Best Things to Do in Surf City, NC: Family-Friendly Activities and Local Attractions

Best Things to Do in Surf City, NC: 

Family-Friendly Activities and Local Attractions

 

Surf City is the lively center of Topsail Island, blending small-town charm with plenty of fun for families, couples, and solo travelers. From piers and playgrounds to eco-adventures, fishing charters, and breweries, Surf City offers something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a week-long vacation or just a day trip, here are the top things to do in Surf City, NC.

 

Visit the Surf City Pier

• Location: 112 S Shore Dr, Surf City, NC 28445
   
• Phone: (910) 328-3521
  Stretching 937 feet into the Atlantic, the Surf City Pier is one of the island’s top attractions. It’s perfect for fishing, strolling, or enjoying ocean views. The pier shop sells bait, tackle, snacks, and souvenirs, while families can grab ice cream and enjoy watching pelicans and dolphins nearby.
   

Explore the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center

• Location: 302 Tortuga Ln, Surf City, NC 28445
   
• Phone: (910) 329-0222
  This nonprofit center rescues and rehabilitates injured sea turtles. Guided tours allow you to see turtles up close and learn about conservation. It’s an inspiring stop for families and nature lovers.
   

Relax at Soundside Park

• Location: 517 Roland Ave, Surf City, NC 28445
  Located along the Intracoastal Waterway, Soundside Park is a family-friendly spot with playgrounds, picnic shelters, fishing piers, and a kayak launch. Evening sunsets here are some of the best in Surf City.
   

Top Fishing Charters in Surf City

Surf City is a prime location for anglers, and several top-rated charters operate in the area. These captains provide family-friendly trips for beginners as well as serious offshore experiences.

• Spring Tide Guide Service
   
  • Rating: 4.9 / 5 (157 reviews)
     
  • Specialty: Shallow water angling in flats, inshore, and nearshore areas around Topsail Island and the New River
     
  • FishingBooker
     
• Coastal Discovery Adventures
   
  • Rating: 4.9 / 5 (43 reviews)
     
  • Specialty: Tailored angling trips, great for exploring the local fishery
     
  • FishingBooker
     
• Carolina Flats Fishing
   
  • Rating: 4.8 / 5 (87 reviews)
     
  • Specialty: Fishing in marsh flats and nearshore waters—well-suited for families and groups
     
  • FishingBooker
     
• Grassy Sound Charters (Hampstead — ~15 mins away)
   
  • Rating: 5.0 / 5 (64 reviews)
     
  • Notable: Award-winning charter service covering Topsail Island; a top local favorite
     
  • FishingBooker, Grassy Sound Outdoors LLC
     
• Pudd’nHead Charters LLC (Hampstead)
   
  • Rating: 5.0 / 5 (19 reviews)
     
  • Highlight: Personalized inland trips backed by strong local knowledge
     
  • FishingBooker
     

Boat Tours & Specialty Cruises

Not every trip has to be about fishing—Surf City also offers relaxing and family-friendly boat tours perfect for sightseeing, wildlife watching, or private events.

• FantaSea Private Charters
   
  • Offers customized boat tours, sightseeing cruises, sandbar beach parties, and even burials at sea.
     
  • Great for tailored family adventures or unique milestones.
     
• Tiki Tours
   
  • Highly-rated eco tours and scenic cruises in Surf City.
     
  • Frequently listed among the top TripAdvisor “Boat Tours & Water Sports” experiences.
     
• Sloop Point Charter Company
   
  • Offers customizable boat tours around Topsail Island and Surf City.
     
  • Flexible options make it ideal for day trips or small group excursions.
     

Play Mini Golf with the Family

Mini golf is a vacation tradition, and Surf City offers fun options for all ages.

• Shipwreck Point Golf (15605 US-17, Hampstead – just minutes from Surf City) features a pirate-themed course with waterfalls and caves.
   

Enjoy Craft Beer and Breweries

Surf City has become a hotspot for craft beer on Topsail Island:

• Salty Turtle Beer Company (103 Triton Ln, Surf City) is a veteran-owned brewery offering a rotating selection of local craft beers in a family-friendly taproom. Food trucks often visit, adding to the casual atmosphere. 

 

• Topsail Island Brewing Company (514 Petes Wy, Sneads Ferry) offers a diverse selection of locally crafted beers in a relaxed, coastal-inspired taproom. Just minutes from Surf City and North Topsail Beach, the brewery is known for seasonal releases, small-batch specialties, and community events like trivia nights and live music.

 

Take a Surf Lesson or Paddleboard Tour

Surf shops such as On Shore Surf Shop and 50 South Surf Shop offer rentals, lessons, and guided tours. Surf lessons are perfect for beginners, while paddleboard tours let families explore the calmer waters of the Intracoastal Waterway.

 

Discover Local Shops and Boutiques

• Topsail Island Trading Company for souvenirs and fudge
   
• Mia’s Marketplace for gifts and home décor
   
• Bumblebee Market for gourmet treats and coastal goods
   

Try a Dolphin or Eco Tour

Charter companies and eco-tour operators offer boat rides that let you see dolphins, seabirds, and even sea turtles in their natural habitats. These tours are both entertaining and educational for kids and adults.

Seasonal Events and Festivals

Surf City hosts events all year long, including summer concerts in Soundside Park, fall festivals, and holiday parades. These gatherings highlight the town’s community spirit and are fun for both visitors and locals.

 

Why Families Love Surf City

Surf City offers something for everyone: fishing adventures, mini golf for kids, eco tours for nature lovers, breweries for adults, and plenty of family-friendly dining and shopping. It’s this variety that makes Surf City a top destination on Topsail Island.