Things to Do in Topsail Island: Top 11 spots to stop your breath 

Welcome to Topsail Island! This 26-mile barrier island is a true North Carolina gem. Pender County had visitors spend just over $202.25 million in 2024, but there are never a lot of people here. It’s the best combination of quiet beaches, lots of history, and some great wildlife. I’ve compiled a list of the best family activities and sights on Topsail Island. From spotting sea turtles to military history, there are many great places on Topsail Island. This list covers all the essential Things to do in Topsail Island that keep us coming back.

Best time to visit Topsail Island

Best Month to Visit	Seasonal Occasion / Key Events
June – August	Summer Beach Season & Sea Turtle Hatching
September – October	Autumn with Topsail & Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival
November – December	Christmas Market, Tree Lighting & Flotilla
March – May	Easter Egg Hunt & Milder Spring Weather

Travel Insurance-For coastal trips, travel insurance is smart. It helps cover things like unexpected cancellations or bad weather events common during hurricane season.

Amazing 11 Things to Do in Topsail Island

1. Surf City Pier

An absolute must-see for the fabulous ocean views and fishing opportunities, it was the first pier built on the island and has a classic family-friendly vibe. You can rent gear or just watch the waves. It’s one of the top Surf City, NC activities you can do. It’s one of the essential Things to do in Topsail Island for any visitor.

• Special Feature: Lights for night fishing and a well-stocked tackle shop.
• Where to Stay: 112 S Shore Dr, Surf City, NC 28445
• Hours: Open 24/7 from mid-March through December 1st.
• Hidden Gem: Its history as the island’s first ocean pier, built in 1948.

2. Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center

This place is truly special. Run by volunteers, it’s a working hospital for sick and injured sea turtles. You get to see them up close and learn about their recovery. The staff’s passion is evident. A visit to this sea turtle hospital on Topsail Island is a must-see and one of the best things to do in Topsail Island . The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center is very popular due to its mission.

• Special Feature: Observing the “sick bay” ICU for critical turtle patients.
• Where to Stay: 302 Tortuga Ln, Surf City, NC 28445
• Hours: Seasonal, typically March-July. Reservations are required.
• Hidden Gem: The powerful stories of individual turtle rescues shared by staff.

3. Missiles and More Museum

Housed in a historic WWII-era building, this museum is interesting. It covers everything from local pirates to the Women’s Air Force Service Pilots. It’s not huge, but it’s packed with local history. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Definitely one of the best Topsail Island attractions to see for some unique history.

• Special Feature: The “Operation Bumblebee” top-secret missile program exhibit.
• Where to Stay: 720 Channel Blvd, Topsail Beach, NC 28445
• Hours: Open seasonally, April–October. Verify on the official site.
• Hidden Gem: The building was used to assemble the actual missiles.

4. Topsail Island Beaches

The beaches have 26 miles of shoreline, so none of them feel crowded or small. We spent hours wandering the beaches searching for shark teeth and shells, especially at low tide. The sand is soft and relaxing. Just be sure to keep off the dunes, as they are protected habitats. The thrill of the find for shark teeth is one of the most fun things to do in Topsail Island.

• Special Feature: Excellent for finding shark teeth, including Megalodon teeth.
• Where to Stay: Sea Vista Motel, 1612 N Shore Dr, Surf City, NC 28445
• Hours: Open to the public; paid parking hours are seasonally enforced.
• Hidden Gem: An old shipwreck is sometimes uncovered after major storms.

5. Fishing Charters on Topsail Island

Whether you are a novice or a professional, a charter is a way to spend your day. Local charter captains know the best places to fish, whether inshore or deep-sea; they will carry you from flounder to mahi-mahi. These fishing charters on Topsail Island offer a boat, all gear, and the licenses, making for an easy and entertaining day for all family members.

• Special Feature: Options for inshore, nearshore, and Gulf Stream trips.
• Where to Stay: Jolly Roger Inn & Pier, 803 Ocean Blvd, Topsail Beach, NC 28445
• Hours: Varies by charter; book in advance.
• Hidden Gem: Some charters offer unique flounder gigging night trips.

6. Kayaking & Paddleboarding

The Intracoastal Waterway has calm waters that are perfect for this. You can paddle through marshes with herons and dolphins. It is a serene way to see the island from a different perspective. There are many shops that offer rentals and tours. This is one of the best outdoor adventures Topsail Island offers for a quiet afternoon.

• Special Feature: Exploring the marked stops along the Topsail Beach Paddle Trail.
• Where to Stay: Saltwater Suites, 201 N. New River Drive, Surf City, NC 28445
• Hours: Rental shop hours vary; best to book rentals ahead.
• Hidden Gem: Soundside Park has an ADA-compliant kayak/SUP launch.

7. Serenity Point for Sunsets

This is the best location on the island for sunset viewing, and being at the southern tip of the island, this stretch of beach is quiet and undeveloped; this is where the sound meets the ocean, it is an absolutely perfect, peaceful ending to a busy day. Parking is tight. This is a prime spot for evening Topsail Island sightseeing.

• Special Feature: Unobstructed views of the sun setting over the water.
• Where to Stay: Guest House Topsail, 814 S Anderson Blvd, Topsail Beach, NC 28445
• Hours: Open dawn to dusk.
• Hidden Gem: An excellent and quiet spot for shelling and finding sand dollars.

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8. Jolly Roger Pier

This historic pier in Topsail Beach is a local favorite.It is a great spot for fishing, normally a great walk and a beautiful sunrise. The pier is 850 feet long, and has a tackle shop and grill right there. We loved that it’s open 24/7 for fishing. It’s one of the classic Topsail Island family activities you can’t miss.

• Special Feature: Sits on a former “Operation Bumblebee” missile launch site.
• Where to Stay: Jolly Roger Inn, 803 Ocean Blvd, Topsail Beach, NC 28445
• Hours: Open year-round; 24/7 for fishing.
• Hidden Gem: The old missile launch pad is now the motel’s patio.

9. Soundside Park

This park in Surf City is perfect for families. At the park, you will find a gigantic pirate ship playground, boardwalks that skirt both sides of the water, a fishing pier, and picnic areas with great views of the bridge. The park also has free concert performances and shows outdoor movies throughout the summer – a great concentration of fun Surf City, NC activities.

• Special Feature: Large pirate-themed playground and wheelchair-accessible boardwalks.
• Where to Stay: Island Inn, 302 N Shore Dr, Surf City, NC 28445
• Hours: Open 24/7, with specific hours for events.
• Hidden Gem: Hosts free “Movies in the Park” on Fridays during the summer.

10. Salty Turtle Beer Company

This craft brewery is veteran-owned, and is a cool place to hang out after a long day at the beach. They have a great selection of beers, and the vibe is welcoming and friendly. The taproom is open to families and pets, and there is a nice outdoor patio. A percentage of their profits goes to the local sea turtle hospital on Topsail Island. As far as Topsail Island attractions go, it is one of the better ones.

• Special Feature: Donates to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center.
• Where to Stay: Loggerhead Inn & Suites, 329 N New River Dr, Surf City, NC 28445
• Hours: Mon–Thu 12-10 PM, Fri-Sat 11 AM-11 PM, Sun 11 AM-9 PM.
• Hidden Gem: “The Cove,” a modern event space available for private parties.

11. North Shore Golf Course

Just off the island in Sneads Ferry, this is truly a course a golfer must play. Rated a solid 4-star from Golf Digest, this course has spectacular views overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway and has some bite to it while still being fair for any skill level.. It’s one of the most fun-loving things to do in the Topsail Island area for golf lovers.

• Special Feature: Scenic holes running along the Intracoastal Waterway.
• Where to Stay: Hampton Inn Sneads Ferry, 110 Responsible Ct, Sneads Ferry, NC 28460
• Hours: Generally 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Verify on the official site.
• Hidden Gem: Alligators can often be spotted sunbathing near the ponds.

Travel Basics & Tips

• Book your summer stay months in advance for availability.
• Paid parking is seasonal; download the required parking app.
• Stock up on groceries before you cross the bridge.
• Bring cash for some pier access fees and smaller shops.
• Plan the Things to Do in Topsail Island before you go.
• Nearby military exercises can be noisy but are temporary.

Conclusion

Topsail Island is an interesting place where rustic charm meets fun, all in one spot. It’s a good fit for anyone looking to relax and enjoy the beach; hopefully, this Things to Do in Topsail Island guide will get you started on a great trip. I found the communities to work hard to keep the natural beauty while still welcoming visitors, so it has this neat balance of where there is a sense of peace, yet there is a lot of life at the same time. I cannot wait to go back.

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