If you're not familiar with Topsail Island, NC, it's the perfect choice for a quiet seaside vacation. Gorgeous beaches, where the water is warm and the waves are perfect for swimming, boogie boarding and wind surfing. The fishing and crabbing are awesome and rental homes and cottages are right on the beach.
Want to return to a calmer, more relaxed era? Topsail (the islanders say Tops'l) is the picture of a low key lifestyle, the ultimate do-nothing vacation - yet close enough to Wilmington for a great day outing.
You'll find that most vacationers to Topsail Island return year after year from all over the US. It's become a part of their family's tradition, their special place to unwind and get rejuvenated. The camaraderie among the islanders and vacationers has a lot to do with that.
On Topsail Island NC, You Have A Choice of Beaches
Stretching along the southeastern coast of North Carolina, Topsail Island has three inviting yet very different beach towns to choose from. At the northern end of the 26-mile-long island is North Topsail Beach, in the middle is Surf City, and at the southern end is Topsail Beach. Each one offers uncluttered beaches with clean white sands.
North Topsail: At the top of the island is North Topsail Beach. This is a more of a residential area, however there are plenty of spectacular rental homes and luxurious beach front condos. Nice and quiet, with only a handful of restaurants. The essence of North Topsail is simply its beautiful, relaxing beach.
Surf City: In the center of the island, Surf City is the hub of the action with plenty of good restaurants, real beach-flavored nightlife, and several places to go shopping. Still, the Surf City beach is wonderfully uncrowded and pristine. The Surf City Pier has been totally rebuilt after Hurricane Fran - a must-visit! You'll find a great assortment of vacation rentals homes, condominiums and hotels right on the beach.
Topsail Beach: To get to Topsail Beach, you have to come through Surf City. If you're looking for the most peace and quiet, I would suggest Topsail Beach. It has a small shopping area with a couple of unique little shops, The Beach Shop & Grill, and an ice cream store. You can do some great fishing off the Jolly Roger Pier. At the southern tip, Topsail Inlet creates a beautiful beach and sound front. Overall, the beach vacation rentals are impressive, and if you want to get some amazing savings, try renting for a partial week or move back a row from the beachfront properties.
Things to Do on Topsail Island
- Visit the Sea Turtle Hospital - Staffed by volunteers, this non-profit organization works for the care and release of sick and injured sea turtles. They love visitors, and want to inform everyone about the Topsail Turtle project.
- Visit Topsail Missile and More Museum - fascinating military exhibit centered around the culture and heritage of Topsail Island NC.
- A favorite activity is renting kayaks - go exploring the remote waterways and experience Topsail Island's abundance of wildlife.
- For golfers, there are several excellent golf courses nearby such as North Shore Country Club in Sneads Ferry or River's Edge in Shallotte. These are excellent golf courses and more affordably priced than the resort beach courses.
Topsail Island is one of the remaining "family friendly, pet friendly" beaches on east coast - we love it! Just North is Emerald Isle Beach, and about 30 minutes to the south is Wrightsville Beach, NC.
