Beach Activities

• Topsail Beach is known as a beach town for families. Its beaches are active with swimming, fishing, boating and other water activities. Dolphins, ospreys and other wildlife are common around Topsail Beach. A good way to view them is aboard a sightseeing cruise that leaves from Topsail Offshore at 720 Channel Blvd. In addition to sightseeing cruises, families can go shrimping or take part in a pirate cruise, complete with a mock pirate battle.
  
  

Things to Do Around Town

• A unique attraction in Topsail Beach is the Missiles and More Museum at 720 Channel Blvd. Visitors can view missiles and island data collected as part of the U.S. Navy's Operation Bumblebee. The top-secret guided-missile testing program operated on Topsail Island from 1946 to 1948. The museum also houses artifacts from World War II, an exhibit on the Women Airforce Service Pilots stationed at Camp Davis during World War II and exhibits showing the development of Topsail Island's three beach communities. There are also exhibits about the history of American Indian life on the island, early pirate activity on Topsail Beach, natural history displays, as well an Osprey aircraft exhibit. The museum is open from April to mid-October.
  
  Around town, much attention is given to sea turtles since they come to Topsail Beach to nest during the summer. A visit to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center on 822 Carolina Ave. offers a look at the island's protection and conservation efforts of marine turtles. The center is open to the public five days a week, except during winter months when it is closed.
  
  

Things to Do Nearby

• Surf City is located in the center of Topsail Island. The town is the commercial center for the island and offers a number of things to do. For some family indoor fun, there is Docksiderland Indoor Family Funcenter at 14061 Highway 50. At Surf City Ocean Pier at 112 S. Shore Drive, you can fish, shop, play arcade games, dine or stroll on Topsail Island's first ocean pier.
  
  North Topsail Beach is located on the northern tip of Topsail Island. Fishing is popular here because it is where the New River and ocean meet. The town park offers outdoor activities, including basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, a nature trail and a tot play area.