Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
Trailborn Surf & Sound
Mid-century surf lodge
Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
Renovated
2025
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Resort SocialOutside the door
The house
TrailbornMid-century surf lodge
The 1960s beach lodge is built around coastal surf culture, stretching between Atlantic ocean breaks and quiet channel docks.
What it’s good at
Notable
Dual waterfront grounds span an oceanfront swimming pool and a private soundside dock.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
On Wrightsville Beach between Banks Channel and the Atlantic, a short walk from local restaurants and bars.
The rooms
Rattan benches and blue-tiled bathrooms set the tone inside, while private balconies look out toward either the ocean or sound.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Scalloped umbrellas and private cabanas shade loungers around the pool, just steps from the ocean beach.
The spa
Gym and yoga
Peloton bikes and rowing machines outfit the gym, and yoga sessions gather outside on the coastal lawn.
Bar Duna
The green tiled counter sits under arched wooden ribs, serving morning espresso before switching to craft evening cocktails.
At the table
La Duna Paradiso makes fresh pasta and local seafood. Out by the pool, Blockade Surf Bar serves fish tacos.
How it began
Built in 1964 as the Blockade Runner Motor Hotel, the building was one of the island's first hurricane-resistant high-rises.
The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.