Ohio To Wrightsville: Road Trip

Brunswick, Ohio to Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina is a 700-mile drive that takes around 11 hours. Wrightsville Beach is an island with a village-like feel, known for its clean, spacious beach and picturesque setting. It is North Carolina's most accessible beach by car, with an international airport and marina also nearby.

If you're looking for a scenic road trip, this is it!

Driving directions from Brunswick, OH to Wrightsville Beach, NC

The drive from Brunswick, OH to Wrightsville Beach, NC is around 670 miles and should take approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you navigate the journey:

Ohio

Brunswick, OH to West Virginia

• Begin your journey by heading south on W 130th St toward Pearl Rd
• Turn right onto Pearl Rd
• After 0.7 miles, turn left to merge onto OH-303 S/Pearl Rd toward Medina
• Continue onto OH-3 S/Medina Rd
• After 4.6 miles, take the ramp on the left to I-71 S toward Columbus

West Virginia

Continue on I-77 S and drive through Ohio into West Virginia (95.4 miles)

Virginia

Keep driving on I-77 S and pass through Virginia (222 miles)

North Carolina

Charlotte, NC

• Continue on I-77 S and enter North Carolina
• After 106 miles, take exit 25 to merge onto I-485 N toward Charlotte
• Take exit 32 to merge onto US-74 E/E Independence Blvd toward Matthews
• Turn left onto N McDowell St
• Turn right onto E 7th St
• Turn left onto N Tryon St
• Turn right onto E 5th St
• Turn left onto S College St

Wilmington, NC

• Merge onto I-40 E
• After 161 miles, take the exit toward Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy
• Turn left onto Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy
• Continue onto Eastwood Rd
• Cross the Heide Trask Drawbridge and enter Wrightsville Beach

How long does it take to drive from Brunswick, OH to Wrightsville Beach, NC?

Brunswick, OH, to Wrightsville Beach, NC, is quite the road trip! The drive is approximately 720 miles and should take around 11 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

If you're planning to make this journey, you'll be passing through some beautiful countryside and interesting towns and cities. Here's a suggested itinerary to make the most of your trip and break up the drive:

Day 1: Brunswick, OH, to Charleston, WV

Firstly, drive south-east towards Charleston, West Virginia. This leg of the trip covers around 250 miles and should take approximately 4 hours. Charleston is the perfect place to stop and stretch your legs, with plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. You can explore the beautiful Capitol Market, admire the colourful street art, or visit the West Virginia State Museum. There's something for everyone!

Day 2: Charleston, WV, to Charlotte, NC

On your second day, continue south towards Charlotte, North Carolina. This part of the journey is around 350 miles and will take approximately 5 and a half hours. By the end of Day 2, you'll be well-rested and ready to explore the vibrant city of Charlotte! You can discover the fascinating history of the Billy Graham Library, admire the modern architecture of the Bank of America Corporate Center, or take a relaxing stroll through Freedom Park. There's a vibrant food scene in Charlotte, so you'll have plenty of dining options to choose from.

Day 3: Charlotte, NC, to Wrightsville Beach, NC

Finally, on your third day, you'll drive towards your final destination of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. This leg of the trip is approximately 207 miles and will take around 4 hours.

Wrightsville Beach is a charming beach town known for its clean, spacious beach and picturesque setting. It's the perfect place to unwind and relax after your road trip. You can stroll through the village-like town, enjoy watersports, or simply soak up the sun on the white sandy beach.

Things to do in Wrightsville Beach, NC

The drive from Brunswick, OH, to Wrightsville Beach, NC, is a long one, so you'll definitely want to stop off along the way. But once you arrive, there's plenty to do in Wrightsville Beach to keep you entertained. Here's a list of things to do while you're there:

• Explore the town's rich history at the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History.
• Shop for souvenirs at Johnnie Mercer's Fishing Pier, which also offers fishing equipment, a wide selection of lures, and a grill and bar.
• Take a stroll through Harbor Way Gardens, maintained by the Harbor Island Garden Club.
• Visit the Stanback Coastal Education Center to learn more about the ocean and its associated activities.
• Enjoy the clean, spacious beach and take in the picturesque setting.
• Indulge in some retail therapy at the Wrightsville Beach Farmers Market, which offers fresh produce and local crafts.
• Try out watersports such as surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, or even SCUBA diving.
• Take a scenic harbor cruise or charter a boat for deep-sea fishing.
• Go birdwatching or jogging on The Loop fitness trail.

Where to stay in Wrightsville Beach, NC

Wrightsville Beach is a relaxing place known for its beaches and is North Carolina's most accessible beach by car. It is located 8.5 miles from Wilmington, which is centrally located on the East Coast, midway between New York and Florida.

There are plenty of options for accommodation in Wrightsville Beach, from full-service resort hotels with daily kids' camps and activities to comfortable motels, vacation beach homes, or condo rentals.

• Blockade Runner Beach Resort: This chic hotel boasts beautiful beach access and cozy seating areas. It offers large, clean rooms with unique decor, as well as valet parking, exceptional dining options, and an enjoyable poolside experience.
• Silver Gull Motel: This motel provides spacious, clean rooms with well-equipped kitchenettes and full-size fridges. It offers amazing ocean views from balconies and is conveniently located near shops, restaurants, and the beach.
• Shell Island Resort: This family-favorite beachfront resort boasts beautiful ocean views, easy beach access, and comfortable oceanfront rooms. It also features an on-site restaurant, a tiki bar, and both indoor and outdoor pools.
• Holiday Inn Resort Lumina: This oceanview hotel offers well-maintained rooms, extra storage, shuttle service to nearby events, beach access, and renovated common areas. It also features a breakfast buffet and a 24/7 sundry shop.
• Summer Sands Suites: This hotel provides clean, updated suites with full kitchens and harbor views. Rooms are well-stocked, beds are comfortable, and balconies overlook the bay. It is conveniently located with the beach and shops nearby.
• Sandpeddler Inn & Suites: This oceanfront hotel offers fantastic views, well-appointed and clean accommodations, and sofa beds in units. It is located near the beach, restaurants, nightlife, and a charming coffee shop.

The drive from Brunswick, OH, to Wrightsville Beach, NC, is approximately 620 miles (998 km) and should take around 10 hours.

Where to eat in Wrightsville Beach, NC

Wrightsville Beach has a plethora of dining options, ranging from oceanfront dining to farm-to-table menus and culinary events. Here is a list of some of the best places to eat in Wrightsville Beach, NC:

• SUNdays Café: This café, located at the south end of Wrightsville Beach, is the perfect spot to start your day. It serves everything from creamy iced lattes to delicious breakfast pastries starting at 6:30 a.m. It is a great place to relax and enjoy high-quality coffee while soaking in the famous surf culture that attracts beachgoers from across the country.
• Drift Café: If you're looking for lighter breakfast options, Drift Café offers acai bowls, pancakes, eggs benedict, and craft coffee or superfood smoothies to kickstart your day.
• Oceanic Restaurant: This staple of Wrightsville Beach offers brunch featuring Southern-infused seafood and an unbeatable view from the Crystal Pier. Their Bread Pudding French Toast, served with fresh berries and warmed syrup, is a must-try.
• Adapt Kitchen & Juice Bar: Located within Robert's Grocery, Adapt offers nutritionally dense juices, smoothies, and plant-based baked goods for a healthy snack or lunch option.
• SurfBerry Café: For a healthy and refreshing lunch, SurfBerry serves up organic, vegan acai bowls, smoothies, and cold-pressed juices. They also offer on-site standup paddleboard, kayak, and surfboard rentals for an afternoon of adventure.
• Bluewater Waterfront Grill: This award-winning restaurant takes inspiration from the waterfront and offers a menu of traditional American fare and seafood dishes that rotate seasonally. It is a great choice for an authentic farm-to-table dining experience.
• Dockside Restaurant: Located just across the bridge, Dockside has been a local tradition for nearly 30 years, serving delicious meals that showcase the region's natural flavors.
• EAST Oceanfront: Set in a posh oceanfront garden at the Blockade Runner Beach Resort, EAST Oceanfront serves some of the best coastal food in the state. It offers seafood-centric dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, including fresh seafood and produce grown in the resort's garden or sourced from nearby purveyors. Their exquisite selection of wines, spirits, and local craft beers completes the ultimate dining experience.
• The Palm Room: Head to The Palm Room for handcrafted cocktails and live music. This historic venue, located near Johnnie Mercer's Pier, has been serving locals and tourists since 1955.
• Wrightsville Beach Brewery: Enjoy a variety of cold brews in the beer garden, which frequently features live music.

In addition to these suggestions, there are plenty of other dining options in Wrightsville Beach to suit your preferences and budget. Bon appétit!

Frequently asked questions