There is so much to do on Topsail Island. It can sometimes be overwhelming! There are fun activities, great restaurants and bars, and plenty of nature to explore. Today, we will share 10 things to do during your Topsail Island vacation. So, book that rental and start planning a trip today! 

1. Go back in time at the Topsail Beach Skating Rink

14 S. Anderson Blvd, Topsail Beach, NC 28445

Skate the night away at this affordable and family-friendly Topsail Island institution! The Topsail Beach Skating Rink is generally open from early March through Labor Day (when they start working off more limited hours). Check their Facebook page or call (910) 357-4567 to find out current hours. 

As of this writing, they are open every night from 6pm to 10pm. Cost is $8 per person which includes skate rental.  CASH ONLY. Don't forget tall socks! 

2. Check out the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital

302 Tortuga Lane, Surf City, NC

The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center's mission is the conservation and preservation of all species of marine turtles, both in the water and on the beach. This is accomplished through the rescue, care, and release of sick and injured sea turtles as well as public education. 

A visit to the Sea Turtle Hospital is so worth it! Hours vary depending on the season, so be sure to call 910-329-0222 or check their website. Tickets are required in advance to limit capacity. All hours and prices can be found by clicking here. 

3. Launch a kayak or paddleboard and explore the waters

One of the best ways to see Topsail Island is by water. When you "set sail" on a kayak or paddleboard, you become one with nature. You are in charge of where you go, and you never know what you will see! 

Our blog, Here Is Where to Launch Your Paddle Board or Kayak on Topsail Island, has some great information about where you can rent a watercraft and tells you how to get out on the water safely. 

4. Visit "Unwined Wine Bar, Beer & Charcuterie"

114 N Topsail Dr Surf City, NC 28445

Something for everyone! Unwined offers an assortment of wines & beers, and plenty of great food to include paninis & charcuterie. They also have great live music on the 36X50 deck each day! Unwined is co-located with "The Daily Grind", which is the spot to grab a coffee, latte, ice cream or smoothie. Follow them on Facebook for updates on live music, events, food specials and more. 

5. Hang out with Ecological Marine Adventures

106 North Topsail Dr.Surf City, NC, 28445

Take a class! Learn to surf! Search for ghost crabs, or send the kids to a Parent's Night Out - you can do all this and more with our local treasure, Ecological Marine Adventures. We love this family-run business that focuses on the beauty and wonder of our coastal environment. Visit EMA's website here. 

6. Walk the Surf City Bridge. 

Completed in 2018, the "new" Surf City Bridge was built with pedestrians (and runners and bikes) in mind! Standing tall at 65 feet, this one-mile journey offers sweeping views of our beautiful island. We recommend walking the bridge at sunrise or sunset, when the heat is low and the views are spectacular. Don't worry – pedestrians have a nice, wide, lane blocked by a concrete wall for safety. 

Photo courtesy of Dave Allen - Photographer / The Surf City Pier

7. Spend a day at the pier. 

The pier is the best place to spend the day fishing! You are covered by the blanket permit, and the pier has everything you need, from bait to pole rental. Not a fisherman? No problem! The piers offer surprisingly delicious food and drinks, ice cream, gift shops and plenty of fun. Don't forget the views - you will feel like you are standing in the middle of the ocean. 

We have three piers here on Topsail Island: 

8. Rent an E-Bike! 

E-bikes are becoming more and more popular here on Topsail Island! Exploring our area by bike is great because you can hop on and off without worrying about parking. Plus, you feel the wind in your hair and can really smell that ocean breeze. But if you get a little hot or tired, that e-bike electric assist sure comes in handy! 

Read our previous blog, Everything You Need to Know About Riding a Bike on Topsail Island to find out where to rent a bike - whether you choose electric or the old fashioned kind. 

9. Play a round at Shipwreck Point Mini Golf (and enjoy a beer at The Salty Turtle Beer Company when you're done)

107 Charlie Medlin Dr., Surf City

After a rousing game of golf, take the three minute walk over to the Salty Turtle Beer Company, where you can enjoy fresh, local beer, food trucks, live music and more. 

10. Take in a FREE movie or live music at Soundside Park

Did you know that there are free concerts and movies at Soundside Park during the summer? Bring your own lawn chairs, some snacks and drinks, and get ready to make some new friends. The best way to find out more about these free events is to follow Surf City Parks & Rec on Facebook or visit their website. 

Thanks for reading our list of 10 things to do when you visit Topsail Island! Don't forget that you can also just chill out at your beautiful Topsail Island vacation rental - after all, vacation is all about relaxing. 

Find your next rental today by clicking here!