Transport yourself to a variety of environments, including miles of oceanfront beach, an extensive forest preserve, and acres of tidal creeks and salt marsh, with a journey to Bald Head Island, North Carolina. Bald Head Island, located on the east side of Cape Fear, is a small, fairly isolated village that is only accessible via the passenger ferry from the town of Southport. Hop on board for an adventure to a place where a slow pace and a relaxing atmosphere await around every corner.



Since the island can only be accessed through the ferry, there is a notable absence of cars, and a subsequent replacement with electric golf carts, throughout this true cape village. However, this allows for the kind of quiet and reflection one does not typically find in such a stunning environment. Walk along the 14 miles of pristine beaches that make their way around Cape Fear, or head out for a fishing, canoeing, kayaking adventure on the tidal creeks and salt marsh that lie along the north side of the island. You never need to worry about the crowds that typically plague such notoriously beautiful areas since the seclusion of this island makes it a well kept vacation secret.

Once you experience the allure that is Bald Head Island, you will want to come back year after year. Many visitors fear that any area with such breathtaking surroundings is bound to be run over with real estate developments and swarms of people overtaking the miles of beaches. Of the 12,000 acres that constitute the island, however, 10,000 of them are protected as nature preserves, meaning they will always remain in their natural, and beautiful, state.

When you want to get back to nature, Bald Head Island offers more than the typical beach and water activities. You can find a maritime forest, rare in any part of the country, in the middle of the island that is ripe with a variety of trees, including cedars, live oaks, junipers, dogwoods, and yaupons. Take a mid-afternoon stroll along the walking path as you soak in the smells of this dense forest, keeping an eye open for any animals that may scurry along nearby.

In addition to the forest, the M. Kent Mitchell Nature Trail provides even more amazing views of nature while also educating visitors about the native plant species. The trail starts on the edge of the forest, makes it way next to the salt marsh, and takes tourists over a tidal creek so they can view firsthand some of the best aspects of the island. Along the trail, the diverse plant life is labeled, allowing visitors to recognize plants they may have never seen before.

Since every active vacationer needs a rejuvenating meal after a long day of swimming in the ocean, playing on the beach, or venturing through the forest, Bald Head Island offers something to appease everyone’s tastes. For fine dining to simply toast the most reinvigorating vacation of your life, head over to the Bald Head Island Club Restaurant, where you will find an extensive wine collection, premium steaks, regional seafood, and a comely atmosphere. If you prefer more casual dining that centers around the magnificent view, make your way to Eb & Flo’s. Enjoy your delicious seafood dinner outside as the warmth of the night settles upon you after an exciting day of adventure.

Visiting Bald Head Island is meant to be a relaxing, enjoyable experience that allows you to escape from the stresses of everyday life. To get the most out of your trip, stay in a Bald Head Island vacation rental that sits along a white sandy beach and has an unobstructed view of the ocean. You can sit on the porch at the end of the day, and listen to the sound of the waves crashing ashore while enjoying a thoughtful conversation with a loved one. Make your way back to the beach to watch the sunset from the sand, and then take the short walk back to your vacation rental so you can rest for another full day’s activities. Whatever you have planned for your trip, your vacation home will make it easy to enjoy all this pristine village has to offer.