Dewayne and I decided to take a day trip over to Bald Head Island, North Carolina. We
have always wanted to go over to the island but never had the opportunity to take the trip (or we just didn’t make the time to go visit). I would highly recommend everyone take the time to visit the island. It was well worth the trip, and we had a blast. We just needed more time to explore. So, we want to come back and rent a vacation home for a week and experience the island in another way. The island is beautiful and is truly a hidden jewel!
We highly recommend you visit the island. You may want to go during the off season, so you can enjoy the beauty of the island without a lot of people. From what we were told summertime is chaotic and very crowded.
If you have a love for nature, need a rest or just need to reset, make time to spend some time on Bald Head Island. Information on the island can be found here.
Additional information you may be interested in:
TRANSPORTATION:
1. The only way you can get to the island is either by passenger ferry or a private boat. You can catch the ferry from the Deep Point Ferry Marina in Southport, NC, which is adjacent to the Bald Head Island Mainland Ferry Terminal.
General parking is available at the marina for approximately $12.00 per day.
The ferry is first come, first serve. So, you will want to get there early.
It’s about a 20-minute ride to the Island.
Round-trip ferry tickets cost $23.00 for an adult, $12.00 for children between ages 3-12 and no charge for children age 2 and below, but they still need a ticket.
Watch this informative video and check the website for changes in prices or processes when making plans. Additional information can be found here.
2. You are not allowed to take a vehicle on the island, and transportation is limited to golf carts, bicycles, or foot traffic. (If you are feeling energetic you could even kayak around the island.)
We rented a cart through the Cary Cart Company. It was easy to get to and within walking distance of the ferry landing. Additional information can be found here.
If you plan on going during peak season, make sure you make reservations prior to arriving.
The speed limit is 18 miles per hour (mph), unless posted otherwise, and if there is a posting it is usually under 18 mph.
THINGS TO DO WHILE ON THE ISLAND:
1. Go to the beach.
There are 14 miles of pristine beaches with several points of beach access.
Take a stroll on the beach, swim, surf or just relax in the sun.
Surf fish. (FYI - a N.C. saltwater fishing license is required.)
Good news – The Village just completed a new handicapped beach access point. It is located at Beach Access #24A.
Important Reminder - The island does not offer public bathrooms near the beach.
2. Visit the Old Baldy Lighthouse.
One of North Carolina’s oldest lighthouses.
You can walk around the site, climb up to the top of the lighthouse for a better view of the island and/or stroll the Smith Island Museum of History.
If you want a more in-depth visit to the lighthouse, you can take the guided Historic Tour, which is about two hours long.
We did the drive up, stop, take pictures, and leave approach because we were on our way back to return the golf cart. If we go again, we will definitely climb to the top.
3. Tour/Explore the Island on your own. (They gave us a great island map when we rented the golf cart.)
Take a hike on one of the many nature trails that go through the ancient forest, salt marsh and creeks.
Visit historic homes at Captain Charlie’s station. These homes overlook Cape Fear.
4. Explore the Bald Head Island (BHI) Conservancy. The conservancy is a leading organization in barrier island conservation, offering a range of recreational and educational activities for the public. The conservancy develops effective, research-based management strategies to live sustainably within barrier island environments. Conservation efforts include:
Sea Turtle and Nesting Shorebird Protection
Wildlife management
Wildlife Emergency Response and Habitat monitoring.
I would recommend you go into the Turtle Central gift shop while you are there. There are so many great things to purchase for yourself, or friends and family. 100% of every purchase made at Turtle Central helps support the BHI Conservancy's Sea Turtle Protection Program and other mission-driven initiatives. (They save turtles. 😊)
5. Go shopping. There are so many great stores on the island. You can find apparel for men and women, Antique Maps from the 1600s, artwork and paintings, jewelry, pottery and more.
FOOD AND DRINK:
1. There are several restaurants on the island. We stopped at Jules’ Salty Grub and Island Pub after we turned in the golf cart. Make sure you have enough time to enjoy your meal. We went to Jules’ because it was so close to the Ferry. Unfortunately, the ferry and food came out at the same time. We were only able to eat a few bites before we had to run.
2. There is a full-service grocery store on the island called the Maritime Market. The grocery store had everything you would find at your own neighborhood store. So, there is no need for you to pack and bring food and drink over to the island. They also had a deli with fresh bread, cheeses, and meats. The deli offers a menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. So, try it out while you are there.
I hope you find this information helpful. Bald Head Island is definitely a place you would want to include in your vacation planning. Go for a day, a week or longer. I know you will have a great time!
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