Topsail Island is well known as a popular vacation destination. With miles of sandy beaches that are perfect for swimming, surfing, and relaxing in the sun, many people come to enjoy the beauty of the island. There are a lot of popular things to do on TopsaiI Island, such as fishing off Surf City`s pier, going jetskiing, or checking out the local turtle rescue sanctuary. 

However, if you`ve been to the island before, you might want to find new activities off the beaten path for your next visit. Luckily, there are tons of parks, shops, and restaurants to explore all over the island. We`ll go over some of the top hidden gems that you should consider exploring on your next visit to Topsail. 

Go on a Tiki Tour

If you`re interested in having a fun day out on the water, you should look into Tiki Tours. On the history/nature tour, you will learn all about the history of Topsail Island, including learning about the local pirates who frequented the area around the island. You`ll also learn why the island has white lookout towers and much more. During this tour, you`ll also get to see all of the local marine wildlife. From sea turtles to dolphins, there is plenty to watch from the boat.

If you`re looking for things to do on Topsail Island that feature a beautiful view, you might consider the tiki sunset party. On this boat ride, you won`t have an educational tour during the ride, but you will have plenty of fun enjoying the natural beauty of the North Carolina coast at sunset. For this trip, you can bring your own snacks and drinks. Plus, you`ll get to enjoy party music with your group to set the mood for a good time. 

Enjoy the Seclusion of North Topsail Beaches

Topsail Beaches are known for being relatively uncrowded, especially compared to other popular tourist beach destinations. However, during the summer months, you`ll likely encounter other beachgoers during the day. In Surf City, you`ll find a lot of action taking place–surf lessons, community events, and lots of restaurants and bars. However, if you prefer a more quiet setting for your day at the beach, you might consider heading to one of the public beaches in North Topsail Beach.

In North Topsail Beach, Onslow County Beach Access #3 is open to the public and vehicles. You will be able to pack up your gear, food, and drinks and head to this beach for a day spent on the beach. If you enjoy tailgating or just prefer the convenience of having all of your beach gear with you, this beach may be a great option for you. However, you will need to purchase a pass to have vehicle access to the beach. 

Grab a Bite to Eat at Shaka Taco

If you`re looking for some great food while staying on the island, you should check out Shaka Taco for their seafood tacos. If you`re looking for fresh and affordable meals to try during your trip to Topsail, this location is a must-try. Enjoy some fresh shrimp tacos with a cold beer on the patio. If you have kids, this is also a great option, as it`s family-friendly. 

Head to Southside Park

Though the beaches on Topsail Island are top-tier, you should consider spending some time at one of the parks on the island. Located in Surf City, this park is a great destination for families. If you`re looking for things to do on Topsail Island that don`t revolve around the beach, you`ll want to consider taking a trip to this park. 

There`s plenty to do at Southside Park, so you can take your whole family here for the afternoon. You`ll find beautiful views, boardwalks, covered picnic areas, a playground, and walking trails. It`s also right near the Intercoastal Waterway, so you can get some great photos of the bridge and the surrounding area. 

Bike Along the Island`s Trails

Though taking a boat ride around the island is a neat way to explore the shore, you should also consider exploring the island`s trails. A great way to explore the island is by renting a bike from Topsail Surf and Cycle. You can head on Topsail`s bike path or choose to ride on the roads as well. With low-speed limits, you`ll find that riding on the island`s roads is an enjoyable experience. 

Where Should You Stay While on Topsail Island?

There are a lot of places to stay during your vacation to Topsail Island. If you want to be located centrally near a lot of businesses and shops, you should consider going with a rental in Surf City. You`ll have access to some of the hidden gems, like locally-owned restaurants and businesses. 

However, if you`re interested in being closer to some of the more secluded beaches on the island, you might prefer North Topsail Beach. At this location, you`ll have no trouble finding the perfect empty beach for your family. 

There is a lot to explore on Topsail Island. If you`ve never been to the island before or you want to find new places to enjoy, getting off the beaten path to try something new is a great way to experience life on the island. Whether you want to tailgate at the beach, enjoy fresh seafood tacos, or bike across the island, there is something for everyone to enjoy. If you`re looking for things to do on Topsail Island that don`t revolve around the beach, you should check out some of the lesser-known businesses, parks, and restaurants. A lot of these places are located in Surf City, so if you want to find a vacation rental in this area, check out our selection of properties.