 reviews)
"The staff was nice but the toilet in the room ran non stop, the bathroom sink faucet was completely detached, the drinks in the bar were outrageously expensive and the pool was not very clean. It has potential but it seems like they are letting the place go. Great location though."

Reviewed on 14 Sept 2026

Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
See all 5,113 properties in Shell 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.

Where to stay in Shell Island

Find the best Shell Island areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A sunset over a beach with waves reflecting the sky's colors.
Photo by Jeff Sloop
Open Photo by Jeff Sloop

South End

If you're spending some time in South End, Wrightsville Beach and South End Surf Shop are top sights worth seeing.

An aerial view of a coastal town with a beach, a pier, and a river.

South Harbor Island

When in South Harbor Island, you can plan a visit to Wrightsville Beach and Wrightsville SUP, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

A coastal cityscape with a large body of water, green patches, and a sunset.

Parmele Isle

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Parmele Isle and surrounding area, you can visit Wrightsville Beach and Wrightsville SUP.

Shell Island Travel Guide