The Best Restaurants & Things to Do in Topsail Island, NC
Topsail Island, NC may look like a sleepy island if you're unfamiliar with the terrain, but there's definitely more to it than meets the eye.
Whether you’re spending a day on the water or ashore, the best things to do in Topsail Island run the gamut. Here, we’ll look at a few of the most popular places to eat and activities on the 6-mile barrier island, so you can start figuring out how to best split your time.
Where to Eat:
1. Splash by the Sea
790 New River Inlet Rd, North Topsail Beach, NC 28460
At this popular seafood restaurant, the crab dip, ceviche, tuna nachos, and crab cakes are all on the menu. The indoor/outdoor space on the beach is known for its fun atmosphere, attentive service, and family-friendly menu.
Guests love coming here to see the gorgeous views right from their table. However, the location is equally scenic at night. With a spacious patio and comfortable seating, you might want that extra cocktail or glass of wine before you wind up the night.
2. Seaview Pier Restaurant
124 Fishing Pier Ln, North Topsail Beach, NC 28460
The Seaview Pier Restaurant is located in the Pier House. If you want to make a day of it, you can also rent a fishing pole and buy a fishing pass. It's known for its no-frills atmosphere (read: be prepared to wipe your own table). Customers swing by for its excellent selection of trout, flounder, clams, shrimp, and calamari.
Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the menu is influenced by Southern roots. Try the battered okra, po’ boy sandwich, or deviled crab plate for a memorable lunch or dinner.
3. Topsail Steamer Food
302 S Topsail Dr, Surf City, NC 28445
Topsail Steamer made a national debut on Shark Tank when it served its Shark Bite bucket. This cornucopia packs in meat, seafood, and veggies, and tops it all off with homemade seasonings. Known as single-use steam pots, you can choose either the signature Bay bucket or a Build Your Own Creation.
With sweet corn, cocktail sauce, butter, and red bliss potatoes, these pots are excellent at home or on the beach (or anywhere you have a burner). All you have to do is add water to steam it all before you enjoy it. In just 40 minutes, you’ll have a feast to share with friends and family.
4. Daddy Mac’s Beach Grille
108 N Shore Dr, Surf City, NC 28445
Daddy Mac’s Beach Grill is another beachside restaurant with its own take on the classic. Whether you’re looking for lobster bisque, tex-mex egg rolls, or a traditional seafood platter, there's a reason it's one of the top restaurants in Topsail Island.
Daddy Mac’s tends to attract some very big crowds (often due to very large parties) during high season. Just keep in mind that if you’re bringing your family and friends, you may need to join a fairly lengthy wait list.
Things to Do
5. Topsail Beach
The town of Topsail Beach attracts swimmers, surfers, fishers, and sunbathers alike. The soundfront in the town also provides access to both the Intercoastal Waterway and Lea Island. Wander over to Serenity Point for some of the best views on the island!
Topsail Beach is also dotted with some of the best fishermen in the country, so stroll down the pier for a chance at catching them in action. Or you can head to main street for unique shops, eateries, and more.
6. Missiles & More Museum
720 Channel Blvd, Topsail Beach, NC 28445
Have you ever wanted to learn the real history of Blackbeard and whether pirates ruled the coast? Or how Women Airforce Service Pilots were called to fly during World War II? At the Missiles & More Museum, you’ll get to know the geological, political, and social forces that shaped the land you stand on.
This museum covers an array of topics, including the invention of Osprey aircraft, the history of Camp Davis, and the secret guided missile testing program that operated off Topsail Island in the 1940s. Known as Operation Bumblebee, it was the site of some of the first missile efforts in the country.
7. Surf City Ocean Pier
112 S Shore Dr, Surf City, NC 28445
This is the island’s first pier, originally built in 1948. Owned and operated by the Lore family since the 1970s, it was completely rebuilt after Hurricane Fran ripped through the island in 1996. The Lore family honored much of the original architecture and charm of the pier, but they did make a few improvements.
Today, the pier stands at more than 900 feet long with two large fish cleaning stations, fresh running water, and lots of lighting if you plan to fish after sundown. With an outdoor dining area, fully-stocked tackle shop, and souvenir stand, there’s plenty to keep you occupied all day long.
8. Surf City
Surf City is a family-friendly town with great beaches, shopping opportunities, and numerous seafood shacks and restaurants. Among the three towns on the islands, it attracts the most tourists. On the flip side, though, it also has the most amenities.
Rent a jet ski, play a round of putt-putt, or visit a local spa for a massage. Surf City also has some incredible art galleries, where you can scout (and maybe even discover) the newest local artists.
9. Salty Turtle Beer Co.
103 Triton Ln, Surf City, NC 28445
The Salty Turtle Beer Co. has more than great, hand-crafted beer. This community spot is dedicated to honoring the stories that make the island so special. It's a great place to go if you're ready for an informal lesson on Topsail Island Beach.
From the founders to the brewers to the patrons, this place beckons locals and tourists to take part in the island's natural charisma. Veteran-owned and operated, you can stop by any day to sample the local beer. Or, you can check out the brewery's weekly events, which can include anything from food trucks to live music.
10. Topsail Aquarium
106 N Topsail Dr, Surf City, NC 28445
Rays, Bamboo Sharks, Leopard Geckos, and tarantulas all await at the Topsail Aquarium. Perfect for families and nature-lovers alike, you can learn more about the fish, invertebrates, reptiles, and insects that all make their home on or near the island.
Over the years, the aquarium has rescued dozens of reptiles, giving them a home in the Jungle Room. With plenty to see (and sometimes touch), the Topsail Aquarium is a great place to spend the morning or afternoon.
The top restaurants in Topsail Island and the best Topsail Island attractions will ultimately depend on what you want out of your vacation. Whether you want fancy cocktails with your sunset or ice-cold beer on a pier, you can find it all on this barrier island.
If you're looking for the best rentals in the area, our local community partner, Lewis Reality Associates, can help you find the perfect place for your perfect beach getaway!
