Are you looking for an epic vacation this summer? When you visit Topsail Island during mid-to-late summer, there are a ton of adventures for you to discover. From enjoying the outdoors in wonderful weather to participating in fun events happening around the island, you won`t be disappointed in your summer vacation. 

If you`re ready to have a fantastic trip to the coast, you should consider the activities and island attractions that interest you. We`ll discuss some of the outdoor activities that are popular during this time of year around the island. We`ll also go over some of the local events you may want to check out to make your visit extra memorable.

Enjoy the Outdoors

If you`re looking for mid-to-late summer activities, you`ll probably want to consider outdoor activities. For visitors and residents alike, the natural beauty of the coast is a major reason to spend time at Topsail Island. During the summer months, in particular, the weather is perfect for beachy activities. 

Swimming, surfing, jet skiing, and other fun water sports are popular mid-to-late summer activities. Visitors may also want to try their hand at beachcombing to save mementos from the trip. Aside from the beach, visitors can also enjoy the beautiful parks and trails for long walks or bike rides. 

Beachcombing

Topsail Island is known for being a great place to beach comb. Thanks to the miles of coastline, the beaches at Topsail Island aren`t typically overcrowded. However, the best places to search for shells and other treasures are near the south and north ends of the island. These places don`t usually receive large crowds of beachgoers, so you may have more luck in these areas finding unique items. It`s also a good idea to hit the beaches for an early morning walk before other people start to head out for the day. 

Water Sports

For a lot of visitors, a beach vacation isn`t complete without some water sports involved. Whether you love a day spent fishing or you want to try active water sports, like surfing or paddle boarding, there are many activities to do at the beach. If you love to participate in these water activities but don`t have room in your car for all of the extra gear needed, you might want to consider renting the equipment from one of the local businesses.

For fishing gear, you could get the necessary equipment from one of the bait and tackle shops on the island. East Coast Sports has a wide selection of gear and knowledgeable staff members to help you pick out the right equipment for your fishing adventure. For larger items, like kayaks, surfboards, and paddleboards, you can rent from Topsail Surf and Cycle. You`ll be able to choose from affordable rates, like a 2-hour rental. Or, you can choose to rent these items for a whole week. 

Hiking the Trails

Topsail Island has gorgeous scenery and incredible opportunities to observe the local wildlife. If you want to experience nature, you should consider hitting some of the trails that wind through the island. The longest trail on the island is a part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. The MST stretches over 1,200 miles, from the Great Smokey Mountains to the Outer Banks. 

While you`re staying in Topsail, you can hop on this scenic trail from North Topsail Beach all the way to the southern tip of the island. You can choose to walk or bike ride this trail to take in the natural beauty of the local forests, shores, and wetlands. You won`t need a lot of gear for this activity except comfortable walking shoes. However, if you`re an avid bird watcher or just want to observe wildlife closely on your walk, you might want to take along your binoculars or a camera. 

Go to Fun Events in the Community

Topsail Island may have a relaxed way of life, but it is brimming with fun activities. The island has local events put on at private businesses as well as public events. Whether you`re looking for free family-friendly activities this summer or you want to participate in one of the events that a local business puts on, there are tons of mid-to-late summer activities to keep you busy.

Topsail Sounds Summer Concert Series (2023)

If you`re looking for mid-to-late summer activities, there are a couple of concerts happening in July and August. For those who love outdoor concerts, Topsail Beach features a concert series throughout the summer. Bring your own chairs and blankets to the Topsail Beach town center and enjoy an evening of music, sun, and fun. Check to see if your vacation dates line up with one of these awesome concerts for a fun evening listening to bands play music in the park. 

Movies in the Park

Are you looking for budget-friendly activities appropriate for the entire family? All summer long, Surf City screens a free kid-friendly movie in the park on select dates at sundown. Grab comfortable chairs, blankets, and snacks for a fun night spent watching your favorite films outside. There are typically food trucks and other fun kid-friendly activities, so this is an event that`s sure to be a favorite for families. 

Topsail Beach Craft Market

For those who love crafting and picking up handmade mementos, the Topsail Beach Craft Market is a must-visit event. Every Thursday throughout the summer, local vendors come together to sell their handmade goods. Whether you`re looking to pick up sea glass jewelry or you want to peruse the paintings of local artists, the market is a fun way to spend a Thursday morning on your vacation. You may find the perfect souvenir to commemorate your Topsail Island vacation. 

13th Annual Ocean City Jazz Festival

Every year in North Topsail Beach, the Ocean City Jazz Festival puts on amazing shows. If you love jazz music, then you should consider attending the festival that kicks off June 30. Tickets go on sale ahead of time, so you`ll want to plan ahead for this event. There are many amazing musical artists performing, so you`ll want to check out the lineup and see which days you would like to attend. If you can`t make it this year, you should keep your eyes peeled for next year`s event. 

There`s so much to enjoy on Topsail Island, it may be hard to fit in everything you`d like to do on your vacation. Fun outdoor activities, like water sports, hiking, and beachcombing are perfect for those looking to enjoy the sunny warm weather. Meanwhile, community events are a great way to experience local culture when you want a break from the beach. 

However, part of creating a great vacation experience is choosing the right short-term rental. There are many beautiful properties available for rent. Whether you want to have a beachfront house in North Topsail Island or you would like to rent a home near all of the restaurants and shops in Surf City, we can help you find the right property to match your needs. Take a look at our available listings or get in contact with us for more information on rentals in the area.