Overview
Bald Head Island is a 2 mi journey across the Cape Fear River from Southport (North Carolina), North Carolina and the site of Old Baldy, the state’s oldest standing lighthouse, circa 1817. Amid the island’s 12,000 acres, you’ll find 10,000 untouched acres of beach, marsh and maritime forest preserves and intimate neighborhoods that respect the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 36°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Sep and Aug. (climate data from nearby Wilmington)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- ILM Wilmington International Airport, Wilmington — 29 mi away. Directions
- MYR Myrtle Beach International Airport, Myrtle Beach — 55 mi away (major hub). Directions
In about 20 minutes, the Bald Head Island Transportation passenger ferry transports you from Deep Point Marina in Southport, NC, to the shores of Bald Head Island. For most of the year, ferries leave the mainland on the hour and the island on the half-hour, beginning at 7AM The winter schedule may be abbreviated, and the summer schedule expanded.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
You can reach this subtropical island only by passenger ferry or private vessel. Transportation here is limited to golf carts, bikes, or your own two feet, resulting in a relaxed, easy-going pace. There are about 220 year-round residents. In the summer, the island hums with thousands of vacationers and day visitors. The popular July Fourth Golf Cart Parade is the island's quirkiest and longest-standing tradition.
Get in
In about 20 minutes, the Bald Head Island Transportation passenger ferry transports you from Deep Point Marina in Southport, NC, to the shores of Bald Head Island. For most of the year, ferries leave the mainland on the hour and the island on the half-hour, beginning at 7AM The winter schedule may be abbreviated, and the summer schedule expanded.
Round-trip tickets cost $24.75 for adults, $13.75 for children ages 3–12. There is no charge for children ages two and younger. Tram service to your island destination may be provided based on ticket type and availability. A discounted "no-frills" ticket is available at the Bald Head Island Marina for same-day round-trips that originate on the island and require no baggage handling or tram service. Ferry and tram reservations should be made by calling (910) 457-5003.
Go Bald Head Island Ferry Landing
Get around
You can rent a golf car or bike from Riverside Adventure Co. located near the ferry landing. Call (910) 457-4944 for reservations.
See
Visit Old Baldy Lighthouse, circa 1817, just a short walk from the ferry landing. Check out Captain Charlie's Station, three restored lighthouse keepers' cottages dating back to 1903. Stop by the Bald Head Island Conservancy's Barrier Island Study Center to learn about island ecology and wildlife.
Do
Stroll 14 miles of pristine beaches, try your luck on the acclaimed seaside golf course, or just kick back on the porch of a cottage overlooking the Atlantic. Outdoor adventures like sailing, surfing and exploring are available through Riverside Adventure Co.
Sleep
Whether oceanfront or tucked in the maritime forest, large enough for extended families or cozy enough for couples, the quality vacation rental homes offered by Bald Head Island Limited Property Management allow you to perfectly suit your getaway mood.
Nearby
Southport
City / town · 9 listings · 5 mi away
Oak Island
City / town · 12 listings · 9 mi away
Kure Beach
City / town · 7 listings · 10 mi away
Carolina Beach
City / town · 8 listings · 13 mi away
Holden Beach
City / town · 1 listings · 18 mi away
Wilmington
City / town · 63 listings · 25 mi away
Ocean Isle Beach
City / town · 4 listings · 26 mi away
Sunset Beach
City / town · 12 listings · 30 mi away
My experience
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