Diana’s guidebook to Topsail Beach
Food scene
Local restaurant that is a short walk from the house. They have a brand new patio area that is also great to grab a snack and amazing cocktails.
55 locals recommend
Beach Shop & Grill
701 S Anderson BlvdLocal restaurant that is a short walk from the house. They have a brand new patio area that is also great to grab a snack and amazing cocktails.
Surf City Scoop
714 S Anderson BlvdAmazing homemade ice cream shop that is just below the Roller rink.
Great local deli serving up salads and sandwiches. Our kids think they have THE BEST grilled cheese and we agree! Menu can be found online or in the drawer near the fridge. Seasonal menu does apply but can be pre-ordered so you can enjoy at home or there is some seating available.
11 locals recommend
Cora's Isle-End Deli
712 S Anderson BlvdGreat local deli serving up salads and sandwiches. Our kids think they have THE BEST grilled cheese and we agree! Menu can be found online or in the drawer near the fridge. Seasonal menu does apply but can be pre-ordered so you can enjoy at home or there is some seating available.
Great local place to buy local seafood to make at home. They also have a food truck that is usually open for lunch.
Lewis Seafood
822 Carolina BoulevardGreat local place to buy local seafood to make at home. They also have a food truck that is usually open for lunch.
Local restaurant that has some great seafood as well as amazing sunset views over the sound.
14 locals recommend
Breezeway Restaurant
634 Channel BlvdLocal restaurant that has some great seafood as well as amazing sunset views over the sound.
Great local brewery that is veteran owned. Check out their facebook page for events and food truck for that day. They tend to have live music, a run club on Tuesday evenings, Trivia on Wednesday evenings and lots more. Plus the beer is delicious! Family and pet friendly
88 locals recommend
Salty Turtle Beer Co..
103 Triton LnGreat local brewery that is veteran owned. Check out their facebook page for events and food truck for that day. They tend to have live music, a run club on Tuesday evenings, Trivia on Wednesday evenings and lots more. Plus the beer is delicious! Family and pet friendly
Sightseeing
Fun place to do some roller skating form 7-10pm with the family.
34 locals recommend
Topsail Beach Skating Rink, seasonal hours
714 S Anderson BlvdFun place to do some roller skating form 7-10pm with the family.
Great museum to learn about the local military history of the island. They usually hold Bingo every Thursday evening during peak season.
32 locals recommend
Missiles and More Museum
720 Channel BlvdGreat museum to learn about the local military history of the island. They usually hold Bingo every Thursday evening during peak season.
Very southern tip of the island that is ~1.5 mile walk or bike ride. You can then venture onto the beach and walk the entire southern tip of the island to explore for some awesome shells or sharks teeth. Don't miss out on the amazing sunset photos you can take with family and friends. Small parking lot that is free as long as you can find a spot!
Topsail Beach Sound Side Beach Access Site #1
Very southern tip of the island that is ~1.5 mile walk or bike ride. You can then venture onto the beach and walk the entire southern tip of the island to explore for some awesome shells or sharks teeth. Don't miss out on the amazing sunset photos you can take with family and friends. Small parking lot that is free as long as you can find a spot!
Great little coffee/wine bar that sells amazing books, clothing and souvenirs. There tends to be live music Thursdays-Sundays that are very entertaining.
24 locals recommend
Quarter Moon Books & Gifts
708 S Anderson BlvdGreat little coffee/wine bar that sells amazing books, clothing and souvenirs. There tends to be live music Thursdays-Sundays that are very entertaining.
Local fishing pier that you can walk out for a $1 charge. Fishing license has to be obtained in Surf City at East Coast Sports. They have had a grill that serves breakfast but has not yet reopened due to COVID. Some small grocery supplies can be purchased here.
11 locals recommend
Jolly Roger Pier
803 Ocean BlvdLocal fishing pier that you can walk out for a $1 charge. Fishing license has to be obtained in Surf City at East Coast Sports. They have had a grill that serves breakfast but has not yet reopened due to COVID. Some small grocery supplies can be purchased here.
Great little place to find the perfect souvenir. There is a freezer in the very back corner of the store that holds the best key lime pies for purchase.
The Gift Basket of Topsail Island
702 S Anderson BlvdGreat little place to find the perfect souvenir. There is a freezer in the very back corner of the store that holds the best key lime pies for purchase.
Great place to play some arcade games or a round of putt-putt. They also have an ice cream stand to enjoy while the kids play. In season they have been known to host family friday nights with pizza and music.
16 locals recommend
Patio Playground - the Putt-Putt
807 S Anderson BlvdGreat place to play some arcade games or a round of putt-putt. They also have an ice cream stand to enjoy while the kids play. In season they have been known to host family friday nights with pizza and music.
Local festival in October that brings in bands, food trucks and vendors selling some amazing things from jewelry, artwork, blankets and more. This is also where the summer market is held on Thursdays in season.
Autumn with Topsail Festival
720 Channel BlvdLocal festival in October that brings in bands, food trucks and vendors selling some amazing things from jewelry, artwork, blankets and more. This is also where the summer market is held on Thursdays in season.
Located in Surf city but a great place to rent surfboards, kayaks and bikes (electric and regular) that can be delivered to the house. They also sell surf gear as well as beachwear!
29 locals recommend
50 South Surf Shop
306 S Topsail DrLocated in Surf city but a great place to rent surfboards, kayaks and bikes (electric and regular) that can be delivered to the house. They also sell surf gear as well as beachwear!
Southend Outfitters
627 S Anderson BlvdGreat place to find some Southern attire, swimsuits and sandals.
Topsail Beach Town Center
630 Davis AveGreat playground and pickleball/tennis court center in the middle of town.
They also host Turtle Talk Mondays in Topsail Beach during season at the Missiles and More museum in TB. Check their website or facebook listing for more info.
124 locals recommend
The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center
302 Tortuga LnThey also host Turtle Talk Mondays in Topsail Beach during season at the Missiles and More museum in TB. Check their website or facebook listing for more info.
Local captain that will take you for tours or out to Lea Island.
7 locals recommend
Tuck’S Water Shuttle
636 Channel BlvdLocal captain that will take you for tours or out to Lea Island.
City advice
Getting around
Airport travel
Closest airport to Topsail is ILM at about 45-60 minutes. It’s a smaller airport but closest option. The nearest major airport is RDU in Raleigh but a 2 hour drive.