Hotels in Topsail Beach

Escape to a barrier island where uncrowded beaches invite long walks and the iconic pier attracts fishermen with stories as long as their casts. The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue Center offers close encounters with recuperating marine residents. Surf gentle waves in the morning, then explore the Missiles and More Museum, which reveals the island's surprising military history. Locals recommend timing beach visits around low tide for the best shell collecting. The Topsail Skating Rink provides nostalgic entertainment when skin needs a break from the sun. With just a few hundred year-round residents, this small-town atmosphere creates a refreshing alternative to more developed coastal destinations.

Photo by Michael Schuier