Overview
Topsail Beach is a city in Pender County, on the North Carolina Coastal Plain. Topsail Island is halfway between Wilmington and Jacksonville, NC (about 25 miles from either city). Topsail Island consists of three island towns: Surf City, Topsail Beach, and North Topsail Beach.
2 sights · 3 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Topsail Beach
Missiles and More Museum
Located within the Assembly Building in Topsail Beach and is operated under the auspices of the Historical Society of Topsail Island. Museum Hours: Apr-mid Oct - M Tu Th-Sa 2-4PM. Closed W and Su. Other times by appointm…
The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center
Visiting hours: every day except W & Su 2-4PM.
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 — 17 mi away. Directions
- OAJ Albert J Ellis Airport, Richlands — 32 mi away. Directions
- MYR Myrtle Beach International Airport, Myrtle Beach — 89 mi away (major hub). Directions
Most visitors come by car.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Missiles and More Museum
- Afternoon The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
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
Get in
Most visitors come by car.
By plane
- Holly Ridge Airport (for small aircraft), +1 910 329-4751.
Albert J. Ellis Airport, Jacksonville, +1 910 324-3001.
- Wilmington International Airport, Wilmington, +1 910 341-4125.
Get around
You'll need a car to get to the island of course, and most probably to get around during your stay. There is a well maintained bicycle path that runs from Surf City to the southern end of the island.
See
See Missiles and More Museum
Located within the Assembly Building in Topsail Beach and is operated under the auspices of the Historical Society of Topsail Island. Museum Hours: Apr-mid Oct - M Tu Th-Sa 2-4PM. Closed W and Su. Other times by appointment. Nov-March - Visitation by appointment only, including group tours. Arrangements for visits may be made by calling the Chamber of Commerce. Admission is free; donations accepted.
Do
First and foremost, enjoy the beautiful white sandy beaches and the blue ocean waters. Topsail Island is known as a fisherman's paradise because of its rocky ocean floors. Visit here all year around, because each season brings something special to your vacation needs.
Buy
Shop Topsail Island Gifts and Fudge
Locally owned and operated, this little store sells clothing, jewelry, and a variety of little knickknacky beach souvenirs, though a little more upscale than other souvenir shops. But homemade butter and cream fudge is the real draw to this place, with over 100 flavors made fresh on the premises daily, and they are more than happy to give out samples. The fudge is a little on the pricey side, but worth it. They also offer online ordering and shipping on their website.
Sleep
Rentals are a popular lodging option.
Stay Loggerhead Inn
Founded in 1960 under the name "The Silver Sand's" motel, ownership and name changed in 1994. Office hours: Su-Th 9AM – 9PM, F Sa 9AM-10PM. Rental age is 21, check in time is 3PM, and check out time is 11AM. Also has a pool which opens on May 15 and closes on October 1.
Nearby
Wilmington
City / town · 63 listings · 19 mi away
Carolina Beach
City / town · 8 listings · 28 mi away
Jacksonville
City / town · 13 listings · 30 mi away
Kure Beach
City / town · 7 listings · 30 mi away
Swansboro
City / town · 17 listings · 36 mi away
Southport
City / town · 9 listings · 38 mi away
Cape Carteret
City / town · 6 listings · 39 mi away
Bald Head Island
City / town · 1 listings · 41 mi away
My experience
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