Things to Do
Topsail Island is 26 miles of beach with just three small towns on it — the fun here is low-key by design. A few of our favorites, all a short drive from the houses:
On the island
- The beach. Wide, uncrowded sand right out the door — most of our guests never make it further than this.
- Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center in Surf City — meet recovering sea turtles up close. Check seasonal visiting hours before you go.
- Surf City Ocean Pier — fishing, or just a sunset walk with ice cream.
- Missiles and More Museum in Topsail Beach — the island's surprising rocket-testing history from Operation Bumblebee.
- Shelling at the south end of the island near Serenity Point — go at low tide.
On the water
- Kayaking & paddleboarding the sound and marsh creeks — calm, shallow water that's perfect for kids. Rentals available in Surf City.
- Charter fishing out of Sneads Ferry and New River Inlet — book a day or two ahead in summer.
- Surf lessons — Surf City lives up to the name; several outfits teach beginners in the gentle summer breaks.
Worth the drive
- Historic Wilmington (~45 minutes) — riverwalk, shops, and the USS North Carolina battleship.
- NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher — the go-to big-day-trip; pair it with the Fort Fisher rec area beaches.
Rainy days
- The sea turtle center or the Missiles and More Museum (above), or head into Wilmington for the battleship and indoor attractions.