Topsail Island, North Carolina
Topsail Island Vacation Rentals
Topsail Island is 26 miles of uncrowded beach and three small towns: North Topsail Beach, Surf City and Topsail Beach. We manage 2 homes here, 1 of them dog friendly. Book direct with our local team and skip the booking-site fees.
Book direct
2 Homes to Choose From
- 1 dog friendly
- From $200 / night
Pins show approximate locations. Exact addresses are shared after booking.
Local knowledge
About Topsail Island
Topsail is a long, narrow barrier island about an hour north of Wilmington, with three towns from north to south: North Topsail Beach, Surf City and Topsail Beach. It's known for wide, quiet beaches and a slower pace than the bigger beach towns.
Each town has its own feel, from the shops and restaurants around Surf City to quieter stretches at either end. The sound side is calm water for kayaks and paddleboards.
Summer is peak season. In October the island holds Autumn with Topsail, and the beaches empty out for long fall walks.
Why Stay on Topsail Island
Sea Turtle Rescue
The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Surf City is run by volunteers. Guided tours need a reservation.
Missiles and More Museum
In Topsail Beach, telling the story of Operation Bumblebee, the Navy's secret missile testing on the island from 1946 to 1948.
Fishing Piers
Piers along the island for fishing, sunrise walks and watching the surf.
The Sound Side
Calm water behind the island for kayaking, paddleboarding and sunset views.
Know before you go
Topsail Island Right Now
Forecast
Veterans DayPartly Sunny72°F
TonightPartly Cloudy55°F
ThursdaySunny74°F
Thursday NightMostly Clear45°F
Tides
Today
- Low 1:37 am0.4 ft
- High 8:15 am5.3 ft
- Low 2:45 pm0.6 ft
- High 8:32 pm3.7 ft
Thursday
- Low 2:14 am0.6 ft
- High 8:54 am5.1 ft
- Low 3:26 pm0.7 ft
- High 9:12 pm3.5 ft
Sunrise 6:40 am Sunset 5:10 pm
Beach Parking
Surf City
Paid about March 1 to October 31, daytime, at paid lots and spaces.
Paid March 1 to October 31, 9 am to 5 pm, at designated lots only.
Rates change each year; check posted signs or the official site.
Beach safety: rip currents are the biggest risk on this coast. Swim near a lifeguard, check the beach flags, and if you're caught in a current, swim parallel to shore until you're out of it.
What's on
Events in Topsail Island
Events to Look Forward To
- Oct
Autumn with Topsail
Mid-October, in Topsail Beach
Beach music, arts and crafts and food at the historic Assembly Building, benefiting the island's historical society.
Dates change, so check with the organizer before you book. The full calendar is at Visit Pender events.