Your Weekend Guide to Topsail Island: What to Do & Where to Stay

Topsail Island offers three distinct towns, North Topsail Beach, Surf City, and Topsail Beach—each with its own take on laid-back coastal life. Use this 48-hour itinerary to squeeze in the island’s best sunrise views, seafood spots, and overnight stays.

Start with a sunrise pier walk

Catch first light at Surf City Ocean Pier, then grab coffee and pastries from a nearby café. Before you book a “first-row” rental, skim our insider look at oceanfront secrets so you know which homes have true beach access and which hide a long boardwalk.

Mid-morning surf or paddle session

Rent boards or kayaks and explore the gentle breaks near Topsail Beach. If the salt life hooks you, compare long-term ownership costs with the numbers in vacation-home investments and learn why many weekenders end up buying a cottage within a year.

Lunch like a local

Head to a shrimp shack for fresh catch sandwiches. Between bites, browse current Topsail Island listings to see what’s on the market for under the price of some island rentals.

Afternoon sea turtle education

Visit the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and speak with volunteers about conservation efforts. Eco-minded buyers can explore sustainable coastal living in our article on eco-friendly living.

Golden-hour stroll through Surf City shops

Local boutiques sell everything from handmade soaps to driftwood art—perfect for staging your future beach house (tips in home stand-out ideas).

Dinner with a view

 Reserve a sound-side table for sunset seafood. If you catch yourself calculating mortgage versus weekly rental costs, verify the math in buying a beach home in 2025.

Where to stay overnight

Beachfront condos book fast, but canal-front cottages often include private docks and kayaks. Investors weighing equity potential should read the top reasons to invest in real estate this year for appreciation trends. 

Ready to tour in person? Schedule a coastal tour and we’ll line up showings that match your wish list.