Top 10 Best Things to Do on Bald Head Island NC

Planning a day trip, weekend getaway or vacation to BHI? Find out how to get there, the best things to do on Bald Head Island NC, & more!

Your Ultimate Guide to Visiting Bald Head Island

Ready to experience a true North Carolina hidden gem?

I have been dying to visit Bald Head Island for years. I went as a child and during college, but just had not made it back until recently. And let me tell you, it does not disappoint!

Bald Head Island is a serene and picturesque destination that offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With no cars allowed on the island, visitors can explore the natural beauty of the island on foot, bike or golf cart.

The island boasts of pristine beaches, world-class golf courses, nature trails, and an array of restaurants and shops. A visit to Bald Head Island is a perfect getaway for those seeking relaxation and tranquility.

There’s just something about Bald Head Island. The remoteness, the wild beauty, and the quaintness of it all just pull you in. I can see why people go back year after year. It is a true North Carolina hidden gem!

Where is Bald Head Island NC?

Planning a trip to Bald Head Island, North Carolina?

Located where the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean meet, Bald Head Island is the southernmost of North Carolina’s cape islands. Just a few miles across the river from Southport NC, Bald Head Island is a lovely little island retreat that is a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Bald Head Island is an easy day trip from Wilmington, Carolina Beach, or Myrtle Beach and the perfect weekend getaway from Raleigh.

We have got your covered whether you’re planning a day trip, weekend getaway, or entire vacation with the best things to do on Bald Head Island!

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How to get to BHI? Take the Bald Head Island Ferry!

Trying to figure out how to get to Bald Head Island? You’ll have to take the ferry from Southport or hire a private vessel. But taking the ferry to Bald Head Island takes a little more planning than just showing up and buying your tickets. Here’s what you need to know:

• Tickets are $23 per adult and $12 for children 3-12, free for children under 2 years old.
• The ferry ride is about 20 minutes.
• Tickets are sold on a first come first serve basis. There are no timed tickets, meaning you need to get there in time to buy your ticket and get in line as they only let on the first 150 people. After 150 people board, you will have to wait for the next ferry.
• The ferry leaves on the hour to Bald Head Island and on the half hour returning to Deep Point Marina in Southport, NC beginning at 7 am Memorial Day through Labor Day. Check the Bald Head Island Ferry website for off season changes in service.
• For those staying for a weekend or longer and bringing bags, there are very specific rules for luggage. Check HERE for details on best practices on how to pack. Best tip is to pack and plan as if you were going to the airport.
• Transportation for your bags via tram upon arrival should be reserved in advance online HERE.
• The best way to get around the island is by bicycle or golf cart- no cars allowed! Be sure to make reservations ahead of time!
• Parking at the ferry terminal is $9-$11 per day depending on the time of year.
• There are restrooms on the ferry, an inside cabin and outside seating area.

Whether it’s your first visit to to the island or your tenth, keep reading to find out some of our favorite things to do on Bald Head Island.

What to Pack for Bald Head Island

Obviously this will differ greatly depending on how long you are planning to stay. There is a full service grocery store and hardware store on the island as well as many retail stores and restaurants. There is also baby equipment, beach, bicycle, and adventure equipment rentals available on the island. You can easily get fishing gear, ice, and snacks too!

What to Bring for a Day Trip to Bald Head Island:

• Sunscreen
• A good beach bag
• Bathing suit
• Towel
• Beach chair
• Refillable water bottle or small cooler
• Good walking/ bicycling shoes and flip flops
• Sunglasses
• Lip Balm
• Hat
• Cash/ Credit Card
• Other miscellaneous needs for FUN! (golf clubs, surfboard, or maybe even a kite)

Know Before You Go: Prices can be a lot higher on the island. If possible, consider bringing as much as possible with you in your luggage and in tote boxes.

Want a complete list? Grab our ultimate beach day packing list now!

Best Things to Do on Bald Head Island

We truly believe that BHI is one of the best hidden gem vacation destinations on the east coast. So, if you’re ready to leave city life behind and spend a day, weekend or perhaps even longer on island time…then let’s go! Find out what to do on Bald Head Island once you’ve left your car behind.

1. Fuel up for the day!

Once you’ve arrived on the island, grab a coffee or breakfast at Sandpiper Coffee & Ice Cream, grab a map of Bald Head Island if you don’t already have one, and find your transportation.

If you realize you’ve forgotten something, pop into the Dockmaster Convenience Store. Then head to your rental home, make a plan if you’re only there for a day trip, or just be spontaneous. Either way, you’re guaranteed to have some fun!

2. Rent a golf cart or bicycle to get around!

No cars?? What?!

Yep, you heard that right, there are no cars allowed on Bald Head Island. Well, there are a few work vehicles, but none for the visitors!

One of the coolest thing about the island is how you get around. You’re going to need to plan on renting a bicycle or golf cart to get around. Of course you can bring your own and many of the vacation rentals come with either or both included! Arrange for your transportation in advance- you certainly don’t want to get stuck without a way to get around once you arrive!

Here are a couple of rental companies to look into before your arrival:

• Cary Cart Company for golf cart rentals
• Coastal Urge for bicycles, surfboards, paddle boards and more!

3. Bald Head Island Lighthouse

Visiting Old Baldy is one of the most popular Bald Head Island activities! And for good reason.

You can easily walk to the the Bald Head Island Lighthouse from the ferry terminal if you haven’t been able to get another form of transportation.

Admission to the Lighthouse also includes access to the Smith Island Museum of History, which is a small but well done lesson on the island’s history.

Self guided audio tours are available. 108 steps takes your to the top of Old Baldy for unparalleled views of the entire island. You can see from Southport to the Atlantic in the small observation tower.

Know Before You Go: Do NOT make this mistake!! I wear sundresses all summer long. I never even considered that wearing a sundress to climb the lighthouse would be an issue. Well…big mistake! The last few steps to the observation tower of the Bald Head Island are a LADDER! As you can see in the picture above, there is only a small opening to get to the top of the lighthouse. And yes, that mama you see in the photo did go up with her baby in that front pack!! (Rocking it!) Anyhow, as for me, I went for it anyways. I waited until there was nobody else waiting to go up and climbed the ladder. As soon as I got to the opening, a huge updraft blew my dress practically over my head. So, I flashed the three people who were already up there. MAJOR FAIL. Oh well…you live and you learn, right!

Old Baldy tickets cost $8 for adults, $5 for children ages 3-12, and free for children under 3 years old. Hours change seasonally but closes at 4:30 pm everyday, so be sure to visit early if you want to climb the Bald Head Lighthouse.

4. Take a tour

One of the most fun ways to get a true feel for an area is through a tour. Consider a kayak, fishing, or standup paddleboard tour while you’re on the island! There’s something for every age and ability. Check out these fun tour options:

• Two hour total island tour– includes admission to Old Baldy. Reservations required.
• Ghost Walk through Riverside Adventures
• Turtle walks, kayaking the creek, birding adventures and more through Bald Head Island Conservancy
• Fishing charters

If you are staying on Bald Head Island for the week, consider taking a day trip to Southport, Wilmington or Carolina and Kure Beach!

5. Go shopping

I was surprised to find there are a ton of really cute shops on Bald Head Island! Perusing the shops is a great activity when you need a break from the sun. From an art gallery to home decor, clothing and more, there are a ton of options. Some of my personal favorites were Room Service, Bald Head Blues, and of course kids always love the sweets shop! Turtle Central also had some super cute finds!

6. Visit the Village Chapel of Bald Head Island

Right next to Old Baldy is the Village Chapel is the cutest little chapel you ever did see! If you are charmed by quaint little churches, then you’ll definitely want to pop by and explore the beautiful church grounds. This is an active church so please be respectful of services and functions.

7. Indulge your sweet tooth at Nye’s Ice Cream

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a treat from Maritime Market- inside you can buy the world famous Nye’s ice cream sandwiches or grab an ice cream cone from the counter window in the outside courtyard. Either way, you need to try this local treat. Featured on Oprah, Martha Stewart, and The Today Show, if you don’t have time to stop by then be sure to order online when you get home!

8. Check out Bald Head Island Conservancy

One of the best things to do on Bald Head Island is visit Bald Head Island Conservancy. With educational tours and talks for all ages, you will fall in love with the island even more after your visit. Get connected to the local ecology and learn why it is ever so important to preserve natural treasures like these. Bald Head Island Conservancy offers turtle walks, island cleanup events, kayaking tours, fishing school, night surf fishing, kids camps, and more!

9. Go to the beach!

Everything’s better at the beach! Well, I think so at least!

The beaches on Bald Head Island are absolutely gorgeous. There are three different beaches on Bald Head Island. East Beach tends to be the most popular as the waves are bigger and best for boogie boarding and surfing. It can be very windy as well which can be a good and bad thing. This is also a great spot for kite surfing. South Beach is best for shelling, strolling, and just relaxing. West Beach is perfect for watching the ferry come and go and playing in the shallow and usually more calm surf.

There are no lifeguards on the public beaches so be sure to exercise caution when swimming. Without a doubt, the beaches are a huge Bald Head Island attraction.

We love the beach!! Check out some other amazing family friendly beaches on the east coast you are guaranteed to love!

10. Play all day at the Bald Head Island Club or the Shoals Club

If you’re into golf, then look into playing the Bald Head Island Golf Club. Named one of the best courses in North Carolina, this recently renovated 18 hole course is only available to members and guests of members. BUT, you can often get a week pass included in your weekly vacation rental on Bald Head Island or purchase one separately. Not only can you take advantage of the golf course, but there are amazing restaurants, pool area with waterslides, tennis courts, croquet court and more!

The Shoals Club is on the opposite end of the island and offers direct beach access, swimming pools, fitness center, and more dining options.

Both options will be extra but are definitely worth considering if you are staying a week on Bald Head Island!

Insider Tip: Keep your eyes open for alligators hanging out around the island! My husband and son saw several during their round of golf!

Share your golf adventures on Instagram with these fun golf captions!

Is one of your goals to travel more? Try using these powerful travel affirmations!

Bald Head Island Restaurants

There are plenty of really good places to eat on Bald Head Island! Check out these restaurants:

• Jules’ Salty Grub & Island Pub – located right by the ferry on the marina, this is a great spot to grab a bite to eat with a view.
• Lulu’s BBQ – also located on the marina.
• Marina Pizza at Will o’ the Wisp – take a pizza to go for a picnic or eat at one of their outdoor tables. Also enjoy trivia night, music bingo, and concerts seasonally here.
• Delphina Cantina – having a craving for Latin inspired dishes or a margarita? Here’s your spot!
• Maritime Market – fulls service grocery store plus the market cafe with all kinds of options. Plus Copper’s Wood Fired Kitchen and Nye’s ice cream!
• Mike’s Bites – sandwiches, ice cream, and coffee located next to the Bald Head Island Conservancy.
• There are also several restaurant options at the Shoals Club and Bald Head Island Golf Club if your stay includes passes to either club.

Places to Stay on Bald Head Island

Staying on Bald Head Island is certainly a unique experience! Be very careful when searching for a vacation rental- many search results will show you hotels and properties that are NOT on the island! There are some AirBnb and VRBO options out there. I suggest searching by neighborhood.

Check rates HERE for places to stay on Bald Head Island.

So what do you think? Have enough options for what to do on Bald Head Island? You can certainly check off quite a bit if you’re just planning a day trip to Bald Head Island, but I would highly recommend at least a weekend getaway!

Tell me in the comments below your favorite things to do on Bald Head Island or be sure to add Bald Head Island to your family bucket list!!