As spring sunshine warms the Carolina coast and visitors start flocking to the sand once again, Wilmington and its neighboring barrier islands are receiving a fresh round of well-deserved attention. Southern Living, one of the South’s most beloved lifestyle publications, just released its annual list of the “50 Best Beach Towns in the South” for 2025 — and three of our local gems made the cut.
From the chic, surf-friendly shores of Wrightsville Beach to the tranquil charm of Topsail Beach and the sunrise-laced sands of Oak Island, the Wilmington area continues to prove that when it comes to coastal living, few regions can compete.
Let’s take a closer look at why these three beach towns earned a coveted spot on the list — and why they might just be the perfect place to visit, invest in, or even call home.
Wrightsville Beach – Unique Media & Design
Wrightsville Beach (#28) – Upscale, Active, and Always on Trend
Coming in strong at #28 on Southern Living’s list, Wrightsville Beach is no stranger to accolades. This picturesque island town is often described as the “crown jewel of the Cape Fear Coast,” and for good reason.
Southern Living praises Wrightsville for its “upscale stores and restaurants (many on the water),” along with its beautifully preserved historic homes and vibrant outdoor lifestyle. For locals and visitors alike, Wrightsville offers that hard-to-find balance of refined coastal charm and laid-back surf culture.
With more than 40 public beach access points and over two miles of scenic walking and jogging space on The Loop (John Nesbitt Loop), it’s easy to stay active while soaking in views of the Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean.
And if you’ve ever ended a beach day with a visit to Kohl’s Frozen Custard, you know exactly why Southern Living gave it a shoutout — it’s the cherry on top of an already sweet day.
From paddleboarding and boutique shopping to live music and world-class seafood, Wrightsville Beach delivers the kind of lifestyle that many dream of — and more and more people are making that dream a reality with year-round living or seasonal homes here.
Real Estate Snapshot:
Wrightsville Beach’s real estate market leans toward luxury, with oceanfront homes, marsh-view condos, and townhomes near the water commanding top dollar. Whether you’re in the market for a primary residence or a vacation rental, this area continues to hold value thanks to its walkability, amenities, and strong community vibe.
Topsail Beach – Unique Media & Design
Topsail Beach (#46) – Quiet Shores and Natural Beauty
Ranked #46, Topsail Beach is the hidden treasure that beachgoers whisper about — the kind of place where time slows down, and the natural world takes center stage.
Topsail Beach is the southernmost town on Topsail Island, a 26-mile barrier island shared with Surf City and North Topsail Beach. With only around 500 full-time residents and no high-rises in sight, the atmosphere here feels untouched and wonderfully peaceful.
Southern Living highlights the area’s loggerhead sea turtle nesting season, which occurs during the summer months. The sight of these ancient creatures making their way onto the sand to lay eggs is a reminder of how rare and special this stretch of coastline really is.
If your ideal day involves morning coffee with an ocean breeze, long walks on uncrowded beaches, and evenings watching the stars come out with little light pollution to dim them — Topsail is your kind of town.
Real Estate Snapshot:
Topsail Beach offers a mix of vintage beach cottages, new-build homes, and water-view lots, often at prices that are more approachable than Wrightsville or Figure Eight Island. Its rental market thrives in the summer months, but many homeowners also treasure it as a second home or eventual retirement destination.
Yaupon Beach Fishing Pier – Oak Island
Oak Island (#50) – Low-Key, Family-Friendly, and Full of Charm
Sliding into the final spot on the list at #50, Oak Island is a fan favorite for families, retirees, and those looking for a coastal lifestyle without all the fuss.
Southern Living readers appreciated Oak Island’s south-facing beaches, which provide the rare opportunity to catch both sunrises and sunsets over the water — a photographer’s dream. Add in two fishing piers, North Carolina’s newest active lighthouse (the Oak Island Lighthouse), and some of the best shelling on the coast, and you’ve got a town that feels both classic and inviting.
Here, the pace is slower, the streets are golf cart-friendly, and many locals know their neighbors. From clamming and kayaking to shopping the local seafood markets and strolling through the island’s parks and nature trails, Oak Island is perfect for those who want to blend beach life with community living.
Real Estate Snapshot:
Oak Island’s housing stock includes everything from elevated beach houses and mid-century cottages to new construction homes with modern amenities. Many buyers are drawn to the island’s affordability compared to more high-profile beaches, and with ongoing development, the value of real estate here continues to rise steadily.
Why These Rankings Matter
Southern Living’s list is based on reader polls, and that’s a big deal. These aren’t paid placements or marketing campaigns — they’re the result of real experiences from travelers and residents who know and love the South’s coastal gems.
For real estate agents, vacation rental owners, and local businesses, this kind of exposure has ripple effects. Increased tourism leads to more interest in vacation homes and investment properties. Families who vacation here often return later looking to relocate or retire — and that’s where the Wilmington area’s real estate community plays a key role.
Other North Carolina Beaches That Made the Cut
While the Wilmington-area beaches stood out, other North Carolina coastlines also earned spots on the list, showcasing just how beloved the Tar Heel State’s shoreline really is.
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Nags Head
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Emerald Isle
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Duck
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Ocracoke
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Hatteras Island
Each of these coastal communities offers something distinct — from the wild beauty of the Outer Banks to the family-oriented atmosphere of Emerald Isle. But the concentration of three towns in close proximity to Wilmington is a testament to the area’s unique appeal.
The Southern Beach Town Lifestyle
What makes a beach town truly great? According to Southern Living readers, it’s not just the sand and surf — it’s the culture, accessibility, food scene, and natural beauty that make a place feel like home or a favorite escape.
In the case of Wrightsville Beach, Topsail Beach, and Oak Island, those boxes are all checked — and then some. Whether you’re paddleboarding in the harbor, watching sea turtles hatch, or catching fish off the pier at sunrise, these towns invite you to live fully and savor each moment.
Planning Your Visit (or Your Move!)
If you’re lucky enough to live nearby, spring is the perfect time to plan a staycation to one of these top-ranked towns. If you’re from out of state or considering a second home, there’s never been a better time to explore coastal North Carolina real estate.
From quaint fishing villages to luxury beachfront neighborhoods, the Wilmington area has a coastal community for every lifestyle and every budget.
If you’re interested in learning more about properties in Wrightsville Beach, Topsail Beach, Oak Island — or beyond — reach out to a local real estate expert (like our team!) who knows the area inside and out.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just dreaming, we’re happy to help you navigate every tide and trend.
Ready to Ride the Coastal Wave?
As Southern Living reminds us, the South’s best beach towns aren’t just places on a map — they’re places where memories are made, stories are shared, and life slows down just enough for you to really enjoy it.
And right here in the Wilmington area, we’ve got three of the best.
So grab your flip-flops, hop in the car, and see what all the buzz is about — chances are, you’ll fall in love just like we did.
Wilmington Area Beaches Shine in Southern Living’s List of “Best Southern Beach Towns” for 2025
