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Where is Surf City located?
- Surf City is located on Topsail Island, one of a string of three barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina.
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Why is Topsail Island a great vacation destination?
- Surrounded by 26 miles of coastline, the island is an ideal vacation destination for beach enthusiasts.
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What water sports are available in Surf City?
- Surf City offers access to a wide variety of water sports, including jet skiing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), kayaking, and more.
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Is Surf City good for surfing?
- Yes! Surf City has consistently good swell conditions for surfing, and there is a surf school onsite for beginners.
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What other activities can visitors enjoy on the island?
- Other island activities include visiting the Missiles and More Museum, fishing off the Surf City Pier, and visiting the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Center.
Topsail Island
Walk along sandy shores, enjoy relaxing beach views and summer fun.
Topsail Island is separated from the North Carolina mainland by the numerous sounds and channels which make up the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. The island is connected to the mainland by two bridges and is a popular vacation destination. Legend has it that pirates once hid along the Intracoastal waterways and that merchant shippers had to look out for the topsail of the pirates’ ships to avoid capture. After WWII the U.S. Navy used the island as a missile test site - today visitors can tour the Missiles and More Museum to learn all about Operation Bumblebee. Other island attractions include a sea turtle rescue center, great beaches and the Surf City Pier.
Topsail Island, Onslow/Pender County, NC
Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital and Rehabilitation Center
Discover sea turtle conservation, admire rescued turtles in recovery.
As sea turtle numbers in the wild decline at an alarming rate, the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital and Rehabilitation Center strives to rescue, rehabilitate and offer sanctuary to these amazing endangered creatures. The center is a non-profit organization and visitors have the satisfaction of knowing that they are supporting an essential wildlife cause. The center volunteers monitor over 26 miles of coastline during the turtle breeding season from May to August, to assist newly-hatched baby turtles safely make their way to the ocean. Visitors to the center will find out all about turtle conservation, care and rehabilitation and meet some of the “patients”. You can further assist the center by “adopting” a turtle.
Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Center, 302 Tortuga Lane, Surf City, NC 28445, Phone: 910-329-0222, Sea Turtle Release Video
Surf City Ocean Pie
Walk along the pier, enjoy scenic ocean views and fishing.
For more than 50 years the Surf City Pier has been a prominent and well-loved landmark in Surf City. The pier has been damaged or destroyed several times due to storms and hurricanes, but has been faithfully repaired and restored each time. Fishing enthusiasts come from near and far to enjoy excellent pier fishing along with great facilities. There are two fish-cleaning stations with running water, a well-stocked tackle shop where you can buy just about everything you need for a fun day of fishing (including bait) and a grill/ice cream shop with outdoor seating area where you can top-up your energy. The pier is lit up at night for all-night fishing.
Surf City Ocean Pie, 112 South Shore Dr, Surf City, NC 28445, Phone: 910-328-3521, Facebook
Salty Turtle Beer Company
Savor craft brews, enjoy a laid-back atmosphere with friends.
Salty Turtle Beer Company is owned and operated by a trio of craft beer enthusiasts who believe that every neighborhood deserves its own special local craft beers. From the outset the brewery partnered with the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Center and supports their efforts with a portion of the takings. The tap house is open 7 days a week from 12 noon and beer enthusiasts can look forward to trying several craft beers on tap, including their Hurricane Hazel Hefeweizen, Coastline Kolsch, several IPA’s and their signature She’s so Basic, which is flavored with pumpkin pie and pumpkin pie spices. The on-site store sells a variety of branded apparel to remind you of your visit to Surf City.
Salty Turtle Beer Company, 103 Triton Lane, Surf City, NC 28445, Phone: 910-803-2019
Topsail Steamer
Savor fresh seafood, enjoy take-home steam pots with bold coastal flavors.
There is nothing quite like joining friends and family to enjoy a great Low Country seafood feast. If you are visiting Topsail Island the place to go for the freshest and tastiest steamer buckets of shrimp, scallops, clams and oyster is the Topsail Steamer. Topsail Steamer makes vacation entertaining at home a breeze – all you do is choose your favorite combinations of sea food, collect your bucket (with all the trimmings) and take it with you to steam at home or on the beach. The company offers a choice of regular buckets or you are welcome to order a custom-selection of your favorite foods together with sides and sauces.
Topsail Steamer, 302 S. Topsail Drive, Surf City, NC 28445, Phone: 910-328-2645
EMA Touch Tank Aquarium
Explore marine life, let kids enjoy hands-on, interactive experiences.
The EMA Touch Tank Aquarium is one of Surf City’s one-of-a-kind attractions. Geared towards educating its visitors about the diversity of marine life, guests to the EMA Touch Tank can get learn about different marine animals and even see them up close. As the aquarium’s name suggests, guests and encouraged to experience these animals in a hands-on way. Meet bearded dragons, pet a ball python, hold a gecko in your palm, or let a tiny crab walk along your palms and arms. Depending on what time of the year it is, visitors can also see stingrays, starfish, fiddler grabs, and urchins up close.
EMA Touch Tank Aquarium, 106 N. Topsail Drive, Surf City, North Carolina 28445; Phone: 910-515-9751
Topsail Escape Room
Solve challenging puzzles, enjoy an exciting group adventure.
Topsail Escape Room is the ultimate destination for escape adventures in Surf City. Perfect for all kinds of groups, whether you’re playing with family, friends, or co-workers, Topsail Escape Rooms will have something for every kind of team and all levels of players. What makes Topsail Escape Room unique is they offer both indoor and outdoor adventures. Their newest addition is an outdoor scavenger hunt where teams will have to follow instructions from the journal of Blackbeard to find treasures. Indoor rooms include Ocean’s Call and Beach House Break Out, both of which have a one-hour time limit to find their way out of the escape room.
328 A North Topsail Drive, Surf City, North Carolina 28445, Phone: 910-381-4425
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Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
Surf City Ocean Pier Motel – A beachfront stay with easy pier access.
Visit Surf City Ocean Pier – Enjoy fishing, sightseeing, and stunning ocean views.
Summer (June-August) – Peak season with warm weather and ideal beach conditions.
Topsail Shores Inn – A comfortable and family-friendly stay.
Relax at Topsail Beach – Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and watersports.
Fall (September-November) – Cooler temperatures and fewer tourists.
Loggerhead Inn & Suites – A cozy and budget-friendly option.
Explore Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue – Learn about conservation efforts and see rescued sea turtles.
Plan Your Trip
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