Topsail Island is a gorgeous barrier island off the coast of North Carolina that offers plenty of things to do and see. Taking a vacation to the island means you will have access to all the incredible things on the island and many things just an hour away that can add even more adventure to your beach vacation. If you want to add a little extra to your holiday, keep reading for five places that are a perfect day trip from Topsail Island. 

And if you're planning a vacation, be sure to check out our beach vacation rentals, where you can spend your holiday in a fully furnished property that offers a fully equipped kitchen, plenty of space, and gorgeous views of Topsail Island. 

Wilmington is about 45 minutes from Topsail Island and is a charming coastal city with a mix of history, natural beauty, and culture. 

Great activities to enjoy here are a walking tour of the downtown area, which has restaurants, great little coastal shops, and historic buildings. Some interesting attractions here are the famous Battleship North Carolina, Airlie Gardens, and the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.

If you love learning about old military bases about 35 miles from Topsail, you can visit Jacksonville. It is home to several military installations like Camp Lejeune and New River Station.

Here you can learn about the military history of this area at the Camp Lejeune Museum, which features exhibits on the Marine Corps and the history of Camp Lejeune. Other fun and popular attractions include the Lynnwood Park Zoo, the Onslow County Museum, which exhibits the area's natural history, and the Jacksonville Commons Recreation Complex.

Another fun place to explore for maritime history is Beaufort, which is about an hour and a half northeast of Topsail Island. It is a gorgeous little picturesque coastal town with a historic district stretching a 12-block area featuring old historic homes and buildings visitors can explore on a walking tour and the Beaufort Historic Site. 

Other popular attractions in Beaufort include the North Carolina Maritime Museum and the Rachel Carson Reserve, which hosts its very own wild horses.

Approximately 55 minutes north of Topsail Island is Hammocks Beach State Park, a beautiful natural park with a mainland area and three barrier islands. You can enjoy many activities here, like hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, birdwatching, or a beach picnic. 

Kayak and canoe rentals are available if you want to get out on the water, or you can bring your own vessel and use the boat ramps. It's a beautiful place to visit if you love being outdoors and want to spend a day there.

These day trips are just a handful of amazing adventures you can take while taking a beach vacation on Topsail Island. With so much to do on the island and in all the nearby areas, you can easily fill a week-long vacation itinerary for you and your loved ones. 

Book a fantastic beach vacation rental with plenty of space, luxury, comfort, and practicality. You will feel right at home in our beautiful properties while exploring endless attractions and activities or lounging on the beach on Topsail Island. Book your stay today!