South End Jetty Masonboro Inlet
A secluded stretch of beach with clear waters and good waves, perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunset viewing, though parking is a challenge.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
South End Jetty Masonboro Inlet
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A secluded stretch of beach with clear waters and good waves, perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunset viewing, though parking is a challenge.
"The spot was worth it. Honestly one of my favorite beach experiences."
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early or after 7 PM for free parking. Be ready for a walk if spots are full.
🎒 Pack Smart
Bring your own food, drinks, and beach gear; rentals are scarce.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The South End Jetty
Southern end of Wrightsville Beach
The star attraction, offering a more secluded beach experience with clear waters and good waves.
Sunset Views
Along the beach and jetty
Spectacular sunsets paint the sky, making it a magical time to visit, though parking can be challenging.
Shell Hunting
Along the shoreline
Discover a variety of beautiful shells washed ashore, a delight for beachcombers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking Pains & Prep
Best for Beach Lovers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Can you still drive to this area? If not, is it a far walk? Looking for places with no waves for little ones like on the south end of Topsail. Thanks!
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early or after 7 PM for free parking. Be ready for a walk if spots are full.
🎒 Pack Smart
Bring your own food, drinks, and beach gear; rentals are scarce.
Surf fishing spots/advice
Would love to have some good shore fishing spots around Wilmington that can be fished for free. $8 for Mercers pier per pole is a ripoff. Also- always looking for fishing buddies.
🌊 Wave Watcher
Enjoy the big waves, but be cautious when swimming. Great for surfers!
🚶♀️ Prepare for a Walk
Access points 41-43 require a walk to the jetty. Wear comfortable shoes.
Diving near Wilmington, NC
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early or after 7 PM for free parking. Be ready for a walk if spots are full.
🎒 Pack Smart
Bring your own food, drinks, and beach gear; rentals are scarce.
🌊 Wave Watcher
Enjoy the big waves, but be cautious when swimming. Great for surfers!
🚶♀️ Prepare for a Walk
Access points 41-43 require a walk to the jetty. Wear comfortable shoes.
🌅 Sunset Seeker
Spectacular sunsets, but parking gets very crowded. Consider alternative spots if arriving late.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the beautiful, clear waters and enjoyable waves at the South End Jetty, making it a favorite beach experience. However, the extremely limited and challenging parking is a significant drawback that many reviewers emphasize. Despite the parking woes, the natural beauty and sunset views are often considered worth the effort.
"Absolutely beautiful. Parking is TERRIBLE. I mean seriously, they need to expand the parking a little bit. The few spaces they have is extremely inadequate to meet the needs for parking.
But the spot was worth it. Honestly one of my favorite beach experiences, even though it rained a bit, the water was perfectly sea-green, clear, and the waves were just right for swimming. Many surfers were there and seemed to think so as well.
To top it all off, there are plenty of beautiful trails for walking, and the gazebo is a nice quiet place to stop and rest/dry off on the way to and from your car.
But good grief, THE PARKING."
Daniel Donithan
"Amazing sunset. Very clean well kept Beach. Parking can be challenging, and be prepared to walk a nice distance if you cannot get a parking spot at the jetty entrance. But the jetty did not disappoint. Next time, we'll be better prepared for the "hike" to the jetty. Parking is free after 7pm!!"
Karen Washington
"The Jetty is at the Southern end of Wrightsville Beach. Access point 41- 43. Not crowded but harder to get to. It's a more private setting, lots of private residences, private spaces, private eyes watching. Very limited parking. Spots will be gone very quickly. What will be available will be a far walk. There are no shuttles or anything like that. Near these access points, there is only 1 restaurant, Oceanic, & 1 coffee shop above a surf store, public restrooms around access point 36. It's a beautiful beach, water temp was cool and clear, feels good on a hot day. Big waves,so be careful. Life guard at access point 40. Lots of surfing & kiteboarding. Very family friendly, but bring supplies, food, drinks, water, etc. I was not able to find a place at the beach to rent umbrellas or chairs. $25 street parking until 7pm, which is considered a full day."
Nona Burnett
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access is via Wrightsville Beach, specifically around access points 41-43. Parking is very limited near the jetty itself, so be prepared for a walk from further down the beach.
No, there are no shuttles or public transport options directly to the jetty. You'll need to drive and find parking.
Access points 41-43 are closest to the jetty, but parking here is extremely limited. You may need to park further south and walk.
No, you cannot drive directly onto the jetty. Parking is available on the street near the access points, but it fills up quickly.
Parking is the biggest challenge. The few available spots are often taken early. Street parking is $25 for the day until 7 PM, after which it becomes free.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to access the beach or the jetty itself. Parking fees may apply during certain hours.
The beach is generally accessible during daylight hours. Parking regulations vary, with free parking after 7 PM.
There is no entrance fee for the beach itself. The primary cost is for parking, which can be $25 for the day until 7 PM.
No, parking spots are first-come, first-served and cannot be reserved in advance.
Parking is free after 7 PM, which is a significant saving if you plan to stay for sunset.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, surfing, kiteboarding, sunbathing, shell hunting, and walking along the beach and jetty.
Yes, locals have reported success with shore fishing on the back side of the inlet. It's a free alternative to paid piers.
Lifeguards are typically present at designated access points, such as access point 40, but it's wise to check local postings.
Amenities are scarce. Public restrooms are around access point 36. The nearest restaurant is Oceanic, and there's a coffee shop nearby.
Yes, it's considered family-friendly, offering clear waters and a more private setting, but remember to bring all necessary supplies.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are very few amenities directly at the jetty. The closest restaurant is Oceanic, and a coffee shop is also nearby.
Absolutely! It's highly recommended to bring your own food, drinks, and water as options are limited.
There's a coffee shop above a surf store near the access points, but for full meals, you'll need to go to Oceanic or elsewhere.
While there aren't designated picnic areas, you can certainly bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic on the beach.
Plan to eat before or after your visit, or pack a full picnic to maximize your beach time.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting. Golden hour before sunset is particularly stunning.
Expect beautiful beach landscapes, clear water, waves, surfers, and vibrant sunset skies. Shell finds can also make for interesting close-ups.
The jetty itself provides a great vantage point. Walking along the shoreline also offers diverse perspectives.
Crowds can be an issue, especially near sunset. Visiting during off-peak hours or being patient can help capture cleaner shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto can capture surfers. A polarizing filter can enhance water and sky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be mindful of the waves, which can be large, so keep a close eye on children. The walk from parking can also be a consideration, so pack light or use a beach wagon if possible. The natural beauty and shell-finding opportunities are great for keeping kids entertained.
🎣 Budget Travelers & Anglers
Your main expense will be parking, which can be avoided by visiting after 7 PM or by being prepared for a longer walk. Bringing your own food and drinks is also key to keeping costs down.
🌅 Sunset Chasers
If your primary goal is to capture the sunset, consider arriving earlier to secure parking, or be prepared for a potentially long walk to the best viewing spots. The vibrant colors over the ocean make the effort worthwhile for many.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Parking Puzzle
Pro Tip: If you're aiming for sunset photos or a relaxed evening, consider arriving well before 7 PM to snag a free spot, or be prepared for a longer trek. Some visitors suggest finding alternative spots to watch the sunset if parking is too problematic.
There are no shuttles or public transport options directly to the jetty, so a car is essential, but so is a good dose of patience and planning when it comes to parking.
Shore Fishing Opportunities
While specific fishing techniques or target species aren't detailed, the mention of success implies a healthy marine environment. It's a great alternative for those who find pier fees prohibitive or prefer a more natural setting. Remember to check local fishing regulations and consider bringing your own gear, as amenities are minimal.
This spot aligns with the desire for accessible, cost-effective outdoor activities, making it a valuable tip for budget-conscious travelers and fishing enthusiasts alike.
The Beach Experience: Clear Waters and Big Waves
The atmosphere is often described as more private and less crowded than other beach areas, especially outside of peak sunset hours. This makes it an attractive destination for those seeking a more tranquil beach day. The natural beauty, including opportunities for shell finding, adds to the overall appeal.
Despite the limited amenities, the core beach experience—the water quality, wave action, and natural setting—is a major draw for visitors, making the parking challenges a worthwhile trade-off for many.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit