A car-free beach community forged by millionaires, Bald Head Island is home to classic coastal architecture and family friendly neighborhoods. Its natural environment and preservation efforts are a direct extension of the original developers’ values.

Explore the island on a guided walking tour or golf cart tour. Fuel up for your adventures at Delphina Coastal Cuisine or JULES’ Salty Grub & Island Pub.

Beaches

One of the best things about island getaways is spending plenty of time at the beach. And, that’s exactly what you can do on Bald Head Island NC.

The beaches on this quiet, car-free island are some of the most gorgeous on the East Coast. West Beach is the first place you’ll see when stepping off the ferry at Southport, and it’s also close to other popular attractions like the Lighthouse.

Sailing is another fun watersport to try while on vacation here, especially because of the gentle breezes. You can learn to sail on your own or take a Fun Sail trip with an instructor for the whole family.

If you want to get some history in, visit Old Baldy Lighthouse. This historic site is the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina and has remained intact for over 187 years. Learn about the maritime history of the island and its past visitors.

Watersports

Bald Head Island is a watersports paradise that offers countless opportunities to get on the water and enjoy some fun in the sun. The island’s tidal creeks are natural treasures and ideal for kayaking, especially when accompanied by a guide who can help you navigate "off the beaten path" and identify wildlife along the way.

Sailing is also popular among visitors to the Island, as light breezes are ideal for this soothing pastime and offer a beautiful view of the Cape Fear River and South Beach. Surfing is another big draw to BHI, particularly on East Beach where the warm waters and consistent waves make for a great spot for beginners to learn the ropes.

A golfing vacation would not be complete without a round or two on the premier course on the island, located at the Bald Head Island Club. Golfers can book tee times for the course through their vacation rental or by visiting the Club’s concierge desk in the marina.

Outdoor Activities

With cars forbidden on the island, getting around is as much an adventure as your vacation! Hop on the island tram to shuttle your luggage to your rental home or a golf cart to cruise around.

Explore nature at the salt marshes and tidal creeks with the Bald Head Island Conservancy's nature tours and beach patrol ride-alongs. Check their calendar for a list of events.

Fall's crisp mornings and evenings sandwich warm afternoons that are perfect for exploring the island's 14 miles of wide beaches. Find a quiet spot along the shoreline to watch the Atlantic flyway ducks, such as buffleheads, in their vibrant plumage.

Bike rentals are a popular mode of transportation on the island and can be rented from Riverside Outdoor Recreation or East Beach Surf Shop. The one-stop shop also offers kayaks, canoes and standup paddleboards as well as surfing lessons and surf and creek fishing expeditions for kids and adults.

Shopping

Whether you’re looking for a new swimsuit, souvenirs, or just some fresh coffee, the island has plenty of shops to check out. Island Passage offers a great selection of popular beach brands such as Roxy, Quiksilver, and Billabong along with a fun selection of jewelry and local art.

Sandpiper Ice Cream & Coffee is the best local coffee shop on the island and offers tasty premium coffee drinks and pastries like scones, muffins, and cinnamon rolls. They also offer a wide range of frozen cocktails and ice cream.

Maritime Market is THE grocery option on the island and carries a small assortment of just about everything you’d need while staying in a vacation rental. They also have a collection of pre-prepared, ready-to-heat family sized dinners you can enjoy in your rental. They also offer a variety of grocery delivery options.

Dining

Some people love trying new restaurants during their vacations. For those traveling to Bald Head Island, North Carolina, there are many restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines and dining experiences.

For those who prefer a club-style dining experience, Aqua at the Shoals Club offers gorgeous ocean views and delicious meals like salmon or veal tenderloin. If you want something a little more casual, Latitudes is also available at the club and has burgers and tacos.

Another great option for those looking to try a variety of foods is Delphina Cantina, which is located inside the Maritime Market and serves light bites and ice cold drinks. The take-out spot Mike’s Bites is another fun place to grab a quick meal or sweet treat.

Nightlife

A visit to Bald Head Island is not complete without a trip to the famous Old Baldy Lighthouse. It’s the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina and you can climb 108 steps to the top for a spectacular view.

A great way to start or end a night on BHI is by sipping a cocktail at the Bald Head Island Club. Their seasonal drinks are always inventive and their version of a mojito is beyond delicious (smoky mezcal, mango Nigori sake, ginger beer and fresh basil with top-shelf gin).

The club also has a gorgeous pool where you can hang out during the day. Direct beach access, showers, ample poolside seating in both shaded and sunny areas and a wonderful deli are all part of this beautiful facility. Creative kids’ programming keeps the youngsters happy with pool games, tie-dyeing and bocce ball tournaments. By night, the club is a fun spot for parties, music and entertainment.