Dolphins, sea turtles and shorebirds are regularly spotted in North Topsail Beach. Along the coast, you can go for a walk, sunbathe, swim, look for shells and fossilized shark teeth, surf or enjoy other water sports. The options range from spending time on the shore to taking part in activities in the water. You can choose what to focus on based on whether you prefer to stay on the beach or try an activity in the water.

Beaches and parks along the sound

The parks complement the coastal activities with a variety of amenities. Richard C. Peters Park has two piers on the sound-facing side. Richard C. Peters Town Park has a kayak launch and a nature trail. W. Rodney Knowles Park offers a kayak launch, a viewing platform on the sound side and a picnic area. If you are choosing between the parks, both Richard C. Peters Town Park and W. Rodney Knowles Park have a kayak launch; the nature trail and picnic area distinguish their respective offerings. The piers and the viewing platform are each on the sound side.

Public beach access

Onslow County offers free parking year-round at three public beach access sites in North Topsail Beach. Beach Access Site No. 2 is on NC210, 4 miles southeast of the North Topsail Beach high-rise bridge. This access site has an elevated wooden pavilion by the ocean, a ramp to the beach, concession areas, restrooms and showers. The gravel parking areas can accommodate 250 vehicles across approximately 4 acres. For planning purposes, it is helpful to distinguish between the two: the free parking information applies to three public beach access sites, while the detailed location and amenity information describes Beach Access Site No. 2. This lets you distinguish the general parking information from the specific features of this individual access site.

Sea turtles and seasonal Turtle Talks

North Topsail Beach is recognized as a sea turtle sanctuary. Historically, it had more nests and hatchlings than the other communities on Topsail Island. The seasonal event program reflects this: weekly Turtle Talks take place on Tuesdays from 9 to 10 a.m. at Town Hall. The series runs from the first week of June through the last week of August; admission is free for residents and visitors of all ages. Check the schedule for the relevant year before your trip. For planning your time, it is helpful to distinguish between the two: sea turtles are among the wildlife you can regularly encounter, while Turtle Talks are a seasonal offering that runs during a set period. Their one-hour duration makes Turtle Talks a clearly defined activity to include in your Tuesday morning plans.

Discover more destinations: Sneads Ferry, Pumpkin Center, Swansboro

For the broader travel overview: Onslow County.