Pleasure Island - Carolina Beach NC

About the Area

Topsail Island

Separated from the mainland by two bridges spanning the scenic Intracoastal Waterway, Topsail (pronounced Top-sull) consists of 26 miles of pristine coastline and three distinct communities: North Topsail Beach, Surf City and Topsail Beach.

North Topsail Beach features two resorts (St. Regis and Villa Capriani), attractive vacation homes and several condominium complexes. North Topsail is also home to the popular Seaview fishing pier, which at over 1,000 feet is one of the longest piers on the North Carolina coast, and is a common place for those looking to hook the mighty King mackerel. Spots, flounder, blues, Spanish mackerel, and mullet also provide fun and food for ambitious anglers from all over. The inlet at the end of the island is accessible by 4-wheel vehicle and is also a popular spot for fishing as well as picnicking.

Surf City, located in the heart of the island, is the place for gift shops, restaurants, groceries, surf shops and more. The Surf City fishing pier is 937 feet long with a 40-foot octagon at the end. Also included are two large fish cleaning stations with fresh running water. The Surf City Community Center features tennis, a workout facility and a learning center. The sound park just over the swing bridge has a public boat ramp, picnic tables, playground, fishing, and outdoor movies in the summer. Boats are available for charter fishing, sightseeing, and dinner or natures cruises. Other rental fun includes kayaks, canoes and bicycles. Attractive homes with colorful names make the drive through Surf City a delight.

Topsail Beach includes a few gift shops and restaurants, plus the famous Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, a nonprofit organization staffed almost exclusively by volunteers. The Historical Society of Topsail Island, founded in 1984, operates the Assembly Building and the Missiles and More Museum. The Assembly Building, which is on the Historic Register, was the research and testing site for Operation Bumblebee, the top-secret missile program operated by the Navy on Topsail Island from 1946-1948. The Missiles and More Museum, opened in 1997, preserves artifacts and data for the Topsail area. Exhibits include Operation Bumblebee, pirate and Native American displays, plus exhibitions of natural history and the impressive Osprey Aircraft.