Area Information in Topsail Island, NC

Topsail Island is a 26-mile-long barrier island located approximately 45 minutes north of Wilmington, NC. Two bridges allow access to the island, a swing bridge in Surf City and a high-rise bridge that connects mainland's Sneads Ferry, NC to North Topsail Beach, NC. Topsail Island is home to three distinct towns. On the northernmost end of the island is North Topsail Beach where visitors will find a peaceful beach, a variety of rental cottages and a few high-rise condominiums complexes. Surf City, in the geographic center of the island, is the island's commercial hub with many shops and restaurants. At the southern end of the island is Topsail Beach which has a downtown area with shops and restaurants.

Topsail Island, NC, is best known for its uncrowded Atlantic Ocean beaches. Salt water, white sand, breezes off the water and a casual atmosphere draw travelers to the Topsail Island towns of North Topsail Beach, Surf City and Topsail Beach.
Everything a vacationer could want from a seaside vacation is here — quiet beaches, dramatic sunrises and sunsets, plus plenty of activities, shops and restaurants for all ages and interests. Each Topsail Island community is different in its own special way and offers as much or as little activity as you want. 

Background knowledge of an area is important whether you’re making a decision to travel for fun, relocate or start a business. For that reason, this section introduces you to the history and economic climate of the Topsail Island area. Our Getting Around section tells you how to get here, whether by plane, by boat or by your own vehicle, and how to get around once you’ve arrived. We’ve even included a Media section, in hopes that the local radio stations, television stations, magazines and newspapers may aid you in enjoying the area to its fullest potential.