Masonboro Island, Wilmington

OutsideApr 6

This lesser-known outdoor hub has something for every kind of explorer, from novice to adrenaline junkie—on, under, and off the water

nature preserve, largest undisturbed ecosystem

22 things in this story

Cape Fear RiverSightkayak through open water and swamps
The CondorSightCivil War blockade runner sank off coast in 1864
Wrightsville BeachNeighborhoodexplore from the water via outrigger canoe
Wrightsville SUPPlaceoffers guided outrigger canoe tours
Carolina BeachNeighborhoodTony Silvagni lives here and runs surf school
Masonboro InletPlacerock jetty offers long right-handers for surfers
Tony SilvagniPlaceOlympic gold medalist runs surf school
Crystal PierSighthot spot for surfers in Wrightsville Beach
Wilmington YogaPlaceoffers on-water flow classes
Masonboro IslandSightnature preserve, largest undisturbed ecosystem
Novant Health Wilmington, NC MarathonFestivalfast, flat course, Boston Marathon qualifier
IRONMAN 70.3Festivaltakes in historic downtown and Intracoastal Waterway
Gary Shell Cross-City TrailTrail15 miles of traffic-free paths
University of North Carolina WilmingtonPlacetrail connects to campus
Carolina Beach State ParkSightnine miles of trails for runners
Fort Fisher State Recreation AreaSightsix miles of oceanside trails and beach
Zeke's Island ReserveSighthot spot for wildlife viewing
Atlantic OceanPlace
AtlanticPlace
Access 4Sight
Hamlet AvenueSight
Hamlet Avenue breakSight

Masonboro Island