Experience the ultimate coastal North Carolina vacation with the best dining, on-site activities and things to do on Topsail Island. There’s so much to see and do in the area, when you an accommodation at our historic hotel in Surf City, North Carolina.
On-Site Activities
Feel free to explore our amazing area, or relax on our grounds with some awesome amenities. There’s something to do for everyone in the family right on our property.
- Grill for Guests
- Pool & Pergola
- Corn Hole
- Bike Rentals
Sea Turtle Rescue
Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center
Topsail Island is a nesting ground for the endangered Loggerhead sea turtle. These giants of the sea nest from mid-May to mid-August. All species of sea turtles are fighting for survival and are protected by the Endangered and Threatened Species Act. It is a violation of Federal Law to interfere in any way with nesting or hatching turtles. The Topsail Turtle Project is a local group of dedicated volunteers who monitor and protect the turtles.
The local “turtle hospital” rescues and rehabilitates sick and injured sea turtles found in our area. The newly built facility is located on the mainland near the Surf City Community Center at 302 Tortuga Lane. Visit the website for more information on the facility, gift shop, and details on visiting hours and tour costs.
Parks
Soundside Park in Surf City
Located by the swing bridge, this park features a children’s playground with slides, climbing areas, and swings; covered picnic areas; public restrooms; fishing areas; and pier areas for walking and fishing.
Kenneth D. Batts Park
This park offers a children’s playground with a slide and swings, a covered picnic area, a basketball court, restroom, and a pier for walking and fishing.
Surf City Community Center
This community center provides a wonderful location in mainland Surf City for a variety of weekly and/or daily spring and summer camps for children and teens! These include Basketball Camps with Offshore Sports as well as Indoor Soccer Camps and more!
Nelva R. Albury Recreation Area
Located in northern Surf City on the corner of Hwy 210 & Broadway St., here you can find a children’s playground with public restrooms with nearby public beach access areas.
Boating Access Ramps
Sail or motorboat in Topsail Sound, the Intracoastal Waterway, or the Atlantic Ocean. Area boat ramps include:
Soundside Park
This is a North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission boating access ramp located by the swing bridge at Soundside Park in Surf City. It’s free to the public and offers parking for boat trailers.
Town of Topsail Beach
This is a town-managed boating access ramp at Bush’s Marina.
Other Boating Access Ramps
Find other places to launch your boat in and around Surf City, NC.
Restaurants
High Waters Sports Bar and Grill
Visit our partner restaurant right next door and enjoy some of the best burgers, wings and other things.
The Daily Grind Surf City
Delicious homemade donuts as well as a variety of hot and cold coffees to try, the Daily Grind in Surf City is one of the local’s everyday hangouts. Menu
Sea Blue Coffee & Grits
Family owned coffee and ice cream shop offering coffee, smoothies and hand-dipped ice cream crafted in Madison, Wisconsin. Menu
Shaka Taco
Casual, contemporary window selling tacos, nachos & wings, plus beer & wine, with patio seating. Menu
Daddy Mac’s Beach Grill
Cold drinks, plenty of outdoor and indoor seating and a variety of burgers, steaks and seafood, Daddy Mac’s is a vibrant outdoor restaurant on the ocean. Menu
New York Corner Deli
Featuring an upstairs dining area decked out in NY themed decor, this breakfast, brunch or lunch hot spot has all your New York deli needs. Menu
Rentals
Rent bikes, kayaks, beach boards and baby items for the perfect outing at the coast.
50 South Surf Shop
Bike, paddle board, and surfboard rentals
Patio Playground
Bike rentals
Herring’s Outdoor Sports
Bike, surfboard, paddle board, skim board, boogie board, and kayak rentals
Me & Mom Rentals
Beach items, grills, and baby items
Seaside Linen & Rental Company
Beach gear and baby items
Fishing Piers
Fishing on the sound or surfcasting on the beach are both popular in our area. There are several local bait and tackle shops, and several fishing piers are located on the Island:
Surf City Pier
This pier is located in Surf City. This is Topsail Island’s first ocean pier, originally built in 1948.
Jolly Roger Pier
This pier is located in Topsail Beach. It extends 850 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, and has long been an area landmark.
Other Fishing Locations
Discover maps, guides and other resources to help you find your favorite spot to fish.
Fishing Licenses
A Coastal Recreational Fishing License for saltwater fishing is required. Several local retailers offer this license for purchase.
Concierge & Activity Planning
Swingbridge Beer & Wine Concierge Service
Pre-order craft beer and wine refrigerated and ready for you when you arrive! Call in your order at least 1 week prior to arrival and pay by credit card. It will be cold and ready for pickup on your arrival date OR they will deliver for an additional fee.
Boutiques & Galleries
Topsail Island Trading Company
Shop for souvenirs from your Surf City stay, such as jewelry, kids’ stuff, signs, t-shirts and fresh fudge.
BumbleBee Market
Shop for adorable beach souvenirs, gifts to take home and other unique finds for the whole family.
Southern Emporium
Stop by foreclectic jewelry, chic and trendy home décor, and fun accessories with friendly service and Southern charm.