Topsail Beach is the smallest of three cities on the 26-mile-long island of Topsail off the North Carolina coast. The town has about 500 year-round residents. During summer weekends, 10,000 to 15,000 people visit the island. Even with the influx of tourism, the town is still fairly secluded on weekdays. Here you will get a good picture of what beaches were like before they became tourist attractions.
Beach
Topsail beach has miles of unspoiled and uncrowded beach. Walking, jogging or bicycling along the beach without a distraction other than the waves is soothing emotionally as well as being a great physical health benefit.
Surfing is a popular activity at Topsail Beach. Lessons are available, and surfboards can be rented from outfitters in the summer season. Wind surfing is also available. Lessons are available and advisable for anyone not familiar with the sport.
Fishing
Topsail Beach has a pier that is good for walking or fishing. You may rent fishing equipment and buy bait at the pier. There is also surf fishing, as well as fishing on the sound side of the island. You can also search for crabs or cast a net for shrimp.
Sea Turtles
Topsail Beach has one of the few sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation centers in the world. The center teaches about sea turtles and also tries to rescue those that have been injured or become ill. They are also tracked after release by transmitters hooked to satellites. The center is educational, and you may interact with the turtles to some degree here.
Diving
Scuba Diving is a popular activity off Topsail Island. There are shipwrecks and man-made structures for fish under the surface of the water. Diving lessons are available for beginners and for advanced students.
Kayaking and canoeing are also popular. Kayaks and canoes can be rented at various locations around the island in summer.
Warning
During the summer, as many as 10,000 people may descend on the beaches over the weekend. It can get crowded and congested in a hurry, but with some planning you may avoid problems. The beaches remain relatively uncrowded even in summer during the week. The fall and spring are the best times to visit, when the weather is good and the crowds have not yet arrived.
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