Guests Guidebook: Top of the 9th | Surf City, NC
Neighborhoods
Surf City (one of 3 towns that make up the 26 miles of Topsail Island, NC) is everything you're looking for in a beach town! It is centrally located on the island, sandwiched between North Topsail Beach and Topsail Beach. Reasons abound to visit all 3 on your trip to the island and are easily accessible with a quick ride from one to the other.
When visiting Surf City, you will have plenty to do and see - Shopping the boutiques, art galleries, or surf shops; Dining oceanfront, soundside, or in between; or relax on the beautiful shores and check out the Surf City Ocean Pier!
71 recommandé par les habitants
Surf City
Surf City (one of 3 towns that make up the 26 miles of Topsail Island, NC) is everything you're looking for in a beach town! It is centrally located on the island, sandwiched between North Topsail Beach and Topsail Beach. Reasons abound to visit all 3 on your trip to the island and are easily accessible with a quick ride from one to the other.
When visiting Surf City, you will have plenty to do and see - Shopping the boutiques, art galleries, or surf shops; Dining oceanfront, soundside, or in between; or relax on the beautiful shores and check out the Surf City Ocean Pier!
Food scene
Just a handful of some of the many spots we like to bring visiting friends and family (or make time to hit ourselves whenever we're in town)! BUT there are so many unique dining options all along the island that you're sure to discover some other gems beyond!
& if you're in the market for a specific ambiance or cuisine we haven't mentioned here, chances are it may still be close by! Feel free to drop us a line and we'll offer up suggestions if we can!
This quirky spot is one of the more upscale options among many more casual beachy grab and go locales. The ambience isn't pretentious by any stretch but it blows other spots away with the culinary wow factor! For a nice dinner out, splurge for it at Beauchaines 211, we've had nearly every dish on the menu and the chef is yet to disappoint!
35 recommandé par les habitants
Beauchaines 211
211 S Topsail DrThis quirky spot is one of the more upscale options among many more casual beachy grab and go locales. The ambience isn't pretentious by any stretch but it blows other spots away with the culinary wow factor! For a nice dinner out, splurge for it at Beauchaines 211, we've had nearly every dish on the menu and the chef is yet to disappoint!
Where to grab coffee - you really cant go wrong with any of the coffee shops around town but lately we're loving the daily grind! It is a super cute pop in spot right in the heart of town. Great specialty coffees, smoothies, with tasty breakfast sandwich/bagel options and lots of local artwork on display.
57 recommandé par les habitants
The Daily Grind Surf City
114 N Topsail DrWhere to grab coffee - you really cant go wrong with any of the coffee shops around town but lately we're loving the daily grind! It is a super cute pop in spot right in the heart of town. Great specialty coffees, smoothies, with tasty breakfast sandwich/bagel options and lots of local artwork on display.
When you're ready for a night cooking in, pick up your fresh catch from this local fishery that has options galore! Doesn't get fresher than right off the boat! We're frequent patrons for crab legs, clams, scallops, shrimp, and whatever else we're in the mood for!
15 recommandé par les habitants
Surf City Crab
508 Roland AveWhen you're ready for a night cooking in, pick up your fresh catch from this local fishery that has options galore! Doesn't get fresher than right off the boat! We're frequent patrons for crab legs, clams, scallops, shrimp, and whatever else we're in the mood for!
Shaka Taco - took the "food truck" experience to a whole new level, yet keeps the simplicity and fun all the same. The food is REALLY good beyond just tacos which are great, personal favorite is the Chicken Quesadilla. The crew is always super friendly and you can dine in on the deck/patio when not super busy or take out. Great beach lunch near public access points!
148 recommandé par les habitants
Shaka Taco
107 B N Shore DrShaka Taco - took the "food truck" experience to a whole new level, yet keeps the simplicity and fun all the same. The food is REALLY good beyond just tacos which are great, personal favorite is the Chicken Quesadilla. The crew is always super friendly and you can dine in on the deck/patio when not super busy or take out. Great beach lunch near public access points!
Can't think of a better spot for a sweet morning treat than the nearby fractured prune! Their hot hand dipped/made to order donuts melt in your mouth and there are flavors to please any and every taste! Truly, this place is really something else - which is why you'll often see the line stretch out the front door, especially on weekend mornings! (Never fear, they move quickly and it's worth the wait!) & Eat while they're hot for the reeeeal deal experience!)
52 recommandé par les habitants
Fractured Prune
303 S Topsail DrCan't think of a better spot for a sweet morning treat than the nearby fractured prune! Their hot hand dipped/made to order donuts melt in your mouth and there are flavors to please any and every taste! Truly, this place is really something else - which is why you'll often see the line stretch out the front door, especially on weekend mornings! (Never fear, they move quickly and it's worth the wait!) & Eat while they're hot for the reeeeal deal experience!)
Local Attractions
**Tip for arrivals** These are definitely some of our favorite spots to visit anytime! BUT some may be ideal hangout spots for guests who arrive on the island ahead of check-in time and are looking for some lowkey ways to stay entertained!
Have a look as you make travel arrangements, plan your arrival, and start kicking off your vacation! (& of course, feel free to reach out to us for additional details or alternatives!)
a.k.a. The Turtle Hospital - a perfect excursion on an overcast day or when avoiding another day of sunburn :) Sea turtles are part of the heart and soul of the island and locals are true advocates for their safety and protection (& you may notice those along the ocean front will be limiting exterior lighting during hatching seasons to help the new babes stay on the right course to sea!)
A visit to the center is truly a unique experience that's both fun and an eye-opening learning opportunity for young and old! You'll see and hear the inspirational turtle dudes being treated and rehabbed up close in person and learn how to be an advocate yourself. Check out the tour scheduled and book your visit online. If you check updates on their Facebook page, you could even get to see an incredible release if your timing is lucky enough!
124 recommandé par les habitants
The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center
302 Tortuga Lna.k.a. The Turtle Hospital - a perfect excursion on an overcast day or when avoiding another day of sunburn :) Sea turtles are part of the heart and soul of the island and locals are true advocates for their safety and protection (& you may notice those along the ocean front will be limiting exterior lighting during hatching seasons to help the new babes stay on the right course to sea!)
A visit to the center is truly a unique experience that's both fun and an eye-opening learning opportunity for young and old! You'll see and hear the inspirational turtle dudes being treated and rehabbed up close in person and learn how to be an advocate yourself. Check out the tour scheduled and book your visit online. If you check updates on their Facebook page, you could even get to see an incredible release if your timing is lucky enough!
If you're in the market for some outdoor exercise, lace up & make your way across the Surf City Bridge (the 'new bridge') - which offers a dedicated lane separated from traffic - making it ideal for a lovely scenic walk or bike ride. The views from up there are stunning, especially at sunset as the temperatures cool. On the island side, take off from Soundside Park - there's usually ample parking, as well as tables and an expansive picnic lawn, water view boardwalk, a playground area, and an outdoor stage venue (Plan ahead and catch some live music as you cross back! Check the summer live performance schedule @ Soundside Park online).
19 recommandé par les habitants
Surf City Bridge
If you're in the market for some outdoor exercise, lace up & make your way across the Surf City Bridge (the 'new bridge') - which offers a dedicated lane separated from traffic - making it ideal for a lovely scenic walk or bike ride. The views from up there are stunning, especially at sunset as the temperatures cool. On the island side, take off from Soundside Park - there's usually ample parking, as well as tables and an expansive picnic lawn, water view boardwalk, a playground area, and an outdoor stage venue (Plan ahead and catch some live music as you cross back! Check the summer live performance schedule @ Soundside Park online).
Lovely spot nearly year-round - we love spending time here & suggest popping over if you've beaten the Saturday rush onto the island! Seasoned visitors often flock here on summer Saturdays to picnic and play before checking into their vacation homes. Groups come and go & from what we've seen so far, the ample parking seems to accommodate the crowd!
The quaint city park is adjacent to the new Surf City Bridge and offers green space, playgrounds, access to bridge walking and bike path lanes, public boat launch, and the winding intercoastal pier (a favorite for casual fishermen and divine for nature lovers to meander!) There are also picnic shelters & various viewing decks. Check online for the summer concert and outdoor movie schedules and plan an evening visit to take in some entertainment on the outdoor stage!
If your visit falls over the holiday season, make a point to come by the park and take a stroll through the festive lights and snap some photos around the beautiful Surf City Christmas Tree (Also a great scene to take in from a distance in the evenings should you find yourself crossing over the new Surf City bridge that time of year!!)
63 recommandé par les habitants
Soundside Park
517 Roland AveLovely spot nearly year-round - we love spending time here & suggest popping over if you've beaten the Saturday rush onto the island! Seasoned visitors often flock here on summer Saturdays to picnic and play before checking into their vacation homes. Groups come and go & from what we've seen so far, the ample parking seems to accommodate the crowd!
The quaint city park is adjacent to the new Surf City Bridge and offers green space, playgrounds, access to bridge walking and bike path lanes, public boat launch, and the winding intercoastal pier (a favorite for casual fishermen and divine for nature lovers to meander!) There are also picnic shelters & various viewing decks. Check online for the summer concert and outdoor movie schedules and plan an evening visit to take in some entertainment on the outdoor stage!
If your visit falls over the holiday season, make a point to come by the park and take a stroll through the festive lights and snap some photos around the beautiful Surf City Christmas Tree (Also a great scene to take in from a distance in the evenings should you find yourself crossing over the new Surf City bridge that time of year!!)
When the kiddos need a break from the sand...
right down the road & just off the beach - (a straight shot ~10min walk from 9th St., but parking is available as well) - is a great/newly constructed playground facility with picnic areas. There's lots of pirate themed attractions for kids of various ages - with a few specialty features (i.e., "mom & me" swings, handicap accessible swing, & press & listen learning features). The young ones in our fam enjoy visits here and it's lovely scenery for us to pass some time while they play. Crowds may build up a bit on Saturdays as families often opt to stretch their legs here awaiting check-in times, but its spacious and usually parking isn't an issue from what we've seen!
7 recommandé par les habitants
Nelva R. Albury Recreation Area
213 Broadway StWhen the kiddos need a break from the sand...
right down the road & just off the beach - (a straight shot ~10min walk from 9th St., but parking is available as well) - is a great/newly constructed playground facility with picnic areas. There's lots of pirate themed attractions for kids of various ages - with a few specialty features (i.e., "mom & me" swings, handicap accessible swing, & press & listen learning features). The young ones in our fam enjoy visits here and it's lovely scenery for us to pass some time while they play. Crowds may build up a bit on Saturdays as families often opt to stretch their legs here awaiting check-in times, but its spacious and usually parking isn't an issue from what we've seen!
Live Music (& tacos, tequila, whatever you like!) at Surf City Line is great fun! & you can't beat the convenient location, right across the street from home! The brand new spot this spring is becoming a popular destination for locals and visitors! Can't speak for the bites yet, but so far we're loving sipping the tasty cocktails and swaying to great live music out on their massive lower deck in the evenings. Daylight hours have been luring us too for midday beach breaks or happy hour and some relaxing up on the crows nest deck overlooking the sandy beaches below! Definitely pop over and check it out if that sounds like your scene! Checkout their facebook page for a list of upcoming bands - it looks like they'll be plenty of options all season long!
27 recommandé par les habitants
Surf City Line
2112 North New River DriveLive Music (& tacos, tequila, whatever you like!) at Surf City Line is great fun! & you can't beat the convenient location, right across the street from home! The brand new spot this spring is becoming a popular destination for locals and visitors! Can't speak for the bites yet, but so far we're loving sipping the tasty cocktails and swaying to great live music out on their massive lower deck in the evenings. Daylight hours have been luring us too for midday beach breaks or happy hour and some relaxing up on the crows nest deck overlooking the sandy beaches below! Definitely pop over and check it out if that sounds like your scene! Checkout their facebook page for a list of upcoming bands - it looks like they'll be plenty of options all season long!
City/town information
If the weather isn't playing fair one day or you're just craving some city scenery - take a break from beach life and hit up the river!
A day trip (35-40 minute drive) out to Wilmington, NC is a great option! The college town is bustling yet keeps a charming small town feel! The beautiful downtown area and quaint waterfront strip offer many amazing restaurants, great shopping, as well as vibrant cultural, historical, or architectural scenes to explore.
We always enjoy the sights along the Riverwalk and there is often outdoor markets and seasonal festivals which you can find schedules for online!
Off season visitors luck out here too! Spring blooms as well as the holiday seasons bring in stunning decorations as well that are worth the trip to the mainland if you're feeling festive!
207 recommandé par les habitants
Wilmington
If the weather isn't playing fair one day or you're just craving some city scenery - take a break from beach life and hit up the river!
A day trip (35-40 minute drive) out to Wilmington, NC is a great option! The college town is bustling yet keeps a charming small town feel! The beautiful downtown area and quaint waterfront strip offer many amazing restaurants, great shopping, as well as vibrant cultural, historical, or architectural scenes to explore.
We always enjoy the sights along the Riverwalk and there is often outdoor markets and seasonal festivals which you can find schedules for online!
Off season visitors luck out here too! Spring blooms as well as the holiday seasons bring in stunning decorations as well that are worth the trip to the mainland if you're feeling festive!
Sightseeing
Just to the south of us in Topsail Beach sits 'Serenity Point'. The southern most tip of Topsail Island offers expansive views of undeveloped natural beaches where the Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean meet. The wide open spaces and Caribbean-esq seas make it a perfect spot for picnicing, hiking, sunsets, dog walks, or just a different take on a beach day, away from the bustle. The calm waters make it ideal for swimming with little ones! Parking and facilities are available as well!
17 recommandé par les habitants
Serenity Point
Just to the south of us in Topsail Beach sits 'Serenity Point'. The southern most tip of Topsail Island offers expansive views of undeveloped natural beaches where the Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean meet. The wide open spaces and Caribbean-esq seas make it a perfect spot for picnicing, hiking, sunsets, dog walks, or just a different take on a beach day, away from the bustle. The calm waters make it ideal for swimming with little ones! Parking and facilities are available as well!
Visit the pier - whether to fish or merely to take in the sights! Walking to the far end to watch the waves crashing from above is a lovely way to spend a morning!
& if surfing is your thing, you'll find your kin here dude! The pier area is the hot spot for local and visiting surfers who you'll see flocking nearby to catch the waves when the winds blow their way!
Tip to capture the moment** - pictures from under the bridge can be stunning in a sunny day and clear waters!
114 recommandé par les habitants
Surf City Ocean Pier, Inc.
112 S Shore DrVisit the pier - whether to fish or merely to take in the sights! Walking to the far end to watch the waves crashing from above is a lovely way to spend a morning!
& if surfing is your thing, you'll find your kin here dude! The pier area is the hot spot for local and visiting surfers who you'll see flocking nearby to catch the waves when the winds blow their way!
Tip to capture the moment** - pictures from under the bridge can be stunning in a sunny day and clear waters!
Vacation Activities
The store is adorable and of course a great stop for shopping. But the actual activity recommendation here is to call ahead and book Cruiser or Speed bikes for you to have at the house for the week. They are SO MUCH FUN to take bike rides around the island, go downtown for a drink, fix your ice cream craving or check the pier.
They also offer delivery it and pick-up.
29 recommandé par les habitants
Herring's Outdoor Sports
701 N New River DrThe store is adorable and of course a great stop for shopping. But the actual activity recommendation here is to call ahead and book Cruiser or Speed bikes for you to have at the house for the week. They are SO MUCH FUN to take bike rides around the island, go downtown for a drink, fix your ice cream craving or check the pier.
They also offer delivery it and pick-up.
Beautiful golf course and driving range on inter coastal waterway is a short drive onto the mainland. Public reservation availability, call ahead to secure.
29 recommandé par les habitants
North Shore Golf
101 N Shore DrBeautiful golf course and driving range on inter coastal waterway is a short drive onto the mainland. Public reservation availability, call ahead to secure.
On cruising mode or adrenaline ride, jet skis on the intercostal sound waters are so much fun! It’s very easy/convenient to book it online and find a slot that would fit your vacation schedule. It’s reasonably affordable when you share with someone at $60/person for 1h. The crew is super friendly and they will have you for about 15min at check-in to walk you through safety/riding instructions and waivers. But they are very thorough in allowing you a solid 1h ride, so you can plan it for a 2h activity from start to finish. If you’re lucky you may spot dolphins along the way!
You’re also next door to 2 great restaurants (Crab Pot and JM’s on the Water), so you can plan brunch/lunch/dinner around it too.
36 recommandé par les habitants
Surf City Jet Ski Rentals
512 Roland AveOn cruising mode or adrenaline ride, jet skis on the intercostal sound waters are so much fun! It’s very easy/convenient to book it online and find a slot that would fit your vacation schedule. It’s reasonably affordable when you share with someone at $60/person for 1h. The crew is super friendly and they will have you for about 15min at check-in to walk you through safety/riding instructions and waivers. But they are very thorough in allowing you a solid 1h ride, so you can plan it for a 2h activity from start to finish. If you’re lucky you may spot dolphins along the way!
You’re also next door to 2 great restaurants (Crab Pot and JM’s on the Water), so you can plan brunch/lunch/dinner around it too.