Bald Head Island, North Carolina Travel Guide | Things to Do, Places to Eat, and Where to Stay

Bald Head Island North Carolina

 

Why Visit Bald Head Island?

Imagine a place where the only way to get around is by golf cart, bike, or bare feet. Where the Atlantic Ocean meets maritime forests and salt marshes. Where sea turtles nest, and historic lighthouses still stand tall. Bald Head Island (BHI) is a 12,000-acre subtropical getaway accessible only by ferry or private boat, no cars are allowed. It’s a serene blend of nature, history, and upscale charm, ideal for families, couples, adventurers, and anyone looking to unplug.

Bald Head Island is a Barrier Island and Village off the North Carolina Coast.  Located at the southeastern tip of coastal North Carolina where Cape Fear River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Arrive by Ferry. Travel on the Island by Golf Cart. You’ll find No Cars just Bright Stars and14 miles of Secluded Beaches.  A summer sky so clear you can see the Milky Way and a tranquility that's unlike anywhere else!

Bald Head Island is perfect for a relaxing vacation getaway with family, friends, or by yourself.  The neighborhoods of Bald Head Island are perfect for vacation rentals that respect the natural beauty of the surroundings. Bald Head Island is 2 miles across the Cape Fear River from Southport, North Carolina and the site of Old Baldy, the state’s oldest standing lighthouse. You can reach Bald Head Island only by passenger ferry or private vessel. The island consists of aprox.12,000 acres, you’ll find 10,000 untouched acres of beach, marsh, and forest preserves.

If you enjoy the following:

• Walking along Beautiful Beaches
• Relaxing in the Sun
• Canoe along the Serene Creek Marshes  
• Wander through the Protected Maritime Forests, teaming with Exotic Birds
• Reading a Good Book on the Deck of your Oceanfront Vacation Rental Home

... then Bald Head Island is the Place for You.

 

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Book Direct to Save on Fees and Experience Professional Service with a Bald Head Island Vacation Rental Management Company

 

 

Things to Do in and around Bald Head Island

Bald Head Island Conservancy

The Bald Head island Conservancy houses a modern Education and Research Center featuring exhibits on the island’s ecology, ongoing coastal research projects, and interactive displays for all ages. It’s a great spot to learn about Bald Head Island’s unique dune systems, maritime forest, and estuarine environments. Renowned sea turtle protection program. Nature tours, kayak trips, birding expeditions, and kids’ camps. Sign up for a Turtle Walk during nesting season (May–October).

Beaches

East Beach: Best for swimming and bodyboarding.
South Beach: Calm, great for families and sunsets.
West Beach: Quiet, with views of Oak Island and the Cape Fear River.

Fishing & Boating

Inshore and offshore charters available.
Kayak through the creeks and marshes.

Old Baldy Lighthouse and the Smith Island Museum

North Carolina’s oldest standing lighthouse (built in 1817). Old Baldy is North Carolina’s oldest lighthouse. It is open to the public. Climb to the top and enjoy a spectacular view. Visit the Old Baldy museum next door and see how the early lighthouse keepers lived. Historic narrated tours of the island are also offered. Climb 108 steps for panoramic views of the island and Cape Fear River.

Adjacent to the lighthouse sits the restored keeper’s cottage, which houses the Smith Island Museum. Inside, exhibits trace the island’s maritime history, shipwrecks, Civil War involvement, and daily life of lighthouse keepers who once lived here.

 

 

The Shoals Club

Exclusive oceanfront club with pools, dining, cabanas, and beach access.
Day passes available for some rentals.

The BHI Club

Golf, tennis, croquet, pool, restaurants.
Access requires a temporary membership, usually arranged via rental homes.

Southport

Buy a ferry day pass at the Bald Head terminal and spend a leisurely afternoon in historic Southport. Stroll the quaint and charming downtown and treat yourself to great antiques, shopping, and dining. We’re sure you’ll enjoy the ambience of this lovingly preserved Southern Village.

Shopping in Harbor Village

Boutique clothing, island-inspired gifts, gourmet market, and ice cream shop.

 

 

Where to Eat

Delphina Cantina

Latin-inspired fare with views of the marina.

Mojo’s on the Harbor

Seafood, steaks, and cocktails right on the water.

The Shoals Club

Elegant, reservation-only dining.

Jules’ Salty Grub & Island Pub

Great burgers, beers, and views.

Mike’s Bites

Breakfast sandwiches, smoothies, and coffee near the ferry landing.

Sandpiper Ice Cream & Coffee

Beachside treats for all ages.

Maritime Market

Full grocery store with wine, deli, bakery, and delivery.

Room Service

Yes, that’s the name, offers private chef services and catering.

 

 

Where to Stay

Oceanfront Homes

Enjoy stunning sunrise or sunset views from many of these Vacation Rental Homes. Many include decks, beach gear, and golf carts.

Maritime Forest Cottages

Nestled under a canopy of oaks and palmettos.

Harbor Village Condos

Close to dining, shops, and the marina.

Pro Tip

Book 6–12 months in advance for summer stays. Use a well-established vacation rental website for the best selection.

 

 

Getting to Bald Head Island

By Ferry

Take the Bald Head Island Ferry from Deep Point Marina in Southport, NC. It’s a 20-minute ride across the Cape Fear River. Ferries run hourly year-round.

Luggage Delivery

BHI has a valet-style systemyour luggage goes ahead of you and will be waiting at your rental.

No Cars Allowed

Golf carts are the main mode of transport. Rentals are usually included with accommodations.
Private Boats: Dock at Bald Head Island Marina for a more flexible arrival.

 

 

Featured Communities

Cape Fear Station

Near East Beach, Shoals Club, and the Conservancy.

Killegray Ridge

Quiet, wooded streets with ocean access.

The Hammocks

Fractional ownership with access to amenities.

 

 

Actvities and Interests on Bald Head Island

Birdwatching

Bald Head is a bird watcher’s delight. It is home to many rare species. Osprey, eagle, kingfisher, sandpiper, and herons might be spotted anywhere on the Island.

Canoeing

Canoes can be rented from the Riverside Adventure Company, located near the marina, call (910) 457-4944.

Crabbing and Clamming

Bring your crab traps and enjoy an old-fashioned pastime of catching crabs in the Bald Head Island creeks.

Croquet

Bald Head Island Club. The Pro Shop also schedules beginners’ lessons and clinics. Bald Head Island Pro Shop: (910) 457-7310.

Fitness Center

The new fitness center is located in the Bald Head Island Club complex next to the pro shop. It features state of the art exercise equipment and beautiful ocean views for your workout.

Fishing

The dockmaster can arrange small boat or fishing equipment rentals as well as provide information about fishing charters. BHI Dockmaster: (910) 457-7380.

Golfing

Bald Head Island features an 18-hole championship golf course designed by George Cobb that is rated 4½ Stars by Golf Digest Magazine. The complex includes a driving range, putting green and starter building with bag storage. Bald Head Island Pro Shop: (910) 457-7310.

Nature Walk

Enjoy the beauty of Bald Head Island by taking a self guided 20-minute walk through the maritime forest and along the salt marsh and tidal creek. In the summer, the Bald Head Island Conservancy conducts turtle walks at night and alligator and bird walks in the morning. Space is limited. Call the conservancy for more information or reservations. Conservancy: (910) 457-0089

Tennis

Bald Head Island Tennis Shop: (910) 457-7300

 

Conclusion

Bald Head Island isn’t just a vacation, it’s an experience. It invites you to slow down, connect with nature, and leave the modern world behind. Whether you're sipping wine at sunset, watching baby turtles make their first crawl to the ocean, or reading a book in a hammock beneath the live oaks, you’ll understand why people return year after year.

Map of Bald Head Island North Carolina

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