Just because your household is running on a budget, doesn't mean you and your family can't enjoy a vacation on the coast of somewhere beautiful. Topsail Island, North Carolina offers visitors a quintessential beach experience as opposed to an overly commercialized one—which, quite honestly, ends up costing you and your family a lot more money than you think. Guess what? The sun, sand and surf are free! You can enjoy the best of a beach vacation without all of the other distractions here in Topsail, NC. Better yet, Topsail Island vacation rentals are budget-friendly and come in a wide range of sizes, styles, locations and amenities so that you're able to customize your vacation all while staying well within your budget.
Are you excited to learn more? Great! We'd love to share the many benefits of choosing Topsail Island for your next beach vacation, while putting your hard-earned vacation dollars to good use. Here's how to best enjoy a Topsail vacation on a budget.
Choose a budget-friendly Topsail Island rental.
Vacation rentals are more cost effective than a hotel/motel stay. It's a simple fact that you get more for your money when you choose to stay in a vacation rental, plus you get the added benefit of amenities that matter to you and your family. You can stay in a rental that is perfectly sized and suited for your family and its needs, where everyone has enough personal space, bedrooms and bathrooms to be comfortable combined with all of the luxuries you'd expect from a vacation. You even get to choose your location and your views. Whether it's soundside or canalfront, oceanfront or oceanside, or somewhere in between—you decide where you want to be. After all, it is your vacation. North Topsail Beach? Surf City? Topsail Beach? Every Topsail town has its own unique advantages and coastal charm, so you really can't go wrong.
Eat in more than you eat out.
Put your vacation rental kitchen to good use by sharing meals in the comfort and convenience of your own kitchen. You are saving money while spending more quality time together around the table without distraction. It's so nice to be able to have a refrigerator, stove, microwave, coffee pot and dishwasher whenever you need and want to use them. These are all standard in a Topsail vacation rental. Enjoy the excellent kitchen amenities and convenient appliances available to you, which will save you both time and money. Going out to eat three times a day every day of your weeklong vacation adds up to big spending really quickly. Keep that part of your vacation budget in check by choosing to eat in more times than you choose to eat out. Your vacation meals can actually be a memorable part of your vacation. Get everyone involved in the planning, implementation and clean-up and make your mealtimes special with themes or festive additions that amp up the fun. Sure you're going to want to go out to eat sometimes, that is part of a vacation experience too, but don't underestimate the saving potential of staying in for some of your meals and taking full advantage of the local retailers, seafood and fish markets, and fresh local bounty available to you.
Visit the free & cheap Topsail attractions.
One of the highlights of a Topsail beach vacation is the availability of free and cheap things to do during your stay. Many of the local activities are either totally free of charge or only require a few dollars to enjoy. Here are a few of our favorite economical ways to spend your day. Try one or try them all.
Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital: $5 General Admission, $3 Children ages 12 and under.
Missiles & More Museum: FREE, donations accepted.
Patio Playground: Putt Putt Golf $7 Adult, $5.50 Children ages 10 and under.
Seaview Fishing Pier: $1 for Spectators
Surf City Pier: $1 for Spectators
Jolly Roger Ocean Pier: $1 for Spectators
Soundside Park: FREE
Topsail Island Community Parks: FREE
You can find more affordable attractions and things to do on Topsail Island right here.
Enjoy Topsail activities that cost little to nothing.
Along with the budget-friendly Topsail attractions, there are more things to do that cost you very little. The beaches are free here in Topsail. No need to pay admission fees or even parking fees. You have unlimited access to all of the sun, sand and surf your little heart desires. Soak it up! Here are a few other Topsail activities that cost little to nothing to enjoy.
Biking: Bring your own or rent one for a few hours and only a few dollars. Pedal your way around town and explore the island on two wheels. Biking makes for a perfect family-friendly outing and our local outfitters offer very reasonable prices.
Walking: Surf City is Topsail's most walkable town for sightseeing, but you can walk your way through any of our three Topsail towns and see where the path leads you. Walk the beach, walk the neighborhoods, or walk the parks. There's so much to see.
Kayaking: Bring your own or rent one and then get out on the water and explore Topsail by paddle. It doesn't cost much and the experience will give you lasting memories that you can't put a price on.
Surfing: Go ahead and try it! Surfing is a popular pastime here in Topsail. You can take a lesson, rent a board, or just bring your own and take on the wave action.
Paddleboarding: The soundside waters of Topsail are ideal for a stand-up paddleboard excursion. Take a guided tour or just paddle your way on your own and explore the local waters.
Fishing: Surf fishing and pier fishing cost very little but provide big excitement. Who knows what you'll reel in? Drop your line and see what's biting.
Shelling: Sea shell hunting and beach combing are free and totally fun for everyone. You don't need much more than a good eye and something to keep your coastal treasures in as you collect them. You never know what lies waiting to be discovered. Seashells, sea glass, sand dollars and shark teeth are among the many hidden treasures.
Rollerskating: You might not think about a skating adventure on your beach vacation, but you should. The Topsail Skating Rink is a trip back in time to the simpler days. Bring your family out for a nostalgic experience complete with a record player spinning the tunes and you roll your way around the rink. It'll be a night to remember and only cost you a few bucks, which includes your skates. The skating rink is open every night 7pm to 10pm from March through Labor Day weekend.
Swimming: Swim the ocean waters or enjoy a few laps around the pool. Swimming doesn't cost a thing but is a wonderful way to cool off and get some exercise if you want to.
Check out our local shops and services for more details on these and other popular things to do during your Topsail beach vacation.
Go to the free Topsail Island events.
You can have a day or night out on the town for free. Whether it's a free movie under the stars in Soundside Park, a live music concert, perusing the local beach and farmers' markets, or any of the island's other complimentary activities, you don't have to spend a dime to have a good time. Many of our Topsail events center around the annual holidays, plus there are always other free happenings from surf competitions you can watch to fireworks and festivals to attend. Check out these Topsail Island annual events and see what's happening during your stay.
Plan your Topsail beach vacation in the off-season.
Beach season lingers well beyond the summer months here on Topsail Island. Sure the weather gets cooler and the water temperatures do too, but the inherent beauty of the beach still remains to be seen, savored and experienced. The shoulder and off-season times of the year are less busy and still very much enjoyable. When you vacation in the spring, fall and winter months, you get more of the beach to yourself! In addition, you get to experience the unique highlights that each of these seasons has to offer. Spring and fall fishing are big draws to Topsail Island, and so are the overall weather conditions when the climate is temperate and the colors are unhindered by the haze and humidity of the summer months. And let's talk about the fabulous coastal sunrises and sunrises, which provide a breathtaking color show every morning and night. Another benefit of an off-season Topsail vacation are the seasonal discounts and cheaper vacation rental rates, making an off-season beach vacation very affordable and totally doable.
Search the Topsail vacation rental specials & discounts.
It's never too early or too late to book your next Topsail Island beach vacation. You can often find discounts when you book well in advance or at the last minute. Ward Realty always has rental special discounts and offers for you to peruse. Get started now and enjoy a beach vacation that is well within your budget. Let us know if we can help!
Topsail Vacation Rental Specials & Discounts
How to Buy Property on Topsail Island
Click below to see just a few of the wonderful properties available on Topsail Island.
Do you have any tips and tricks for vacationing in Topsail, NC on a budget? We'd love to hear them!
