Looking for Things to Do in Surf City NC?
When it comes to coastal towns, Surf City is a unique and more quiet area than the others found along North Carolina. Surf City has a population of a little over 3,800 and is located centrally on Topsail Island.
The beautiful island of Topsail is often overlooked as folks tend to head to the Outer Banks for their beach vacations, though Topsail is truly a magnificent place that deserves more recognition. Topsail is a 26-mile-long barrier reef island located midway between Jacksonville, NC, and Wilmington, NC.
Surf City is known for being one of the friendliest small-town cities in North Carolina. It has an abundance of year-round activities, tons of delicious restaurants, and lots of beauty to explore. Whether you are going for a short weekend trip or you are looking to escape for a summer vacation, Surf City should be your next destination.
Things to Do in Surf City NC
We’ve put together all the fabulous things to do in Surf City that we think you’ll love. Below, you’ll find activities, restaurants, places to stay, and so much more.
1. Enjoy Topsail Beach
Topsail Beach is a smaller town just 12 minutes South of Surf City. The quiet town is known for having beautiful, peaceful beach access, along with some very popular Topsail Island attractions. If you get the chance to take the short trip down to Topsail Beach, be sure to check out Patio Playground, The Historical Society of Topsail, Missiles and More Museum, and Beach Shop and Grill.
2. Surf City Pier
Address: 112 S Shore Dr, Surf City, NC 28445
The Surf City Pier is a 937-foot-long pier and the first pier to be opened on Topsail Island in 1948. Visiting the pier is a must while in Surf City as it offers some of the best views and great fishing opportunities (including night fishing.) The Surf City Pier also has fish cleaning stations, a bait and tackle shop, souvenirs, ice cream, a grill serving burgers, and an outside dining area.
There is a small fee of just one dollar to visit the pier, and the paid parking months are March 1st – October 31st. Daily and seasonal passes for fishing can be purchased at the visitor’s center before entering the pier.
3. Soundside Park
Address: 517 Roland Ave, Surf City, NC 28445
Soundside Park is located right on the Intercoastal waterway and includes a walking path, a premier pirate ship-themed playground, boat launches, a dock, picnic shelters, and an amphitheater. Not only is it a great place to bring the family, but it is also a beautiful place to enjoy wildlife sightings and ocean views.
4. Kenneth D. Batts Family Park
Address: 911 S Topsail Dr, Surf City, NC 28445
Kenneth D. Batts is a small, friendly coastal park with a boardwalk, basketball courts, a playground, picnic shelters, and bathrooms. It is a great park for kids and families.
5. Mini Golf at Shipwreck Point Golf
Address: 13705 NC-50, Surf City, NC 28445
Shipwreck Point Golf is an all-ages putt-putt mini golf course with an all-out Pirate and ocean theme. They have two 18-hole courses and a restaurant with drinks, ice cream, toys, and souvenirs.
6. The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center
Address: 302 Tortuga Ln, Surf City, NC 28445
The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center started in 1996 with a woman named Karen Beasley and her small team of volunteers working to preserve and protect native sea turtle nests and hatchlings. Today, the non-profit cares for up to 40 sea turtles at a time, as they aid and rehabilitate sick and injured sea turtles before releasing them back into the wild.
The center is open publicly for tours throughout the year. Visitors can see the sea turtles and watch as the volunteers care, feed, and play with them. They also hold educational programs and are always looking for volunteers.
7. Ecological Marine Adventure
Address: 106 N Topsail Dr, Surf City, NC 28445
The Ecological Marine Adventure Center is a complete, hands-on learning and science center that teaches kids of all ages about the ocean, ocean life, and preserving the natural beauty of the sea. The center holds learning programs for kids as young as three that involve field exploration, photography, field trips, experiments, data collection, and more.
8. Topsail Touch Tank Aquarium
Address: 106 N Topsail Dr, Surf City, NC 28445
The Topsail Touch Tank Aquarium is a wonderful interactive learning center and aquarium with a mission of conservation education. The adventure starts with a meet and greet with Ms. Shell, a diamondback terrapin turtle, and is followed by touch tanks filled with bamboo sharks, horseshoe crabs, starfish, and more.
9. Topsail Escape Room
Address: 328A N Topsail Dr, Surf City, NC 28445
Topsail Escape Room is Topsail’s premier escape room that includes three different themed rooms (two indoor and one outdoor) that must be solved using teamwork and strategy. The escape room is open year-round, and reservations must be made online. Tickets are $30 per person (children under five are free.)
10. Inis Spa
Address: 208 N New River Dr., Suite A, Surf City, NC 28445
Inis Spa is a full-service wellness and beauty spa that goes above and beyond to make you feel like royalty. Some of the spa’s services include facials, massage, and waxing.
11. North Topsail Surf & Paddle
Address: 4021 Island Dr, North Topsail Beach, NC 28460
North Topsail Surf & Paddle is a small, local business that provides outdoor water sports lessons to people of all ages. They have trained professionals that provide surf lessons and paddle board lessons. North Topsail Surf & Paddle also offers rentals for all kinds of water sports gear.
12. Surf City Jet Ski & Watersports
Address: 512 Roland Ave, Surf City, NC 28445
There is absolutely nothing like jet skiing in the open ocean around the Topsail Island barrier. Surf City Jet Ski & Watersports offers jet ski rentals, kayak rentals, paddle board rentals, and boat tours. Online reservations are highly recommended.
13. Tiki Tours
Address: 412 Roland Ave, Surf City, NC 28445
Tiki Tours is the ultimate boat tour agency in Surf City. The agency provides a variety of different tours of the island barrier on different pontoon boats. Tours include eco-tours, cruises, scenic music sunset tours, and more. The Tiki Tour agency provides some of the best tours around Topsail Island.
14. Surf City Mural
Address: 121A S Topsail Dr, Surf City, NC 28445
The Surf City Mural is the first mural painted by artist David Mercer as a way to beautify Surf City. The mural is located on the town’s water tower pump house and features a sea turtle, a Bumblebee tower, the old swing bridge, and more ocean scenery.
15. Herring’s Outdoor Sports
Address: 701 N New River Dr, Surf City, NC 28445
Herring’s Outdoor Sports is THE spot on the island for all outdoor gear, beach items, clothing, and more. They are well-known as the island’s top-of-the-line outdoor clothing retailer, and they have the best variety around.
Herring’s also serves as a bait-and-tackle shop, as well as a rental gear store where they rent out things like kayaks, bikes, paddle boards, and more. If you have any questions about the area, this is a great place to check out.
16. Mia’s Marketplace
Address: 14061 NC-50, Surf City, NC 28445
Mia’s Marketplace is a coastal-themed shop with saltwater taffy, art, souvenirs, apparel, kids items, and more.
17. Topsail Island Trading Company
Address: 201 N New River Dr, Surf City, NC 28445
Topsail Island Trading Company is a must-do while on your vacation. This fun little store has just about everything and a little something for everyone. The items range from fudge and taffy to jewelry, souvenirs, t-shirts, and more.
18. Seacoast Art Gallery
Address: 203 Greensboro Ave, Surf City, NC 28445
The Seacoast Art Gallery shares a beautiful collection of art by artists from Topsail and around the region. Visitors will see a variety of different mediums, including paintings, photography, woodwork, jewelry, metal arts, and more.
19. Bumblebee Market
Address: 330 N New River Dr, Surf City, NC 28445
Bumblebee Market is a quirky, bright retail store with handmade items, clothing, jewelry, souvenirs, and more. The staff are extremely friendly and will help you find the perfect gift to remember your trip.
Drinks and Restaurants in Surf City NC
We cannot list them all, but here are some great places to check out while you are in Surf City and Topsail Island.
✅ Sundial Coffee and Tea
Address: 104 Charlie Medlin Dr., Unit A, Surf City, NC 28445
A friendly coastal coffee shop that serves coffee, tea, and smoothies.
✅ The Daily Grind
Address: 114 N Topsail Dr, Surf City, NC 28445
A unique coffee joint with great service. The Daily Grind serves a variety of coffee drinks, tea, breakfast sandwiches, ice cream, donuts, and pastries. They also host live music during the summer season and are a great place to pick up a souvenir or small gift.
✅ Salty Turtle Beer Co.
Address: 103 Triton Ln, Surf City, NC 28445
Salty Turtle Beer Co. is a local veteran-owned and operated brewery and taproom. The Salty Turtle has a fantastic variety of craft beers. They also host live music and food trucks. Salty Turtle Beer Co. is a super friendly place that welcomes families and dogs.
✅ Surf City Line
Address: 2112 N New River Dr, Surf City, NC 28445
Surf City Line is a new restaurant/bar located on the border of Surf City and North Topsail. They have the largest outside deck on the island, which is perfectly accommodating for those looking for lots of space to enjoy food, drink, and live music.
✅ Surf City Barbeque and Catering
Address: 13500 NC-50 UNIT 112, Surf City, NC 28445
You can’t go wrong at Surf City Barbecue! They have some of the best classic Southern-style barbecue meals, sides, and desserts.
✅ Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar
Address: 13460 NC-50 #101, Surf City, NC 28445
A nice and easy place to get fresh-caught, raw, and steamed shellfish, wings, beers, and sides.
✅ Low Tide Steak House & SandBar
Address: 13741 NC-50, Surf City, NC 28445
The only steakhouse in Surf City, Low Tide Steak House & Sandbar is a casual, fine dining eatery with fine meats, seafood, co*cktail bar, and salad bar.
✅ Sears Landing
Address: 806 Roland Ave, Surf City, NC 28445
Sears Landing is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day of the week. They have seafood, a full bar, and a lovely dockside deck.
✅ Diver Surfside Cafe
Address: 809 Roland Ave, Surf City, NC 28445
Are you looking for fresh, pressed juices on a warm summer day? Diver Surfside Cafe offers delicious organic, fresh-pressed juices, smoothies, coffee drinks, light breakfast foods, and more.
✅ JM’s On The Water
Address: 602 Roland Ave, Surf City, NC 28445
An exceptional, family-owned seafood restaurant, also with a great selection of steaks, burgers, and more.
✅ Max’s Pizza
Address: 602 Roland Ave A, Surf City, NC 28445
A local favorite since 1985, Max’s Pizza serves delicious pizza, burgers, salads, and more.
✅ Crab Pot
Address: 508 Roland Ave, Surf City, NC 28445
The Crab Pot is a fun, lively seafood restaurant with a number of fresh-caught seafood dishes every day. They also host live music, karaoke, and themed nights.
✅ Beach Bunny Ice Cream
Address: 501 Roland Ave, Surf City, NC 28445
The perfect place for kids and families is Beach Bunny Ice Cream. They have a large variety of yummy ice cream flavors, homemade ice cream sandwiches, a projector playing kids’ movies, and a few arcade games.
✅ Salt Marsh Market
Address: 100 Charlie Medlin Dr, Surf City, NC 28445
The Salt Marsh Market is a gourmet grocery shop that offers everything from on-the-go quick eats and snacks to adult beverages, coffee, milkshakes, and more.
They have an excellent selection of wines that can be purchased by the glass or bottle. There is also a great selection of regional craft beers served on draft by the glass or in growlers to go. However, their canned beer options are even more extensive.
Grab some pre-made meals, sandwiches, fresh baked goods, or charcuterie. You can sit inside or out on their patio or take your things to go.
✅ Topsail Steamer
Address: 302 S Topsail Dr, Surf City, NC 28445
Topsail Steamer is a favorite seafood place that serves its famous seafood steamer pots to-go. All seafood is local, fresh-caught daily right here in North Carolina.
✅ Santino’s Italian Trattoria
Address: 205 S Topsail Dr, Surf City, NC 28445
Santino’s is a family-owned, authentic Italian restaurant with great pastas, pizzas, wings, and more.
✅ Daybreak Donuts
Address: 303 S Topsail Dr, Surf City, NC 28445
Daybreak Donuts is a unique donut shop with tops of interesting donut flavors and even make-your-own donut options. They also serve coffee.
✅ Eventide
Address: 106 N New River Dr, Surf City, NC 28445
Eventide is a Surf City beer, wine, and cigar shop. They have an amazing beer selection with 12 craft beers on tap and an even larger selection in cans. They have a great selection of wines and cigars, too. Eventide offers regular entertainment, including live music, karaoke, and comedy nights.
✅ Buddy’s Crab House & Oyster Bar
Address: 101 Roland Ave, Surf City, NC 28445
A casual, beachy, shack-style crab house and oyster bar. Food is decently priced with good-sized portions.
✅ Daddy Mac’s Beach Grille
Address: 108 N Shore Dr, Surf City, NC 28445
An oceanfront restaurant serving some of the best seafood in Surf City. They also have a full bar with housemade co*cktails and frozen drinks to enjoy on the outside patio.
✅ Sea Blue Coffee & Ice Cream
Address: 116C S Shore Dr, Surf City, NC 28445
A coffee house and ice cream bar that serves award-winning hand-dipped premium ice cream.
✅ SurfDog Bites & Brews
Address: 204 N New River Dr A, Surf City, NC 28445
An easy-going, all-American eatery with burgers, hot dogs, homemade soups, and more.
✅ New York Corner Deli
Address: 206 N Topsail Dr, Surf City, NC 28445
New York Corner Deli is a cool breakfast and lunch spot with a fun dinner atmosphere, just minutes from the beach.
✅ Shaka Taco
Address: 107 B, N Shore Dr, Surf City, NC 28445
Shaka Taco is a hip taco stand that uses only local fresh ingredients in all their tacos. They have excellent indoor and outdoor seating in a picnic-style setting.
✅ Margaritas Mexican Grill & Cantina
Address: 204 N New River Dr, Surf City, NC 28445
A busy, authentic Mexican restaurant with a little something for everyone.
✅ Tortuga’s Nest
Address: 1713 N New River Dr, Surf City, NC 28445
If you are looking for some fun, head over to Tortgua’s Nest, the biggest and best dance club on Topsail. They have delicious drinks, bar games, and fun music every night of the week during peak season.
✅ Hidden Ships Distillery
Address: 116 Charlie Medlin Dr., Surf City, 28445
Hidden Ships is Topsails’ first distillery and pre-prohibition-style co*cktail bar. They make their own vodka, rum, gin, and bourbon on-site and offer a unique, elegant, lounge-style experience.
✅ The Trailer Bar
Address: 1701 N New River Dr, Surf City, NC 28445
Known as the best dive bar around, The Trailer Bar is a popular Surf City late-night bar and hangout spot. They have live music every night during the summer and every weekend for the rest of the year. Technically a private club, there is a $2 annual membership. They have a pool table and an outdoor deck as well.
✅ Gilligan’s
Address: 14085 NC-50, Surf City, NC 28445
Gilligan’s is another small, local-favorite co*cktail and dive bar and is located just off the island.
Public Beach Access in Surf City NC
Surf City has 39 public beach access points located throughout the town. Each access point has public parking that requires a parking fee between March 1st through October 31st.
The beach access with public restrooms and shower facilities includes beach access #5, #15, #18, and #19. Port a johns can be found at #3, #21, #22, #23, #13, #14, #16, #17, and #20.
Dogs are allowed on all the beaches in Surf City year-round, though they must remain on a leash. Items prohibited on the beaches include glass, open flames, and charcoal grills. All weather updates and more information can be found on the Surf City website.
Things to Do near Surf City NC
Surf City is only a small part of Topsail, and there are lots of other wonderful things on the island to explore! Here are some of our favorites.
✅ Missiles and More Museum
Address: 720 Channel Blvd, Topsail Beach, NC 28445
Missiles and More Museum is a local history and heritage museum located in a former missile plant. This museum is open seasonally.
✅ Topsail Towers
As you explore Topsail, you may see giant concrete towers. These concrete towers were built by the US Navy right after World War II to serve as observation decks for rockets being launched off the coast of Topsail Island. Eight of these buildings were originally built, though only seven still stand today.
✅ Serenity Point
Address: Southern End of Topsail Island
Serenity Point is the southernmost end of Topsail and has acres of undeveloped, natural beaches. There is parking on the sound side or at the public beach access on the ocean side; both have beach access and walking trails. Many say this is one of the most beautiful parts of Topsail to visit.
✅ ORV Beach Access at Onslow County Beach Access #3
Address: 3948 River Dr, North Topsail Beach, NC 28460
An off-roading beach access area in Topsail Beach. This area is for four-wheel drive capable vehicles only and is not for joyriding (ATVs, motorcycles, and go-karts are prohibited.) The area is open year-round, though passes are required for all vehicles.
✅ NC Oyster Trail
The NC Oyster Trail is a fun, interactive way to learn about and try all the local oysters in North Carolina. The year-round experience includes an interactive map of the areas nearby to visit and explore North Carolina’s oysters.
✅ Seaview Pier
Address: 124 Fishing Pier Ln, North Topsail Beach, NC 28460
A lovely fishing pier on the North end of Topsail. There is fishing access, a restaurant, a pier house, and a motel.
✅ Jolly Roger Pier
Address: 803 Ocean Blvd, Topsail Beach, NC 28445
A landmark of Topsail with great fishing access, beautiful ocean views, sunset views, a restaurant, a souvenir shop, and a motel.
✅ Patio Playground
Address: 807 S Anderson Blvd, Topsail Beach, NC 28445
Patio Playground is Topsail’s only family-fun amusem*nt center with two arcades, mini-golf, putt-putt, a DJ, live music, ice cream, and more.
✅ Topsail Beach Skating Rink
Address: 714 S Anderson Blvd, Topsail Beach, NC 28445
Topsail Skating Rink is a classic skating rink open seasonally from March through September. The vintage-style skating rink has been open since 1964 and provides hours of endless family fun.
Annual Events near Surf City NC
✅ Ocean Fest | The Festival | 2024 Dates Coming Soon
The Ocean Fest is the biggest and most anticipated music festival on Topsail Island. The large, non-profit event attracts thousands of visitors each year with live music, surf contests, the 5K run, beer gardens, a vendor zone, and informational programs set up to educate and inspire the community on ways to preserve and protect the marine environment. This FREE event is a great event for families to enjoy, make friends, help the community, and have fun.
✅ Surf City Independence Day | July 3, 2024
As part of the Surf City tradition, they celebrate Independence Day on July 3rd with live music, dancing, food trucks, and their famous fireworks show. Food trucks and live music begin at Soundside Park at 6 pm, and festivities go on until 9 pm when the fantastic grand finale firework show begins. This is a fireworks show you don’t want to miss. Admission is free.
✅ Autumn with Topsail | October 18, 19, 20, 2024
Autumn with Topsail is a fun arts, crafts, and live music festival to celebrate the closing of the summer season. The festival takes place on the grounds of the Historical Society of Topsail Island and the Assembly Buildings. There will be over 100 regional artists, beer and wine, food trucks, games, kids’ crafts, inflatables, and lots of live music at this highly anticipated event.
✅ The Greater Topsail Area Flotilla & Christmas Market | December 9, 2023 (TBD for 2024)
Address: Soundside Park, 513 Roland Ave, Surf City, NC 28445
The Greater Topsail Flotilla & Christmas Market is held at Soundside Park in Surf City. The vendor market features arts and crafts and handmade items for sale. There will be a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus with photo opportunities from 3-6 pm. The event also includes food trucks and local beer, face painting and live music. Around 6 pm, the flotilla of decorated boats should arrive for viewing, with prizes awarded to the best-decorated boat.
✅ The North Carolina Spot Festival – November 4-5, 2023 (TBD for 2024)
The North Carolina Spot Festival is a coastal fall festival that celebrates the Spot Fish and live music. The event includes beer and wine vendors, the famous spot dinner, and lots of great live music. Tickets to the event are $5 per person (kids under six are free,) and the spot dinner is an extra $12 per plate (the dinner includes two spot fish, hushpuppies, french fries, and coleslaw.) This event is top-rated and brings in hundreds of people from all over the area.
✅ Annual Surf City Tree Lighting Ceremony | November 18, 2023 (TBD for 2024)
The yearly Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place at Soundside Park this year with a glorious 42-foot-tall tree! This is the best and most fun way to ring in the Christmas season as the town joins together to watch Santa light the tree. There will also be family-friendly activities, food trucks, holiday drinks, and fire pits. The event goes from 3 pm to 6 pm.
✅ Christmas Parade | November 25, 2023 (TBD for 2024)
The Christmas Parade is the next best event that brings the town together to celebrate the coming holiday. The parade starts at 4:30 in the town square and ends with the annual Christmas tree lighting at the Topsail Beach Town Center. There will be refreshments provided, visits with Mr. & Mrs Claus, caroling, and more.
Where To Stay in Surf City NC
📍 Four-Bedroom Vacation Rental | Steps to the Beach –The four-bedroom family vacation home is located just minutes away from the beach and will totally complete your coastal vacation. Sleeping up to nine guests, this roomy home has all the accommodations you’re looking for to complete your vacation stay. The home is complete with an outdoor patio, barbecue grills, free parking, and a full kitchen, and they are pet-friendly.
📍Townhome with Balconies & Tesla Charger –The townhome with balconies and a Tesla charger is perfect for your next vacation stay. The home offers three spacious rooms, sleeping up to eight guests, with a sizeable dining area, full kitchen, and outdoor balconies. The home is located just minutes from the beach and many Surf City attractions, so you don’t have to go far from your comfortable vacation home.
📍Beautiful Two-Bedroom Townhome | Steps from the Beach –This easy-going beach house is perfect for friends or small families staying on the beach. The townhome sleeps up to four guests and has its own private beach access, a balcony, and plenty of space for a lovely, relaxing vacation.
Surf City NC: FAQs
📌 Does Surf City, NC, have a boardwalk?
Yes! Surf City has an excellent pier that is great for fishing and beautiful views.
📌 Can you drink on the beach in Surf City, NC?
Yes, alcohol is permitted on Surf City beaches as long as you are 500 feet away from beach access. Glass containers are prohibited.
📌 Is Surf City, NC, crowded?
Surf City is generally less crowded than surrounding beaches and beach towns.
📌 Is Surf City worth a visit?
Surf City is a quiet beach town that is well worth the visit. If you are looking for something more quiet than the Outer Banks that still gives you that charming North Carolina coastal vibe, Surf City is a great place to explore.
📌 Is the water clear in Surf City, NC?
The water in Surf City is some of the cleanest and clearest around.
📌 Do you have to pay to go on the Surf City pier?
There is a very small entrance fee of just one dollar.
📌 Is it safe to swim at Surf City, NC?
The beaches in Surf City are some of the safest beaches to swim at. Keep your eyes out for any red flag warnings telling you when it is unsafe to swim.
📌 Is Surf City considered the Outer Banks?
No, Surf City is not part of the Outer Banks. Surf City is located on the island of Topsail which is about two hours South of the Outer Banks.
📌 Is North or South Topsail Beach better?
Both parts of Topsail are great places to explore for different reasons. Generally, visitors tend to enjoy South Topsail Beach better because there is more to do, more places to stay, and more restaurants, etc. However, North Topsail is less crowded and has nice beaches.
📌 Are dogs allowed on the beach in Surf City, NC?
Dogs are allowed on the beaches in Surf City year-round. However, they must remain on a leash at all times.
Final Thoughts
Surf City is the ultimate coastal North Carolina vacation destination. If you are looking for something a little outside of the box, this is the perfect place to spend quality time with your family.
