Things to do in Surf City
Discover amazing Surf City activities and premium in-home experiences.
Stretching along the central part of Topsail Island on North Carolina’s coast, Surf City is a breezy, beachside haven where laid-back living and natural beauty go hand in hand. Known for its gentle surf, family-friendly vibe, and small-town charm, Surf City is the kind of place where every day ends with sandy feet and a glowing sunset over the Atlantic.
Popular Activities in Surf City
Surf City Jet Ski Rental with 9 Mile Free Roam
Ride a Yamaha Waverunner at your own pace in a spacious 9-mile area.
Surf City Paddleboard Rental with Dock Launch
Enjoy easy paddle board rentals with direct dock launch and flexible 2-hour sessions.
Surf City Kayak Rental With Dock Access & Gear
Paddle at your own pace with direct dock access and included gear.
Barrier Island Shark Tooth Hunt in Surf City
Ride to barrier islands and search for shark teeth and shells with a knowledgeable guide.
3-Hour Guided Jet Ski Sunset Tour
Ride with a trained guide from Topsail Island toward Wrightsville Beach and return at sunset
Bike Rentals in Surf City, NC
Cruise Surf City with lightweight single-speed bikes equipped with locks, helmets, and handlebar bags.
Learn to Surf with Premium Boards & Free Delivery
Choose from beginner soft tops to premium epoxy boards with optional free delivery.
Boogie Board and Skimboard Rentals on Topsail Island
Ride the waves with flexible board rentals, with delivery options
Topsail Island Bike Rentals with Helmet & Lock
Cruise Topsail Island on quality bikes with lock, bag, and helmet included
Steam Pot Seafood Boil Island Excursion
Cruise to an uninhabited island while your captain cooks a Low Country Boil
Half-Day Private Boat Charter
Design your private cruise with a licensed captain and explore hidden islands
Bella Brunch Cruise
Start your morning with coffee, mimosas, and coastal views aboard Bella
Private Boat Charter Around Wrightsville Beach
Relax on a scenic private cruise with your crew and explore a secluded beach
Island Hopper Cruise
Explore uninhabited islands and spot dolphins on a 2-hour cruise
Sounds & Sea Private Sailing Charter
Build a custom itinerary with a USCG licensed captain for up to six guests
River to Sea E-Bike Tour from Wilmington to Wrightsville
Ride a high-performance e-bike along the scenic River to Sea Bikeway with beach time at Wrightsville
Guided E-Bike Tour of Wilmington
See Wilmington’s highlights fast on a fun, guided e-bike ride
Wilmington Sunset River Cruise on The Henrietta
Enjoy sunset views of downtown and wildlife with a full bar and comfortable indoor-outdoor seating
Osprey Private Charter on the Cape Fear River
Enjoy a private Cape Fear River cruise with scenic views, bar service, and optional narration or background music
Cape Fear River Narrated Sightseeing Cruise
Enjoy a relaxing 1-hour narrated cruise with views of Wilmington and Battleship North Carolina
Sunset Cruise with Live Music
Unwind on a 90-minute Cape Fear River sunset cruise with live local music and a full bar
Eagles Island Narrated Eco-History Cruise
See wildlife and Wilmington's maritime past on a 1-hour narrated cruise
Cape Fear River History Cruise With Dr. Chris Fonvielle
Learn Wilmington's past on a scenic river cruise led by historian Dr. Chris Fonvielle
Learn To Sail On A Hobie Catamaran
Sail with an instructor for an easy, first-time-friendly session on calm Soundside waters
Two-Hour Afternoon Sail
Ride afternoon breezes across the inlet with a brief ocean sail when conditions allow
BYOB Boat Charter: Public & Private Groups
Fun water cruise with BYOB options for public or private charters
Northeast Cape Fear River Blackwater Cruise From Wilmington
Start your day with a narrated blackwater cruise featuring wildlife and river views
Discover More in Surf City
Mornings in Surf City are made for beachcombing and dolphin-watching. The wide, uncrowded beaches are ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and building sandcastles—or simply relaxing to the rhythm of the waves. The Surf City Ocean Pier is a local favorite for fishing and scenic strolls, especially at sunrise when the sky turns soft pink and gold.
Nature lovers can explore the nearby Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, a heartwarming and educational stop where you can learn about conservation efforts and maybe even meet a recovering sea turtle. For more outdoor fun, rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the calm inland waterways and salt marshes, rich with birds and wildlife.
In town, you’ll find beach boutiques, ice cream shops, and open-air seafood restaurants serving up the day’s freshest catch. Greetwell guests can enjoy curated experiences like guided paddle tours, surf lessons, or sunset beach yoga that bring out the best of Surf City’s relaxed, coastal rhythm.