Isolated, wild, and car-free, Bald Head Island is a unique beach vacation destination. With several inns, restaurants, and watersports companies, there is a small hub of activity close to the ferry docks and the main harbor.

Explore the island’s natural beauty by taking a leisurely kayak trip or walking along one of the many scenic albeit wild trails on the island.

Beaches

Located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River and Atlantic Gulf Stream, this tiny island is the epitome of exclusive coastal vacation style. A secluded beach destination with miles of gorgeous sand, it’s easy to unplug on Bald Head Island NC.

Board a passenger ferry to reach the island, and be prepared for a relaxing getaway in a world of luxurious resorts and activities that feel a million miles away from home. Bald Head Island’s beaches offer swimming and surfing, beachcombing, shelling, fishing, and simply soaking up the sun and salt air.

Locals recommend visiting in fall, when the crowds disperse and you can enjoy a more relaxed experience. The island is only 20 minutes from Southport and the modern-day mainland, but it feels a world away. Lush nature preserves cover more than 80 percent of the island, protecting views that would have been familiar to Spanish explorers 500 years ago.

The most prominent landmark of the island is Old Baldy, North Carolina’s oldest lighthouse, which has guided ships safely into the mouth of the Cape Fear River since 1817. Climb the 108 steps to the top for panoramic ocean and island views.

Watersports

A trip to Bald Head Island isn’t complete without spending time on the beach. The sands are perfect for soaking up the sun or testing your surf skills (surfing lessons can be arranged).

You can also enjoy a day on the water with a fishing charter or kayak tour. The pristine waters off the coast offer year-round fishing for Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, Flounder, Spanish Mackerel and Sheepshead. On the inshore waters, you can expect to catch Wahoo, Tuna and Dolphin.

The creeks and tributaries that wind throughout the island are ideal for a kayak excursion. You can paddle down Lighthouse Creek to see herons, egrets and other bird species or follow a guided tour led by the Bald Head Island Conservancy.

Take a ride on the Bald Head Island Passenger Ferry, which departs from Southport and the island daily. The 20-minute ride offers stunning views of the beach and the surrounding ocean, and you might spot a dolphin during your journey!

Once you reach the marina, you’ll find plenty of places to eat and drink. Try Delphina Coastal Cuisine, a family restaurant with Mexican seafood dishes and American fare, or Jules’ Salty Grub Island Pub. You can also grab ice cream and specialty drinks next door at Sandpiper Coffee Ice Cream. You can also rent standup paddleboards and take a guided or self-guided paddleboarding tour from Coastal Urge. They even have boards that are designed specifically for fishing!

Walking Trails

North Carolina has countless beautiful hiking trails that are a popular way to experience the state’s natural beauty. In fact, 2023 was officially designated the Year of the Trail in North Carolina to encourage more people to enjoy these incredible trails.

On the Island, there are several hiking trails to choose from including the Kent Mitchel Nature Trail and the Loop Trail. Both of these paths offer great exposure to picturesque scenery and local wildlife like sandpipers, fiddler crabs, and hummingbirds.

Another great hiking option is the Island Nature Map, which includes a number of scenic spots and hiking trails that highlight wildlife hotspots on the island. It’s easy to use the map online and print it out so you can explore the island during your trip.

The Island Nature Map can also help you discover wildlife-related activities at local organizations. For example, the Bald Head Island Conservancy has several guided family-friendly and accessible hikes throughout the year. These hikes take place on the Loop Trail and include a tutorial on using the app iNaturalist.

You can also find plenty of hiking trails at the nearby Carolina Beach State Park, where 13 different coastal habitats thrive within 761 acres of protected green space. One of the most popular trails is the Venus Flytrap Trail, a half-mile loop that’s perfect for learning about the native plant’s unique growing requirements.

Local Attractions

Getting around on an island is part of the fun, so plan to rent a bike or golf cart while you’re here. The bikes have a child seat built in, so bring the whole family along for a fun outing that’s also an opportunity to enjoy some exercise.

The area’s natural beauty is a major draw for many visitors, especially nature lovers and bird watchers. The island is home to 260+ species of birds and boasts an amazing array of unique plants like sabal palms that grow naturally here, and visitors can explore their subtropical coastal environment at the Bald Head Woods State Reserve, one of the East Coast’s largest maritime forests.

Take a kayak tour that’s led by experts at the Bald Head Island Conservancy, and you may spot snowy egrets or brown pelicans. The Conservancy’s guides also work to protect the island’s wildlife and wild plants, including endangered loggerhead sea turtles that nest here during summer.

During the Civil War, the island was home to several gun emplacements that helped protect the entrance to the Cape Fear River and the vital city of Wilmington from Confederate attack. Today, the squat lighthouse at Cape Fear Point is a landmark and one of the best places to see the area’s spectacular sunsets. Across the street is the historic Jailhouse Provisions restaurant, a pet-friendly eatery known for its delicious American cuisine and specialty cocktails.