The ABCs of Topsail Island

Posted On Friday, August 15, 2025

Welcome to the ABCs of Topsail Island- your playful, alphabetical guide to one of North Carolina’s best-kept coastal secrets. Whether you're planning your first visit or you’re a long-time lover of this laid-back barrier island, our A-to-Z list highlights what makes the island so special. From beautiful beaches and amazing seafood to historic missile towers and nesting sea turtles, discover what makes our beaches so perfect.

A is for Art Museums

Though our local area may not be an artistic mecca, no one can deny the inspiration the ocean offers. Stop by The Locals Art Gallery & Wine Bar to enjoy the work of local artists and sip on craft beers and wines, or take a one-hour drive to Wilmington and visit the Cameron Art Museum for a broader range of exhibits.

B is for Beautiful Beaches

With our 26 miles of pristine beaches, there’s plenty of beauty, serenity, and peace to be found. Whether you enjoy lazing the day away on the beach with a good book or shelling until sunset, you’ll love our slice of paradise.

C is for Cuisine

One of the best things about staying in a vacation rental at the beach instead of in a stuffy hotel is the opportunity to cook fresh seafood that you either catch yourself (see letter F) or purchase at a local seafood market. Be sure to bookmark our Taste of Topsail post, which features a delicious recipe for scallops in a white wine sauce!

D is for Dolphins

Everyone loves dolphin sightings, and we have plenty for you to see. The best time to spot dolphins is usually early morning around sunrise, but they can also pop up for a visit just about any time. Be sure to bring your binoculars!

E is for Ecological Marine Adventures

If you or your kids want to get to know our coast better, you should spend a day enjoying an Ecological Marine Adventure! You can even choose between adventuring in Topsail Beach or Surf City.

F is for Fishing Pier

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

G is for Golf

There's nothing better than getting out on the green with the smell of salt in the air! If you share this sentiment, enjoy a round or two at North Shore Golf Course or Olde Point Country Club. For the younger ones and less golf proficient family members, how about a night of good old-fashioned family competition at Shipwreck Point Miniature Golf?

H is for Hospitality

Hospitality is what the South is known for, and for good reason. No matter where you go on the island, you’ll find that the service is second to none and the overall friendliness of the locals is unbeatable. We love our beaches and communities and can't wait to share them with you!

I is for Inis Spa

Vacations are all about relaxing, and what better way to relax than by pampering yourself with the perfect spa day? Book a trip to Inis Spa and get the luxurious experience you deserve.

J is for Jacksonville

Our beaches are located less than an hour from Jacksonville, North Carolina. Jax, as the locals call it, has a thriving metropolitan area with restaurants, a cinema, shopping, and more for rainy days or evenings out on the town.

K is for the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital

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

L is for Lea Island

If you need more wildlife adventure after your visit to the sea turtle hospital, take a day trip to Lea Island! This stunning island is a wildlife conservation with some of the cutest (and endangered) coastal and ocean life in North Carolina.

M is for Missiles and More Museum

Discover some of the lesser-known details about our local military involvement and research at the Missiles and More Museum. A visit to the museum is perfect for a rainy day or any history buffs in the family.

N is for 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, waterfowl, and so many other magnificent and unique animals that are exclusive to the Southern East Coast.

O is for Ocean

Playing in the pool is fun, but taking a dip in the ocean is a completely unique experience! Don't miss your chance to swim in the same water as dolphins and age-old pirates on your next vacation.

P is for Pirates

Did you know that real pirates used to sail the seas around Topsail Island? Some speculate that the island’s name originated from pirates. Explore some of our favorite historical sites and learn all about our island legends for yourself.

Q is for Queen Jean

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

R is for Rentals

Of course, if you’re coming our way, we have a very definite opinion on where you should stay! Not only do vacation rentals offer way more space than a hotel room, but the extra amenities and privacy are unmatched. Here at Seashore Realty, we strive to offer high-quality vacation rentals at competitive prices, allowing you to experience the best of our area.

S is for Surf

Whether you're a seasoned athlete or an excited beginner, surfing is a great way to have fun and get in touch with nature. Lose track of time, your worries, and just focus on the waves. Our local surf schools will have you hanging ten in no time. Try Topsail Island Surf School, Surf City Surf School, or Drop In Surf.

T is for Topsail Beach Skating Rink

Bond with your family old-school style and skate the night away at Topsail Beach Skating Rink! This local institution has been around for decades and has provided endless smiles and fond memories for thousands of families.

U is for USS North Carolina

Step back in history on the USS North Carolina. Tour the Battleship that defended our liberties in the thick of World War II for an afternoon you'll never forget. After your tour, be sure to enjoy all that downtown Wilmington has to offer, making it the perfect day trip.

V is for Vietnam Veterans Memorial

As mentioned in letter J, Jacksonville, North Carolina, is just a short drive away and is home to 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 by the Onslow Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

W is for Watersports

There are so many great ways to get out on the water, so make sure you take advantage of as many of them as possible while you’re here. We have a fantastic guide to the best watersport tours and rentals on the island, bookmark it so it’s handy!

X is for X Marks the Spot

…The spot that you should be planning your next beach vacation to! There are so many things that make our haven special, and we hope you’ll come see for yourself.

Y is for Yoga

Relax and rejuvenate your mind and body with a little yoga on the beach. Check out Topsail Island Yoga or Surf City Flow for incredible yoga experiences.

Z is for Zzzzzzzz

Vacations are full of exciting things, but amidst all the fun and memories, don't forget to take time to relax. Lay in the sun, play in the surf, and catch a couple of extra Zs. You have our permission to hit snooze (or skip the alarm clock altogether!) and sleep in. The most important thing is that when you go back to real life, you’re refreshed and ready to face the world.

We hope you’ve enjoyed the ABCs of Topsail Island and are inspired to come see what makes our slice of paradise so incredibly special! Whether you are planning a large family gathering or a romantic getaway for two, your friends at SeaShore Realty have you covered. Book one of our beautiful vacation rentals and be on your way to beach bliss in no time. We look forward to seeing you soon.

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