A 20-minute passenger ferry ride takes you to this car-free beach community. Its quiet unspoiled beaches and lush maritime forests are the perfect setting for a relaxing getaway.

Golf, tennis, croquet, swimming pools, restaurants and shopping are all available. Stroll around the island on an electric golf cart or bike.

History

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Bald Head Island NC was a favorite hideout for notorious pirates like Edward Teach better known as Blackbeard. Today, the island’s pristine forests and serene beaches provide vacationers with a unique escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Atop a high bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean is Old Baldy Lighthouse, North Carolina’s oldest lighthouse. Built in 1817, the tower guides ships safely into the mouth of the Cape Fear River.

The lighthouse is surrounded by a maritime forest where giant live oaks, laurel oaks, and red cedars create a canopy that provides shelter for native plants such as wild olive, american holly, and catbrier to thrive. The forest also blocks the neighboring ocean’s salt spray.

The maritime forest is home to an abundance of wildlife, including alligators. These reptiles are often spotted roaming the golf courses, salt marshes, and even crossing the roads. Guests can observe these all-natural creatures during one of the many guided birding walks or fishing expeditions.

Beaches

The beaches on Bald Head Island are beautiful and they’re one of the best things about BHI. The beach is the perfect spot to soak up some sun and relax and you can walk around to find shells, too.

The beach is also a great place to watch the sun rise and set, which is something that most people don’t get to see often. This is an experience that most people enjoy and it can be a fun memory for the whole family.

There are many different beaches on the island and each one has its own charm. South Beach is a great beach for families because it’s the widest at low tide and has a lot of space to spread out towels and have some fun on the sand. North beach is a good place to go to watch a sunset and West Beach is a beautiful spot to enjoy a day at the beach. The beaches are a popular destination for locals and visitors and they’re the heart of this coastal community.

Recreation

Since the days of infamous pirates like Blackbeard, Stede Bonnet and Edward Teach Bald Head Island has been an island getaway for those who crave a relaxing unplugged beach vacation. Bald Head Island is privately owned by a company called Bald Head Island Limited and caters to guests every need with upscale hotels, golf, tennis, croquet, beaches, a marina, restaurants and more.

Bald Head Island is known for its beautiful creeks and wetlands and is the perfect place to kayak. Explore the quiet, serene waters on a paddle down Lighthouse Creek. Or, if you prefer a faster pace try out the many windsurfing and sailing lessons offered by Riverside Outdoor Recreation or Coastal Urge.

Hiking is a great way to see the natural side of Bald Head Island. Various trails run through the islands maritime forest and salt marsh or tidal creek. The Kent Mitchell Nature Trail is especially scenic and allows visitors to experience a natural slice of barrier island life without the use of a motor vehicle. The Conservancy also conducts turtle walks in the summer and alligator and bird walks.

Dining

Whether you prefer casual poolside dining or upscale restaurant fare overlooking the golf course, Bald Head Island has a range of eateries to please every palate. Sample fresh seafood and fantastic barbecue, indulge in a slice of pizza or savor a healthy and inventive salad at one of the Island's best restaurants.

The renowned Bald Head Island Club offers a variety of restaurant options for Members and registered Guest Pass Holders. The Club's culinary team proudly embraces the "Farm to Table" concept by using local ingredients as much as possible. From casual poolside fare to steak and ribs at the elegant Palms restaurant, there's something to satisfy every appetite.

Jules' Salty Grub & Island Pub, located harborside, is an iconic restaurant that combines a classic nautical aesthetic with a fun bar vibe and delicious American cuisine. Enjoy a cocktail and a bite to eat on the patio while watching the boats pull in and out of the marina. Stop by the wine bar at Will o' the Wisp to sip a glass of vino while enjoying snacks, burgers and views of the boats in the harbor.

Shopping

Bald Head Island is home to a slew of local boutiques, great clothing stores and wonderful gift shops. Each boutique offers a unique shopping experience infused with style, local culture and natural beauty.

Coastal Urge mixes fashion with functionality, offering apparel and equipment for outdoor activities. This local destination also provides guided nature tours, kayak and bike rentals and GPS scavenger hunts.

Find all your beach essentials at Riverside Adventure Company. This shop located in the marina provides cart and bike rental, kayak and paddle board rentals as well as boogie and surfboards. They also offer GPS scavenger hunts, guided fishing expeditions and sailing lessons.

Take your vacation to the next level with a custom-made souvenir from this family-owned business. They specialize in making keepsake items like mugs, T-shirts and stickers to celebrate your time on the island.