North Topsail Beach stretches over 12 miles of uncrowded shoreline — a quiet, residential beach community where retirees, military families, and vacationers enjoy one of the most peaceful stretches of coast in North Carolina.
North Topsail Beach, North Carolina is the newest and northernmost municipality on Topsail Island, incorporated in 1990 with a population of approximately 1,109 residents. Located in Onslow County (ZIP 28460), the town occupies over 11 miles of the island's northern stretch — more shoreline than any other Topsail community. North Topsail Beach is known for its uncrowded beaches, strong retirement and second-home market (median age 60.6, average household income $144,920), and proximity to Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base. The Ocean City Beach community within the town holds significant civil rights history as one of the first NC beaches where Black residents could own property.
Whether you're searching for a reliable contractor for your beach home, a vacation rental with room to spread out, or the best place to fish at New River Inlet — this page features the top-rated local businesses serving North Topsail Beach and the surrounding Topsail Island area.
Video reviews of the best-rated local businesses in North Topsail Beach, NC.
The best-rated businesses serving North Topsail Beach and the Topsail Island area, organized by category.
North Topsail Beach has one of the strongest second-home and retirement real estate markets on the North Carolina coast. With an average household income of nearly $145,000 and a median age over 60, the market skews toward established buyers seeking investment properties, retirement homes, and long-term vacation rentals. Property management companies handle everything from weekly vacation turnovers to year-round maintenance for absentee homeowners.
Specialists in beach homes, retirement & investment properties
Vacation rental & long-term property management
Oceanfront homes with uncrowded beach access
Rental turnover, deep cleaning & maintenance
North Topsail Beach has an active home building and renovation market driven by new construction, storm damage repair, and ongoing maintenance of beach properties exposed to the Atlantic. Contractors serving this area draw from both the Topsail corridor (Surf City, Hampstead) and the Jacksonville/Onslow County market. The northern location means proximity to Camp Lejeune, so many contractors here also serve military housing needs.
New construction, renovations & storm repair
Residential wiring, generators & panel upgrades
Emergency & scheduled plumbing services
Heating & cooling for coastal homes
North Topsail Beach has fewer restaurants than Surf City, reflecting its quieter residential character. The dining options that do exist tend to be casual, family-friendly spots serving seafood, pizza, and classic beach fare. Many residents and vacationers drive south to Surf City or north to Sneads Ferry and Jacksonville for a wider selection of restaurants.
Local seafood restaurants & fish markets
Pizza, burgers & family-friendly meals
Markets, convenience stores & quick bites
Seasonal frozen treats & desserts
With over 12 miles of shoreline and one of the longest fishing piers in North Carolina, North Topsail Beach is a paradise for anglers and beachgoers who prefer space over crowds. The Seaview Fishing Pier stretches over 1,000 feet into the Atlantic, and the New River Inlet at the island's northern tip offers excellent kayak fishing and surf casting. Three county-maintained beach access areas provide parking, restrooms, and showers.
Seaview Pier, New River Inlet & surf fishing
Explore the New River Inlet & sound
Chair, umbrella & bike rentals
3 county-maintained access points with facilities
North Topsail Beach is the northernmost town on Topsail Island. Access the island via NC-210 from Surf City heading north, or via Onslow Beach Road from Jacksonville and Camp Lejeune. The drive is approximately 45 minutes from Wilmington and 20 minutes from Jacksonville. The nearest commercial airport is Wilmington International Airport (ILM), about 50 minutes south.
Incorporated in 1990, North Topsail Beach is the newest municipality on Topsail Island. The town occupies over 11 miles of the island's northern section in Onslow County. Unlike the more tourist-oriented communities to the south, North Topsail Beach developed primarily as a residential and retirement community. The Ocean City Beach neighborhood holds particular historical significance as one of the first beaches in North Carolina where Black residents could own property — a legacy that continues to be celebrated through the annual Ocean City Jazz Festival each July.
North Topsail Beach offers over 12 miles of uncrowded shoreline ideal for swimming, shell collecting, and surf fishing. Top activities include fishing from the 1,000+ foot Seaview Fishing Pier, kayaking and fishing at New River Inlet, attending the Ocean City Jazz Festival in July, and enjoying some of the most peaceful beaches in southeastern North Carolina. Three county-maintained beach access areas provide parking, restrooms, and showers.
North Topsail Beach is one of the least crowded beach communities in North Carolina. With over 12 miles of shoreline and a year-round population of just 1,109, the beach-to-person ratio is exceptionally generous. The town is more residential and retirement-focused than tourist-driven, so even during peak summer you can find long stretches of beach with very few people. This quiet character is the primary draw for visitors and homebuyers alike.
New River Inlet at the northern tip of North Topsail Beach is one of the best fishing spots in the Topsail area. The inlet where the New River meets the Atlantic creates productive waters for surf fishing and kayak fishing. Common catches include red drum, flounder, speckled trout, bluefish, and Spanish mackerel. The Seaview Fishing Pier, stretching over 1,000 feet, offers additional pier fishing opportunities without needing a boat.
North Topsail Beach is served by contractors from the broader Topsail corridor (Surf City, Hampstead) and the Jacksonville/Onslow County market. The area has an active building market with ongoing new construction and renovation. Contractors need expertise in hurricane-rated building, flood zone compliance, and salt air corrosion prevention. Common services include general contracting, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, and property management maintenance.
The Ocean City Jazz Festival is held annually in July in the Ocean City Beach community of North Topsail Beach. The festival celebrates the neighborhood's significant civil rights heritage — Ocean City Beach was one of the first beaches in North Carolina where Black residents could own property. The event features live jazz performances, food vendors, and community gatherings, drawing visitors from across the region.
Browse local businesses across all of the towns we serve.
Get featured in our video reviews and be found by customers searching for exactly what you offer. Free to start.
Get Your Free Video