Welcome to Hampstead, Topsail Island, and Surf City
Private communities defined by Southern country charm and a laid-back island lifestyle
Just north of Wilmington, Hampstead offers residents a relaxed, country lifestyle with access to world-class golfing. It is conveniently located near coastal towns, such as Topsail Beach. Once a fishing village, it remains known as “The Seafood Capital of the Carolinas” and has a growing number of local vendors and seafood restaurants. You’ll find secluded homes in densely wooded areas, master-planned communities, and waterfront subdivisions with private boat docks.
Surf City is on the central point of Topsail Island and spans parts of the island and the mainland. As the site of most of the island’s commercial businesses, it serves as the central hub for island residents. Topsail Island is a 26-mile barrier island with breathtaking ocean views. Here you’ll find oceanfront condos and seaside villas with sun decks, outdoor pools, and direct access to the beach.
What to Love
- Diverse selection of housing styles
- Laid-back country lifestyle
- World-class golfing and outdoor recreation
- Access to the beach
- Fresh and delicious seafood
- Quick commute to Wilmington and Camp Lejeune
Local Lifestyle
Hampstead, Topsail Island, and Surf City are all laid-back small towns full of southern charm and hospitality. Residents are friendly and love getting together throughout the year. The population swells in the warmer months as vacationers take advantage of the temperate weather and try to escape big cities.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Numerous eateries line Highway 17 in Hampstead.
Jebby’s is a casual restaurant serving low country dishes and American comfort food. It’s close to
Sawmill Grill, a country diner-style eatery serving hearty breakfasts and southern favorites like fried fish and chicken. Family-owned
Camino Real Mexican Bar and Grill is highly rated for authentic cuisine.
Inside the Olde Point Golf Course,
Nineteen Restaurant has a varied menu of wraps, burgers, pizza, pasta, and gluten-free options. They also have banquet halls for private events and weddings.
In Surf City,
Daddy Mac’s Beach Grille has authentic coastal cuisine, including Maryland-style crab cakes and Cajun-fried oysters. Their elevated outdoor deck overlooks the ocean and the Surf City Pier. On the docks,
Sears Landing specializes in fresh seafood plates with homey Southern sides.
Hula’s Bar and Grill serves award-winning burgers with a DJ spinning music in the evenings.
For a fun night out,
Crab Pot has karaoke and live music. They serve steamed seafood buckets and fried platters on newspaper-covered tables.
On Topsail Island,
Beach Shop and Grill is a gift shop and restaurant specializing in low country-inspired cuisine.
Things to Do
Holly Shelter Game Land features 75,000 acres of forest and wetlands for outdoor lovers with areas for hiking, birdwatching, and spotting wildlife. Hampstead Kiwanis Park is a neighborhood gathering place with picnic areas and sports facilities for baseball, basketball, and tennis.
In Surf City,
Soundside Park has viewing decks and a boat launch and hosts “Movies in the Park.” Topsail Island’s first ocean pier,
Surf City Ocean Pier, features a tackle and gift shop, an ice cream store, and excellent night fishing.
Serenity Point is a popular spot to watch the sunset with one of the best views on Topsail Beach. Annual events include Autumn with Topsail, a festival fundraiser for the Historical Society of Topsail Island, and the Herb and Garden Fair at
Poplar Grove Plantation. You can watch outdoor concerts all summer at
Topsail Beach town center.
Schools
