Here’s where to find the best ‘uncrowded’ beaches in NC, Southern Living says
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This North Carolina island is no secret to residents in the know, but you might want to book your vacation now, because it is no secret to Southern Living either.
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Southern Living recommends Topsail Island for its variety of quiet beaches and small beach towns. The island is home to three towns: North Topsail Beach, Surf City, and Topsail Beach.
If you are staying on the beach, step out the backdoor. If you’re staying a couple blocks away, don’t worry. Topsail Island is dotted with public beach access points with hourly pay parking.
Splash around and cool off in the water, bury your feet in the sand and wear a lot of sunscreen. (No, really, more than that.) Topsail Island is also well known for shark teeth, so keep an eye out as you stroll.
Fishing rods and crab traps are also available for rent at Surf City Ocean Pier.
Southern Living recommends visiting the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Surf City.
Beasley was a sea turtle advocate who died of Leukemia at age 29. The project was renamed for her in 1997, and the center moved into a new, larger building in 2013.
Visitors can tour the facility and see the turtles being rehabilitated, sometimes lending a careful hand.
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You may also want to take a science class through Ecological Marine Adventures. You will learn to cast nets and experience the marsh and its wildlife. Topsail Aquarium also offers classes, including nighttime crab hunting.
You have to get seafood when you stay in a beach town — it’ll never be fresher.
Southern Living recommends The Beach Shop and Grill for sustainable, Southern bites with a view. The restaurant sources its ingredients from local farms.
Splash By The Sea offers seafood and pizza. The vibes are casual and beachy, though the magazine notes it isn’t so relaxed that you can show up shirtless.
Check out the rest of Southern Living’s recommendations at southernliving.com.
Southern Living has featured plenty of other places in North Carolina, CharlotteFive has previously reported, including:
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