In fact, Topsail Island, at 26 miles long and 500 to 1,500 feet wide, offers some of the least populated beaches along coastal North Carolina. Quietly tucked away between Jacksonville and Wilmington, Topsail Island (pronounced Topsul) transcends the hands of time, sweeping visitors back with each wave that laps the shore. Life is simpler here. There are no amusement parks. No bike week. No multi-million dollar museums or zoos to lure guests to the region. What we do have, however, is 26-miles of unfettered, natural beauty that is nearly impossible to find without heading to the far reaches of the earth.
Topsail Beach
Nestled on the southern tip of Topsail Island, Topsail Beach is the smallest of the island's communities with about 500 full-time residents and an ebbing tide of new and returning visitors.
This family-oriented seaside town boasts pristine stretches of beaches and an irresistible old-fashioned charm that is hard to find amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Prior to the 1940s, the only access to Topsail Island was by boat. Mainland residents frequently made the short trip across the sound and picnicked on the private sandy shores of Topsail Beach. Besides private homes and other small commercial developments, not much has changed. Ordinances prohibit high-rise development on this part of the island, leaving visitors with miles of natural, untouched seashore to stroll.
Surf City
From the ocean to Hwy 17, Surf City was the first municipality on Topsail Island and continues to be the largest, boasting just under 2,000 full-time residents.
Incorporated in 1949, Surf City, like most of this rural region's communities, came to life as a direct result of the military's presence in the region. Today, it is seen as the commercial hub of the island for shopping and entertainment. Visitors, both young and young-at-heart enjoy miniature golf, surf shops, unique gift shops and area favorite Soundside Park, with its iconic boardwalk, picnic areas and public boat ramps. Unsurpassed fishing and bike paths make navigating Surf City's parks and 25 public beach accesses a true pleasure.
The town, divided between Pender and Onslow counties, is home to one of the last, and one of the longest swing bridges in North Carolina. Still in use today, the bridge generally opens on the hour to allow watercraft through and provides a prime vantage point from which to view the sound.
North Topsail Beach
Named after its location on Topsail Island, North Topsail Beach was incorporated in 1990. Slightly more secluded than the hustle and bustle of Surf City and Topsail. With a population of around 850, North Topsail Beach's sound features picturesque marshes and gracefully sloping dunes while the ocean side boasts beautiful access to the beach. With both to choose from, North Topsail is a favorite spot for kayakers.
Topsail Beach
Nestled on the southern tip of Topsail Island, Topsail Beach is the smallest of the island's communities with about 500 full-time residents and an ebbing tide of new and returning visitors.
This family-oriented seaside town boasts pristine stretches of beaches and an irresistible old-fashioned charm that is hard to find amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Prior to the 1940s, the only access to Topsail Island was by boat. Mainland residents frequently made the short trip across the sound and picnicked on the private sandy shores of Topsail Beach. Besides private homes and other small commercial developments, not much has changed. Ordinances prohibit high-rise development on this part of the island, leaving visitors with miles of natural, untouched seashore to stroll.
Surf City
From the ocean to Hwy 17, Surf City was the first municipality on Topsail Island and continues to be the largest, boasting just under 2,000 full-time residents.
Incorporated in 1949, Surf City, like most of this rural region's communities, came to life as a direct result of the military's presence in the region. Today, it is seen as the commercial hub of the island for shopping and entertainment. Visitors, both young and young-at-heart enjoy miniature golf, surf shops, unique gift shops and area favorite Soundside Park, with its iconic boardwalk, picnic areas and public boat ramps. Unsurpassed fishing and bike paths make navigating Surf City's parks and 25 public beach accesses a true pleasure.
The town, divided between Pender and Onslow counties, is home to one of the last, and one of the longest swing bridges in North Carolina. Still in use today, the bridge generally opens on the hour to allow watercraft through and provides a prime vantage point from which to view the sound.
North Topsail Beach
Named after its location on Topsail Island, North Topsail Beach was incorporated in 1990. Slightly more secluded than the hustle and bustle of Surf City and Topsail. With a population of around 850, North Topsail Beach's sound features picturesque marshes and gracefully sloping dunes while the ocean side boasts beautiful access to the beach. With both to choose from, North Topsail is a favorite spot for kayakers.