Want to live like a local when you vacation on Topsail Island? All of the staff at Ward Realty live right here, some on the island others just over the bridge. Many have lived here for generations. They know the inside tips for avoiding traffic, finding great fishing spots, and the perfect place to watch the sunset. The other things that they know are where they like to go to eat and shop every day. So we polled the staff at Ward Realty for their favorite places to eat, shop and visit all year 'round.

This list is in no way exhaustive,there are many more wonderful restaurants and shops on and near the island, just waiting for you to explore. If you are looking for a specific recommendation, don't hesitate to ask any of our friendly reservationists, they are happy to help. But if you're looking for a place to get started - read on!

Favorites for Breakfast:

• Sugar Island Bakery – Surf City: amazing homemade pastries and coffee, plus books!
• Batson’s Galley – Surf City Mainland: French Toast, Omelets, It’s all good
• Sear’s Landing – Surf City Mainland ICW: Bloody Mary
• Surf City Pier – Surf City: Anything at The Grill
• Beach Shop & Grill – Topsail Beach: Country Breakfast

Favorites for Lunch:

• Daddy Mac’s – Surf City: Crab Cakes, Honey Bourbon & Sriracha Calamari, Crab Sandwich,
• Sear’s Landing – Surf City Mainland ICW: Fish Sandwich
• Santino’s Pizza – Surf City: Steak & Cheese Sub
• Fat Burgers– Sneads Ferry: Texan Burger w/Mac & Cheese
• New York Corner Deli – Surf City: Rueben, Cuban
• Surf City Pier – Surf City: Mosquito Burger (3 votes), Black Bean Burger
• Riverview Café – Sneads Ferry: Fried Flounder, Shrimp, & Softshell Crab
• Surf City BBQ – Surf City Mainland: Everything
• Shaka Taco – Surf City: Fish Tacos

Favorites for Dinner:

• The Bistro at Just Baked – Surf City: 14 Spice Flat Iron Steak, Bourbon Flights
• Beauchaines 211 – Surf City: Shrimp & Grits, Seafood
• Daddy Mac’s – Surf City: Seafood, Stuffed Flounder
• Oceans Edge – North Topsail Beach: Prime Rib
• EM R Wing’s – Sneads Ferry: Wings
• Riverview Cafe – Sneads Ferry: Fried Oysters
• Santino’s Pizza – Surf City: Cheese Steak or any Specialty Pizza
• Camino Real – Surf City Mainland: Arroz Con Pollo, Everything
• Sear’s Landing – Surf City Mainland ICW: Fish of the Day Dinner

Favorite Local Gift Shops or Specialty Boutiques:

• Tommy J’s Designer Jewelry – Surf City Mainland: Gorgeous Custom Pieces, One of a Kind items
• Sandy Toes Boutique – Surf City: Upscale Women’s Fashions
• Southern Emporium – Surf City: Gorgeous Gifts & Home Décor, Unique Items
• Mia’s Marketplace – Surf City Mainland: Old Fashioned Candy, Home Décor, Corkcicle’s
• Bumblebee Market – Surf City: Fun Gifts, Chocolates
• The Gift Basket – Topsail Beach: Nautical Jewelry, Christmas Ornaments
• Surfside Sportswear & Gifts – Surf City: Beautiful Clothing, Gifts
• Salty C Girls Island Boutique – Surf City: Unique Clothing
• Quarter Moon Bookstore – Topsail Beach: Books, Gifts, Wine
• Mermaid’s Purse – Surf City: Local Artists

Favorite Beach or Gear Rental:

• On Shore Surf Shop – Surf City: Lessons & Surf Tips, Surf Boards
• Herrings Outdoor Sports – Surf City: Kayaks, Canoes, Clothing, Shoes, Bikes, Fishing Supplies
• Seaside Linens – Surf City Mainland: Linens, Beach Chairs, and More
• North Topsail Beach Service – North Topsail Beach: Beach Chairs, Umbrellas, Paddle Boards, Surfboards Bikes

Favorite Activities/Events/Attraction:

• Soundside Park – Surf City: Free Summer Concerts & Movies
• Surf City Parks & Recreation– Surf City: Yoga and Paddleboard classes
• The Ocean – Sunbathing, Surfing
• Autumn with Topsail – Topsail Beach: Music, Food, Crafts
• Belle of Topsail – Surf City: Pirate Cruise, Dinner Cruise, and More
• Missiles and More Museum – Topsail Beach: Interesting, Educational and Pirates sometimes invade
• Fishing – Piers and Beach

Favorite Fishing Spots:

• Surf Fishing, all over Topsail Island – Blues, Trout, Flounder, Red Drum, Virginia Mullet
• Surf City Pier – Spots, Drum, and More

Favorite Ice Cream Shops:

• The Snow Factory – Surf City
• Surf City Pier – Surf City
• Beach Bunny – Surf City
• Island Delights – Surf City

Favorite Pizza or Burgers:

• Santino’s Pizza – Surf City
• Hwy 55 – Surf City
• Surf City Pier – Surf City: Mosquito Burger
• Fat Burgers Sports Bar & Grill – Sneads Ferry
• Max’s Pizza – Surf City

Favorite Seafood Spot:

• Surf City Crab – Surf City: Fresh seafood market
• JM’s Place – Surf City: Fresh Seafood market
• Batson’s Galley – Surf City Mainland
• Grant’s Oyster House – Sneads Ferry
• Riverview Café – Sneads Ferry
• Breezeway Restaurant – Topsail Beach
• Black Beards Waterfront Bar & Restaurant – Sneads Ferry
• Sear’s Landing – Surf City Mainland ICW

Favorite Sunrise/Sunset Spots:

• Sunrise on the Beach, anywhere
• Topsail Beach, at the end, or access #4
• Sunset on the South End of Island, Serenity Point
• Sunset at Breezeway Restaurant, Beauchaines 211
• Soundside Park, end of the boardwalk

Insider Tips – What not to miss:

• Plan ahead for enough groceries for first day or so, hit the grocery store on Monday
• Arrive earlier in the day and have lunch or go to the beach, miss the late afternoon traffic
• Follow Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehab Hospital on Facebook and get notified of turtle releases – really cool to see
• Visit the Karen Beasley Turtle Hospital – great for adults and kids
• A sunset walk at Soundside Park
• JM’s Seafood Market for fresh seafood
• The Assembly Building for the Missiles & More Museum, and Boat Slip Rentals
• Skating Rink in Topsail Beach
• Pirate Cruise on The Belle of Topsail
• Yoga in Soundside Park – follow the Surf City Parks & Recreation on Facebook or their website for list of the Free or inexpensive activities throughout the year
• A walk on any of the piers
• Avoid the Swing Bridge at the top of the hour
• Autumn with Topsail festival in October
• A pause under one of the piers for a spectacular perspective and view – great photo opportunity