Wrightsville Beach

Leave the intracoastal waterway — Just south of the bascule bridge, turn toward the ocean and follow the channel to the anchorage. The best anchorage (34 deg. 12.55 min north, 077 deg. 47.86 min. west) is one hundred yards from the dinghy dock next to the non-opening bridge. Access the beach from the dinghy dock. Lots of peaks, like Carolina Beach, but different vibe. Lots of college students and a few high-rises. A small but well-stocked grocery and restaurants are close by, but the big markets are 2 miles away.