A car-free beach community nestled off the coast of Southport, Bald Head Island offers a unique way of life. Whether you live here full-time or visit on vacation, there are plenty of things to do.
Explore 14 miles of pristine shoreline and maritime forests by golf cart, bicycle, or on foot. Enjoy nature and wildlife on a guided birding trip, or join the Conservancy’s Sea Turtle Protection Staff for a nightly Turtle Walk.
Getting There
If you want to unplug and escape from the world, then Bald Head Island NC is where you need to be. This car-free island offers a quiet way of life and pristine beaches for visitors to enjoy. Located off the coast of Southport, the island is accessible by Ferry and private boat.
The Ferry is operated by a private company called Island Shuttle, and the schedule varies depending on the season. Be sure to book tickets well in advance as they fill up quickly. Alternatively, you can bring your private boat to the island, but remember that you must transport it by tram or Ferry, which can be a hassle.
Pristine Beaches – The beaches are some of the most beautiful in the Carolinas and are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. You can also take a wildlife tour and learn more about the area’s natural beauty.
Things to Do on the Island
Bald Head Island is an incredibly unique place. Located off the coast of Southport and accessible only by passenger ferry or private boat, it is the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle. Here, life moves slower, and you’ll find yourself soaking up the sun and enjoying the beach without a care.
A visit here wouldn’t be complete without a tour of the island’s most iconic landmark, Old Baldy Lighthouse. Built in 1817, this stout brick lighthouse is the oldest standing lighthouse in North Carolina, and the views are breathtaking. You can also learn more about the area’s past through special programs offered throughout the year.
The 14 miles of sandy beaches are a beachgoer’s dream. Soak up the sun and build sandcastles on South Beach, or wander the shore to collect treasures along Cape Fear Point. The beach is also a bird-watcher’s paradise and home to rare species like osprey, eagle kingfishers, and sandpipers. After a day on the beach, enjoy dinner at one of the island’s top spots like Delphina Coastal Cuisine, Jules’ Salty Grub and Island Pub, or the marina’s only restaurant, Marsh Harbour Inn. Many of the incredible vacation rentals from Bald Head Island Services offer guest access to Shoals Club or BHI Club, where you can take advantage of additional dining options and amenities.
Dining
During the American Revolution and Civil War, Bald Head Island was home to several gun emplacements that helped protect vital shipping routes through the Cape Fear River. Today, visitors can visit the old redoubts, which have been converted into a museum, and learn more about the island’s history.
While you’re there, take the kids to Delphina Coastal Cuisine, located on the harbor, for some Mexican food and pizza. They have a fun shrimp taco or carnitas taco, and for pizza, try their Mediterranean, which features feta, tomato, roasted red peppers, and spinach.
You can also pick up some quick food at the upscale Bald Head Island club, which has many of the best Bald Head Island restaurants. The hip Horizons venue is located poolside, a relaxed pub-style Palms dining room, and a Grille and Grille Terrace outdoor location. You must have full or guest membership to dine here, though. You can also grab a drink at the poolside Cabana Bar and enjoy a Bailey’s Banana Colada or a caramel RumChata milkshake. Then there’s always dessert with choices like lava cake, a banana cream pie, or a Key Lime Pie.
Shopping
The charming North Carolina island, located just two miles across the Cape Fear River from Southport, has a variety of retail shops. From the Vineyard Vines-esque custom apparel at Bald Head Blues to the trendy beach clothes at Island Passage, there are plenty of options for vacationers looking to add something new to their wardrobes.
Coastal Urge blends style with functionality for outdoor enthusiasts by offering high-quality gear and apparel suited for the island lifestyle. The retail shop carries Patagonia, North Face, Lilly Pulitzer, and TOMs.
Those who enjoy taking in the island’s natural beauty can find a beautiful piece of art to bring home at All About Art. The gallery sells paintings, pottery, and jewelry designed by local artists.
Those who want to explore the island on two wheels can rent bicycles or golf carts at Riverside Adventure Company near Merchant’s Row. The shop also offers GPS scavenger hunt maps and nature tours of the area. Shoppers will find framed maps that span centuries at Antique Maps & More.
Activities
Bald Head Island is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy breathtaking views. From the moment you board a ferry in Southport, your vacation starts to unfold with countless outdoor adventures. Whether you want to golf or kayak, enjoy a meal with beautiful views, or play tennis, you’ll find plenty of activities to entertain all ages.
The Bald Head Island Club golf course is a world-class experience designed by George Cobb and recently updated by Tim Cate. This gorgeous course gives you an insider’s view of the island, where you may see gators sunning, ospreys soaring overhead, or even a deer running across the fairway.
Hiking on the island is a popular activity, and getting in touch with nature is easy. Wander the marshes and dunes on your own or join a guided tour, such as a Civil War walking tour or a tour of Old Baldy Lighthouse.
Fishing is great on BHI all year, with offshore wahoo and tuna fishing starting in March and billfish and marlin in May. Surf fishing is also a favorite pastime. Dolphins are seen frequently on the island, and loggerhead turtles nest at several beaches. The Bald Head Island Conservancy’s conservation efforts protect this subtropical oasis’s wildlife.
