17 Best Things To Do In And Around Topsail Beach, North Carolina

Dominica
Dominica 
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Topsail Beach, North Carolina, is the perfect location for a relaxing beach vacation. The town of Topsail offers miles of uncrowded, sandy beaches, perfect fishing spots, exciting boating excursions, and beautiful sunsets. There are plenty of Topsail Island attractions to keep visitors occupied, so book a stay now at the best Airbnb or beach house rentals in town, and keep reading to learn about the best things to do in and around Topsail Beach, North Carolina.

1. Hop on an electric bike and explore at your own pace (from USD 60.0)

With this tour, participants have the opportunity to explore the area using electric bikes, which are equipped with both pedal assist and throttle assist capabilities, ensuring an enjoyable and versatile riding experience. Participants are provided protective gear such as helmets and locks, along with handlebar bags and lights for a hassle-free journey.

You’ll also be provided with a list of the best biking routes and important cycling regulations, ensuring that you can make the most of your exploration while adhering to local rules.

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Topsail Island Half-Day Electric Bike Rental

Duration: 4 hours

1 review

2. Spend a tranquil day at Serenity Point


Even if you’re staying in a vacation rental with a private pool, nothing can beat the fun time you can have on the pristine beach. Spending your afternoon at Serenity Point will surely be a worthwhile venture. This attraction in Topsail Beach is away from the rowdy nightlife and is mainly just a townhome community that likes to keep its peace at all times. The area is secluded enough to be your tranquil hangout spot during the day but is also a short distance away from the convenience of restaurants and commercial shops.

Serenity Point

Address: Topsail Beach, NC, United States

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3. Feast on seafood at Breezeway Restaurant

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by The Breezeway Restaurant & Motel on Friday, April 2, 2021

Being a coastal state, North Carolina is one of the best regions in the country for top-tier seafood. When you have craving for such in Topsail Beach, come hungry to Breezeway Restaurant and you’ll certainly leave with a smile on your face. This restaurant located right on Topsail Sound is notable for its large seafood platter options like flounder, shrimp, and oyster. If you really want to splurge, we suggest that you get your hands on the Breezeway Blue crab cakes!

Breezeway Restaurant

Address: 634 Channel Blvd, Topsail Beach, NC 28445, United States

Website: Breezeway Restaurant

Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)

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4. Spend a day at Topsail Beach

North Topsail Beach, NC 2003 (2038981742)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Lee Ruk used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Don’t know what to do in Topsail Beach? Lay down a beach towel and catch some rays right on its sandy shores. Build a sandcastle or sunbathe and then cool off in the crystal blue ocean water. There are plenty of activities to enjoy. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along the shore and watch the beautiful sunset over the water. Visitors can have a relaxing day on the beach, whether they are there to sunbathe, surf or fish Topsail Beach is the perfect spot to have a fun and easy-going beach vacation.

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5. Take your vessel to Bush Marina

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Are you a lover of the sea? How about boating and sailing? If you want to experience one of the best Topsail Beach activities, then bring your worthy vessel down to Bush Marina. An attendant is available for slip rentals and ramp permits all weekend long, from Friday through Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm.

Bush Marina

Address: 912 S. Anderson Boulevard, Topsail Beach, NC 28445

Website: Bush Marina

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6. Go fishing at Jolly Roger Fishing Pier


Topsail Beach is known for being a fishing town, and this is evident by the popular Jolly Roger Fishing Pier. Located close to Jolly Roger Inn, fishermen of all ages come to this pier for some quality onshore fishing. Right next to this Topsail Beach attraction is Jolly Roger Inn, which boasts beautiful ocean views, and is the perfect spot to stay if you’re planning on fishing or just exploring the area. If you don’t know what to do in Topsail Beach but you enjoy fishing, then head out to spend the day here!

Jolly Roger Fishing Pier

Address: 803 Ocean Boulevard, Topsail Beach, NC 28445

Website: Jolly Roger Fishing Pier

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7. Have a nerve-wracking adventure at Topsail Escape Room

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Topsail Escape Room is an immersive entertainment experience offering a diverse selection of themed rooms that challenge participants to work together, solve puzzles, and unlock clues to “escape” within a set time limit.

With engaging storylines and intricately designed scenarios, Topsail Escape Room provides an exciting opportunity for friends, families, and teams to test their problem-solving skills and teamwork in a thrilling and interactive environment. It’s an ideal activity for those seeking adventure, mental stimulation, and a unique way to bond with loved ones in the beautiful coastal setting of Topsail Island.

Topsail Escape Room

Address: 328A N Topsail Dr, Surf City, NC 28445, United States

Website: Topsail Escape Room

Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 2:30pm - 8pm; Fri - Sun: 12:30pm - 8pm (closed on Mon)

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8. Book an excursion with Top Sail Island Tours

Topsail Island Sound Side
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Topsail1995 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

As previously mentioned, Topsail Beach is known as a very popular fishing town, but pier fishing isn’t the only place to reel in the big ones. Those who want to fish offshore can always book an exciting fishing excursion with Fish Topsail. Half-day fishing trips start at $60.00 and all day trips start at $100.00. Not into fishing but still want to enjoy a boat tour? No problem - Fish Topsail offers evening cruises. Guests can bring their own drinks and food, then sit back for a relaxing cruise along Topsail’s pretty waters. Tickets are $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for children. So, pack your picnic basket and get ready to see Topsail Beach in a fun and unique way.

Top Sail Island Tours

Price (Evening Cruise): from10 USD to 15 USD

Address: 720 Channel Boulevard, Topsail Beach, NC 28445

Website: Top Sail Island Tours

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9. Check out Missiles and More Museum


Come visit the Missiles and More Museum and learn all about Topsail Beach during World War II. Experience the exhibit of the barrier islands and learn about its vegetation and wildlife. View an original Native American canoe that dates back to the 1700’s in the natural history exhibit, and learn all about the WWII aircraft-training center in Topsail, at the Camp Davis exhibit. History lovers old and young will have a great time absorbing all of the information and rich history that the Missiles and More Museum has to offer.

Missiles and More Museum

Address: 720 Channel Boulevard, Topsail Beach, Topsail Island, NC 28445

Website: Missiles and More Museum

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10. Have fun at Patio Playground Putt-Putt

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

We have dedicated golfers!!! We had a water spout form right in front of our eyes. Everyone is safe and the weather is...

Posted by Patio Playground - the Putt-Putt on Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Bring the whole family or invite some friends for a fun-filled putt-putt golf experience. At this 1950’s retro inspired putt-putt golf facility, golf is not the only popular attraction on offer. Come out with your family and friends on Wednesday nights and dance to some oldies played by a DJ, or party to some popular tunes on Friday night’s dance parties. Once you’re all danced out, play some games at the arcade or rent some movies and bikes. Patio Playground is so much more than just another putt-putt, so come and see for yourself!

Patio Playground Putt-Putt

Address: 807 S. Anderson Boulevard, Topsail Beach, Topsail Island, NC 28445

Facebook Page: Patio Playground Putt-Putt

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11. Go skating at Topsail Skating Rink

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Topsail Beach Skating Rink on Thursday, April 22, 2021

Soak up the nostalgia and take a spin around the skating rink at Topsail Skating Rink. Rent a pair of skates and enjoy the retro 1950s-style skating rink with your entire family. Admission is free and visitors only pay for the skate rentals.

Topsail Skating Rink

Address: 714 S. Anderson Boulevard, Topsail Beach, NC 28445

Facebook page: Topsail Skating Rink

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12. Browse at Quarter Moon Books and Gifts

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Quarter Moon Books, Gifts & Wine Bar on Sunday, August 22, 2021

This gift shop is unlike any other, so sit back, sip a cup of coffee, and wind down with a good book. Quarter Moon Gifts and Books is a gift and bookshop that also sells clothing and other treasures. It has a coffee shop and wine bar, and on the weekends, Quarter Moon’s wine bar offers live entertainment and music. So get cozy and enjoy this little local gem of a shop.

So, if shopping in Topsail Beach is part of the agenda, be sure to include this gift shop in the itinerary.

Quarter Moon Books and Gifts

Address: 708 S. Anderson Boulevard, Topsail Beach, NC, 28445

Website: Quarter Moon Books and Gifts

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Nearby options

13. Explore the shores of Lea-Hutaff Island

Lea-Hutaff Island
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Indy beetle used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Another hidden paradise close to Topsail Beach, just over 30 minutes away is the barrier island of Lea-Hutaff Island in Hampstead. You can spend hours and hours of uninterrupted quiet time since the island does not have any residents.

An idyllic destination for a day trip from Topsail Beach, the island may only be accessed via boats and is a nesting spot for various creatures such as loggerhead turtles, American oystercatchers, and clapper rails. Here you will also find Lea Island State Natural Area, a 25-acre (10-hectare) state park.

Lea-Hutaff Island

Address: Hampstead, NC 28443, United States

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14. Learn about marine life at Ecological Marine Adventures

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


At Ecological Marine Adventures, children and adults can take advantage of some hands-on learning about marine life and their environment. Come take a one or three day class and learn everything from paddleboarding to crab hunting, to free weekly community classes. The free classes are perfect for visitors to Topsail Beach, as attendees are permitted to touch the various forms of marine life that inhabit the touch tanks.

Ecological Marine Adventures

Address: 116 Topsail Dr., Surf City, NC 28445

Website: Ecological Marine Adventures

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15. Rent a jetski and play in the waves

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Have a blast on the water with good quality Jetski rentals. The people who run the center are very helpful and make sure you know all the rules and how to use your hire. Surf City Jet Ski Rentals is 6 miles / 10km from Topsail. Leave the crowds behind on the beaches and head out over the water. You may even find some dolphins out there.

There’s a stretch of water nine miles (14km) long for you to explore. The water bikes are in good condition with a focus is on safety. It’s a wonderful activity for kids, teens, parents and young at heart grandparents.

Surf City Jet Ski Rentals

Address: 512 Roland Ave, Surf City, NC 28445

Website: Surf City Jet Ski Rentals

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16. Learn the art of blacksmithing (from USD 125.0)

Get ready to try something new and experience the art of blacksmithing demonstrated by a passionate expert. This interactive four-hour class is sure to pique your interest. You will learn several different metalworking techniques that are essential to the art. You will not only watch the instructor but you will also get to experience the process firsthand. This is a great opportunity to pick up a new skill and discover how interesting the art of blacksmithing is. This Airbnb experience takes place in Wilmington, 50 minutes from Topsail Beach.

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Learn to Blacksmith

Duration: 4 hours

5 reviews

17. Check out Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


For a friendly and fun family experience, visit the Sea Turtle Rescue Center. Young and old will enjoy seeing the turtle hospital. This attraction near Topsail Beach, NC, is wheelchair-friendly and the guides are helpful and interesting. Check with them for release dates, as they do set the turtles free if they can. Tables are set out that explain the turtle mission.

Get up close to these animals and support the good work being done. Learn why and how they operate. They take small groups through at one time so everyone gets to know what’s going on with the marine animals.

Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue

Address: 302 Tortuga Lane, Surf City, North Carolina 28445

Website: Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue

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Visit Topsail Beach, North Carolina

Topsail Beach is a beautiful and quiet beach town just waiting to be explored. With all the vacation rentals that this area provides, all that’s left for you to worry about is which island adventure to take on next. Fur parents need not worry about their four-legged besties as well since there are plenty of pet-friendly Airbnbs in the area. So pack your fishing gear, throw down a beach towel, and get ready to soak up some sun with these exciting activities in Topsail Beach.

Frequently asked questions about the best things to do in and near Topsail Beach, North Carolina


  • What are the top attractions to visit in Topsail Beach?

    Given that it’s a beach town, most of its top attractions are connected to the water, including Topsail Island and the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. If you want more options, you can also visit Missiles and More Museum and Jolly Roger Fishing Pier.

  • What are the best outdoor activities in Topsail Beach?

    The best outdoor things to do in Topsail Beach are mostly water activities, like fishing at the Jolly Roger Fishing Pier, boating with the help of Bush Marina, and renting a jet ski at Surf City Jet Ski Rentals.

  • What are the most popular things to do in Topsail Beach with kids?

    If you want your kid to have fun while learning, then the best kid-friendly activity that both of you can do here is visit the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. Here, the kids will learn about sea turtles and have a closer encounter with the sea creature. Also, on their releasing schedule, you can join the staff as they release some sea turtle back to their natural habitat.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Words such as Fernweh and Wanderlust are in Dominica's every day vocabulary. She can’t sit still for longer than a month, until the travel-bug gives her the itch. Growing up in Europe, with a...Read more

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