A Local's Guide to the Best of Topsail Island


Visiting Topsail Island is the perfect way to spend a weekend, a week, or even a month. Finding all of the best things to do and see is easy with a little help from our friendly local staff. So get ready to surf, eat, fish, and generally have the time of your life during your Topsail Island beach vacation. Here is the local's guide to the best of Topsail Island breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We have a special bonus for all you fishing fanatics. Don't forget to stay tuned for more local favorites as the season continues. 

Great Food You Won't Want To Miss


Let's be honest, great vacations mean great food, and here on Topsail  Island we have some great places to eat. Here are some of our staff's favorite places to eat. We're sure you'll love them too. 

Breakfast 

Sears Landing Grill & Boat Dock

Located in Surf City, this is one of the best places to start your day. Of course, anyplace you can arrive by water for breakfast is a fun way to begin the day. Open seven days a week for breakfast it is the perfect location to celebrate the start of your day. 

New York Corner Deli

"From the Da Bronx to Da Beach" is the motto of the New York Corner Deli. From great breakfast sandwiches to bagels with lox and all the best of a New York breakfast awaits you at this family owned and operated deli. 

Beach Bunny Subs & Grill

They are open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The friendly folks at this Surf City favorite are here to serve up great piles of hash browns, breakfast sandwiches, french toast, and every other breakfast delight you can think of. 

Lunch

Surf Dog Bites & Brews 

One of the newest places in Surf City brings with it some of the best hotdogs, and Angus burgers you'll ever have. Plus, as the name says, there is also a wide selection of craft brews to choose from. 

Shuckin' Shack 

This seafood lovers paradise is the perfect place to take a long lunch. From calamari to shrimp burgers and everything in between, you'll find just what you want. A casual atmosphere that is perfect for flip-flops. Make sure to try the mouth-watering Oysters!

Buddy's Crab House & Oyster Bar

We're not sure which is better, the breakfast or the view of the Atlantic Ocean. So the best thing to do is head over and see for yourself. With a great family-friendly atmosphere this is another awesome place to indulge that seafood craving.  

Dinner

The Bistro at Topsails

If you're looking for that special place for a romantic dinner or just want to experience some amazing food, then The Bistro is the place to be. There are too many awards to list here, so you're just going to have to make a reservation. We promise you'll understand why this place is so special. 

Gallagher's Sports Bar & Grill 

Any place that has Lobster Nachos is automatically going to be a local favorite. This fun laid back location is the perfect place to hang out with friends and end a beautiful day on Topsail. With great food at reasonable prices and an awesome staff, you'll feel like you've come home at Gallagher's. 


Beauchaines 211

From the perfect cocktail to mouth-watering entrees, Beauchaines 211 is a foodie delight from the first bite to the last. Featuring delights like Pistachio Encrusted Salmon and an extensive wine list, it is no wonder this is a staff favorite. With a more formal flair, this is a wonderful place for your special evening on Topsail Island. 

Get On The Water In Style 

You didn't come to the beach because you're a land lubber! With so much beautiful water to play in, Topsail Island is truly a water sports enthusiasts dream. From kayaking to surfing our local shops have everything you need to have an awesome day on the water. Here are three of our favorite places to rent SUP, kayaks, surfboards, lessons, and beach equipment for purchase or rent. All of these great vendors have wonderful friendly staffs. 

Herrring's Outdoor Sports

701 New River Drive

Surf City, NC 

(910) 328-3291

50 South Surf Shop

302 S. Topsail Drive 

Surf City, NC 

(910) 328-7911

North Topsail Surf & Paddle

4021 Island Drive

North Topsail Beach, NC 

(910) 859-0151


Fishing Topsail Island

Every year fishing enthusiasts discover the joy of fishing on Topsail Island. From surf casting, pier fishing or charter fishing, our famous waters are a true fisherman's paradise. Here are some of the hottest fishing spots on the island. 

From Land

North Topsail Beach 4x4 Access-

If you're looking to combine a little adventure with your fishing, then head up to North Topsail Beach. Here you'll find the beach access that will let those of you with a 4x4 have access to the inlet where you'll find some of the hottest fishing on the island. This is a true surf casting hot spot. Don't forget to come prepared and obey all local ordinances regarding beach driving. Click here for all current rules and regulations regarding driving on North Topsail Beach. 

Soundside Park Surf City-

Looking for the perfect place to take the kids crabbing? Look no further than Soundside Park in Surf City. All you need is a little patience, some string, and a piece of chicken and you'll be having awesome fresh crabs for dinner.

Surf City Pier-

In a lot of ways, the Surf City Pier and the area around it is the epicenter of fishing on Topsail Island. Surfcasting fans can cast along the beach near the pier where the fish are always lively. Interested in pier fishing? The folks at the Surf City Pier have the perfect location, great rental rates and a family-friendly atmosphere that is perfect for the kids. 

Best Charters

When that craving hits you just have to get on the water to hunt the 'big one". Our local charter fleet has everything you need to have an incredible day on the water. 


 Vacation Homes Near All The Action

Need an awesome place to stay on Topsail Island for your fishing trip? Here are two great places, and we have plenty more to choose from so make sure to give to visit our website for all the best Topsail Island vacation rentals. 

4047 4th Street, Surf City, NC 

Picture this…. You are on the intercostal water way, and heading back to your canal front property after a big day out on the water. You secure the boat to your own private dock and take your fresh seafood inside to get an ice cold drink, any boat lover’s dream! Boat lovers and anyone who loves a family/ friend get together, gather around, and let us tell you about 4047 4th Street located in Surf City. 44047 4th Street is a canal front property that is within a 5 minute walk of the beach, , it is a 5-bedroom, 4.5 bathroom that boasts a large, well-stocked entertainer’s kitchen- Perfect for having family and friends over for a big cook out! The dining table seats 10 people and an additional 3 at the breakfast bar. The generous master suite gives you canal views and access onto the decking and a covered deck area. You also have a sitting area to watch the world go by with a coffee and a good book. This property checks in at the Surf City office 302 N New River Dr 28445

1702 Carolina Blvd- Lynn Haven 

Homes like this are why people have chosen to keep coming back to Topsail each summer, year after year.  We are proud to introduce this property to our portfolio at Topsail Beach.  Some know this property as "Lynn Haven".  It is located on the Topsail Sound at the south end of Topsail Island.  Sunsets, a short walk to the beach, private dock for your boat (or we can help you rent one!) are just a few reasons guests have continued to return to this property.  Top it off with an elevator for those who need assistance or just bringing in the gear and groceries.  Did we forget to say Sunsets from the back porch! Covered porches on the front and back make it possible to get out of the sun and still enjoy the ocean breezes.  Wait until sunset to enjoy some of the most spectacular sunsets on your back porch.  Bring the jet skis to enjoy the back yard playground, or your boat to for easy access to some of the best finishing to the ocean or tidal creeks of the Topsail area. This property is Topsail Island at its best.Pets considered. 

Rippin Lipz Fishing Adventures

Looking for an awesome day on the water reeling in keepers one after another? Then give the folks at Rippin Lipz Fishing Adventures a call at (910) 546-9064.

Yeaah Buddy Fishing Charters

Based out of Beaufort, NC the guys at Yeaah Buddy have a beautiful 32' Albemarle boat perfectly suited for battling the big ones. They can be reached at (760) 208-9420.


Ready to visit Topsail Island? Give our friendly reservationists a call at (910) 328-3400 or visit us online by clicking the button below. 



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