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