Topsail Beach Vacations in North
Carolina
- Attractions, Dining, Entertainment ,Fishing, Golfing,
Shopping, State Parks and
Information for your visit in Topsail Beach, North Carolina!
Situated at the southern end of Topsail
Island, off the coast of southeastern
North Carolina, the Town of Topsail
Beach is the smallest of the three
communities located on the 26-mile long
island. North Topsail Beach occupies the
northernmost section, and Surf City, the
largest town on the island, is in the
center.
Topsail Island has a rich and varied
history. Local folklore claims the name,
Topsail (pronounced Tops’l), originated
during the 1700’s when pirate ships
roamed the coastal waters. Historians
explain that marauding pirates hid their
ships in the channel behind.
The island and waited for passing
merchant ships loaded with goods. The
pirates would pursue and attack the
merchants, claiming the cargoes as their
own. Eventually the merchants became
aware of this infamous hiding place and
began to watch for the tops of the
pirates' sails showing over the rolling
dunes - hence the name Topsail Island!
