Wilson Bay Park

5 West Bayshore Boulevard, Jacksonville, NC 28540. Parking is limited to the signed on-site lot; the City states that on-street parking is not permitted for shelter use.

Use the small on-site parking lot. Parking is limited, and the shelter rules prohibit on-street overflow parking, so arrive early or choose another waterfront park during peak periods.

The park is open daily from 7 am to 9 pm. Shelter reservations are limited to four hours, and future seawall, boardwalk, or gazebo work may affect individual waterfront features.

General park, playground, waterfront, and fishing access is free. The shelter is listed at $15 per hour with a maximum reservation occupancy of 30; fishing license requirements still apply.

Restrooms are available near the shelter and playground. Hours and availability can be affected by maintenance or construction.

The City ADA assessment documented an accessible parking space, compliant approach, curb ramp, and shelter entrance. Boardwalk conditions, sand playground surfacing, shoreline work, and individual fishing positions may vary.

This is a compact waterfront park with a boardwalk rather than a long trail system. Use the shoreline route for bay views and fishing, but do not expect a continuous loop around Wilson Bay.

The playground, shaded shelter, picnic tables, restrooms, bay views, and fishing make this a useful short family stop. Supervise children around the shoreline and boardwalk.

Pets must remain on a leash no longer than six feet. Remove waste and keep dogs away from playground equipment, shelter food areas, fishing lines, and posted construction zones.

The waterfront shelter includes picnic tables and serves groups up to 30 by reservation. Grills are available; extinguish coals fully, and note that amplified music is not allowed.

Look for the waterfront shelter, playground, restrooms, Wilson Bay boardwalk, gazebo, fishing edge, benches, shade trees, and the Route 17/Buddy Phillips Bridge view.

A City capital project plans replacement of the aging seawall, boardwalk, and gazebo, with design and later construction capable of affecting waterfront access. Check City notices before a boardwalk- or fishing-dependent visit.