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.
Topsail Island Half-Day Electric Bike Rental
Duration: 4 hours
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
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
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.
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
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
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)
8. Book an excursion with Top Sail Island Tours
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
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
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
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
12. Browse at Quarter Moon Books and Gifts
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
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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13. Explore the shores of Lea-Hutaff Island
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
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
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
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.
Learn to Blacksmith
Duration: 4 hours
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
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.
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