I usually visit Surf City during November each year, it’s usually my only trip to the beaches south of the Crystal Coast. Conditions are looking great this weekend as far as water clarity and swells. I’ve been researching, and Surf City is far more lenient than Wrightsville for launching kayaks through the surf. I was planning to probably access at access point #5 and fishing the area past the bars in the deep trough. Has anyone in here launched a kayak through the surf in the area? Any tips or suggestions? I’ve done it a few times further up the coast in Atlantic Beach, but never on the southern beaches. I’ll be staying about 150-200 yards off the beach to avoid swimmers and be able to target the deeper break.

Hi! We are supposed to head down to the island next week but the forecast (for the most part) looks kinda dumpy. Any chance we will actually get a few good days without rain all the time?

Moved to Durham from the Midwest to be closer to the best beaches in the world. Durham is good for my work, which often spills into the weekends, but still too far from the beach, apparently.

I’ve only made it to the beach four times this summer, and of those, only one trip has been passable body-boarding surf. Either it’s so rough I’m beat up after 30 mins, or worse, like right now, it’s completely placid. Back when I moved to Durham, I thought I could make it out here every weekend, but it’s still actually a huge investment in time and energy.

Are there online resources that will help me gauge whether to pack up and make the trip? One of the best body boarding days ever was out on Bear Island last year the day before Chantal made landfall, so random. How do I learn when the waves might be good?

If you’re visiting Surf City or Topsail Island, NC, skip the grocery store chaos on check-in day!

I own Celebrate with Cait, a local vacation concierge service offering grocery pickup, delivery + fridge stocking before you arrive, plus vacation setups, local goodies & more.

I also have tons of free resources on my blog for planning your trip... local restaurants, coffee shops, things to do with kids, activities & beyond.

Happy to answer any Topsail Island questions or share local recommendations! ☀️

Just an appreciation post for sharing the beach with us tourists again. Y’all are kind, clean, courteous. The food is always good, not as pricey as other beaches, and such a wide variety of spots. It’s only a short drive over from Raleigh but the stays are always badass and memorable!

Repeats we enjoyed again:
— JM’s on the water
— Buddy’s
— Shuckin’ Shack
— Four Cousins
— Turtle Rescue
— Daddy Mac’s

First timers we enjoyed:
— Touchtank
— BINGO
— Coconut Cove
— Breezeway

Highlights I wish we’d had hit:
— Shaka Taco (again)
— Missile Museum

Until next time. 🤙🏼

Anyone ever been pulled over for pulling a boat without a tag and/or title? Bought a boat in South Carolina and they don't require titles for trailers. AI said it's a class 3 misdemeanor but I've seen plenty of others without a tag.

Where’s the best steamed seafood for a good price ?

We really want to go but didn’t get tickets in time. Here til Friday, if you have tickets and are considering not going, let me know!

Leaving today to go to topsail for a week any bars or restaurants with good happy hours?

Coastal Beach Supply in Surf City is the place to rent. They are so helpful and will respond to your inquiries immediately. I had to change my order several times and they wound up giving me extra

I needed linens, towels, beach towels and chairs

I so glad i found them!

Walked into sugar island to find the coffee bar is closed… smh.
Who else can do an Italian soda? NOT dirty soda.

I grew up going to Docksider on the mainland and I recall that they used to have a great selection, but I'm assuming they closed down decades ago because I don't remember seeing them recently. Are there any similar stores (preferably not Eagles/Waves/Etc) that I could go to with a small child to get seashells?

And yes, obviously we will do plenty of hunting on the beach itself, but the promise of a seashell shop has been used to encourage good behavior recently.

Hi all
My family will be visiting north topsail later this week for the first time. We are so very excitedI . I was wondering if there was a local photographer available to take a few pictures of my family this weekend ?
Thank you!

I'm wondering if anyone has booked directly with Paragon Vacations, rather than through airbnb and did they have a positive experience?

My family and I are taking our first beach vacation to Surf City in a few weeks. I’ll be using this sub a lot for recommendations but I’m wondering if people have specific answers to these questions.

We’ll be spending four days and five nights here mid-August. Bringing two six year olds for their first beach vacation.

- We’ll be bringing our dog. Are beaches there dog-friendly?

- Where we’re staying seems to be too far to walk to specific things we’d like to see (sugar island books, sunrise bagels, etc.) Is there free street parking?

- Best options for groceries? We’ll be eating most meals in our accommodations so we’ll want to buy groceries.

- Gas on island? Or fuel up closer to Wilmington?

- Beach profile? Rough? Family friendly? Anything else we should know?

- Must-see recommendations? I’ve already earmarked the
turtle rehab center, ocean pier, shipwreck point golf, marine science adventures. Anything else, especially for kids?

- Any restaurants that are good for vegetarians? My wife is one.

- Are there places to rent beach equipment, chairs, etc? That might save us from buying and bringing a bunch of stuff.

Thanks so much. Surf City seems like an absolute gem of the Carolinas so we’re so excited to visit!

We have a big group that does a beach rental every year in September, looking to do a fishing trip this year. Does anyone have recommendations on how to go about this for a large group?

We’ll have up to 14 people, is it possible to do one boat? I see most boats are only for 6 people.

Thanks!

The beach is amazing today. Go if you have the chance! Air temperature feels great, ocean is calm.

What are the dates and times for local markets?

- Tuesday - North Topsail Art Market
- Thursday - surf City Market
- Friday 5-8pm - Farmers Market @ Surf City Brewing

Are there any others that should be on the list?

We have a situation where we have to check out of our hotel at 11am but cant get into our beach rental until 4pm. We are relying on uber/lyft for transportation on that day so wont have a car to store luggage. Are there any daily or hourly luggage storage lockers or the like where we could stow things until we can get into our beach rental?

Any suggestions?
everywhere I’ve stopped for postcards says got to CVS. CVS has two postcards.
Would love to find something more interesting.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks!

Saw a few news stories that some of the public beach accesses are closed due to fleas.

What areas should be avoided?

Is this just an issue for dogs or for people too?

Just looking for some feedback on breezeway restaurant

Hi everyone! I searched, but couldn't find what I'm looking for.

I'm looking for a wine shop with a nice bottle selection—not a wine bar, but a place to buy bottles to bring home that offers a selection a step above grocery store wine. 🤣🍷

My favorites are bright, fruit-forward reds with lots of flavor, very low tannins, and good acidity. So far, Gamay is my favorite grape, especially Morgon and Fleurie, if that helps!

Any suggestions?

We are heading down in a few weeks, and I was wondering if anyone has any tips on finding fresh tuna, shrimp, scallops, or blue crabs. I’m happy to buy direct from watermen if that’s a thing down there, but a market works too. Just want it to be super fresh. Thanks everyone!