Topsail Island is known for its miles of sandy beaches and sunny summer weather. So while you may have your days on the beach planned out, what about the evenings? The island is home to many local restaurants, bars, and businesses that are perfect for after the sun goes down. 

Figuring out where you should head for evening activities may fall last on your vacation itinerary to a gorgeous beach town. But there are actually quite a few establishments that will make a great first impression. Whether you need family-friendly activities that will keep your kids entertained or you want to experience the local bar scene, there are plenty of fun places to visit during your trip.

We`ll go over some of the best restaurants located around the island if you don`t feel like cooking in your vacation rental. We`ll also go over local nightlife on Topsail Island, as well as more family-friendly activity options. 

Popular Restaurants

Topsail Island is home to some of the best restaurants on the North Carolina coast. Thanks to the abundance of local seafood, you can have a freshly caught fish dinner that perhaps was caught right outside the restaurant! When your order a seafood meal from one of the local restaurants on the island, you`re unlikely to be disappointed as there is nothing fresher. 

If you`re looking for an adult fine-dining atmosphere, you should check out Beach Shop and Grill. With upscale menu options, plus an extensive wine list, this spot is perfect for date night. But if you`re looking for more affordable, casual dining options, you should visit Surfdog Bites and Brews. A popular favorite among locals thanks to its quick service, casual atmosphere, and good food. The menu offers a variety of affordable options such as hot wings, hotdogs, and seafood.

If you`re looking for a family-friendly restaurant with plenty of kid-approved menu options, Max`s Pizza located in Surf City has a bunch of meal options for kids. You can also grab a whole pizza for the family to enjoy together.

Exploring the Island`s Nightlife

Though Topsail Island is hardly a party beach town, there are some good local bars and breweries that are awesome for a night out on the town. Whether you`re looking for the perfect fancy cocktail or you want to let loose with some karaoke, there are some options for nightlife on Topsail Island available, particularly in Surf City. North Topsail Beach and Topsail Beach have some restaurants but don`t have nearly the same amount of bars and restaurants as Surf City, though. So, if you`re looking for the lively hub of the island, then you`ll need to head to Surf City. 

On the island, you`ll find a strong local community as well as visitors who want to experience the North Carolina beach. If you`re looking for some cocktails along with a lively atmosphere then head to Trailer Bar. This local watering hole has a rustic aesthetic with live music and affordable drinks, making it a favorite hangout spot for locals.

However, if you`re looking for more low-key places to spend sipping on wine or beer then you might be interested in Quarter Moon Books & Gifts. This truly unique local establishment has a cozy vibe and local charm. Browse through the bookshop and grab some wine at the bar for a quiet evening. The shop is also known to host live music events in the evening, so check out their Facebook page for more information on upcoming live music and events.

Tortuga`s Nest is the perfect bar to do some drinking and dancing late into the night. If you`re looking for some of the liveliest nightlife on Topsail Island, then you should stop here at least once during your trip. With a live DJ and plenty of space on the dance floor, this bar is a lively place to be on a summer Saturday night. The bar also hosts plenty of unique and fun events throughout the week, so check in on their social media accounts for the latest updates.

Family-Friendly Night Out

For families, finding the right activity that the whole family can enjoy is not always easy. You have to consider age-appropriate activities that won`t bore the older members of your family but can still keep your youngest ones engaged. Fortunately, Topsail Island has a lot of family-friendly restaurants and activities, as it`s a more quiet beach town than others. 

If you`re looking for an after-dinner treat, then head to Beach Bunny Icecream. With plenty of seating and arcade games in addition to many ice cream options, this place will be a favorite among the younger members of your family. Also, there is often a kid`s movie playing on the large projector screen in the seating area to keep the younger kids entertained as they enjoy their ice cream.

Another place to take your family on Topsail Island in the evening is the local roller skating rink. This business has been around for years and remains a family-owned establishment. Topsail Beach Skating Rink is an old-fashioned rink with throwback tunes making this activity memorable and fun for the whole family.

If you`re looking for an outdoor activity that your kids will love, you should consider heading to Shipwreck Island Adventure Golf. At this mini golf destination, you`ll get to play on pirate-themed courses that reflect the island`s own history with pirates. All ages are welcome at this mini golf park, so it`s the perfect place to spend a warm sunny evening during the summer.

Where Is the Best Place to Rent a Vacation Home on the Island if You Want to Be Near Activities?

If you like being near the nightlife of Topsail Island, then you should consider vacation rentals in Surf City. Located in the center of the island, it is truly the hub of all three towns. You`ll find shopping, dining, drinking, and local community events that can help you better experience life on the island. With everything within a short distance, you can walk from your vacation rental to the beach and then to a restaurant. If you decide to drink at a bar later in the night, you won`t have to worry about getting a rideshare or a taxi for the way home, as you`ll be close enough to your vacation rental to get home. 

However, opting for other rental options on North Topsail Beach or Topsail Beach aren`t bad options either. If you don`t plan on going out every night on your trip, then you might prefer the quiet calm of these peaceful neighborhoods. If you do decide to go out for the night, Surf City is only a short drive away.

Finding things to do after a long day spent at the beach may feel challenging, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area. Luckily, Topsail Island has many great restaurants, bars, and fun activities that the whole family can enjoy. A lot of the activity is concentrated in the Surf City area. However, there are some restaurants and businesses located in Topsail Beach. If you want to be near the action, then you might want to consider renting a vacation house in one of these towns. We have a lot of vacation rentals that are near popular destinations so you can have a fun night out after a day spent on the beach.