Bald Head Island, formerly Smith Island, is a private island community that feels like a world away. Cars are not allowed on the island, which beckons golf carts and bicycles to explore its 14 miles of beaches and maritime forests.

Grab your gal pals for a tennis match or the fellas for golf, and then settle in for dinner and drinks with beautiful views. You'll also find shopping, restaurants and activities for families, seniors and kids of all ages.

Beaches

The beaches of Bald Head Island NC are a paradise for sun lovers and nature enthusiasts. Visitors enjoy a quiet, care free beach vacation that allows them to recharge their batteries and forget about the stresses of everyday life for a while.

Bald Head Island, formerly Smith Island, is a unique coastal destination where the warm Atlantic Gulf Stream meets the cold Cape Fear River waters and large sand bars seasonally emerge from and retreat into the treacherous Frying Pan Shoals. Its barrier island structure offers protection to the maritime forest and marsh areas.

The beaches on the eastern, western and southern shores of the island offer something for everyone. Families can build sandcastles, swim in the surf or search for seashells at South Beach while couples that want to watch the sunset can stroll the shores of North Beach or take in the breathtaking views from the top of Old Baldy lighthouse.

Watersports

Bald Head Island is one of the most natural barrier islands around. With 14 miles of wide, pristine beaches complemented by marsh and maritime forest preserves, this coastal gem stands apart from other North Carolina beach destinations.

Spend a day on the beach - you won't have any trouble finding a spot to lay your towel down on either of the two long beaches (East or South). The waves are perfect for surfers and boogie boarders, while the calm waters of East Beach make it ideal for families with younger children.

Enjoy a scenic bike ride around the island and witness the spectacular sunsets from your bike. You can rent bikes from Riverside Outdoor Recreation in Marina Park or from your vacation rental.

Guests of Bald Head Island Club can play at the premier course on the island. The club also offers golf lessons for beginners and a variety of family-friendly programs including summer camps. Kids 5-12 years old can enroll in a safe, fun, and individualized camp that includes golf, tennis instruction, swimming, arts and crafts, movies and field trips.

Restaurants

Located off the coast of Southport, Bald Head Island is a quiet car-free beach community accessible only by ferry and private boat. This is the kind of unplugged beach retreat that North Carolina is famous for, and it’s a true gem for those looking to escape the noise of everyday life.

There are a handful of restaurants on the Island that offer quick and easy meals for vacationers. Jailhouse Provisions is a local favorite for sandwiches, food baskets and drinks with indoor and outdoor seating. They also have a coffee shop and a Maritime Market inside, which is ideal for picking up snacks and drinks on the way to your rental home.

There are also a few seafood and burger options on the Island including Jules’ Salty Grub & Island Pub and Delphina Cantina. They both have a fun atmosphere and are located at the Harborside with incredible views of the boats. They offer a variety of food from fresh Mexican and Cuban favorites to a fun twist on a BHI favorite – shrimp tacos.

Shopping

The shopping scene on Bald Head Island is as eclectic as the island itself. From high-end designer fashions at Island Passage to a selection of beach essentials at The Maritime Market, the island offers a variety of shops that cater to both locals and visitors.

Adjacent to the Maritime Market, Island Hardware carries an array of home improvement and outdoor grills and furniture. For those who like to spend time on the water, the store also carries recreational equipment and apparel for fishing, sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding and more.

Coastal Urge is a retail shop that merges style with functionality, featuring clothing and accessories designed for the island lifestyle. The shop carries brands like Patagonia, North Face, Lilly Pulitzer, TOMs and Vineyard Vines.

The Old Baldy Lighthouse Museum and Gift Shop is a must-visit to learn more about the area’s rich history. The shop is filled with books and Old Baldy souvenirs and proceeds benefit the non-profit foundation that operates the historic site. For a souvenir to remind you of your time on the island, The Silver Peddler is a great option.

History

Bald Head Island has an interesting history. It was a favorite spot of pirates in the 17th and 18th centuries where they would stop to replenish their supplies or bury their loot. Stede Bonnet and Edward Teach are just two of the famous buccaneers that visited the area.

In the 1970’s 19 families came to this small coastal island with wide eyes and big plans. They knew that electricity was on the way. They just didn’t know when it would show up.

Livestock ranching was another big draw to the island. As a Wilmington Morning Star article in 1917 noted, “The abundant acreage on Bald Head and Palmetto Island offered excellent opportunities for livestock ranching.”

Today, we still don’t know when electricity will arrive but what we do know is that Bald Head Island has never been more than it is now. There are so many things to do that will keep you busy and leave your car at home. Take a leisurely kayak trip up the river or hike the M. Kent Mitchell Nature Trail and enjoy the uncluttered beauty of nature at its best.