Topsail Island - Family Vacation Destination
Topsail Island - Family Vacation Destination
Topsail Island Treats Families Like Family
About Topsail Island. “I haven’t met a person there yet who didn't treat you like family.” “One of the last great family-friendly beaches in North Carolina.” and a “Great beach for a family with young children!” These are just some of the comments by Trip Adviser's family vacationers. The 227 reviews written by families show a clear consensus that Topsail Island is an ideal family beach vacation destination--at least in North Carolina. The majority of comments for Topsail Island come from families raving about this destination.
Comprised of three unique beach communities: Surf City, Topsail Beach, and North Topsail Beach; there is a venue that meets the taste for all visitors. Visitors in all of our communities are sure to find plenty of activities to enjoy here on Topsail Island.
Situated at the southern tip, the Town of Topsail Beach supports a friendly, family-focused style of beach living. Accordingly, conservation of the island environment is a top priority and consequently, high-rise development is not allowed. With over 1200 homes, about 500 are occupied by year-round residents. Seasonal tourists boost the town’s population to 7,000, which helps sustain the town's economy. Topsail Beach is the smallest of the three towns on Topsail Island.
Especially interesting, North Topsail Beach is a town surrounded by water on three sides - sound, inlet, and ocean. Many visitors like to enjoy the water by boat. Of the three towns, North Topsail Beach seems most concerned with environmental practices since many of its town policies reflect its desire to preserve the beauty of the environment.
Surf City brags that ”visitors enjoy Surf City as ‘the way the beach used to be,’ quiet, serene and bucolic. Cross our historic “swing bridge,” step back into the past and begin your family tradition.” Generations of visitors have loved Surf City because of its clean and uncrowded beaches. In addition, Surf city takes care of tourists and offers free parking at 29 designated public beach access points spanning the town’s six-mile oceanfront.
Welcome to Topsail Island Area. At Topsail Island you may choose to stay in the comfort of a vacation rental home while you watch the waves roll on and on. And, you may explore this beautiful place like a local and without limitation. Get up close with the locals! Learn more about its history and culture.
Topsail is a barrier island on North Carolina’s coast and features pleasant climatic conditions making it a destination worth visiting year-round. The peak season is during summertime. During this time, the island is usually crowded. Moreover, some of Topsail’s attractions are not open year-round. Located on the southern tip of the island, is Topsail Beach. It is significantly less crowded. Furthermore, the warm waters and coastal wildlife make this beach stand out as an ideal relaxation spot.
Family Fun & Education in Topsail
But Topsail Island isn’t just all-beach. One of the most popular family excursions is The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. This turtle-friendly spot offers the entire family educational entertainment. The turtle sanctuary provides a half-hour tour to guests. This center is the only place in the state serving as home to ailing and injured sea turtles. As a nesting ground for the Loggerhead Sea Turtle, Topsail Island offers respite to these giants of the sea. Coming ashore between sundown and sunrise, they build their nests here from May to August.
Additionally, another fun tour is at the Missiles and More Museum. You and your children will learn about the island’s history as a test-rocket launching place. At one time the United States Navy-owned Topsail Island, initiating the rocket launches. Besides missiles, legends of Blackbeard and pirate stories abound, which possibly may not be true. Regardless, they are fun to hear and speculate about, and surely there is some speck of truth to the tales.
When the sun sets and beaches look empty, then restaurants, lounges, and local beach bars come to life. From dancing, live music, karaoke, there is something for everyone. Regardless of where you find yourself you are assured of enjoying yourself. Revelers have no shortage of things to do in Topsail with its thrilling entertainment activities for the whole family or just the adults.
Finally, a great family vacation to Topsail Island is not complete without fabulous family accommodations. It is rather easy to find a vacation rental home on the beach when you book managed vacation rentals. Enjoy your vacation in the sanctuary of a home on the beach with the family you love. Coastline Realty specializes in Vacation Rentals & Long Term Rentals on Topsail Island and the greater Sneads Ferry, North Carolina Area. Their inventory includes large single-family oceanfront vacation homes with private swimming pools, duplexes, townhomes, oceanfront condos, and a great selection of beach cottages.
Book Direct with a Topsail Island Vacation Rental Management Company and Save on Fees and Gain in Service!
SeaShore Realty Group was established in 2007 to serve the buying and selling of real estate in the Coastal Carolina area. SeaShore Realty Group is.. learn more
Coastline Realty specializes in Property Management, Vacation Rentals, Long Term Rentals and Real Estate throughoput the Topsail Island Area. Our.. learn more
5 MUST Things to Do in Topsail Island
Whatever tickles your fancy - shopping, nightlife, culture, or delicious meals? Or perhaps would like a hot cup of finely brewed coffee at one of the cafés in town. Watch a film at the theater or wander around enjoying the beautiful sights at your own pace. Book a deep-sea fishing excursion or take a cruise along the sparkling ocean waters. Other outdoor activities include surfing, scuba diving, swimming, and bird watching. Regardless of what you want, Topsail offers many activities lined up just for you.
Most of the activity in (1) Topsail Island centers on the ocean. Enjoy great views of both sunrise and sunset anywhere on the island. Spend a day at the pristine beaches. Whether you're into swimming, surfing, fishing, kayaking, or simply basking in the sun on the soft sands, Topsail Island has it all. You'll find numerous public access points and equipment rental shops to meet your needs.
Do not forget and in my opinion, the more intriguing (2) Intracoastal side of Topsail. Discover the island's unique perspective from the serene Intracoastal Waterway. Paddleboard, rent a jet ski, or embark on a boat excursion along these calm waters. Keep an eye out for enchanting wildlife such as birds, dolphins, and turtles along the way.
(3) Delve into the histoy of Topsail Island. Learn about its role as a secret missile testing site during World War II and its transformation into a beloved tourist destination. Explore the Operation Bumblebee project, view captivating artifacts, and watch a fascinating documentary film.
Topsail Island boasts an array of restaurants and cafes serving delectable cuisine and refreshing beverages. (4) Savor the local flavors and delights of Topsail Island. Relish fresh seafood at The Bistro at Just Baked, indulge in BBQ at Surf City BBQ, enjoy pizza at Max's Pizza, satisfy your sweet tooth with ice cream at The Daily Grind, or savor a cup of coffee at The Coffee Shop. Some venues even offer live music and entertainment.
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life by booking a massage, yoga session, or spa treatment at one of our island's wellness centers. (5) Relax, Release, Relive, and Rejuvenate in Topsail Island. Alternatively, unwind and take in the sunset, stars, or gentle breeze from your balcony or porch.
Topsail Island, North Carolina is a year-round vacation getaway, a destination that will guide and welcome you, ensuring there's never a shortage of activities to enjoy on this island paradise.
Food and Drinks
Restaurants are plentiful at Topsail Island, and but busy during evenings. On weekends, especially Fridays, supermarkets are crowded with people who come to enjoy all the island has to offer. In a bid to feel relaxed, visitors head for the store for groceries hence the reason for its crowded state. If you would like to dine out, Topsail is home to several upscale eateries, blue-plate specials, and pizza joints. Eastern Carolina Barbecue is fabulous. This spectacular meal is made with vinegar-based rather than tomato-based sauce.
Topsail Island Fun Facts
Topsail Island is a 26-mile barrier island off the coast of North Carolina; and south of Camp Lejeune, the Bogue Banks, and the Outer Banks. The three cities on the Island are North Topsail Beach, Surf City, and Topsail Beach.
The only access before World War II to Topsail Island was by boat. Area residents sometimes made this short trip to picnic on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. A few structures in the early 1900s were shelters for summer vacations and fishing trips. Later, newly built bridges provided access from the mainland. Two bridges that give access to Topsail Island include one landmark swing bridge on North Carolina Route 50 to Surf City. The other is on North Carolina Route 210--a high-rise bridge near North Topsail Beach.
Map of Topsail Island North Carolina
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