Topsail Island - Give Me Some Beach and Quiet

Imagine stepping onto the soft sands of Topsail Island, where the gentle murmur of the Atlantic Ocean sets a tranquil backdrop for your getaway. As you explore this hidden gem, you'll find yourself charmed by its blend of natural beauty and quaint local culture. Whether you're up for surfing and fishing, or simply unwinding by the sea, you'll discover why this island is a beloved escape for many. But what truly sets Topsail apart aren't just its pristine beaches or the friendly smiles of locals—it's something you'll have to uncover in the lesser-known corners of the island. Curious to find out what secrets await?

The Coastal Carolina area of Topsail Island is rich in history, beach, and quiet. Much of the history of this area is around stories of pirates. The name of the Island, Topsail, originated during the 1700s when looting pirates hid their ships in the channel behind the island. Then when merchant ships loaded with goods passed by this spot, the pirates attacked the merchants and claimed the cargoes as their own. Eventually, merchant ship captains were warned of this special hiding place and began to watch for the tops of the pirates' sails peeking over the rolling dunes. Thus the name Topsail Island was born.

Topsail Island is a secret treasure tucked away along the North Carolina coast. You're probably wondering how to get here to start your adventure. Let's explore the best routes and transportation options to make your journey as smooth as possible. Getting to Topsail Island is straightforward whether you're flying or driving. If you're coming by air, the nearest airport is Wilmington International Airport, just a short drive away. For those preferring to drive, several well-marked routes lead you directly to the island's scenic views and tranquil beaches.

By Air

To reach Topsail Island by air, you'll typically fly into Wilmington International Airport, located just 40 minutes away by car.
Multiple Airlines: Choose from various carriers offering flexibility.
Frequent Flights: Regular connections keep your options open.
Rental Services: Grab a car right at the airport.
Scenic Route: Enjoy the beautiful drive to the island, promising freedom and escape.

By Car

If you're driving to Topsail Island, the journey from nearby cities is straightforward and scenic. Simply follow the coastal roads that promise breathtaking views and a sense of escape. Freedom is yours as you navigate through charming towns and along quiet highways. Feel the anticipation build as each mile brings you closer to your island retreat, where adventure and relaxation await.

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 to all of the communities are sure to find plenty of things to do and enjoy on Topsail Island. 

The communities on this Island include Atkinson, Burgaw, Currie, Hampstead, Maple Hill, North Topsail Beach, Penderlea, Rocky Point, Scotts Hill, St. Helena, Surf City, Topsail Beach, and Watha. Topsail Beach is known for some of the best beaches on the island, and if you want to take relaxing walks on the beach, you will enjoy an abundance of shells to take home. Each community is delightfully American, and each seems to quietly boast of their own distinct brands of uniqueness. Hampstead’s claim to fame is “the #2 producer of blueberries in North Carolina.” In fact, the berries are 100% organic with no pesticides used to grow them. If you visit in spring, pick your own berries fresh, and attend the Blueberry Festival in Burgaw held every third week in June.

North Topsail Beach from its locally famous Stump Sound oysters to great surf fishing at New River Inlet, North Topsail Beach is distinguished from the rest of Topsail Island. And rightfully so: it used to be completely separated from it! Stump Inlet once carved its way between the two islands, but the gap has been filled in over time by nature and man. Remaining are picturesque marshes, home to graceful egrets and herons, and dense maritime forests on the soundside, with lovely dunes and beaches on the oceanside.

If you like the panoramic views as you ride over the high-rise bridge on Highway 210, take an air tour of this Onslow County area from the landing strip at Holly Ridge for an incredible coastal topography show.

Surf City is the commercial heart of Topsail Island and has been for over 60 years. The town has grown from a small fishing village to a community of some 1,900. Visitors appreciate Surf City as “the way the beach used to be,” quiet and serene. Surf City’s historic "swing bridge," brings you into the past and creates the mood to build peaceful vacation memories. Generations of visitors prefer Surf City, because of its clean and uncrowded beaches.

Burgaw is a small town known for its friendly people and picturesque surroundings and several shows have been filmed on location with its beautiful backdrop. Conveniently located, Burgaw is 25 minutes from Wilmington and area beaches. Burgaw offers a wide variety of casual dining options and shopping.

Maple Hill is mostly an agricultural community of farmers and ranchers, known for their outstanding ham meats and turkeys, and has marketed as many as 5,000 turkeys in a season.

With its first settlers coming to St. Helena in 1903 from northern Italy, St Helena was named for an Italian queen. St. Helena but also is home to descendants of Belgian, Hungarian, Serbian, Ukrainian, Russian, and Slovak families. The people coming from this rich melting pot heritage are large contributors to the cultural and educational benefit of Pender County, Topsail Island.

The historic Moores Creek National Battlefield is located in Currie. In 1776, the Patriots overtook the Loyalists; and remembrance, a reenactment of this battle is held yearly the last full weekend in February. The park includes a visitor’s center with a trail that leads across exhibits, bridges, and picnic areas.

Rich in history, beaches, and peaceful beauty, Topsail Island offers many unique communities to visit and enjoy a quiet beach vacation along coastal North Carolina. With plenty of shopping, restaurants, and options for fun in the sun, visitors may also consider renting a beach home in the area for maximum privacy, and quietude. Find Rentals offers many vacation rental manager options for beach accommodation on Topsail Island.

Map of Topsail Island North Carolina

Additional Topsail Island Articles

Topsail Island Family Vacation Destination
by Wendy Bixby

Topsail Island North Carolina Travel Guide
by Find Rentals