On a trip to Bald Head Island in North Carolina, getting there is half the fun
As you drive into Southport, North Carolina, you feel as though you have driven into a scene from a Nicholas Sparks movie. And in fact, you have. But this tiny seaside town is so much more. While Southport has been the site of many films and series—notably Dawson’s Creek, Safe Haven, and A Walk to Remember—it is also the first stop on your journey to Bald Head Island.
In Southport, you’ll pass through the quaint downtown area on your way to Deep Point Marina. This is where the fun begins. While the antique shops, art galleries, and seafood restaurants are plentiful, plan to stop at Provision Company. This open-air restaurant is a waterfront landmark, open during the spring and summer seasons. Be prepared for a wait, but no worries; you can enjoy a cold beer and the view, and dining on fresh seafood will be worth it.
Transportation to Bald Head Island is as unique as the transportation on the island. At Deep Point Marina, you’ll load your luggage onto a dolly before walking onto the Bald Head Island Ferry. The twenty-minute ride across the Cape Fear River instills a sense of serenity as you breathe in the salty air and prepare to switch to “island time,” as the locals call it.
Once you arrive, the adventure begins with a tram ride to your lodging, and from there, it’s golf carts only. The concept of being on island time means that your days can be as fast- or slow-paced as you like. Sleep in late before grabbing brunch, get up early for a walk down the canopied roads, or sign up for one of the many programs and activities on the island.
There are very few places like Bald Head Island, and one thing that makes it so special is the connection between people and nature. Time on the island seems to stand still.
Where to Stay in Bald Head Island
Rental homes are plentiful. From cozy cottages to beachside mansions, you can find a home to suit any group size. Looking for something a bit smaller and more quaint?
The Marsh Harbor Inn and The Inn at Bald Head Island offer a bed-and-breakfast-style stay.
Where to Eat
Start your day at The Boathouse with their delicious Bloody Mary and my personal favorite—The Toast, complete with avocado and seasonal toppings. For a quick cup of coffee, check out Sandpiper Coffee in the marina or Midway Coffee in the maritime forest.
Hop on over to Jailhouse Provisions in the maritime forest or Jules’ Salty Grub & Island Pub in the marina for an island lunch or dinner and a delicious cocktail. Bald Head Bottle—a new neighborhood wine shop— is the perfect spot for an afternoon glass of wine with friends. For the locals, there’s also a wine club you can join.
What to do in Bald Head Island
Part of what makes Bald Head Island so unique is its dedication to protecting nature and the conservation of the island and surrounding area. Founded in 1983, ten years after the first home was finished on the island, the Bald Head Island Conservancy works to discover, learn, conserve, and preserve.
The BHI Conservancy offers programs for kids and adults alike. From fishing and crabbing to kayaking the creeks and nightly turtle walks during nesting season, the BHI Conservancy has plenty of programs designed to get you outdoors to learn more about the area. You’ll want to make sure you stop at Turtle Central, the BHI Conservancy’s gift shop, which benefits their preservation programs.
For the beachgoers in the group, the island boasts several miles of beaches where you can set up your chair or towel to soak up the sun. Bald Head Island also has a top-rated golf course, tennis and pickleball courts, and a croquet court for sporting types. You won’t want to miss the shopping on Bald Head Island—from men’s and women’s resort wear at Riverside Adventure Co. to beachy women’s fashions at Island Passage and shore-inspired jewelry at The Silver Peddler.
