The Beach Public access #2 was WONDERFUL! Not a whole lot of parking ($2 per hour or $12 per day) There were showers that worked well, and CLEAN bathrooms. This part of the beach was much less crowded than most areas, and this is at the Northern End! Lifeguard on duty, and an attendant renting beach equipment (umbrellas & chairs) The sand here was VERY soft, the waves were VERY gentle, and there were LOTS of seashells for the kids to find!
I wouldn't recommend taking your children to the Wrightsville Beach pier or to park anywhere near it to go to the beach, but I would recommend beach access 4 - it's an L shaped parking lot with a shower and the beach is very nice and not crowded. I would recommend a trip to the Trolley Stop for a hot dog - be prepared to wait in a long line for one in the summer. K-38 burritos is also good.
My daughter and I had a lot of fun - she loves being out in public, and I loved looking over the pier and seeing all the jellyfish! If you have older kids (old enough to appreciate looking in the water) then they will love checking out all the wildlife in the water!