The ABCs of Topsail Island

Posted On Monday, January 25, 2016

A - Art Museums

Though Topsail may not be an artistic Mecca, no one can deny the inspiration the ocean offers. We have the Topsail Art Gallery for local artists or go to Cameron Art Museum for a more broad range of exhibits.

B - Beaches

I mean, DUH! Take your pick of ocean side or sound side, high tide or low tide, pool or open water; you can have as much or as little fun in the sun as you want when you visit Topsail!

C - Cuisine

One of the best things about staying in a rental at the beach instead of in a stuffy hotel is that you have the opportunity to cook fresh seafood that you have either caught yourself (see our letter F) or bought at a Local Seafood Market like Surf City Crab Seafood Market. Don't forget to also check out our Taste of Topsail posts which feature delicious recipes to try with your haul!

D - Dolphins

Everyone loves dolphin sightings, and we have plenty for you to see! Check out the tours from services like Makin' Waves for dolphin tours on jet skis or The Belle of Topsail for guided dolphin tours!

E - Ecological Marine Adventures

If you or your kids want to get to know our coast better, you should take a day to go on an Ecological Marine Adventure! You can even choose between adventuring in Topsail Beach or Surf City! So you can arrange your EMA closest to the other attractions or restaurants you do that day.

F - Fishing Pier

If you enjoy fishing, or just picturesque walks with incomparable views, make sure you put SeaView Fishing Pier or Surf City Ocean Pier on your itinerary. These piers are a great way to experience the area the same way that the locals do, and enjoy some fresh fish for dinner!

G - Golf

There's nothing better than getting out on the green with the brine of the ocean in the air. If you share this sentiment, look into places like North Shore Golf Courses or Olde Point Country Club for the experienced golfers in the group. And for the younger, or less golf proficient, family members you can take a night to go through the course at Shipwreck Point Miniature Golf.

H - Hospitality

Hospitality is what the South is known for, and for good reason. No matter where you go, service is equal to none and the overall friendliness of the locals is unbeatable. We love our beaches and communities and can't wait to show them to you.

I - Inis Spa

Take a day away from everything else to make sure that you are spoiled and perfectly relaxed for your return to normal life. Book a trip to the Inis Spa and get the pampering you deserve.

J - Jacksonville

Topsail Beach is located just a few miles from Jacksonville, North Carolina! Jax, as the locals call it, has a thriving metropolitan area with restaurants, cinema, shopping and more for rainy days or evenings out on the town.

K - Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital

If you love ocean wildlife and want an utterly unique experience, stop by the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital. This amazing program protects and works to heal and release injured sea turtles.

L - Lea Island

If you love coastal wildlife and the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital just isn't scratching the itch, take a day trip to Lea Island! This stunning island is a wildlife conservation with some of the NC coast's cutest and endangered coastal and ocean life.

M - Missiles and More Museum

Get to know some of the finer details of our country's national defense through the years. Take a spin through the Missiles and More Museum and watch the progression of missiles and artillery defenses through history.

N - Nature and Wildlife Tours

Don't miss the opportunity to tour North Carolina's waterways and get an up close look at our wildlife through services like Tikki Tours! See dolphins, turtles, water birds and so many other fabulous and unique animals that are exclusive to the Southern East Coast.

O - Ocean

Playing in the Sound, or the pool is fun, but taking a dip in the ocean is a completely unique experience that you won't be able to do without once you've had it. There is a reason why so many generations of the same families stay as close to the ocean as they can. Don't miss your chance to swim in the same water as dolphins and pirates on your next vacation!

P - Patio Playground

Patio Playground is the perfect day-away escape for your family. Let the kids play a round of retro mini-golf and arcade while you enjoy the sunshine and breezes off the ocean.

Q - Queen Jean

If you are an avid angler, the Queen Jean is for you. Delight your group with fresh deep sea fish for dinner after a day of fishing out on the open sea.

R - Rentals

Obviously, if you are coming to Topsail, we have a very definite opinion on where you should stay. Here at Seashore Realty we strive to offer quality accouterments at competitive prices that allow you to experience the most and the best of our area!

S - Surf

Naturally, while you're out visiting us, you have to try surfing! Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just a beginner, surfing is a great way to not only get in touch with the culture, but also with nature. Lose track of time as well as all your worries and just focus on the waves. Make sure you get only the best conditions possible by watching the Topsail Island Surf Forecast!

T - Topsail Beach Skating Rink

Take a night to bond with your family old school style and make a stop at the Topsail Beach Skating Rink. Roller skating is a great way to have a laid back evening having fun with your group and Topsail Beach Skating Rink gives this all-American past time with southern flair!

U - USS North Carolina

Step back in history on the USS North Carolina. Tour this Battleship that defended our liberties in the thick of World War II for an afternoon you'll never be able to forget.

V - Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Topsail is just a short drive away from Jacksonville, North Carolina and Marine Corps Station Camp Lejeune. If you or someone in your family is a service member, or if you have a history buff in the family, make sure to stop at Onslow Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

W - Watersports

There are so many great ways to get out on the water, make sure you take advantage of as many of them as possible! Check out Surf City Jet Ski Rentals for some awesome jet skis to fly out over the water on. Or for more jet skis, stand up paddle boards, and great local places to stop at around town, look into A&B Saltwater Adventures.

X - "X marks the spot!" (Pirate Cruise)

Take a cruise back in time on the Belle of Topsail! Their specialty Pirate Cruise for an afternoon your family will enjoy not only while you're on it, but also cherish the pictures and memories for years to come! Also enjoy Dinner and Sunset Cruises or Pee Wee Pirate Cruises!

Y - Yoga

What better way is there to relax and rejuvenate your mind and body than doing yoga on the beach? Check out Sea Turtle Beach Yoga or follow up yoga classes at Back in Touch Massage, Yoga & Lomilomi with a massage!

Z - Zzzzzzzz

No matter what else you do on your vacation to Topsail, don't forget to relax. Lay in the sun, play in the surf and catch a couple extra Z's. The most important thing is that when you go back to real life, you are refreshed and ready to get back to your regular routine without needing a vacation to recover from your vacation.