Topsail Island’s name is supposedly derived from its nefarious history, however, this is still debatable among the locals on the Island. According to popular belief, pirates used to hide in the channel between the island and the mainland waiting for merchant ships loaded with goods to pass. The pirates would attack the ships and claim the cargo as their own. Eventually the merchants became aware of the hiding place and began looking for the topsail, which was supposedly the only part of the pirate ship that could be seen by the passing victim. There is a legend that Blackbeard hid his treasure on Topsail Island and that prior to WWII, treasure hunters searched for the hidden gems and gold throughout the islands’ maritime forests.

Comprised three major communities Topsail beach, North Topsail Beach and Surf City, Topsail Island has become a major hit amongst tourists of all kinds and of all ages. Mainly renowned for unspoiled beaches, grey sand and calm waters, tourists come in massive numbers to this 26-mile barrier island for many more. Here’s a quick guide to your Topsail Island vacation.

Activities to Rely On:

Undoubtedly, the unspoiled beaches are the main draw. Look at the soft sands – aren’t they calling to enjoy a sunny day? For travelers, the destination has got a plenty of space to spread out. For adventure junkies, Topsail Beach has some of the most exciting water sports on the offer. Stand up paddle board, motorboat, kayak, etc. are to name a few. Have you already taken a stroll along or on the piers? The piers are the spots where you would be spending hours without stepping into the water to catch the waves.

Top Restaurants:

Dining on Topsail Island means you will have a plenty of seafood dishes on the table. Hit any seafront restaurant, you wouldn’t be surprised to see the MENU engrossed with seafood. That doesn’t mean you will be deprived of your favorite dish. Beauchaines 211, Sears Landing, Inlet 790 Grill & Bar, Gallagher’s Sports Bar & Grill and Daddy Mac’s Beach Grille boast the best foods at great cost on the island. Surf City is the destination to head out and delight in a wide range of affordable restaurants. The Jolly Roger Inn’s Grill at Topsail Beach is well-known for lunch, dinner and breakfast.

How to Reach?

Well-connected to the mainland by two bridges – one in North Topsail Beach and the other in Surf City – Topsail Island can conveniently be reached. The former bridge is a newer and higher one than the latter one in Surf City. There’s literally no traffic on the island. There’s only one traffic light on the entire island.

Where to Stay – Consider Beach House Rentals in Topsail Island NC:

Finding an ideal stay is a real worry on the island if you don’t act smart. There are a handful of motels on the island. There’s no way that your wishes and preferences are going to get fulfilled. But good news folks. Vacation home rentals are in abundance. The rooms are spacious and clean. The units are well-lit and gorgeously decorated. The best part of these vacation rentals are minutes away from major attractions, restaurants, the piers, shops and the beaches.

Before you fly down to your preferred travel hotspot, knowing something about it will come in handy exploring it. If myth is to be believed, the island derived its name from “tops of the sails”. The phrase “tops of the sails” is basically of the pirate ships that were hiding behind the island and would attack people and voyagers who would choose the route. People became cautious when passing by Topsail Island (a popular hideout for pirates). The island is comprised three major areas such as Topsail Beach, North Topsail Beach and Surf City. The island is accessible via two bridges, well-connected to the mainland.

Fish Varieties:

Be it charter boat fishing or fishing from the piers, you are going to catch a wide variety of fish including sea mullets, speckled trout, chopper blues, red drum, black drum, Spanish mackerel, grouper, bonito, sea bass, mahi-mahi, amberjack and king mackerel.

Fishing Charters:

Travelers who have turned anglers here can go charter fishing. Since the island doesn’t have many options, it’s better you customize your charter trip. You can further opt for trips featuring live-bait fishing, fly fishing, shark fishing, trolling inshore, bottom fishing and night fishing.

Do You Need License?

Sounds strange, isn’t it? Well, this is true. You will need a fishing license to fish on the island. The Town of Topsail Beach (topsailbeach.org) and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (ncwildlife.org) sell licenses and offer information related to licenses.

Fishing Piers and Boat Ramps:

The fun of fishing reaches its zenith when you grab a spot on the pier, pamper your taste buds in the nearest restaurants and relish in the awe-inspiring views of the beach. There are three major piers that always allure fishing lovers. Surf City Ocean Pier is the first pier on the island, built in 1948. The pier was renovated and restored in completed in 1997 due to a major hurricane. Another popular pier is Sea View on North Topsail. It has earned reputation as the longest fishing pier on the North Carolina coast. The number three pier is Jolly Roger Pier. It offers a great oceanfront dining, a bait-and-tackle shop, two cleaning stations and outdoor dining.

Unlike hotels and motels, Topsail vacation rentals by owner offer fishing equipment to its visitors. Get in touch with owner today and ensure you are getting fishing equipment on rent. Now you don’t need to look for shops.

Where to Surf?

Surfing is best experienced where the waves are consistent. Get your gear, board and other surfing equipment, stay close to one of the piers and enjoy the sport. The Atlantic Pier to the north, the Topsail Beach Pier at the southern end, etc. are to name a few popular surfing spots on the island. There is another popular surfing destination thronged by people all year round – the Surf City Pier. This place is so crowded that people who delight in solitude would head to the Point, the surfing place where Bogue Sounds meets the vast sea.

Surfing Conditions:

It has been reported that the surfing conditions here vary tremendously. It is advised to check wave conditions before making your way to the surfing locations in the ocean. Surfing conditions can also be checked on many surf shops in the area or on the local websites. You can directly get in touch with them over the phone and get pertinent information. Moreover, local radio stations also provide surf reports and weather updates from time to time. Keep a watch. If the time is not conducive or ideal for surfing, don’t just hit the waves. Stay indoors and enjoy all the amenities that your Topsail Island house rental has to offer.

Learn Skills at Surf Schools:

What if you don’t know how to surf? Before you feel bad and think of returning, give a second thought. The good thing for all novice surfers is that Topsail Island has many surfing schools to provide handy surfing lessons. All you need to do is to enroll in one surfing school, learn the skills or get assisted by the trainer to conquer the waves. Surf camps are also organized by the surfing institutions where participants are taken to various surfing destinations. Private lessons are also offered. Sign up for one if you just need to hone your skills.

Get Your Surf Board:

Surf shops are ready to help you get the best surf equipment. Roll your eyes till you find what fits and suits you the most. To name some of the surf shops near the surfing locations are 50 South Surf Shop, Spinnaker Surf Shop and Surf City Surf Shop.