Figure Eight Island Map

Description:

Description: This map shows where the island is located in North Carolina.

Figure Eight Island is a private, 1,300-acre barrier island located just north of Wrightsville Beach in North Carolina. The island is accessible only via a private bridge that connects to the mainland across the Intracoastal Waterway. As an exclusive residential community, Figure Eight Island has no commercial establishments, hotels, or public facilities. The island is known for its pristine beaches, natural landscapes, and luxury homes.

The island's distinctive shape, which resembles the number 8 when viewed from above, gave it its name. Originally known as Woods Beach, it was purchased for development in the 1960s and renamed Figure Eight Island. The island is approximately 5 miles long and varies in width from a quarter-mile to half a mile. It features approximately 4.5 miles of oceanfront beach and about 3 miles of soundside shoreline along the Intracoastal Waterway and Mason Inlet.

Figure Eight Island is governed by the Figure Eight Island Homeowners Association, which maintains the island's infrastructure, including roads, the bridge, and beach access points. There are approximately 475 privately owned homes on the island, with no condominiums or apartment buildings permitted. The strict architectural guidelines and zoning regulations have helped preserve the island's natural beauty and exclusive character. The island has become known as a retreat for celebrities, politicians, and wealthy individuals seeking privacy and seclusion, though it remains relatively low-key compared to other high-profile coastal destinations.

The natural environment of Figure Eight Island includes maritime forests, salt marshes, and dunes that provide habitat for various wildlife species. Rich Inlet at the north end of the island is a dynamic coastal feature that has experienced significant changes over the years due to natural coastal processes. Conservation efforts are important to the island community, which works to protect sea turtle nesting sites and other ecological resources.

While Figure Eight Island is private, with no public beach access, residents and their guests enjoy the pristine Atlantic Beach that runs along the eastern shore. The western side of the island faces the sheltered waters of the Intracoastal Waterway, providing calm waters for boating and water sports. The island's exclusivity and natural beauty have made it one of North Carolina's most prestigious coastal addresses, despite its intentionally low profile in comparison to more developed resort communities.