Things to Do in Surf City, NC
Surf City sits in the middle of Topsail Island, with a lot to do within a short walk or bike ride. The ocean pier, the aquarium and two surf schools are within a few blocks of each other, and Roland Avenue on the sound side is where many boats, jet skis and charters leave from.
Part of Surf City sits on the mainland, just over the high-rise bridge. That’s where you’ll find the sea turtle hospital, mini golf and the big grocery stores.
Around the pier
The few blocks around the pier and the beach accesses are Surf City’s center.
Photo: Surf City Ocean Pier Surf City Ocean Pier
A 937-foot pier first built in 1948 and run by the same family since 1973. Walk it, fish it, or eat at the pier grill. Open 24 hours in season.
Photo: Topsail Aquarium Topsail Aquarium
Steps from the beach at 106 N. Topsail Drive: touch tanks, stingray feedings on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, and ghost crab hunts on summer evenings.
Photo: Surf City Surf School Surf City Surf School
Topsail’s oldest surf school, teaching from its shop on N. Shore Drive since 2013.
Photo: Topsail Island Surf School Topsail Island Surf School
Lessons at the Roland Avenue beach access and a summer camp for kids.
On the sound
Roland Avenue and the docks by the bridge are the launch point for most water trips.
Photo: Surf City Jet Ski & Watersports Surf City Jet Ski & Watersports
Self-guided rides, guided dolphin and sandbar tours, kayaks and paddleboards. Reopens Easter weekend 2027.
Photo: Tiki Tours Tiki Tours
The Tiki Queen paddlewheel cruises Topsail Sound, and pontoons carry families to Lea-Hutaff Island for shelling.
Boat rentals
Self-drive pontoons and tritoons from Aquaholics and Surf City Boat Rentals, near the bridge.
Fishing charters
Grassy Sound Charters leaves from the Roland Avenue docks; more charters run from Topsail Beach and Sneads Ferry.
Photo: Coastal Island Charter Company Captained Lea Island trips
Coastal Island Charter Company departs the Surf City boat launch for sunset cruises and beach time on Lea Island.
With kids
Surf City has Topsail’s biggest cluster of family stops.
Photo: Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue
About five minutes over the bridge. Guided tours of the sea turtle hospital are by reservation and sell out; book as soon as your dates are set.
Photo: XIT Rooms (business photo) XIT Rooms
Family-owned escape rooms on N. New River Drive, built around a Blackbeard treasure hunt.
Photo: Shipwreck Point Golf Shipwreck Point Golf
Two pirate-themed mini golf courses with waterfalls on NC 50.
High Tides & Good Vibes
Bowling, laser tag and arcade games on NC 50, and a good rainy-day plan.
Rentals and lessons
Several Surf City rental shops deliver to your door; terms vary by shop.
Bike rentals
Cruisers, e-bikes, tandems and kid trailers. Topsail Surf & Cycle delivers free in Surf City, and 50 South advertises free local delivery.
Golf carts
Street-legal carts from Revel 42 on J.H. Batts Road and delivery companies nearby. Check your rental’s golf cart rules first.
Photo: Topsail Beach Service (business photo) Beach setup
Topsail Beach Service, by the bridge, delivers chairs and umbrellas and can set them up daily. Other services deliver across the island too.
Topsail Beach Service · Sand 2 Sea Rentals · Throwing Shade Beach Setup · My Time Rentals
Photo: Sweet Dreams Linen & Rentals Linens
Sweet Dreams, on J.H. Batts Road, delivers bed and bath linens to Surf City rentals. Check what your rental includes first.
Photo: Seaside Topsail Photography Beach photographers
Two Surf City photographers shoot vacation family portraits on the beach.
Photo: Topsail Island Massage Massage at your rental
Topsail Island Massage brings tables and therapists to rentals and has a studio on N. Topsail Drive.
Eat and drink
Our guides cover Surf City’s restaurants, coffee, ice cream and nightlife.
Restaurants
Seafood and local favorites across the island.
Coffee and ice cream
Morning coffee and evening scoops; see also our ice cream guide.
Groceries and seafood markets
The mainland supermarkets plus Surf City seafood markets.
Photo: Island Brothers Catering Island Brothers Catering
Family-style pans from N. Shore Drive, picked up or delivered for a big-group night in.
Bars and nightlife
Where to find live music and a cold drink.
Good to know
A few practical notes for a smoother Surf City stay.
Beach wheelchairs
The town lends beach wheelchairs and delivers them to Surf City cottages; reserve up to a month ahead.
Town visitor information
The Town of Surf City’s own visitor information page.
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.