Topsail Island is located approximately five miles east of U.S. Hwy 17, the main highway along the southeastern coast of North Carolina. There are two ways to access the island -- both picturesque and worth the drive.
From Holly Ridge and Hampstead, follow SR 50 across a real-life, working swing bridge to the geographical center of the island to the town of Surf City.
Turn right at the island's one and only traffic light and follow SR 50 approximately six miles to the southernmost town on the island, the quaint village of Topsail Beach.
From the northern end of the island, SR 210 will take you over a modern high-rise bridge from the growing fishing village of Sneads Ferry to North Topsail Beach. The view of the ICW and the ocean as you crest the top of the bridge is breathtaking!
I-40 makes access to the island convenient from many locations.
Topsail is also easily accessible via air travel to nearby airports in Wilmington, Jacksonville, and Raleigh.
| Approximate
Driving Times |
| From |
To Surf City |
| Atlanta, GA |
Total Distance: 447 miles
Estimated Time: 8 ˝ hours |
| Charlotte, NC |
Total Distance: 227 miles
Estimated Time: 5 ˝ hours |
| Chattanooga, TN |
Total Distance: 564 miles
Estimated Time: 10 ˝ hours |
| Chicago, IL |
Total Distance: 1000 miles
Estimated Time: 17 ˝ hours |
| Dayton, OH |
Total Distance: 679 miles
Estimated Time: 13 Hours |
| Detroit, MI |
Total Distance: 863 miles
Estimated Time: 15 hours |
| Jacksonville, NC |
Total Distance: 24 miles
Estimated Time: 40 minutes |
| Raleigh, NC |
Total Distance: 138 miles
Estimated Time: 3 hours |
| Raleigh Airport |
Estimated Time: 3 hrs. |
| Washington, DC |
Total Distance: 393 miles
Estimated Time: 7 ˝ hours |
| Wilmington, NC |
Total Distance: 30 miles
Estimated Time: 50 minutes |
| Wilmington Airport |
Estimated Time: 45 minutes |
Summer is fabulous here… and so is spring and fall…and winter's not bad either. Ask four people what time of the year they like best here and you'll likely get four different answers. There's something special about each season!
Summer months are the warmest, but the cool ocean breezes make even the warmest days pleasant out on the beach. Our warmest days run in the 90s with 80s being more the norm, while evenings drop to the 70s -- the perfect time for a stroll on the beach at dusk.
Spring and fall are generally cooler with temperatures dropping a bit more at night. You'll have more of a mix in these seasons -- some days warm, some cool, but all pleasant in their own way. The chance of the occasional windy day occurs more in the fall, which is traditionally a popular fishing season.
Many locals feel that winter is the best season of all. It's quiet and peaceful and you can sometimes walk forever and not see a soul on what feels like your own private beach. Some days are warm enough for short sleeves and boat rides, while others are brisk and cool and you'll need to bundle up a bit. Cooler winter days run high 40s and 50s in the day with 30s at night. There are a few dips here and there, particularly at night and once in a blue moon we get a glorious dusting of snow, but it's usually only once a year.
