The coastline of North Carolina is a marvel that stretches over 3,000 miles when you account for its intricate web of bays, inlets, and wetlands (though its shoreline measures closer to 320 miles of sandy golden beaches). The state’s 300 miles of barrier island beaches are particularly enchanting, each offering a distinct flavor of coastal life. One North Carolina beach has even earned the reputation as the safest in the U.S.
From bustling seaside hubs to sleepy hamlets, the state’s beach towns brim with activities like fishing, kayaking, or simply strolling along the windswept beach. North Carolina champions responsible exploration, ensuring these natural wonders remain immaculate for generations to come. Tucked among these treasures is Topsail Beach, an overlooked paradise where quiet charm meets a dazzling coastline, begging to be explored.
Topsail Beach anchors the southern tip of Topsail Island, a 26-mile-long sliver of land off southeastern North Carolina, perfectly poised between Wilmington and Jacksonville. It’s the smallest of the island’s trio of towns, joined by Surf City and North Topsail Beach. Many visitors opt to drive here, with the journey taking just over 30 minutes from Jacksonville to the north or an hour from Wilmington to the south. For air travelers, Wilmington International Airport and Albert J. Ellis Airport in Jacksonville are the closest gateways, though Wilmington’s broader flight options make it a favorite. Timing your visit hinges on your desires. Summer delivers balmy days and lively crowds, ideal for soaking up the sun with everyone else. With only 500 permanent residents, Topsail Beach sees its population balloon to nearly 7,000 in peak season, yet the town clings to its quaint, small-town atmosphere. Spring and fall promise fewer people, cooler breezes, and a peaceful retreat — perfect for savoring the island’s unspoiled serenity.
Discover Topsail Beach’s Pirate Past And Unspoiled Shores
Topsail Beach’s name whispers tales of its swashbuckling past. Folklore claims merchant captains learned to spot the topsails of pirate ships — like those commanded by the notorious Blackbeard — peeking over the island as they lurked in the inlet, ready to raid passing vessels. This clever strategy supposedly inspired the moniker “Topsail.” Before World War II, the island remained a remote outpost, reachable only by boat. This changed when the U.S. Army created a floating bridge, later replaced by a sturdier connection point that still stands today. The Missiles and More Museum, nestled in the Historical Assembly Building, unravels this history, spotlighting the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) who trained here during the war and the region’s past pirate exploits…