Shell Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Popular places to visit

Wrightsville Beach showing a sandy beach as well as a small group of people

Wrightsville Beach

This picturesque barrier island offers consistent waves for surfers, a vibrant nightlife and a wide range of outdoor activities.

Wrightsville Beach
Johnnie Mercer's Pier

Johnnie Mercer's Pier

You can learn about the history of Wrightsville Beach when you stop by Johnnie Mercer's Pier. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

Johnnie Mercer's Pier

Wrightsville SUP

You can take time to visit Wrightsville SUP during your travels to Wrightsville Beach. Stroll along the riverfront or attend a sporting event in the area.

Wrightsville SUP

South End Surf Shop

Enjoy an outing to South End Surf Shop during your stay in Wrightsville Beach. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event.

South End Surf Shop

Wrightsville Beach Museum of History

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Wrightsville Beach Museum of History in Wrightsville Beach. Amble around this romantic area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event.

Wrightsville Beach Museum of History

Aussie Island Surf Shop

Enjoy an outing to Aussie Island Surf Shop during your stay in Wrightsville Beach. Stroll along the riverfront or attend a sporting event in the area.

Aussie Island Surf Shop

Activities

Large Group Island Hopping Private Cruise

Large Group Island Hopping Private Cruise

AU$1,225
per traveller
Large Group Island Hopping Private Cruise
4.5-Hour Wilmington River to Sea E-Bike Adventure Tour

5-Hour Wilmington River to Sea E-Bike Self-Guided Tour

AU$115
per adult
5-Hour Wilmington River to Sea E-Bike Self-Guided Tour
Wrightsville Beach Day Sail Private Catamaran Charter

Wrightsville Beach Day Sail Private Catamaran Charter

AU$1,838
per traveller
Wrightsville Beach Day Sail Private Catamaran Charter
Wilmington: Wrightsville Beach Private Sailboat Cruise

Wilmington: Wrightsville Beach Private Sailboat Cruise

AU$1,162
per traveller
Wilmington: Wrightsville Beach Private Sailboat Cruise
Wilmington Ghosts: Phantoms of Pirates and Patriots Tour

Wilmington Ghosts: Phantoms of Pirates and Patriots Tour

AU$40
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Wilmington Ghosts: Phantoms of Pirates and Patriots Tour
Private Boat Charter for Masonboro Island and Wrightsville Beach

Private Boat Charter for Masonboro Island and Wrightsville Beach

AU$1,378
per traveller
Private Boat Charter for Masonboro Island and Wrightsville Beach
See all activities in Wrightsville Beach

Our pick of the best Shell Island Hotel Deals

Shell Island Resort - All Oceanfront Suites

Shell Island Resort - All Oceanfront Suites

3.5 out of 5
2700 N Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville Beach, NC
Stay at this 3.5-star beach resort in Wrightsville Beach. Enjoy a beach locale, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,483 reviews)
Nice location for a short stay
"The resort is an older property and there are some signs of wear, but it has been well maintained overall. Inside, our unit was comfortable and clean. There was a large dead roach outside our door in the corridor. It was never removed. The restaurant was great for breakfast. We did not eat other ..."

Reviewed on 24 Aug. 2025

Get rates
Shell Island Resort - All Oceanfront Suites
Sleep Inn

Sleep Inn

2.5 out of 5
5225 Market St, Wilmington, NC
The price is AU$124 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
AU$124
28 Sept - 29 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Not a bad hotel for the price. Moderately clean, quiet and close to the beach. Lots of places to shop nearby too. Would def book again!"

Reviewed on 21 Aug. 2025

Sleep Inn
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 AU$219 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
AU$219
28 Sept - 29 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,276 reviews)
"Very nice hotel! Had a great stay! Amazing service."

Reviewed on 23 Aug. 2025

Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Comfort Inn University

Comfort Inn University

2.5 out of 5
151 S College Road, Wilmington, NC
The price is AU$184 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
AU$184
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Wilmington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,161 reviews)
"Would stay here again"

Reviewed on 24 Aug. 2025

Comfort Inn University
Pirates Cove

Pirates Cove

2 out of 5
701 North Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC
The price is AU$220 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
AU$220
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Carolina Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Carolina Beach Boardwalk and Carolina Beach ...
Pirates Cove
Trailborn Surf & Sound

Trailborn Surf & Sound

4 out of 5
275 Waynick Blvd, Wrightsville Beach, NC
The price is AU$394 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
AU$394
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Wrightsville Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (152 reviews)
"We had a great visit - the grounds are really expansive, so there are many little pockets to relax, from the pool to beach, pool bar and corn hole/Adirondack chairs. The room was clean with good coffee. The daily destination fee covers towels, beach chairs and umbrella. The location is really great ..."

Reviewed on 25 Aug. 2025

Trailborn Surf & Sound
See all 5,056 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.

Other neighbourhoods around Shell Island

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Parmele Isle

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

Parmele Isle
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South Harbor Island

When in South Harbor Island, you can plan a visit to Johnnie Mercer's Pier and Wrightsville SUP, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

South Harbor Island
Wrightsville Beach which includes a sandy beach and general coastal views

South End

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

South End

Shell Island Travel Guide

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