We fell in love with the family atmosphere of Topsail Island, and we love sharing it. Here's what to know before your stay at High Seas.
About Topsail Island
Topsail Island (locals say "TOP-sul") is a 26-mile barrier island on North Carolina's southeastern coast, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. It is shared by three small towns — North Topsail Beach, Surf City and Topsail Beach — and is known for uncrowded beaches, no high-rise strip, and a relaxed, family-friendly pace.
Legend says the island got its name from pirates who hid in the inlets and sounds, and that merchant ships could spot only the tops of their sails over the dunes. Whether or not that's true, sunsets over the sound and sunrises over the ocean are the real treasure.
Beaches & the water
The ocean side offers wide, soft-sand beaches with public access points along the length of the island. Shelling is best after storms and at low tide. Summer brings loggerhead sea turtle nesting season, so please fill in holes, knock down sandcastles and keep lights off the beach at night.
The sound side is calm, shallow and perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, crabbing and watching the sunset. Many visitors kayak or boat to Lea-Hutaff Island, an undeveloped barrier island just south of Topsail Beach that is a haven for shorebirds.
Fishing & piers
Topsail is a classic fishing destination. The island has ocean fishing piers in each town — including the Surf City Pier and the Jolly Roger Pier in Topsail Beach — plus surf fishing from the beach, inshore fishing in the sound and marsh creeks, and offshore charters from nearby Sneads Ferry. North Carolina requires a Coastal Recreational Fishing License for most saltwater fishing (piers usually cover their own).
Sea turtles
The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Surf City cares for sick and injured sea turtles and returns them to the ocean. It's a favorite stop for families — check their website for current visiting hours and tour tickets before you go.
Missiles, history & museums
After World War II, Topsail Island was the site of Operation Bumblebee, a U.S. Navy program that tested early ramjet missiles here — research that helped lead to supersonic flight. Several of the concrete observation towers still stand along the island, and the Missiles and More Museum in Topsail Beach tells the story along with exhibits on pirates, shells and island life.
Eating & shopping
Surf City is the island's hub for groceries, restaurants, ice cream and beach shops, and the high-rise Surf City bridge makes getting on and off the island easy. Sneads Ferry, just over the North Topsail Beach bridge, is a working fishing village — buy shrimp and fish straight off the boats at local seafood markets. Every August, Sneads Ferry hosts its long-running Shrimp Festival.
Day trips
Historic downtown Wilmington, with its riverwalk, restaurants and the Battleship North Carolina, is under an hour's drive south. Hammocks Beach State Park and Bear Island, reached by ferry from Swansboro, make a beautiful day trip to the north. Closer by, Hampstead and Holly Ridge offer golf, shopping and more dining.
Getting here
The closest airports are Wilmington International (ILM), about an hour away, and Albert J. Ellis Airport in Jacksonville (OAJ), about 40 minutes away. Raleigh-Durham (RDU) is roughly two and a half to three hours by car. You'll want a car on the island — there's no public transit.
Our insider tips
- Linens: Sweet Dreams Linen in Surf City rents sheets and towels, so you can pack light.
- Nearby favorites for dinner: The Crab Pot, Shaka Taco, Sears Landing and Beach Bum's Grill and Bar are all within about 10 minutes.
- Kids will love a paddle with Ohana Paddle Sports or a night at the Topsail Skating Rink.
Best time to visit Topsail Island
Summer (June–August) is peak beach season with warm water and lively evenings. Late spring and early fall (May, September and October) are local favorites: the water is still warm, the beaches are quieter and rates are lower. Hurricane season runs June through November, with the most activity typically in August and September — we recommend travel insurance for any coastal trip.