Some places are famous for their views, others for their stories. The Wrightsville Beach Mailbox has both. What started in 2003 as a simple gesture from Bernie and Sidney Nykanen: a bench and a mailbox placed at their favorite spot on the beach, has grown into one of the area’s most beloved local traditions, and it's completely free to visit!
Inside the mailbox, you’ll find pens and weathered notebooks filled with handwritten notes from strangers. Some are love letters. Some are prayers. Some are funny, and others are deeply personal. Over the years, this collection of anonymous reflections has become a time capsule of hopes, heartbreak, gratitude, and connection, shared across generations by beachgoers who may never meet, but are still bound in time by this stretch of shoreline.
Today, the tradition lives on thanks to student ambassadors from UNC Wilmington who continue to maintain the (now) two mailboxes and encourage visitors to "leave a note."
How to Find the Wrightsville Beach Mailbox:
- Location: Public Beach Access #2, near Shell Island Resort (2698 North Lumina Avenue)
- Parking: Paid parking is available at the access point (March–October)
- Restrooms & Foot Wash: Available on-site
- Tip: It’s about a mile walk from the access point to the mailboxes, so bring water, wear sunscreen, and give yourself time to linger.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Mailbox on Wrightsville Beach
Can anyone leave a note at the Wrightsville Beach Mailbox?
Yes. The mailbox is open to everyone. Visitors are encouraged to read past entries and leave their own message, quote, or reflection in the notebooks provided.
Can I read the notes in the mailbox?
Yes. That’s part of the experience! Some entries are funny, some are emotional, and some may stick with you long after you leave.