Find out what
to expect
Whether it’s a holiday, a special occasion, or just a getaway, families come to Topsail to make memories! Relax, explore, and discover all the fun things to do on and around the island.
More than a place to stay — it's where your beach memories begin. From shelling adventures at sunrise to dolphin sightings from your deck, Topsail Island offers endless ways to make your vacation unforgettable.
Beach Activities
Topsail Island's 26 miles of uncrowded coastline is your playground. Whether you're building sandcastles, hunting for shark teeth, or catching your first wave, the beach awaits.
Swimming & Sunbathing
Gentle waves and gradual shoreline make Topsail perfect for families. Our properties include beach chairs and toys — hit the sand within minutes of arrival!
Best Times: Early morning for sunrise, late afternoon for cooler temps, or Sept-Oct for warm water and fewer crowds.
Shelling & Shark Tooth Hunting
Every beach walk is a treasure hunt! Find seashells, sand dollars, sea glass, and fossilized shark teeth — even massive megalodon teeth! Go early, hit low tide, and look for black teeth along the shoreline.
"Enjoyed looking for sharks' teeth and found my largest one ever!" — Dolphin Guest
Surfing & Boogie Boarding
Consistent breaks and uncrowded lineups make Topsail ideal for beginners and experienced surfers alike. Best spots include Surf City Pier, North Topsail Beach, and the quieter south end.
Guest Perk: Boogie boards included in your rental!
Surf Lessons
Ready to learn? Several local surf shops offer lessons for all ages and skill levels. Professional instructors provide boards, guidance, and the confidence to catch your first wave on Topsail's beginner-friendly breaks.
Sunrise & Sunset Walks
Start your day watching the sun rise over the Atlantic, or end it with golden light painting the sound. The uncrowded beaches offer peaceful solitude for morning coffee walks or romantic evening strolls.
Serenity Point
This peaceful spot in Topsail Beach is perfect for sunset watching and shell finding. A quieter alternative to the busier beach access points, ideal for contemplation and photography.
Wildlife & Nature
Topsail Island is a haven for wildlife. From endangered sea turtles to playful dolphins, you'll encounter nature's wonders around every corner.
🐢 Sea Turtle Watching
Topsail is a critical nesting ground for endangered Loggerhead sea turtles. During nesting season (May-August), watch for turtle tracks, marked nests, and if you're lucky, hatchlings making their journey to the sea.
How to Help: Turn off beachfront lights at night, fill any holes you dig, and never disturb nests.
"Best part of trip was watching the Loggerhead turtle hatchlings make their way out of the nest and down to the surf!" — Seahorse Guest
🐢 Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue Center
Visit the famous turtle hospital at 302 Tortuga Lane in Surf City. See turtles in rehabilitation, take educational tours, and maybe witness a turtle release back into the ocean — an unforgettable experience!
Don't Miss: Public turtle releases throughout the year.
🐬 Dolphin Watching
Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins are frequently spotted playing in the surf just offshore. Watch from your deck at sunrise or sunset, or spot them from the fishing piers throughout the day.
Best Viewing: Early morning and late afternoon from oceanfront properties or piers.
Ecological Marine Adventures Touch Tank Aquarium
Hands-on marine education in Surf City! Get up close with local sea creatures, learn about coastal ecosystems, and discover the underwater world of Topsail Island.
Fishing Adventures
Whether you're a seasoned angler or introducing the kids to their first catch, Topsail offers fishing for every skill level.
Pier Fishing
Surf City Pier (830 ft) — The heart of the island with pier house, grill, and tackle shop.
Jolly Roger Pier (850 ft) — Classic south end pier with bait shop and arcade.
Seaview Pier (937 ft) — Longest pier, less crowded with excellent fishing.
Surf Fishing & Charters
Cast directly into the Atlantic from the beach, or book a half/full-day charter for inshore and offshore fishing. Target red drum, flounder, king mackerel, and more with experienced captains.
Water Sports & Rentals
Ready for adventure on the water? Topsail's calm sound and open ocean offer something for everyone.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
Explore the calm Intracoastal Waterway and tidal creeks by kayak or SUP. Perfect for beginners! Paddle through marsh grass, spot herons and egrets, and maybe even see dolphins. Rentals available at Soundside Park.
Jet Skiing & Boat Rentals
Feel the rush with jet ski rentals, or rent a pontoon boat for a family day on the water. Options range from self-guided rentals to captain-led eco-tours and sunset cruises.
Island Attractions
Missiles and More Museum
Discover Topsail's secret history as a Navy missile testing site during Operation Bumblebee. Free admission in the historic Assembly Building.
720 Channel Blvd, Topsail Beach
Ocean City Historic Site
Explore the fascinating history of one of NC's few African American beach communities established during segregation. An important piece of coastal history.
High Tides and Good Vibes
New amusement center in Surf City offering family fun with games, activities, and entertainment. Perfect for rainy days or evening fun after the beach.
Parks & Recreation
Soundside Park
Kayak and paddleboard launch, playground, picnic areas, and beautiful sound views. Perfect for families with water-loving kids. Rental equipment available nearby.
Roland Ave, Surf City
Kenneth D. Batts Family Park
Sports fields, walking trails, and picnic facilities. Great for a break from the beach with space for the kids to run and play.
New River Dr, Surf City
Topsail Beach Town Center Park
Community park with playground, picnic areas, and space for events. Central location near shops and restaurants on the south end.
Shopping & Entertainment
Sugar Island
2-story eclectic destination with books, local artists, small craft coffee roastery, and snacks. A unique Surf City experience combining culture, caffeine, and creativity!
Topsail Island Trading Company
Classic beach souvenir shop with shells, gifts, coastal décor, and Topsail-branded merchandise. Find the perfect reminder of your trip.
Paradise Axe and Arcade
Axe throwing and arcade games just off the island. Perfect for groups looking for unique entertainment and friendly competition.
Topsail Island Skating Rink
Roller skating, arcade games, and family fun. Perfect for rainy days or evening entertainment after the beach.
Topsail Mini Golf
18 holes of pirate-themed mini golf fun for the whole family. Open spring through fall — a Topsail tradition!
S. Topsail Dr, Topsail Beach
Topsail Craft Market
Seasonal craft market featuring local artisans, handmade goods, and unique finds. Browse for one-of-a-kind treasures and support local creators.
Island Dining
🏖️ Topsail Beach
Larry's Deli-Que
Local favorite for barbecue and deli fare. Authentic NC 'cue with all the fixings in a casual, friendly atmosphere.
Lewis Seafood Shack
Fresh seafood in a casual shack setting. Get your fill of local catch prepared simply and deliciously.
Beach Shop and Grill
Convenient beachside dining with classic grill fare, cold drinks, and beach essentials. Perfect for a quick bite without leaving the sand.
🏄 Surf City
JM's on the Water
Waterfront dining with beautiful views and fresh seafood. Upscale casual atmosphere perfect for special dinners and celebrations.
Shaka Taco
Fresh tacos, bowls, and beach-inspired Mexican fare. Casual atmosphere perfect for a quick lunch or takeout to the beach.
Peak Tap House and Kitchen
Craft beer selection with elevated pub fare and kitchen favorites. Great atmosphere for adults and families alike.
Low Tide
Laid-back beach bar atmosphere with cold drinks, casual bites, and a relaxed vibe perfect for post-beach unwinding.
New York Corner Deli
Authentic NY-style deli with sandwiches, bagels, and breakfast. Perfect for picnic supplies or a quick lunch before the beach.
Sears Landing
Waterfront dining on the sound with boat dock access. Fresh seafood, stunning views, and a perfect spot for sunset dinners.
Santorini's
Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with fresh flavors and a welcoming atmosphere. A unique dining experience on the island.
Surf City BBQ
Authentic NC barbecue with all the fixings. Pulled pork, ribs, and homestyle sides. Catering available for your rental!
🏝️ North Topsail Beach
Riverview Café
Landmark waterfront restaurant since 1946. Stunning New River views, endless hush puppies, famous broiled scallops, and homemade pies.
119 Hall Point Rd, Sneads Ferry
Rick's
Local favorite with a laid-back atmosphere and solid American fare. Great for families and casual dining.
Agaze Azul
Unique dining experience with distinctive flavors and a welcoming atmosphere in North Topsail Beach.
Coffee & Sweet Treats
Sugar Island
2-story eclectic destination with craft coffee roastery, books, local art, and snacks. Start your day right with quality coffee and browse unique local finds.
Surf City Coffee
Local coffee shop serving up fresh brews, espresso, and light bites. Perfect morning fuel for your beach adventures.
Divers Café
Cozy café atmosphere with coffee, tea, and light fare. Great spot to start your day or take a break from the sun.
Scoops Microcreamery
Handcrafted small-batch ice cream made fresh. Creative flavors and classic favorites. The perfect post-beach treat!
Burry's Chocolates
Artisan chocolates and sweet treats. Perfect for indulgent souvenirs or special occasion desserts during your stay.
Fresh Seafood Markets
JM's
Fresh-off-the-boat seafood to cook in your rental kitchen. Local shrimp, fish, crab, and more from trusted local sources.
Surf City Crab
Specializing in fresh local crab and seasonal seafood. Get the best local catch for cooking in your rental.
Lewis Seafood
Established seafood market with fresh daily catches. They'll even steam it for you! Perfect for easy dinners on your deck.
Drinks & Nightlife
Salty Turtle
Beach bar atmosphere with cold drinks, cocktails, and a laid-back vibe. Perfect for sunset drinks and casual socializing.
Hidden Ships Distillery
Local craft distillery offering tastings and tours. Discover unique spirits made right here in coastal North Carolina.
Driftwood Craft Kitchen and Cocktail Bar
Upscale cocktail experience with craft drinks and elevated bar fare. Perfect for date nights and special occasions.
Peak Tap House
Craft beer selection with rotating taps featuring local and regional breweries. Great atmosphere for beer enthusiasts.
Day Trip Destinations
When you're ready to explore beyond the island, these nearby destinations offer history, nature, and adventure.
Wilmington
Historic downtown with restaurants, shops, and the Cape Fear Riverfront. Visit Battleship North Carolina, Airlie Gardens, or the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Perfect for rainy days or a change of pace.
Hammocks Beach State Park
Pristine undeveloped beaches on Bear Island. Take a ferry or paddle to experience a barrier island as nature intended. Hiking, swimming, and incredible solitude.
Duplin Winery — Rose Hill
Wine tastings, tours, and bistro dining at one of the largest east coast wineries. 10 preselected wines with cheese and crackers. Perfect for couples or wine enthusiasts.
Know Your Island
Topsail Beach (South End)
Vibe: Quiet, peaceful, less crowded
Highlights: Jolly Roger Pier, Missiles and More Museum, Serenity Point
Our Property: The Salty Surfer
Surf City (Center)
Vibe: Heart of the island, most amenities
Highlights: Surf City Pier, restaurants, shops, Soundside Park
Our Properties: The Seahorse & The Dolphin
North Topsail Beach (North End)
Vibe: Family-friendly, natural, less developed
Highlights: Seaview Pier, 4x4 beach driving, Ocean City historic site
Annual Events & Festivals
Browse Our Properties
The Voice of our clients
Top Notch View!
The view at The Dolphin is top notch. We enjoyed watching dolphins swim by every morning. Thank you for sharing your beach home with us. It had everything we needed and more. We can’t wait to return!
Updates Look Great!
The place looks great…really enjoyed the updates! Working with you has been a very positive experience! We are already looking forward to the next visit!!
So Many Memories
This unit was perfect and we can’t wait to return. This was the perfect last week of summer before school begins. Beautiful sunrises, seeing loggerhead turtles born and released, endless games of Uno, and a sandcastle building contest that ended up including everyone routinely setting up on the sand around us – so many memories and more! The best part: giant belly laughs and memories made with our kids…Having this family time is beyond priceless for us.
King Bed is SO Comfortable!
We’ve been staying here for a few years and love all the updates. The new décor is great and the King bed is SO comfortable! We did lots of relaxing, lots of beach time, lots of ocean time…can’t wait to return…!
Well Stocked Kitchen
GREAT week but too short as usual! Been visiting Topsail for 10+ years – love this week when the crowds go down. Lovely redo of the condo unit – appreciate the upgrades and well stocked kitchen! The new bridge is so fun to walk at sunset. The solace offered here is SO appreciated.
We LOVE Your Condo!
It is the perfect size, close to everything in Surf City, and right on the water! We had the best time and can’t wait to return! Thank you for being so easy to work with while renting!
By Far Our Favorite Place
Thank you so much for sharing your amazing condo with us. By far our favorite place we’ve stayed in our years of vacationing here. Thanks for all your help and willingness to answer questions.
Definitely Our Favorite!
Thank you so much for sharing your condo with us. We have been staying in other units here at The Surf and your unit is definitely our favorite – very tastefully decorated and well stocked. We loved being able to sit on the deck in the morning watching the sunrise and having coffee. Spent lots of time on the beach also. Can’t wait to come back!
Beautiful Condo
Thank you for sharing this beautiful condo! What a great way to ring in the new year! Our family spent hours on the beach and loved playing dominos at night. We can’t wait to come back!
Murphy Bed so Comfortable!
The Murphy Bed was my favorite, and so comfortable! The Dolphin provided total relaxation.
Back Again
Back again for another wonderful stay! We love staying at this location, in this condo, for so many reasons! We enjoyed our trip and stay, like we always do, and appreciate renting from you!
Another Magical Stay!
Back again for another magical stay at The Dolphin; more turtles released, sand castles built, and memories made. Thank you for allowing us to create so many wonderful family memories.
Enjoyed All the Extras
We enjoyed all the extras such as a washer and dryer, the Murphy bed, beautifully decorated spaces.
Found Largest Shark Tooth
Enjoyed looking for sharks’ teeth and found my largest one ever! We appreciate your hospitality!
Darling Bunk Beds
Our family of 5 loves the ocean front view, but the darling bunk beds are a HUGE plus!
Awesome
We had such a great time. The condo was clean, beautiful, and just the right size. The view of the ocean from the balcony was so relaxing. We were close to everything. We rode our bikes 90% of the time. The storage closet outside was able to house our 5 bikes. We definitely recommend staying here.
Amazing!
After a couple of years of not getting to travel our first trip back was amazing! Heather and family have done an amazing job and the renovated condo is wonderful. Sun, sand, waves, pool, thunderstorms, food – food – and more food, games in the condo, a trip to the arcade – it’s been a great trip!
The view doesn’t get much better!
Great shared space for friends getaway at the shore! Fantastic view and easy to access the beach from the condo. Must be able and willing to do stairs- living space was clean and inviting. Would definitely recommend and hope to return to The Seahorse for another stay! Big smile.
Updated, super clean and well equipped
My husband and I wanted a quick beach getaway. Love this island in October! The Seahorse was perfect for us and Heather was the best hostess. Beachwalked, biked and enjoyed the solitude. Best part of trip was watching the Loggerhead turtle hatchlings make their way out of the nest and down to the surf (with help from the Topsail Island Turtle Patrol). Would definitely rent the Seahorse again! Thanks Heather and Andy.
Beachfront beauty!
This was a fantastic property with ocean views, relaxing sound of waves, and steps to the beach. We loved the convenience of not having to find a place to park or pay to park (and lugging all our beachgear that we typically have!) The storage closet for all the toys was great! The place was immaculate. Would stay again when in the area. Thank you!!
Wonderful weekend getaway
We had a fantastic time here. The view was amazing, the unit was really nice and well equipped, and Heather was incredibly helpful and attentive. It was perfect for a three day getaway. Will definitely come back!
Amazing stay
Heather was very easy to communicate with and responded promptly to any questions. House was perfect for two adults and three teenagers and the ocean view was just what we needed! The weather couldn’t have cooperated more and being a few steps from the sand and surf was perfect. House was clean and as described.
Wonderful getaway
First time renting this property and it was wonderful! Great ocean view and condo had everything we needed! Would definitely stay again!
Great Beach Condo
Wow!! We loved staying at The Seahorse over the Christmas holiday. The ocean view was fantastic. Sitting on the covered deck or on the sofa or even while preparing food, watching the ocean was a joy. The condo was clean with a very well stocked kitchen. The beds were comfortable and the up to date decor was delightfully beachy. Heather was a great host. Our family of four adults without a doubt recommend The Seahorse.
Anything you could possibly need
My husband and I stayed at the condo for a week and thoroughly enjoyed our vacation. This is a wonderful, spacious property with amazing ocean views!! Perfect location for enjoying the beach. Coffee on the deck every morning was super relaxing. It has comfortable beds, kitchen is equipped with anything you could possibly need and the condo is in excellent condition. The hosts even provide beach chairs, boogie boards, and fun sand toys if you have children. The condo is spotlessly clean, newly renovated, and beautifully decorated. The host was easy to communicate with and was very responsive to our many questions.
A fantastic week!
We had the most relaxing family vacation. The everything you ever would need has been thought of especially for a family with little ones, darkening blinds and curtains, fans, beach toys, aloe plant for sunburns, and best of all a stocked kitchen for cooking. All that with an amazing view, comfortable beds…. Can’t say enough. Thanks for the fantastic week!
Heather is great to work with
Beachy decor, comfortable beds and furniture, very clean! Heather was great to work with, checking in and making sure we were happy…
Outstanding attention to detail
We have stayed at the Surf Condos for nearly a decade, this was our first time at the Seahorse and it was by far the BEST!!! Everything from cleanliness, to a well stocked kitchen to comfy beds and everything in between was just perfect. The attention to detail was outstanding, having extra hooks for wet bathing suits and a rope on the deck made such a difference! The communication from Heather was such a comfort, too.
Ocean views are excellent
Heather was an awesome host! So thoughtful and communicative. The property was just as pictured – beautifully decorated and very clean. The ocean views are excellent and the property overall is so conveniently located. The beach and the pool are both right there and it was a wonderful stay overall. We have stayed at surf condos a couple times in the past, but this has been the best stay so far.
The views are breathtaking
Heather is very detailed with her listing, the condo is beautiful and has all the extras you need for a great vacation! The views are breathtaking! We had helpful communication during the weather change with Tropical Storm Warning from Hurricane Ian. We appreciated the care she gave to keep us updated throughout the storm.
Exceeds all other properties by far
I have rented a number of units in this property and this, by far, exceeds all the other properties. It is an updated, clean, and well-designed property. I found the kitchen well-stocked, the amenities are superior, and the location is hard to beat. The owner communicated clearly and frequently ensuring we had an excellent stay. They have maximize the space to allow for a more comfortable stay for more people. The owners have taken great care to furnish the unit with higher end furniture including the beds. I highly recommend this location as it is one of the better properties I have stayed in at this location.
Loved this condo!
Great views from the family room and kitchen. Very clean and well appointed. Loved the decor and the space this condo offered. The upstairs loft was super cute with plenty of sleeping space for a couple and 2 kids or have All the kids upstairs (queen and a bunk bed set) Owner has thought of anything you may need and has made it easy to address any questions you may have. Will definitely stay here again!
Perfect Location
Right on beach and close to everything on (and off) Island. The Condo was clean, very tastefully decorated with beachy theme. Extremely comfortable with beautiful view of Ocean and beach. The balcony perfect to sit and relax after busy activities. Heather perfect communicator and always promptly available to answer all questions.
Mother’s Day Vacation
Location was awesome and communication was great! The place was decorated so cute and very up to date! It was a perfect getaway to take my mom for a mother’s day vacation! Will definitely be back!!