When you find yourself on that much-needed beach getaway and the weather is less than ideal, don’t fret! There are plenty of fun things to do around the Topsail Beach/Surf City area. Check out our favorite rainy day activities on and off of the island.
Shopping
The best way to cure those rainy day blues is a shopping trip. The island is filled with small, local boutiques you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re searching for an eclectic souvenir or looking for more well-known brands, the island has it.
If you’re exploring the Surf City shopping scene, check out 50 South Surf Shop or Spinnaker Surf Shop for surf inspired apparel and gear. Their clothing selection features the surfing brands we all know and love, like Rip Curl, Billabong, and RVCA. Herring's Outdoor Sports is also a go-to, which is known as Topsail Island’s top of line clothing retailer. East Coast Sports has a huge selection of outdoor gear, sporting goods, bait and tackle with brands like Yeti, Aftco, and Columbia. For coastal inspired decor and furniture, check out Inlet Blue Market. Topsail Island Trading Company is your classic gift shop for the perfect souvenir!
Looking for the best shops in Topsail Beach? Quarter Moon Books & Gifts is a must to check out. Enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine while looking through their wide selection of unique clothing, gifts, and books. Occasionally, they host live music from local artists. South End Outfitters is just across the street and carries a selection of upscale apparel for both men and women as well as outdoor coastal activities.
Pamper yourself
What better way to relax on your much needed vacation than treating yourself to a spa day? Schedule a facial or massage at Ama Spa in Surf City. This full service spa offers various massage styles, organic facials, aromatherapy, saunas and steam rooms. They use high quality vegan, wildcrafted and Biodynamic farmed products from around the world.
No time to get your nails done before your visit? No problem. Visit H&H Nails and Spa just over the bridge for a mani / pedi.
Visit the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center
Open March through July, the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center is a popular destination that the kids will love. Here, you’ll find exciting exhibits and loads of interesting information about how the organization has rescued, rehabilitated and released over 400 turtles on Topsail Island. The rehabilitation center offers daily guided tours and events. If you’re visiting the island for an extended stay, they're always looking for volunteers! They’re organization is staffed entirely by volunteers, and 100% of all proceeds go directly to the turtles that they treat.
Roller Skate to 70s and 80s Music
Roller skate to 70s and 80s music for retro family fun at the Topsail Beach Skating Rink. This skating rink has been a family owned business for over 30 years making it a true staple to the island and something that everyone must experience before their trip ends. Fun fact - it was featured in Our State Magazine for being one of the last retro skating rinks in the south to still operate.
If you’ve worked up an appetite, we recommend grabbing an ice cream cone, smoothie, or snack from Sonny’s Snack & Craft Shop located underneath the skating rink. They also sell crafts from local artists.
Learn about island history at the Missiles & More Museum
Head to the south end to learn about the unique history of our island, at the Missiles & More Museum. With over 7 interesting exhibits you’ll learn about the US Navy’s project to develop supersonic guided missiles, the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) that was developed in response to World War II, modern space technology, Pirates on the island, and more. The museum features an interactive kids area where they can dig for shark teeth and fossils.
Take a day trip to Wilmington
If you feel like hopping off the island, just 35 miles south is Historic Downtown Wilmington. Situated on the edge of the scenic Cape Fear River is the iconic Downtown Riverwalk. With all there is to see on the Riverwalk, a full day can easily be spent here. There are dozens of local shops, galleries, restaurants and bars.
Take a guided tour of the USS North Carolina Battleship and learn how this iconic battleship was the first vessel of the type built for the United States Navy. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance online at https://www.battleshipnc.com/.
Five minutes from historic downtown is The Cargo District. The unique aesthetic, architecture and design of this newly developed neighborhood makes it a favorite amongst many. Each establishment in the district is constructed out of an old shipping container. The fast growing and innovative community is home to a wide variety of businesses. A few of our favorites include
Stay in
Sometimes staying in and curling up with a good book, playing a board game, or enjoying popcorn and a movie is the best way to spend a rainy day at the beach. Spending quality time with your travel companions in a cozy beach house is sometimes all you need.