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Overview
Masonboro Island Reserve is a pristine coastal reserve located in North Carolina, USA. It is a barrier island situated to the southeast of Wilmington, spanning over 8 miles of unspoiled white sandy beaches, dunes, and maritime forests. The reserve is known for its natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and diverse ecosystems.
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When to visit
The best time to visit Masonboro Island Reserve is during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are relatively smaller. Spring offers mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers, while the fall showcases beautiful foliage colors. Summer is popular among beachgoers but tends to be more crowded. It is advisable to check for any seasonal closures or restrictions before planning your visit.
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Reasons to Visit
There are several reasons to visit Masonboro Island Reserve. Nature enthusiasts can indulge in a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and photography. The secluded beaches offer a tranquil spot for sunbathing, beachcombing, and enjoying the peaceful ocean views. Camping and picnicking are also popular activities for families and groups looking for a unique coastal experience.
Furthermore, the reserve provides a habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including endangered species like loggerhead sea turtles and piping plovers. It offers a great opportunity to observe these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat. Additionally, the diverse coastal ecosystems and tidal marshes make it an ideal destination for nature lovers and conservationists alike.
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Nearby Attractions
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Masonboro Island
Masonboro Island is the main attraction of the reserve, offering breathtaking beaches, rolling dunes, and diverse ecosystems. Visitors can explore the island's trails, enjoy water activities, and spot wildlife.
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Loggerhead Sea Turtles
Masonboro Island serves as a nesting ground for endangered loggerhead sea turtles. Visitors can witness these magnificent creatures during their nesting season, learn about conservation efforts, and contribute to their protection.
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Piping Plovers
The reserve is also home to piping plovers, a species of small shorebirds facing extinction. Birdwatchers can observe these rare birds, document their behavior, and support conservation initiatives.
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Maritime Forests
Masonboro Island Reserve showcases unique maritime forests consisting of salt-tolerant trees and shrubs. These forests provide habitat for various wildlife species, including migratory birds, and offer scenic nature trails for exploration.
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Hotels
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A Shore Thing by Sea Scape Properties
- A Shore Thing by Sea Scape Properties is situated in Wrightsville Beach, 4.1 km from Arlie Gardens, 16 km from Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts, and 16 km from Thalian Hall. The air-c Next available price is on .
A Shore Thing by Sea Scape Properties
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Aqua Vista by Sea Scape Properties
- Aqua Vista by Sea Scape Properties is set in Wrightsville Beach, 5 km from Arlie Gardens, 17 km from Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts, as well as 17 km from Thalian Hall. The air-cond Next available price is on .
Aqua Vista by Sea Scape Properties
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Beach Bubble Bungalow by Sea Scape Properties
- Set 3.9 km from Arlie Gardens, 16 km from Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts and 16 km from Thalian Hall, Beach Bubble Bungalow by Sea Scape Properties features accommodation located in Next available price is on .
Beach Bubble Bungalow by Sea Scape Properties
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Beautiful, Spacious, Hidden Gem In Heart Of Wilmington
- Situated in Wilmington in the North Carolina region, Beautiful, Spacious, Hidden Gem In Heart Of Wilmington has a patio. The air-conditioned accommodation is 8.5 km from USS North Carolina, and guests Next available price is on .
Beautiful, Spacious, Hidden Gem In Heart Of Wilmington
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Blue Aerie by Sea Scape Properties
- Located 4 km from Arlie Gardens, 16 km from Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts and 16 km from Thalian Hall, Blue Aerie by Sea Scape Properties offers accommodation situated in Wrightsvi Next available price is on .
Blue Aerie by Sea Scape Properties
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Carolina Breezy by Sea Scape Properties
- Set in Wrightsville Beach and only 80 metres from Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Breezy by Sea Scape Properties offers accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. The air-condition Next available price is on .
Carolina Breezy by Sea Scape Properties
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Casa del Mar by Sea Scape Properties
- Set 3.8 km from Arlie Gardens, 16 km from Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts and 16 km from Thalian Hall, Casa del Mar by Sea Scape Properties provides accommodation situated in Wrights Next available price is on .
Casa del Mar by Sea Scape Properties
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Casablanca by Sea Scape Properties
- Situated 4.1 km from Arlie Gardens, 16 km from Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts and 16 km from Thalian Hall, Casablanca by Sea Scape Properties offers accommodation located in Wrights Next available price is on .
Casablanca by Sea Scape Properties
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Charming, Beautiful, Treetop Loft, Prime Location
- Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a patio, Charming, Beautiful, Treetop Loft, Prime Location is located in Wilmington. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and fre Next available price is on .
Charming, Beautiful, Treetop Loft, Prime Location
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Comfort Inn University
- Make yourself at home in one of the 146 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and LED televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is availabl Next available price is 103.87 on Sept. 17, 2025.
Comfort Inn University
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Courtyard by Marriott Wilmington / Wrightsville Beach
- Make yourself at home in one of the 128 air-conditioned rooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your Next available price is 113.05 on Sept. 17, 2025.
Courtyard by Marriott Wilmington / Wrightsville Beach
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Coyote by Sea Scape Properties
- Located in Wrightsville Beach and only 200 metres from Wrightsville Beach, Coyote by Sea Scape Properties provides accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. The air-conditioned Next available price is on .
Coyote by Sea Scape Properties
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Extended Stay America Select Suites - Wilmington - West
- Make yourself at home in one of the 121 guestrooms, featuring kitchens with full-sized refrigerators/freezers and stovetops. 34-inch flat-screen televisions with satellite programming provide entertai Next available price is on .
Extended Stay America Select Suites - Wilmington - West
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Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Wilmington
- Stay in one of 122 guestrooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Conveniences includ Next available price is 113.05 on Sept. 17, 2025.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Wilmington
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Family Tides by Sea Scape Properties
- Situated in Wrightsville Beach and only 200 metres from Wrightsville Beach, Family Tides by Sea Scape Properties features accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. The air-cond Next available price is on .
Family Tides by Sea Scape Properties
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Flock of Sea Girls by Sea Scape Properties
- Located in Wrightsville Beach and only a few steps from Wrightsville Beach, Flock of Sea Girls by Sea Scape Properties provides accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. The ai Next available price is on .
Flock of Sea Girls by Sea Scape Properties
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Gallery by the Sea by Sea Scape Properties
- Located 3.8 km from Arlie Gardens, 16 km from Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts and 16 km from Thalian Hall, Gallery by the Sea by Sea Scape Properties offers accommodation situated in Next available price is on .
Gallery by the Sea by Sea Scape Properties
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Hampton Inn & Suites Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach
- Stay in one of 120 guestrooms featuring LCD televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Bathrooms have complimentar Next available price is 149.15 on Sept. 17, 2025.
Hampton Inn & Suites Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach
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Hampton Inn Wilmington - University Area/Smith Creek Station
- Make yourself at home in one of the 125 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and LCD televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides ent Next available price is 128.25 on Sept. 17, 2025.
Hampton Inn Wilmington - University Area/Smith Creek Station
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Hampton Inn Wilmington-Medical Park
- Make yourself at home in one of the 120 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and LCD televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides ent Next available price is 127.30 on Sept. 17, 2025.
Hampton Inn Wilmington-Medical Park
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Harbor Inn
- Make yourself at home in one of the 16 air-conditioned rooms featuring kitchenettes with stovetops and dishwashers. 50-inch flat-screen televisions with cable programming provide entertainment, while Next available price is on .
Harbor Inn
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Heated Private Pool, Pond Views, Fishing, Mins to Carolina Beach
- Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, lake view and a patio, Heated Private Pool, Pond Views, Fishing, Mins to Carolina Beach is located in Wilmington. This property offers acce Next available price is on .
Heated Private Pool, Pond Views, Fishing, Mins to Carolina Beach
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Hilton Garden Inn Wilmington Mayfaire Town Center
- Make yourself at home in one of the 119 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and LCD televisions. Digital television is provided for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations fe Next available price is 132.05 on Sept. 17, 2025.
Hilton Garden Inn Wilmington Mayfaire Town Center
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Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Wilmington-University Ctr, an IHG Hotel
- Make yourself at home in one of the 131 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Your pillowtop bed comes with premium bedding. Wired and wireless internet access is complimentary, while 32- Next available price is 133.12 on Sept. 18, 2025.
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Wilmington-University Ctr, an IHG Hotel
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Holiday Inn Resort Lumina on Wrightsville Beach, an IHG Hotel
- Make yourself at home in one of the 184 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions. Cable television is provided for your entertainment. Bathrooms feature bathtubs or sh Next available price is 208.05 on Sept. 17, 2025.
Holiday Inn Resort Lumina on Wrightsville Beach, an IHG Hotel
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Homewood Suites Wilmington/Mayfaire
- Make yourself at home in one of the 118 guestrooms, featuring kitchens with full-sized refrigerators/freezers and stovetops. Your bed comes with down comforters, and all rooms are furnished with sofa Next available price is 136.80 on Sept. 17, 2025.
Homewood Suites Wilmington/Mayfaire
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Just Shy of the Bridge - Waterway Condo 110
- Located in Wilmington and only 2.7 km from Wrightsville Beach, Just Shy of the Bridge - Waterway Condo 110 provides accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. The air-conditione Next available price is on .
Just Shy of the Bridge - Waterway Condo 110
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Ocean Perch by Sea Scape Properties
- Set in Wrightsville Beach and only a few steps from Wrightsville Beach, Ocean Perch by Sea Scape Properties offers accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. The air-conditioned Next available price is on .
Ocean Perch by Sea Scape Properties
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Pelican Perch - 3rd floor views of the ocean and marsh - perfect for wildlife viewing, condo
- Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a heated pool, sea view and a patio, Pelican Perch - 3rd floor views of the ocean and marsh - perfect for wildlife viewing, condo is located in Carolina Be Next available price is on .
Pelican Perch - 3rd floor views of the ocean and marsh - perfect for wildlife viewing, condo
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Pier Haven Entire by Sea Scape Properties
- Pier Haven Entire by Sea Scape Properties is situated in Wrightsville Beach, 4 km from Arlie Gardens, 16 km from Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts, and 16 km from Thalian Hall. The air Next available price is on .
Pier Haven Entire by Sea Scape Properties
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Residence Inn by Marriott Wilmington Landfall
- Make yourself at home in one of the 90 air-conditioned rooms featuring kitchens with refrigerators and stovetops. Wired and wireless internet access is complimentary, and LCD televisions with cable pr Next available price is 132.65 on Sept. 17, 2025.
Residence Inn by Marriott Wilmington Landfall
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Salty Dog by Sea Scape Properties
- Situated in Wrightsville Beach and only 300 metres from Wrightsville Beach, Salty Dog by Sea Scape Properties features accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. The air-conditi Next available price is on .
Salty Dog by Sea Scape Properties
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Sand By Me by Sea Scape Properties
- Situated in Wrightsville Beach and only a few steps from Wrightsville Beach, Sand By Me by Sea Scape Properties features accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. The air-condi Next available price is on .
Sand By Me by Sea Scape Properties
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Sandpeddler Inn & Suites
- Make yourself at home in one of the 21 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring kitchens with refrigerators and microwaves. Flat-screen televisions with cable programming provide entertainment, wh Next available price is on .
Sandpeddler Inn & Suites
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Sea Esta by Sea Scape Properties
- Sea Esta by Sea Scape Properties is situated in Wrightsville Beach, 6.1 km from Arlie Gardens, 18 km from Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts, and 18 km from Thalian Hall. The air-condit Next available price is on .
Sea Esta by Sea Scape Properties
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Seaside Unit B -Upper by Sea Scape Properties
- Situated in Wrightsville Beach and only a few steps from Wrightsville Beach, Seaside Unit B -Upper by Sea Scape Properties features accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. Th Next available price is on .
Seaside Unit B -Upper by Sea Scape Properties
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Silver Gull Motel
- Make yourself at home in one of the 32 air-conditioned rooms featuring kitchens with refrigerators and stovetops. Rooms have private balconies. Flat-screen televisions with cable programming provide e Next available price is on .
Silver Gull Motel
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SpringHill Suites® by Marriott® Wilmington Wrightsville Beach
- Make yourself at home in one of the 120 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Wired and wireless internet access is complimentary, and flat-screen televisions with cable programming provi Next available price is 132.05 on Sept. 18, 2025.
SpringHill Suites® by Marriott® Wilmington Wrightsville Beach
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Staybridge Suites Wilmington E, an IHG Hotel
- Make yourself at home in one of the 93 air-conditioned rooms featuring kitchens with full-sized refrigerators/freezers and stovetops. Your bed comes with premium bedding, and all rooms are furnished w Next available price is on .
Staybridge Suites Wilmington E, an IHG Hotel
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Suburban Studios of Wilmington
- Make yourself at home in one of the 108 guestrooms, featuring kitchens with full-sized refrigerators/freezers and stovetops. Your room comes with a pillowtop bed. 32-inch flat-screen televisions with Next available price is 98.79 on Sept. 17, 2025.
Suburban Studios of Wilmington
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Surf Suites
- Make yourself at home in one of the 46 air-conditioned rooms featuring kitchens with ovens and stovetops. 43-inch LCD televisions with cable programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wire Next available price is on .
Surf Suites
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Sweet Carolina by Sea Scape Properties
- Sweet Carolina by Sea Scape Properties is set in Wrightsville Beach, 4 km from Arlie Gardens, 16 km from Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts, and 16 km from Thalian Hall. The air-conditi Next available price is on .
Sweet Carolina by Sea Scape Properties
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The Blue Pearl by Sea Scape Properties
- Set in Wrightsville Beach, 300 metres from Wrightsville Beach and 20 km from USS North Carolina, The Blue Pearl by Sea Scape Properties offers air conditioning. This property offers access to a terrac Next available price is on .
The Blue Pearl by Sea Scape Properties
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TownePlace Suites by Marriott Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach
- Make yourself at home in one of the 111 air-conditioned rooms featuring kitchens with refrigerators and stovetops. Wired and wireless internet access is complimentary, and flat-screen televisions with Next available price is 122.55 on Sept. 17, 2025.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach
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Water Street Retreat 05
- Boasting river views, Water Street Retreat 05 features accommodation with a balcony, around 8.6 km from USS North Carolina. It is situated 6.8 km from Arlie Gardens and provides a lift. The property i Next available price is on .
Water Street Retreat 05
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Water Street Retreat 07
- Set in Wilmington, 8.6 km from USS North Carolina and 6.7 km from Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts, Water Street Retreat 07 offers air conditioning. Both free WiFi and parking on-site Next available price is on .
Water Street Retreat 07
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Water Street Retreat 08
- Boasting river views, Water Street Retreat 08 provides accommodation with a balcony, around 8.6 km from USS North Carolina. It is located 6.8 km from Arlie Gardens and offers a lift. The property is n Next available price is on .
Water Street Retreat 08
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Water Street Retreats 03
- Featuring river views, Water Street Retreats 03 offers accommodation with a balcony, around 8.6 km from USS North Carolina. It is set 6.8 km from Arlie Gardens and features a lift. The property is non Next available price is on .
Water Street Retreats 03
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Wright By The Pier by Sea Scape Properties
- Offering sea views, Wright By The Pier by Sea Scape Properties is an accommodation set in Wrightsville Beach, 200 metres from Wrightsville Beach and 20 km from USS North Carolina. This property offers Next available price is on .
Wright By The Pier by Sea Scape Properties
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Wrightsville Winds by Sea Scape Properties
- Located in Wrightsville Beach and only 300 metres from Wrightsville Beach, Wrightsville Winds by Sea Scape Properties provides accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. The air Next available price is on .
Wrightsville Winds by Sea Scape Properties