Bald Head Island is known for its natural beauty and gorgeous lighthouse, making it a go-to destination for anyone looking to get away from it all; the island really gives you a break from the busyness of everyday life as cars aren't even allowed to be here! This 12,000-acre oasis is only accessible by ferry or private boat, and, with a myriad of things to do on Bald Head Island, it's a worthwhile trip because there's something for everyone whether you're into the great outdoors, leisure activities, or historical sites.
Related content: Transportation on Bald Head Island
Outdoor Activities on Bald Head Island
If you're in the mood to stretch your legs and get moving, Bald Head Island has 15 miles of scenic bike trails to explore. If you don't have a bicycle, no worries; there are bike rentals available by the hour, day, and even week through a local rental company on the island.
Another great thing to do on Bald Head Island is going fishing because there are so many varieties of fish. Here, you can fish in the creek for blue fish, flounder, speckled trout, red drum, and spot fish or cast your line off shore to catch grouper, tuna, wahoo, mackerel, tarpon, sailfish, and dolphinfish.
For adventure seekers, 90-minute kiteboarding lessons are available with all of the necessary equipment. If you don't want to fly through the sky, you can stay at sea with a long board or short board rental and take surf lessons through the island's local surf shop. Another popular thing to do on Bald Head Island is sail down Cape Fear River on a sailboat tour, which are also offered at the surf shop.
Leisure Activities on Bald Head Island
Bald Head Island has an array leisurely things to do that will keep anyone busy for days! To start with, the island has a 14-mile stretch of sparkling beach and blue ocean, which are ideal for building sand castles, searching for seashells, swimming, or just relaxing on the beach.
If you're more interested in exploring nature and taking in its tranquility, then you can take a guided hike through the marsh or visit sea turtles if you're lucky enough to be on Bald Head Island the first week of June through mid-September. If you are, you may get the chance to see a nesting turtle or even a nest hatching! Both of these tours are offered by the island's conservancy along with birding, crabbing cast netting, island nature tours, touch tank time, a sea turtle movie screening, and much more!
Historic Activities on Bald Head Island
History buffs who don't mind climbing some steps will definitely enjoy touring the Old Baldy Lighthouse and Smith Island Museum of History, North Carolina’s oldest standing lighthouse. Climb up 108 steps up Old Baldy to get a bird’s-eye view of Bald Head Island and climb back down to venture through the museum and discover artifacts as well as the perfect souvenir. Admission to Old Baldy is included when you purchase a ticket to the Smith Island Museum of History.
Another fun thing do on Bald Head Island if you appreciate history is taking a history tour where you can learn about the island’s rich history from the first time Bald Head Island appeared on a map in the 1500s all the way through its development in the 1980s.
Whatever your interests are, Bald Head Island has an activity for you and your family all year long as the island generally experiences mild weather all four seasons. Make plans to visit the island for a day, a few days, or even a week as many vacation rentals are available. With so many things to do here, Bald Head Island is the perfect place to have fun with the family any time of year and create lasting memories.
Find more things to do on Bald Head Island and register on 910area, your free guide to everything in Fayetteville and Wilmington.
Cover photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
