Topsail Island

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Topsail Island

The “high rise bridge” on the north end spans the New River, which is one of the oldest rivers and is the only river in the U.S. that begins and ends in one county.  At the bridge’s crest, the marsh area resembles the Okavango Delta in Botswana, Africa.  The other access to Topsail Island is by the swing bridge mid-island at Surf City.  Topsail Island has been a busy island from the early Indians and explorers in the 1500s to pirates, the Civil War Era, World War II and Operation Bumblebee to the present.

Basic information about Topsail Island

Ø      Beach Accesses – Ocean front homes have direct access to the beach.  Several public accesses are strategically located throughout the island with adjacent parking.

Ø      Dining – All three cities on Topsail Island have local restaurants.   Hampstead (25 minutes south), Wilmington (45 minutes south) and Jacksonville(45 minutes north) has more restaurants.  Locals from Topsail to Kure Beach declare Topsail’s Stump Sound Oysters as the best.

Ø      Shopping, General – Locally owned gift stores are primarily located in Surf City’s central business district.  Hampstead (25 minutes south), Wilmington (45 minutes south) and Jacksonville (45 minutes north) have more specialty stores.

Ø      Shopping, Grocery – The island has a variety of convenience stores.  Hampstead (25 minutes south) and Sneads Ferry (15 minutes north) have larger grocery stores.

Ø      Towns – Topsail Island has three municipalities Topsail Beach (south), Surf City (mid-island) and North Topsail Beach (north). 

Attractions to visit while you’re vacationing on Topsail Island include:

ü      Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rehabilitation and Rescue Center – (Topsail Beach) cares for and rehabilitates injured Loggerhead turtles and other species, and then releases them back into their natural environment.

ü      Missiles and More Museum – (Topsail Beach) boasts a large seashell collection, World War II artifacts from Camp Davis and Operation Bumblebee, pirate displays, and information on flora and fauna in the area. 

ü      North Topsail State Park – (North Topsail Beach) has a tot lot, picnic shelter, volleyball and basketball courts, and a gazebo with spectacular views of the sound.

ü      Soundside Park – (Surf City) is adjacent to the swing bridge and provides public boat ramps, picnic areas, play ground complete with a basketball court, slides, and swings.

ü      Surf City Community Center - (Surf City)