Location: Coastal North Carolina < North Carolina < USA
Nearest Airport:
Wilmington, NC Airport at 25
Miles
Nearest Beach:
beach at 80
Metres
Topsail Island is a 26-mile-long barrier island approximately 40 minutes north of Wilmington. The island is located in both Onslow and Pender counties and consists of three towns, North Topsail Beach, Surf City and Topsail Beach. The two mainland towns of Sneads Ferry and Holly Ridge complete the section known as the Greater Topsail Area. Two bridges allow access to the island, a swing bridge in Surf City and a high-rise bridge connecting Sneads Ferry to North Topsail Beach. A single main road runs parallel to the ocean along the length of this narrow island, with side streets running from the ocean to the sound or Intracoastal Waterway. In a few instances on the wider parts of the island, you will find an additional smaller street or two running parallel to the ocean. There is only one traffic light on the whole island strand. Topsail's summer population swells up to 35,000, as compared to the 3,500 year-round residents.