What to do in Surf City, NC

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Surf City

Types of activities

Where to stay

Surf City travel guide

Adventurous Girl with a Surf Board is going surfing in the Ocean during a cloudy summer sunset. Taken in Pacific City, Oregon Coast, United States of America.

View of the pier, ocean and beach in surf city Huntington Beach, famous tourist destination in California

Ocean pier in Surf City, North Carolina; Shutterstock ID 433275949

Surf City Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Surf City has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Surf City, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Surf City with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Surf City

Surf City is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Surf City, and make it a breeze to explore Surf City and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Surf City to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Surf City, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Surf City.

Surf City attractions

Surf City has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Surf City to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Surf City.

Looking for things to do in Surf City can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Surf City or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Surf City attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Recommended things to do in Surf City

Number of things to do	1
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia	Savour the Sea: Holistic Health Walking Tour in Surf City: £113
Top 5 things to do	Savour the Sea: Holistic Health Walking Tour in Surf City
Half-day tours	Savour the Sea: Holistic Health Walking Tour in Surf City
With kids

What to do in Surf City

Popular places to visit

I may have uploaded a few from here. It's because I always love coming here right before sunrise and watching the waves come in. Today it was very calm. I was able to get a very dark mood with the rainclouds in the background.

Surf City Pier

After visiting Surf City Pier, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Surf City. Wander the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area.

The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center

Make time in your itinerary to visit the sea life you'll find at The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center during your holiday to Holly Ridge.

Topsail Skating Rink Topsail Beach

Catch an event at Topsail Skating Rink Topsail Beach during your trip to Topsail Beach. Wander the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area.

Sea Turtle Hospital

You can take time to visit Sea Turtle Hospital during your travels to Topsail Beach. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.

Ohana Paddle Sports

Take the family on an outing to Ohana Paddle Sports during your trip to Surf City. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Southside Park

Explore the great outdoors at Southside Park, a lovely green space in Surf City. Wander the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area.

Moll Island

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Moll Island during your travels in Holly Ridge.

Thomas Tackle and Seafood

Take the family on an outing to Thomas Tackle and Seafood during your trip to Surf City. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Seacoast Art Gallery

You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Seacoast Art Gallery in Surf City. Wander the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area.

Explore areas of Surf City

Island Oaks

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Island Oaks and surrounding area, you can visit Sloop Point Plantation and Ohana Paddle Sports.

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

Day trip destinations from Surf City

One of my favorite shots from the trip, and currently my wallpaper.

Topsail Beach

Sneads Ferry

Topsail island offers a lot to the tourist looking for a quieter beach experience. Everything from kayaking, pier fishing, sun bathing, surfing, great seafood, shopping, you know...the normal beach stuff, but topsail is different. Hard to explain, but many people I talk to speak of how they have been coming for decades, and it's they prefer here over any other beach trip destination. New visitors say this place is unique and wonderful. If you want a place to unwind, have a care free vacation, this is your place.

North Topsail Beach

Frequently asked questions

Is Surf City worth visiting?

Whether you're planning to experience the cultural hotspots and local charm or try unique foods and explore the outdoors, there's no shortage of things to do in Surf City.

How do I spend a day in Surf City?

Topsail Skating Rink Topsail Beach and Sea Turtle Hospital are two good places to start your adventures. Be sure to check out the retail and dining options in Surf City while you're there too.

What is the top tourist attraction in Surf City?

The top tourist attraction in Surf City is Topsail Skating Rink Topsail Beach, so be sure to put it on your sightseeing itinerary.

Is three days enough to stay in Surf City?

If you only want to check out the leading attractions, three days is plenty of time for a getaway in Surf City. Book for seven to ten days for the chance to truly experience the local vibe, tour nearby hotspots and explore off the beaten path.

Is Surf City a walkable city?

With vibrant neighbourhoods and top sights within walking distance of the city centre, Surf City is a great place to tour on foot. Enjoy wandering between Ohana Paddle Sports and Seacoast Art Gallery. Then take a stroll around Island Oaks, located 3 kms (2 miles) from downtown, and Scotch Bonnet Soundside, which is roughly 3 kms (2 miles) away.

What are some activities to do in Surf City with kids?

Whether you're holidaying with young explorers or playful teenagers, a schedule filled with fun activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Surf City with kids.

What to do in Surf City for adults?

There are lots of things to do in Surf City, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Mia's Marketplace or Inis Spa.

Are there free things to do in Surf City?

One of the best ways to discover free things to do in Surf City is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can enjoy without opening your wallet. Ohana Paddle Sports is one sight that doesn't charge an admission fee.