Ramps & waterFree
Surf City
Soundside Park paddle launch
The easiest kayak and paddleboard put-in on the island, with restrooms and a playground behind you.
- Kayak & paddleboard
- Soundside
- Walk-in
Island · middle
Surf City
The middle of the island — swing bridge, pier, shops, and Soundside Park.
The story of Surf City
Surf City is the island's downtown: still low-rise, still walkable. The pier is at 112 South Shore Drive; Soundside Park sits on the waterway behind it. Ocean and sound are a few blocks apart.
What Surf City is good for
- First-time visitors
- Families who want options
- Pier fishing and sightseeing
- Kayaks and paddleboards
- Walkable evenings
At a glance
- County
- Onslow and Pender counties
- Where it sits
- Island · middle
- Activities listed here
- 6 in town · 2 nearby
First-time visitorsFamilies who want optionsPier fishing and sightseeingKayaks and paddleboardsWalkable evenings
What Surf City offers
The reasons people stay in this town rather than the next one down the island.
Surf City Ocean Pier
The middle pier at 112 South Shore Drive — a short walk from the shops and the bridge.
Soundside Park
Playground, boardwalk, restrooms and a kayak launch. Free to walk into.
Shops, food and the evening stroll
Ice cream, dinner and a T-shirt without getting back in the car.
Activities in Surf City
Every place we list in this town. Directions are on each card.
- Ramps & water
Surf City
Public beach & sound accesses
Numbered beach and sound accesses in all three island towns. Read the parking sign before you walk off.
- All four towns
- Numbered accesses
- Some with parking
- Kids parksFree
Surf City
Soundside Park
The island's town square: playground, marsh boardwalk, lawn and summer events on the waterway.
- Playground
- Boardwalk
- Restrooms
- Events
- Kids parksFree
Surf City
Town tennis & pickleball courts
Public pickleball and tennis in Surf City and North Topsail Beach. Bring paddles and expect to rotate.
- Pickleball
- Tennis
- First come, first served
- Attractions
Surf City
Surf City Ocean Pier
The middle pier at 112 South Shore Drive — a short walk from the shops and the swing bridge.
- Pier fishing
- Tackle shop
- 112 South Shore Dr
- Attractions
Surf City
Sea turtle rescue & rehabilitation centre
Loggerhead rescue and rehab. Visits are limited and seasonal — book ahead.
- Guided visits
- Seasonal
- Conservation
Nearby, worth the short drive
Hampstead is the mainland south of the island. Sloop Point ramp and more golf sit there.
- Ramps & waterFree
Hampstead
Sloop Point Boat Ramp
The mainland launch closest to the south end — straight onto the waterway toward Topsail Beach.
- ICW access
- Public ramp
- South approach
- Golf
Hampstead
More golf up the mainland
More courses within about thirty minutes of the bridge, around Hampstead and Holly Ridge.
- Within 30 minutes
- Multiple courses
- Book ahead