Located in New Hanover County and easily accessible from U.S. 74 and U.S. 76, this four-mile-long beach is part of a town that shares its name and contains nearby Harbor Island. Mason Inlet separates this small family beach from Figure-Eight Island to the north and from Masonboro Island to the south. Fishing enthusiasts flock here to cast their reels in a prize-winning catch at two local island fishing tournaments, The Wide Open Tech Spanish Mackerel Open and the Carolina Fall King Challenge. Other popular water sports at this beach include kite-boarding, kayaking and surfing.
This seaside destination provides the ideal setting for year-round bird watching, as the large waterbird flocks are attracted by the sand bars and mud flats. The best ornithological results occur during the winter months, when red-throated loons, pied-billed and horned grebes, great cormorant, purple sandpiper, and sharp-tailed sparrows are a common sight. The northern end of the beach is closed off to the public and is a haven for nesting birds protected by the North Carolina chapter of the Audubon Society.
Autumn is the best time to enjoy the pastel coral sunsets, with picturesque foliage in shades of green and brown to offset the shimmering skyline over the water. It’s a good time to sample local cuisine--the beach hosts a fall food festival with original dishes from 28 area restaurants. You can also sample our great selection of Choice Hotels near Wrightsville Beach that make it easy for you enjoy the beauty of this beach and its easy island life surrounding it. Book a room with us today.