Southport Magazine

Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Southport, Bald Head Island (BHI) is the perfect 1-day adventure on a car-free island. My first visit to BHI began as a “one-time day trip” in 1994 when I was pregnant with my first child and wobbly on the bike I rented to explore this island paradise. The day trip sneakily morphed into annual long weekends and an occasional week. As my three kids grew and came to love the freedom of BHI’s outdoor pursuits, such as biking, kayaking, and fishing, I realized how fortunate I was that they were fulfilled vacationing in nature. In 2009, we decided to buy a house, pulling it off by renting it during the summer. BHI is a special place to visit with family, friends, as well as solo. Here are my tips for making the most of your day and staying on a budget.

I recommend getting an early start to maximize your day. Yes, I’m saying grab your to-go coffee mug and hop on the 8 or 9 am ferry. You won’t regret it and you can nap later on the beach. Check out the ferry schedule at Deep Point Marina. You’ll need to add about 15+ extra minutes to park and purchase your ferry tickets. Adult tickets are $23 round trip, kids ages 3-12 are $12, and under 2 are free, as are our 4-legged friends. BHI is very dog friendly! Parking is $11 in summer and $9 off season. If you have a bike, the ferry is a short ride from Southport. Taking your bike or kayak on the ferry is $23, the cost of a ticket. 

A sense of calm comes over me the moment I board the ferry. You can take in views of the Southport waterfront and Oak Island on the starboard side and the intercostal waterway islands on the port side (getting nautical here!).

You can rent bikes, kayaks, and surfboards as well as golf carts on the island, and I recommend reserving these ahead of time. To save money and maximize your day, bring a picnic or pick up to-go food at the well-stocked Maritime Market and eat on the beach or at one of the many common area parks. 

Here are my Top 12 suggestions for a day trip to BHI. You can’t do them all in one day, but pick your favorites and come on back for more!

1. Relaxing, shelling, walking, and running on the 14 miles of pristine beach – Seriously, I walked for three miles on East Beach recently on a sunny afternoon and didn’t see another person. Plus, BHI is very dog-friendly and a great place to spend time with your four-legged friend.
2. Kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding in the marsh (or ocean if you’re experienced) – The Creek Access on Federal Road has an easy launch site. If you’re ocean-ready, check out South Beach which tends to be more calm. Surfboards and inflatable kayaks/paddleboards can be carried on the ferry for free.
3. Biking the car-free BHI roads and East Beach – Biking on BHI is super chill, and there are lots of options. The maritime forest is shaded by live oaks draped in Spanish moss, the“Wynds” parallel to South Beach offers ocean views, and the harbor sports a range of charming homes and yachts. One of my favorite activities when low tide and low wind coincide is to bike from East Beach Access 42 to the Fort Fisher access. I recommend leaving Access 42 about 30-60 minutes before low tide to allow plenty of time to explore along the way. From the Harbor, this ride is about 14 miles round trip and takes about 2 hours. 
4. Visiting the Bald Head Island Conservancy – The BHIC fosters barrier island conservation, education, and preservation. Check out the turtle nests spring through fall! Watching a loggerhead turtle lay a nest on East Beach is one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had! During normal times, they offer a range of programming for all ages. They also host weekly Turtle Trot 5K runs during the summer and on holiday weekends. 
5. Surfing on East Beach – Catch the waves on your surfboard or boogie board at Beach Access 42. 
6. Walking the BHI Preserve trails and enjoying the flora and fauna that abound – There are several Nature Trails which offer inside glimpses of this beautiful barrier island on boardwalks and trails. Birders will delight.
7. Fishing in the surf or on the creek –Try your luck along any of the beaches, at Shoals Point, or at Creek Access. Anyone 16 or older must hold a NC Coastal Recreational Fishing License. 
8. Visit the Old Baldy Lighthouse – The lighthouse offers excellent views of the barrier island and beyond and has an informative little museum, and the entry fee is about $8. 
9. Bald Head Association Historical & Environmental Tour – You can download a map and free audio tour at https://www.baldheadassociation.com/audio-history-and-environmental-tour.
10. Watching an east coast sunset on West or South Beach – What??? Yes, BHI is well situated for sunsets. If you’re heading home around sunset, try to catch the ferry and call it a sunset cruise!
11. Celebrating at a Howl at the Moon Party– The Maritime Market organizes a monthly Howl at the Moon Party which sometimes includes a bagpiper. To learn more about this and other island activities, sign up for the Maritime Market’s weekly newsletter.
12. Enjoy Dinner in the Harbor – Dine at one of the three restaurants in the Harbor after you return your golf cart or bikes.