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Things to Do on Topsail Island

Topsail Island is a long, narrow barrier island shared by three towns: Topsail Beach at the south end, Surf City in the middle, and North Topsail Beach to the north. Most days here start and end on the sand, but there’s plenty in between: a 1948 fishing pier, a sea turtle hospital, boat trips to an island with no buildings on it, and a roller rink that has barely changed since 1964.

Here are our picks, grouped by what kind of day you’re having, with links to the full guide for each place.

On the beach

The beach is the main event. A few things make it easier and more fun.

  • Surf City Ocean Pier lit at night over the water
    Photo: Surf City Ocean Pier

    Surf City Ocean Pier

    Topsail’s first ocean pier, from 1948. Walk out at sunrise or fish day and night in season (closed December to mid-March).

  • Have your beach setup waiting

    Local services deliver chairs, umbrellas and wind shades, and some set them up on the sand every morning.

  • Ghost crab hunting

    Flashlights out after dark to spot the beach’s fastest residents. Our guide covers how to do it, and the Topsail Aquarium runs guided hunts in summer.

  • Beach wheelchairs

    All three towns lend beach wheelchairs, and Surf City delivers them to cottages.

  • Bring the dog

    Our dog-friendly guide covers beach rules, beach walks and where to eat with your dog.

On the water

The sound side is sheltered from the ocean surf, with sandbars and marsh channels, which makes it the place for boats, paddling and dolphins. Check wind and tide before you head out.

  • Fishing charters

    Family nearshore trips to Gulf Stream days, from Topsail Beach, Surf City and Sneads Ferry.

  • Boat rentals and captained trips

    Drive your own pontoon to the sandbars, or let a captain take you shelling and dolphin-watching.

  • Sunset over the sound from a Tuck's Water Shuttle boat
    Photo: Tuck's Water Shuttle

    Lea-Hutaff Island by boat

    One of North Carolina’s last undeveloped barrier islands, reachable only by water. Tuck’s Water Shuttle and Tiki Tours take families over for shelling.

  • Kayak and paddleboard

    Guided eco and sunset paddles on Stump Sound, or boats delivered to your rental.

  • Jet skis

    Guided dolphin and sandbar rides or self-guided time in the marked riding area.

  • Surf lessons

    Three surf schools teach kids and adults in Surf City and North Topsail Beach.

With kids

Short, hands-on outings that fit around beach time.

  • A sea turtle swimming in a rehabilitation pool
    Photo: Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center

    Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue

    Topsail’s sea turtle hospital, just over the Surf City bridge, has cared for more than 1,700 turtles since 1995. Guided tours are by reservation and sell out, so book early.

  • An octopus at Topsail Aquarium
    Photo: Topsail Aquarium

    Topsail Aquarium

    A small, hands-on aquarium in Surf City with touch tanks and stingray feedings. Closed Sunday.

  • The Missiles and More Museum building with the Talos missile out front
    Photo: Missiles and More Museum

    Missiles and More Museum

    Free, in the Topsail Beach building where the Navy assembled test rockets in the 1940s. Open weekdays in season.

  • The Topsail Beach Skating Rink building on Anderson Boulevard
    Photo: Topsail Beach Skating Rink (business photo)

    Topsail Beach Skating Rink

    Opened in May 1964, with the original hardwood floor and a disco ball. Summer evenings.

  • Jolly Roger flag over Shipwreck Point Golf
    Photo: Shipwreck Point Golf

    Shipwreck Point Golf

    Two pirate-themed 18-hole mini golf courses on NC 50, minutes from the Surf City bridge.

  • The XIT Rooms building in Surf City
    Photo: XIT Rooms (business photo)

    XIT Rooms

    A family-owned escape room in Surf City built around Blackbeard’s treasure. Private games only.

When it rains

A rainy afternoon doesn’t have to mean a movie on the couch.

  • High Tides & Good Vibes

    Surf City’s indoor entertainment center on NC 50: bowling, laser tag, arcade games and food.

  • An octopus at Topsail Aquarium
    Photo: Topsail Aquarium

    Topsail Aquarium and XIT Rooms

    Both are in Surf City and both work in any weather.

  • Paradise Axe logo
    Photo: Paradise Axe and Arcade

    Paradise Axe and Arcade

    Pinball, skee-ball and classic arcade games in Holly Ridge, plus axe throwing for teens and adults.

  • A museum day in Wilmington

    Battleship North Carolina, the Cape Fear Museum and the Children’s Museum of Wilmington are each under an hour away.

After dark

Evenings on Topsail are low-key, which is part of the appeal.

Make your stay easier

Local services that handle the details. Full comparisons are in our Guest Services guide.

By town

Each Topsail town has its own feel.

  • Surf City

    The middle of the island: the pier, the aquarium, Roland Avenue’s boat docks and many of the rental shops. Our Surf City guide has the details.

  • Topsail Beach

    The south end: the Missiles and More Museum, the 1964 skating rink, boat shuttles to Lea-Hutaff Island and the nature preserve at the island’s tip.

  • North Topsail Beach

    The long northern stretch, with guided eco paddles from Paddle NC, the Drop In surf shop and private surf lessons nearby.

Day trips

Topsail sits between Wilmington and Jacksonville, so bigger attractions are an easy drive. Drive times are from central Surf City and grow with summer traffic.

Jacksonville

About 40 minutes. Take NC 210 and US 17; NC 172 through Camp Lejeune is closed to civilians.

More in Jacksonville (4)

Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach

About 40 to 50 minutes.

More in Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach (18)

Carolina Beach and Kure Beach

About 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.

More in Carolina Beach and Kure Beach (5)

Southport

About 1 hour 20 minutes by road, or drive to Fort Fisher and take the ferry.

Browse every attraction by town and type in our Area Attractions directory.

Businesses listed here are independent and not affiliated with Treasure Rentals; book directly and check each company’s terms. Checked October 2026. Services, seasons and policies change, so confirm details when you book.