Vacations are an ideal time to expand your horizons. Whether that means trying a new food or activity or learning more about the place you’re visiting.
The lovely North Carolina barrier island found two miles across the Cape Fear River from Southport offers many of these opportunities. From historic walking tours to scenic bike rides and kayaking, there’s plenty of Bald Head Island activities to discover.
Kayaking
Getting to and around Bald Head Island is a bit of an adventure. This unique North Carolina vacation destination is accessible only by private passenger ferry or watercraft. Once on the island it is possible to get around using bicycles, electric golf carts, and walking. This unique setting makes the island feel a bit more remote and offers visitors an exceptional experience.
Explore the many creeks and tributaries that flow through the island on a kayak adventure. This fun and relaxing activity is ideal for nature lovers and beginners. Kayaking requires very little equipment and can be used for a quiet discovery of shallow waters or a high-energy race along rushing waters.
Enjoy an island sunset by visiting one of the 14 miles of beaches. During the cooler fall months, the beach is ideal for paddling since the temperatures make it comfortable to be out on the water without being hot. This time of year is also perfect for spotting vibrant autumn foliage and is less crowded than the summer season. Explore the island’s rich history by touring Old Baldy lighthouse, North Carolina’s oldest lighthouse or taking a guided tour offered by the Bald Head Island Conservancy.
Hiking
The island’s maritime forest and salt marsh trails offer a chance to see a variety of birds and other wildlife. The Bald Head Island Conservancy also conducts guided turtle walks and alligator tours in the summer, as well as historic narrated walking tours of Old Baldy Lighthouse.
You can rent bikes and golf carts on the island, so getting around is a fun experience. Especially with kids, this is a great way to enjoy the beautiful weather and unique landscape of the subtropical island.
A trip to the island is not complete without visiting Old Baldy Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina built in 1817. Climb 108 steps to the top of the lighthouse for spectacular views of the island and the Frying Pan Shoals, an area where large sand bars seasonally emerge from the ocean and then retreat back into it again. The lighthouse is open to the public on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays for a small admission fee. You can also take a tour of the lighthouse keeper’s cottage for an additional cost.
Sailing
Sailing is an activity in which wind is used to move a boat or ship through water. It requires a high degree of skill and knowledge about weather and wind patterns. It is also a relaxing activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Located at the confluence of the Cape Fear River and Atlantic Gulf Stream, Bald Head Island is an enchanting place for nature lovers. The island’s salt marshes and tidal creeks are ideal spots to view a wide variety of birds, fish, and other wildlife.
The island is also known for its world-class fishing. Shallow Frying Pan Shoals – a maze of sand bars that have snagged more than their fair share of ships – roil the water and draw large schools of drum and flounder. You don’t need a boat to cash in on this top attraction: the dockmasters at local marinas can give you tips and secure slips for your boat.
The best way to explore the island is by golf cart or bike. Many vacation rentals offer these for guests, but if yours doesn’t or you are visiting just for the day, you can rent them at Shoals Club and BHI Club. These clubs have country club-like amenities including pools and golf and are the perfect place to spend your day exploring.
Spa Treatments
Visiting a spa can have a positive impact on the mind, body and soul. It can help you reduce stress and improve your sleeping patterns at night, which in turn leads to a healthier mental health record. There are several types of spa treatments, such as massages, facials, and a manicure/pedicure. Some of them are even a great way to lose weight, as the body converts the fat into energy during the cleansing process.
These types of treatments can also help with a range of ailments, such as lowering blood pressure, improving skin tone and elasticity, boosting circulation, and relieving muscle tension and stress. Another type of spa treatment is a body scrub, which removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.
Some spas offer packages that include a treatment and several hours of access to their leisure facilities. This can be a great option if you want to spend the day at the spa and relax with friends or family. Usually, the package includes a specific arrival time and complimentary robes and towels for use during your visit.
Beach Days
Summertime at the beach is a favorite pastime of many. Whether swimming in the ocean, lying out on a towel to soak up some rays, or playing beach volleyball with friends, the beach is a great place to have fun.
For those interested in cleaning up the beach, you can participate in National Beach Day on Saturday, June 21. The event is sponsored by Surfrider Foundation and Oceana, organizations that fight for ocean protection, plastic reduction, beach access and coastal preservation.
Getting to and around the beach is an experience in itself on Bald Head Island. Cars are prohibited on the island, so you will have to use the ferry or golf carts to get around. This adds to the secluded feel of this barrier island.
To explore the island’s salt marshes and tidal creeks, try kayaking or paddle boarding. The Coastal Urge and East Beach Surf Shop offer rentals, while Riverside Adventure Co offers boat and bike rentals. For a quick snack or drink, check out Jailhouse Provisions at 251 Edward Teach Extension. They have a nice selection of sandwiches, food baskets and drinks with indoor and outdoor seating.
