Welcome back to my Summer Series! This is Part 2: North Topsail Beach.
In Part 1, I gave you 5 different things you could do while visiting Surf City Beach. Today, we move north on the island to the town of North Topsail Beach.
The north end of the island has a long stretch of miles that run along the coastline. The farther north you go, the less commercial businesses you will find. If you’re like me, that’s a good thing! So let’s dive in and check out some of those things to see and do while visiting the north end.
- The Sea View Fishing Pier – I don’t know about you, but I love to visit the piers at the beach. I love walking all the way out, over the water and feeling the gentle motion of the waves rolling in. Fishing piers have this interesting mix of energy, especially in the overnight hours when the world is quiet. You have your die-hard fisherman who are out there all the time, no matter the weather or time of day, and it is thrilling to see what they catch! The Sea View pier has this wonderful deck space that you can climb up, at the very end. I’ve been out there once and loved the lookout! You can see even more up there. This pier house is open 24/7 and it also offers its own motel and restaurant inside, so you can grab food while you fish! I love the pier cams and this pier has one! You will find the camera link, along with the current weather, on their website. It’s definitely worth the visit!
- If you are looking for a playground for your littles, or a place to shoot hoops, launch a kayak, etc., you should visit the North Topsail Beach Town Park, also known as the Richard C. Peters Town Park. It is located across from public beach access 4. This is a great outdoor space on the north end. Additionally they have a gazebo, a walking trail, and an ice cream shop nextdoor! It’s a perfect place to watch the sunsets as well!
3. The 4×4 Beach Access: While I don’t drive my vehicle on the beach personally, I love visiting this area. My favorite time to walk, photograph and explore here is at low tide. It’s important to note that North Topsail has pay-to-park spots and they are enforced year-round. Additionally, you are required to purchase an access pass to drive your 4×4 vehicle out on the beach. The 4×4 beach access is located at the very end of the island, along the inlet. The inlet here has a very strong current and swimming is forbidden. You will see the posted signage on the beach for swimming restrictions and where vehicles are allowed to drive. There is also a pay-to-park lot here and that’s where I always park. During low tide you may walk around the backside of the island, along the inlet. Low tide creates a vast, wide open space to explore and play! It’s truly a hidden gem on the north end! You can go past the area for vehicles and walk for what feels like forever there. Just keep an eye on the sky for storms because it can be a hike to get back to that parking lot! I learned that the hard way!
4. Places to Eat: As I mentioned in Part 1 of the blog post series, Most of the “action” will be found in Surf City. The north and south ends are more quiet and less commercialized. So on the north end you do have a couple pizza places to choose from and there are restaurants inside the condo resorts as well. While it’s more of a locals hangout and bar, I can’t forget to mention the Tiki Bar at North End Market. This is a fun place to get a cold drink, some snacks, good entertainment and a lot of laughs! Make a visit if you’re up that way! When we are on the north end, we head over the bridge to the mainland when we are going out to eat. Two of my absolute favorite places to go are Agave Azul and Ricks Restaurant & Sports Bar! Agave Azul is one of the most eclectic Modern Mex restaurants I’ve ever been to. The decor, both inside and outside, is beautiful and their new outdoor spaces are very inviting and accommodating. And the food? It’s amazing! I don’t think I’ve ever eaten something there I didn’t like! They have a pretty cool bar area as well. Ricks Restaurant & Sports Bar has been a longtime favorite for our family. They’ve been in business here for 22 years, opening their doors back in July 2003. They’ve got a Pittsburgh-themed place with lots and lots of TVs so you don’t miss your favorite teams playing. There is something here on the menu for everyone and their staff are always helpful when you don’t know what to choose! They also have live music nights in their bar area. They recently just opened their own brewery behind the restaurant. Topsail Island Brewing occupies a vast expanse of land behind their restaurant and what they’ve built is pretty darn amazing! They are family and pet friendly, with both indoor and outdoor space to hang out, relax and try new brews. This is a place to visit up on the north end! And let’s not forget to mention a great spot for ice cream on these hot summer days! Check out Scoops Microcreamery at their newest location, just over the bridge on the mainland! Y’all their ice cream is amazing! They are the only local ice cream business that churns their own ice cream on the island!
5. If you are staying in North Topsail Beach, don’t forget to book your next photography session with Sage Willow Photography! Whether you need Family, Couples, or Senior Sessions, I would love to serve your family with a photography session and create some magical memories for you take home! I offer a unique luxury client experience that includes special surprises both during and after your session. I offer my clients beautiful storytelling sessions that tell the story of their lives and their love, with a focus on the printed photograph. Whatever season of life you are in, I would be honored to walk that journey with you and create memories that will last through the ages!
