Beyond the Beach: A Local’s Guide to Discovering Topsail Island
If you're planning a trip to Topsail Island or already lucky enough to call it home, you're in for a treat. Nestled along North Carolina's southern coast, this 26-mile barrier island is packed with charm, nature, and adventure—without the overwhelming crowds of other beach destinations.
From sea turtle rescues to pirate lore, paddleboarding through the sound, or indulging in fresh-off-the-boat seafood, here’s a comprehensive list of the top things to do on Topsail Island.
1. Hit the Beach
- North Topsail Beach – Quiet and residential, great for shelling and sunbathing.
- Surf City Beach Accesses – Family-friendly, with restrooms and nearby shops.
- Topsail Beach – Small-town charm, wider beaches, perfect for long walks.
2. Visit the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center
- Location: 302 Tortuga Lane, Surf City, NC
- Website: www.seaturtlehospital.org
- Tours run April to October; advanced booking recommended.
3. Explore the Piers
- Surf City Ocean Pier – 112 S Shore Dr, Surf City. Open 24/7 in season.
- Seaview Fishing Pier – 124 Fishing Pier Ln, North Topsail Beach.
- Jolly Roger Pier – 803 Ocean Blvd, Topsail Beach.
4. Book a Dolphin Watching or Sunset Cruise
5. Paddleboarding & Kayaking
- Paddle NC – Soundside Park, Surf City | paddlenc.com
- The Reel Outdoors – 1246 NC-210, Sneads Ferry
- 50 South Surf Shop – 302 S Topsail Dr, Surf City
6. Take a Ghost Walk or Pirate Tour
- Topsail Island Ghost Tours – Starts at Surf City Welcome Center
- Missiles and More Museum Pirate Exhibit – 720 Channel Blvd, Topsail Beach
- Seasonal Pirate Walks – Available at Surf City Pier area
7. Go Fishing
- Charters:
- Gear Shops:
- East Coast Sports – 409 Roland Ave, Surf City
- New River Marina – Sneads Ferry
8. Enjoy Fresh Local Seafood
- Sears Landing – 806 Roland Ave, Surf City
- Riverview Café – 119 Hall Point Rd, Sneads Ferry
- Daddy Mac’s Beach Grille – 108 N Shore Dr, Surf City
- Surf City Crab – 100 Roland Ave, Surf City
- Splash by the Sea – 790 New River Inlet Rd, North Topsail Beach
- Low Tide Steakhouse & Sandbar – 790 New River Inlet Rd, North Topsail Beach
9. Rent a Golf Cart or Bike
10. Visit Soundside Park
- Location: 517 Roland Ave, Surf City
- Fishing pier, playgrounds, walking paths, picnic areas, and seasonal events
11. Shop Local
- Mia’s Marketplace – 14061 NC Hwy 50, Surf City
- The Mermaid’s Purse – 208 N New River Dr, Surf City
- Topsail Island Trading Co. – 201 N New River Dr, Surf City
- The Gift Basket – 1961 NC-172, Sneads Ferry (local gifts, home décor)
- The Turtle Factory – 2062 NC-172, Sneads Ferry (handmade crafts, souvenirs)
- Emery’s Farm Market & Coastal Goods – 1961 NC-172, Sneads Ferry (produce, jams, and artisan products)
12. Surf’s Up!
- Brett Clow Surf Academy – North Topsail Beach
- Lessons from $75/hr | Your board or theirs | Packages available
- Contact: 607-752-2181 | [email protected]
- Surf City Surf School – surfcitysurfschool.com
- Onshore Surf Shop – 114 S Topsail Dr, Surf City
- 50 South Surf Shop – 302 S Topsail Dr, Surf City
13. Watch a Sunrise & Sunset in One Day
- Start at: North Topsail Beach Ocean Drive Access
- End at: Soundside Park or Serenity Point in Topsail Beach
14. Explore the Missiles and More Museum
- Location: 720 Channel Blvd, Topsail Beach
- Learn about Operation Bumblebee, hurricanes, pirates, and local ecology
15. Attend Local Events
- Topsail Island Jeep Week – Off-roading and beach events in spring
- Autumn with Topsail Festival – Art, crafts, music (October)
- Sea Turtle Releases – Check the Sea Turtle Hospital calendar
- Surf City Summer Concert Series – Held at Soundside Park
16. Grab Ice Cream & a Sunset View
- Island Delights – 316 N New River Dr, Surf City
- Beach Bunny Ice Cream – 301 Roland Ave, Surf City
- Sunset Slush – Beach carts & boardwalk stands
17. Try Beach Yoga or Pier Fitness
- Surf City Yoga – surfcityyogastudio.com
- Be Unlimited Yoga – Wilmington-based with beach classes
- Pier Yoga Events – Held seasonally on Surf City Pier
18. Day Trip to Nearby Towns
- Holly Ridge – Hiking at Holly Shelter Game Lands
- Sneads Ferry – Seafood markets and Queen’s Creek Marina
- Wilmington, NC – Riverwalk, USS North Carolina, shops (45 mins)
- Jacksonville, NC – Lejeune Memorial Gardens, military history
19. Visit Surf City’s Farmers Market
- When: Tuesdays (June–September)
- Where: Soundside Park
- Local produce, baked goods, honey, crafts, and music
20. Beach Classics: Kites, Shark Teeth, Sandcastles, Sunsets
- Best Beachcombing: North end of North Topsail or Serenity Point
- Kite Shops: Surf City Pier gift shop or Island Delights
- Shark Teeth Hotspots: At low tide near dunes or beach access walkovers
- Sunset Spots: Soundside Park, Riverview Cafe deck, Serenity Point, SeaView Fishing Pier, Topsail Island Bridge
About the Author
Written by J.L. Wells, a longtime Topsail Island resident with firsthand experience exploring the island’s beaches, restaurants, local businesses, coastal activities, and community events throughout the year. Drawing on lived local knowledge, J.L. Wells reports on local happenings and provides practical insight to help readers understand what Topsail Island offers visitors and residents alike.