Location: Bald Head Island
Top Things to do in Bald Head Island
- 1. Bald Head Island Lighthouse
- 2. Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
- 3. Carolina Beach State Park
- 4. Brunswick Town and Fort Anderson State Historic Site
- 5. Oak Island Beaches
- 6. Holden Beach
- 7. Cape Fear National at Brunswick Forest
- 8. Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry
- 9. Oak Island Lighthouse
- 10. Kure Beach Pier
10 Things to Do in Bald Head Island That You Shouldn't Miss
Bald Head Island, historically Smith Island, is a village located on the east side of the Cape Fear River in Brunswick County, North Carolina, United States. Compared to the city of Wilmington to the north, the village of Bald Head Island is small and somewhat remote. It is only accessible by ferry from the nearby town of Southport. There are few cars on the island; instead, residents drive modified electric golf carts. Bald Head Island is nationally recognized for its sea turtle nesting activity.
Restaurants in Bald Head Island
1. Bald Head Island Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 198 reviews
Old Baldy, built 1817, is North Carolina's oldest lighthouse. Restoration projects by the not for profit Old Baldy Foundation allows visitors today to enjoy the tower and climb to the top for a breathtaking view of the island and surrounding area. Tickets available in the Keeper's Cottage, home to the Smith Island Museum of History and lighthouse gift shop.
Reviewed By D2958ZXgarym - King, United States
Situated two nautical miles from Southport, Bald Head is North Carolina’s southernmost barrier island and is accessible only by public ferry or private boat. With the exception of service and emergency vehicles, no cars are permitted on the island, and transportation is limited to electric...MoreThank you for such a thorough and informative review! It's reviews like yours that are so helpful to our visitors.
2. Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 264 reviews
Old historic fort that was the site of two major Civil War battles.
Reviewed By Bob J - Old Saybrook, CT
We drove down Pleasure Island to take a look at Fort Fisher. What we found was a beautiful park with beach access, a Civil War Historic Site and a museum. Lightly trafficked at this time of year, I highly recommend taking the time to visit.
3. Carolina Beach State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 344 reviews
Reviewed By Tom551 - Parsons, West Virginia
We visited with our dog while staying nearby. We were here twice and really enjoyed hiking in the park. It made a nice diversion was being at the beach. The park opens at 8:00 and there is plenty of parking and no admission fee. The area around the marina and along the river is beautiful! We walked the Venus Fly Trap Trail and spotted a few, although they were dormant this time of year (late fall.) They are very small and had to see so you really have to look for them. We saw a nice buck in the swampy area which was an added treat. The only negative for us was when we were walking along the road looking for the trails our dog got several little very sharp burrs in her paws. We did not notice until she started limping and we had to pull them out. Next time we know to stay on the roads or trails. Otherwise, it was a very enjoyable experience.
4. Brunswick Town and Fort Anderson State Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
A major pre-Revolutionary port on North Carolina's Cape Fear River, Brunswick was razed by British troops in 1776 and never rebuilt. During the Civil War, Fort Anderson was constructed atop the old village site, and served as part of the Cape Fear River defenses below Wilmington before the fall of the Confederacy. Colonial foundations dot the present-day tour trail, which crosses the earthworks of the Confederate fort.
Reviewed By Harry P - Wilmington, North Carolina
Finding this jewel of the old south is well worth taking the time to find this well-preserved, excellently maintained
remnant of the War of Northern Aggression. Preservation has meant maintaining the physical layout of the fort
without obstructing view or taking liberties with historical fact. Maintenance is the well played out walkways, identification of remaining foundations and earthworks in a way that allows one's imagination to picture the
fort and adjoining town as it was so long ago. The view of the river from the bluffs is amazing and reminds us now why then it was such a great place to live, work and finally fight for it's very being. Plan a morning or afternoon with a picnic. Ask a Friend of Fort Anderson for a tour, information or just plain how we tell it down this way, just talk a spell It will certainly be worth your time to take in the quiet solitude that is Fort Anderson and Old Brunswick Town. Off the beaten path on purpose.
5. Oak Island Beaches
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 478 reviews
Reviewed By ViajeMujer - Rougemont, North Carolina
Went morning and evening to the lovely beaches at Oak Island, 2 different days. Off season, able to park in their public parking area right by beach which was great-we had a lot to tote onto the beach-including our dogs-yes, very pet friendly. Loved walking the beach, watching the spectacular sunsets. Only problem: no public bathrooms. Not good.
6. Holden Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 258 reviews
Reviewed By Educatdhorses - Scranton, Pennsylvania
Very beautiful, well-kept beach area. The houses in this community are gorgeous and colorful. It's quiet because everyone renting these houses are hanging at the beach most of the time. The beach area is nice and clean. The ocean is breath-taking. The streets are flat, clean, and well maintained. My parents rent a house here often and spend a week here on vacation. They just took me here over the weekend to show me what all the fuss was about. It really is an awesome area! And there's places to eat nearby and its close to the city and Myrtle Beach! And if you travel north another half hour there's a lighthouse!
7. Cape Fear National at Brunswick Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By Nc4travel - NC
Fairways and greens are wonderful. The course is challenging, but definitely playable. Nice course for ladies. For men who average in the 80s , this course offers enough of a challenge without being too frustrating. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Layout of course was excellent. The carts are equipped with GPS.
8. Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry
Overall Ratings
5 based on 305 reviews
Reviewed By Conniedelmont - Delmont, Pa.
What a great deal $5.00 per car. It 's just a mere 35 minutes to Fort Fisher. Once there go to aquarium. It was very nice. Make sure to see mermaid show . You can also drive to Wilmington from here.
9. Oak Island Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 211 reviews
Reviewed By Kevin M
I was not planning to go to the lighthouse on this trip but was invited by some friends, and I am glad I went. The tour was limited to the lower parts of the lighthouse, apparently they only have tours to the top on certain days of the week, you should check first. With that being said, it was still a good tour. The guide was knowledgeable and friendly. They had a display of types of lights used in lighthouses, including the current set up. I learned that lighthouses have a specific sequence of light pattern that informs the ships which lighthouse they are seeing. Plus the construction information would be a blast for kids, and adults, interested in construction engineering.
10. Kure Beach Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 371 reviews
Reviewed By Michael B
On first sight, the Kure Pier may seem to be just another fishing pier. However, if you spend some time in the area, you quickly discover that the pier has special place in the community. Every time you step out on the pier, you are stepping back in to history. Although it has been rebuilt several times since it was first established in the 1920s, Kure Pier is the oldest fishing pier in continuous operation on the US Atlantic Coast.
Kure Pier is an excellent place to walk out and observe the beach day or night. It's free for those only on a stroll, and those who want to fish pay a reasonably small daily fee. You can learn a lot walking out on the pier, especially since the crowd is generally friendly. The Pier House, open from mid-Spring through Thanksgiving, provides everything you need for a day of fishing. It even features snacks, drinks, Hershey's ice cream, Sno-Cones, and slew of tourist shirts and souvenirs. The owners understand that they are running a vital community asset, not a commercial tourist trap. As a result, everything is reasonably priced for families and the budget-conscious to enjoy. During the fall and winter months the pier provides visitors with a great place to spot whales and pods of dolphins.
The Kure Pier is a local institution well worth a visit!
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