Topsail Island, NC is a 26-mile-long barrier island roughly 45 minutes from Wilmington. Once you arrive at Topsail Island, you will find three main areas: Topsail, Surf City, and North Topsail, each offering a unique vacation experience.
The name Topsail Island originates from the legend that pirates would frequent this area because they could hide their ships’ sails behind the island. There’s even a belief that Blackbeard hid his treasure around the area in what is called the “gold hole”.
Listed below are the best things to do in the Topsail area for you next vacation. Whether you are looking for family-friendly activities or an adult getaway, there is something for everyone!
Additionally, if you’re trying to decide which beach in the Wilmington area to choose from, then I suggest reading my other posts about Wilmington and the other surrounding areas.
Common Questions About Topsail Island
Is Topsail a good place to vacation?
Topsail is a great place to vacation for families and individuals wanting a beach vacation that is less crowded with nature and beautiful blue waters.
What is Topsail known for?
Topsail Beach is known for more preserved beaches, less crowds, and beautiful ocean landscapes.
Is Topsail Beach crowded?
Compared to other beaches in the Wilmington area, Topsail Beach is a less crowded option.
Topsail Island Logistics
Transportation Around Topsail Island
As mentioned, Topsail Island is a 26-mile-long stretch with restaurants scattered throughout. I recommend having your car while on vacation so you can explore the sights!
Topsail Island Parking
During peak season, paid parking is required on all beaches on Topsail Island from March to October.
- Surf City Parking- Ranges from $3-$5 per hour depending on the area
- Topsail Parking- Parking is only required on the South End
- North Topsail Parking- $5 per hour and $25 per day
Topsail Island Accommodations
Topsail Island Vacation Rentals
- Carolina Retreat serves all of Topsail Island and has a large catalog of houses and condominiums that meet various vacation needs.
AirBnB and VRBO
- Of course, several AirBnB and VRBO options can help you with your vacation accommodation.
Surf City Accommodations
- Situated within walking distance of the pier, Loggerhead Inn has been on Topsail Island since 1950 and has been fully renovated to meet guests’ needs today.
- This Surf City accommodation provides suites and resort-style rooms for vacationers, depending on which experience you prefer.
Topsail Beach AccomModations
- This accommodation offers various options for camping with an RV or Tent, or staying in a vacation home. Lanier Point is a community designed for short and long-term vacationers.
- Other amenities include a pier, pool, 2 boat ramps, playground, dog park, arcade, bathhouse, and laundry facilities.
- This boutique hotel provides spacious, pet-friendly rooms situated within walking distance to the beach and the Jolly Roger Pier.
North Topsail Beach Accommodations
- Vacation home and condo rentals are available at this exclusive resort-style accommodation on North Topsail Beach.
- Other amenities on this property include an oceanside pool, restaurant and bar, fitness center, bocce ball, playground, and put-put. Click above for booking information.
Beach Rentals
Both of these rental options offer services for all of Topsail Island.
- This rental company provides a wide range of beach and water equipment for lounging, games, biking, water activities, and wheelchairs.
- Another excellent rental company that offers beach equipment with free delivery for lounging, water activities, and bikes.
Main Attraction on Topsail Island: Beach and Water Activities
Of course, the main attractions are the beach and the water activities that go along with it. If you need rentals for these activities, the rental companies I have listed above can provide you with surfboards, paddleboards, and kayaks.
Additionally, if you want something with a motor to cruise on the waterway and hang out on the various sandbars, then I would choose from the companies listed below:
Surf City Attractions
Soundside Park
Soundside Park is a small area with a boat ramp, boardwalk, picnic area, and playground overlooking the intracoastal and the large bridge coming into Surf City.
Kenneth Batts Park
This small park features a boardwalk jetting out into the marsh and intracoastal. Other amenities include a basketball court, playground, and picnic shelter.
Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue Rehabilitation Center
This was such a neat activity and is great for families and individuals wanting to learn about the sea turtle population in North Carolina. The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital offers tours of the facility where they explain how the turtles are rescued and rehabilitated to be released back into nature.
Admission to this facility costs $7.50 for adults and $5.50 for kids. Make sure you reserve a spot before visiting as tours sell out daily. If you have a large group, it is recommended to reserve at least two weeks in advance as spots fill up quickly.
Surf City Fishing Pier
Take a walk along the pier to watch surfers or try your luck fishing. Admission onto the pier costs $1 per person or $12 to rent a rod. Another plus of visiting the pier is that you get free parking for the whole duration
Local Shopping
When on vacation, I always try to support local. I have listed some specific shops and areas that are great for this below.
- Mias Marketplace
- Bumblebee market
- Art Gallery
Topsail Beach Attractions
Jolly Roger Pier
Admission to the pier is free, but if you want to go fishing the rental rates start at $16. Click above for more information about the pier and fishing rates.
Missiles and More Museum
This is a great stop for history enthusiasts as the building of the Missiles and More Museum was home to a secret missile operation conducted by the government in 1946.
Topsail South End
Also known as “The Point”, vacationers and residents can visit this area by foot or by boat and relax by the intracoastal.
NC Coastal Land Trust has an initiative to protect the South End area from future development. You can read more about Save the South End and potentially donate so it can be kept natural.
North Topsail Beach Attractions
I love areas where the main emphasis is the nature. North Topsail holds true to this as the area is has been built up with the environment in mind.
Permuda Island preserve
Only accessible by small boats and kayaks, there is so much vegetation that it’s harder to walk around on the actual island. Permuda Island Preserve has a Native American history where they utilized the marine resources in the area.
Drive on the Beach
4×4 driving on the beach is permissible at the North End of North Topsail. Daily rates are $25 daily, $100 weekly, and $250 for an annual pass. Click here for more information.
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THANK YOU
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this article by Squeeze with Louise. I’m very passionate about sharing my travel tips and recommendations with you. I would love to know your thoughts on how I can enhance my blog. Please feel free to comment below with any questions regarding this itinerary or general questions about Squeeze with Louise.
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