Topsail Island, NC – A Local Artist’s Guide to the Best Beach in NC
Home sweet home!
Welcome to Topsail Island, the gem of North Carolina's coastline! As a resident and local artist living near the beauty of Topsail, I'm happy to share why this charming island is one of my favorite places. Boasting pristine beaches and warm-hearted residents, Topsail Island offers a slice of paradise for all visitors. Considering a getaway to Topsail Island? Tucked along North Carolina's scenic coastline, Topsail Island beckons families, couples, and travel groups with its promise of a perfect beach vacation.
Here's why Topsail Island captivates my heart:
1. Uncrowded Beaches: While summer can bring a lively buzz to our shores, the tranquility of Topsail's beaches prevails from September through May. October shines as the crown jewel of weather, balancing cool evenings with daytime sunshine that warms up enough for swimming and getting your toes wet. Moreover, October's skies gift us with the most stunning sunrises and sunsets. Also, during the off season beach rentals become much more affordable than during the peak summer months. Topsail also has dog friendly beaches, as well as free parking areas. Onslow County Parking lot #4 is my favorite free parking area with restrooms and easy access to the beach when you have your dogs with you. The address is: 484 New River Inlet Rd, North Topsail Beach, NC 28460
Inspiration for “Rhythmic Sky”
2. Crystal Clear Waters: The clear, emerald-green waters of Topsail are perfect for swimming, shark teeth hunting, and discovering marine life. We’ve seen dolphins, stingrays, sea turtles, and sharks!! While jellyfish sightings, such as the Portuguese Man-o-War, call for caution, our personal experience has been sting-free for over four years.
3. Local Seafood Delights: Living here means indulging in the freshest seafood. Local fishermen bring in the daily catch, offering an array of delicious options at Topsail's seafood markets and restaurants. The best shrimp and oysters around! 🍤🦐🦪 We love to buy our fresh seafood at Midgett & Son’s Crab Company located at 2427 NC-172, Sneads Ferry, NC 28460.
4. Laid-Back Atmosphere: Topsail's laid-back charm and friendly community make it an ideal destination for a relaxing getaway. We have found the community here to be very welcoming and friendly. I think this was our main reason to make it our home. I loved that Topsail is still a neighborhood, people do live here year round. There are many beach rentals, but most of the businesses and restaurants remain in the off season, which is different than OBX. It also has less of an issue with crime. I have never had my sandals stolen, or my beach items rifled through when I’ve gone on long beach walks. I know I am taking a risk, but it is just that kind of place!
5. Artistic Inspirations: As an artist, I find endless inspiration in Topsail's landscapes. The play of light on the ocean, the vibrant sunsets – it's a canvas of nature waiting to be explored. My eyes and heart are always filled with inspiration!
One of my most popular pieces inspired by Topsail, “Perfect Day.”
My Top 5 Restaurants:
1. Splash By the Sea, great for gluten free options! I love their GF Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer, Caesar Salad, and GF Key Lime Pie. They have an outdoor patio overlooking the pool and ocean. It’s a great place to have lunch on a warmer day! The address is: 790 New River Inlet Rd, North Topsail Beach, NC 28460, there is usually plenty of free parking across the street.
2. Sears Landing Grill & Boat Docks: best Fried Green Tomato BLT I’ve ever had in my life! They have great service, excellent sweet tea, and an outdoor seating area that overlooks the Intracoastal marsh. I have heard there are alligators around, so far I haven’t spotted any. The address is: 806 Roland Ave, Surf City, NC 28445, there is a decent sized free parking lot out front.
3. The Beach Shop and Grill: This is an excellent choice for a gourmet dinner. The chef creates seasonal specials that are always changing. If you like crème brûlée, definitely a must try! They have an outdoor seating area with a bar that has a different menu than inside the restaurant. Always a bit on the busy side during peak season, so expect to wait for a table or be smart and make a reservation. Located at: 701 S Anderson Blvd, Topsail Beach, NC 28445, there are a few parking spots right off Anderson and a side road. Topsail Island currently doesn’t have paid parking, so even if you park at the beach and walk its not too far!
4. Shaka Taco: I love the fresh fish bowl with the coconut rice. We always get the all you can eat chips and salsa. 😄 You can take it to go and walk or drive to your favorite beach to eat your food overlooking the ocean. The address is: 107 B, N Shore Dr, Surf City, NC 28445, the parking lot can be tricky during busy times but you can usually find a free spot.
5. Deli Works: Even though this breakfast and lunch joint isn’t on the island, it has the best breakfast in the area! Everything is fresh and tastes homemade. They have GF options as well. I love the French Toast Casserole, it isn’t as sweet as it sounds. The breakfast bowl with their homemade sausage is also a favorite. For lunch I love their Reuben sandwiches. Check their hours ahead of time to plan your trip. Located at 325 Sound Rd, Holly Ridge, NC 28445, there is plenty of free parking. The exterior doesn’t really look like a restaurant, but it is worth the journey inside!
Top 5 Things to Do Nearby:
1. Explore the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center: Topsail Island is renowned as a sanctuary for endangered sea turtles. A tour at this center is not only educational but also incredibly enjoyable. You can even adopt a turtle and browse the turtle-themed gift shop. Don't forget to greet Snooki for me during your visit! In the summer, volunteers patrol the beaches for turtle nests, marking them for protection. Nest hatchings typically occur in late summer, with August being a prime month. If you're staying in a beach rental, watch for volunteers near nests in the evenings—it usually indicates they will be hatching soon. Witnessing these tiny hatchlings' journey to the sea is a truly magical experience. We have sat for hours waiting, for me it was well worth the wait. Seeing the babies hatch and make their way to the ocean is one of the best things I have experienced on the planet.
2. Discover Local Art Galleries: Topsail boasts two must-visit galleries. First, the Locals Art Gallery & Wine Bar offers live music, charcuterie, and art. With delectable eateries nearby, it's the perfect stop for a glass of wine. My artwork is on display there—just ask Kerry, the friendly sommelier, for assistance. Located at: 112 Charlie Medlin Dr Suite B, Surf City, NC 28445 and there usually is plenty of free parking in the lot. Another gem is ArtExposure located at 22527 Hwy 17, Hampstead, NC 28443, a short drive from Surf City. This gallery features work from local artists and photographers, along with a gift shop showcasing handmade items by local artisans. You'll find my prints and mini paintings there, and Ellen, the owner, is always ready to help you select the ideal artwork or gift. They also provide framing services and art classes.
At my Pop Up Art Show at the Locals Art Gallery in November, 2023.
3. Book a Boat Excursion to Lea Island: At the southernmost tip of Topsail, Lea Island is accessible only by boat. Rent a boat or hire the local boat taxi for a day of shelling and shark tooth hunting. Our pontoon rental trip to the island was filled with excitement and unique shell discoveries, with few others around. I can’t wait to go again and look for a Megalodon tooth! We rented from Aquaholics in Surf City located at 412 Roland Ave, Surf City, NC 28445.
4. Paddle Through the Intracoastal Waterway: The Intracoastal Waterway offers a myriad of spots to explore by kayak, providing both a fun adventure and a great workout. Launching from Morris Landing, we paddled to several small islands, taking in the sights of fishing ospreys and scurrying marsh crabs. While we didn’t personally encounter any alligators, it's wise to remember they inhabit these waters, so stay alert. 🐊 The boat launch at Morris Landing is open to the public, has a nice fishing dock and short marsh walking trail. The address is: 899-837, State Rd 1538, Holly Ridge, NC 28445
5. Enjoy a Breathtaking Sunset Cruise: Departing from Snead’s Ferry, our sunset cruise aboard a pontoon was nothing short of picturesque. Our captain, James, tailored the trip to our interests, which led us to a charming island for more shelling and shark tooth searching. Guests are welcome to bring wine and snacks aboard, enhancing the experience as you watch the sunset over the water. Although we missed seeing dolphins, which is a common delight, the cruise provided endless inspiration for my paintings and comes highly recommended for anyone visiting Topsail Island. We used Topsail Intracoastal Adventures located at 104 James St, Sneads Ferry, NC 28460.
Spectacular views on our sunset pontoon cruise!
For those seeking Topsail Island rentals, beachfront properties, or simply the best spots to soak in the coastal charm, our island is a haven of relaxation and natural beauty. Join us and see why Topsail Island is the perfect choice for your next beach vacation getaway. 🌊🏖️🐚 As far as renting a beach home, I don’t currently have a specific agency I feel that does any better than the next. What I tell my friends and family before renting a beach home is to read the reviews. Each beach rental has different cleaning companies that are subcontractors coming in to clean the homes. If cleanliness is high on your priorities look for recent reviews that mention cleanliness. Early spring most beach homes have a deep clean, so typically the best time to come for clean homes is early in the season. End of August is when the homes have been used and abused, and some of the cleaners haven’t been able to keep up with the amount of homes they take on. Good communication with the agency is very important. I would ask for a local contact phone number ahead of the booking, so if any issues arise when checking in you have the name and number of someone to address your issues instead of having to call the call center.
Topsail is really for ocean enthusiasts who prefer the peaceful rhythms of a seaside haven over the bustling attractions of a resort town like Myrtle Beach. Topsail offers an oasis of calm where you can immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of the waves and the soft embrace of the sand under your feet.
As you explore the island's serene beauty, I invite you to explore my collection of original artwork and prints that capture the essence of Topsail's coastal beauty.
Click here to join my collectors list where I share the inspiration behind my artwork, and when you join you will receive an exclusive code for $20 off your first print order over $50!
