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Your Guide to Bald Head Island

Learn about the best activities, restaurants, shops, and more that you can enjoy at Bald Head Island.

lighthouse in BHI

Relaxation & Beauty Await

Come Enjoy Life at a Different Speed

Bald Head Island is a private island that you can only get to by boat or ferry. Once you arrive on the island, you can travel around by golf cart, as visitors leave their vehicles on the mainland. The island is approximately 5 by 2 miles, meaning you can bike around the whole island in just an hour or two! Additionally, Bald Head Island is home to the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina, as well as many nature hikes, wildlife watches, beach accesses, shops, restaurants, and activities. There is truly so much to enjoy when you come to visit!

Please keep in mind that some activities and restaurants we mention might be seasonal, please check directly with the business for updated availability and hours.

Things to Do in the Area

Bald Head Island Activities

Whether you decide to head out onto the water for adventures, relax along the shore, check out area attractions, or a combination of all of the above, you will have plenty to choose from when you come to visit Bald Head Island.

Fun Fact: The Island may look familiar to you, as this was the island that "Weekend at Bernie's" (1989) was filmed on, as well as "The Butcher's Wife" (1991), and "Pirate Kids II: The Search for the Silver Skull" (2006).

boat on water

Groceries

Maritime Market - (910) 457-7450 - maritimemarketbhi.com

The Maritime Market has the full offering of fresh meat, seafood, produce, dairy, deli meats and a full service café. It is the only grocery store on the island, but it has everything you need to enjoy delicious meals during your stay. You can order your groceries to your rental property before you check in (at least 48-hour advance notice), and they will stock the fridge and pantry for you. For grocery delivery, you can fill out the form from the link below or call them at (910) 457-7450. https://www.maritimemarketbhi.com/grocerydelivery​ 

Please let us know if you plan to get groceries delivered — you will need to give them the code to the house, and we will need to let the cleaners know so they don't throw away your food.

During the fall season, the market does not deliver groceries. They resume their grocery delivery service for Thanksgiving. Please check with the market directly for more details.

Tram Info

BHI Tram: This is a reminder that you should purchase your tickets for the Bald Head Island Tram. Reservations for the Tram made well in advance are highly recommended, as seats are limited. Please go to: http://baldheadislandferry.com/tram for details.

Activities

  • Cruise on or off the island with Coastal Urge to rent out bikes, carts, paddleboards, and kiteboards. Visit rentals.coastalurge.com for more info. Coastal Urge has a "Luxury Tent Package," which includes delivery and set up of a custom 10x0 beach tent, 4 adjustable chairs, a Bluetooth-enabled Smart Cooler, ice, 6 bottles of water, a corn hole set, and a trash bag for easy clean-up. All items are delivered to the beach access of your choice by 10:30am each morning and taken down after 5pm. Reservations for the coming season are now available - Contact Coastal Urge for more information! 1-800-383-4443. 
  • Rent out beach equipment, including bikes, umbrellas, chairs, beach games like bocce, croquet and bean bag toss through Riverside Adventure Company. Visit riversideadventure.com for more info or call (910) 457-4944.
  • Beach & Baby Equipment Rental also offers beach rentals including bocce ball sets, beach carts, chairs, and tents, in addition to baby supplies. Visit their website at baldheadbabies.com for more info or call (910) 833-0446.
  • For another option, Baby Quip also offers baby equipment. They will meet you at the ferry with the equipment you need. https://www.babyquip.com/
  • Visit the Bald Head Island Conservancy or the Sail Shop for a great adventure with turtle sightings, hikes, spooky ghost walks, treasure hunts, fishing, sailing adventure, or kayaks and canoes. Visit bhic.org or thesailshop.com for more information or call (910) 457-6844.
  • Need a place to unwind and recoup? Visit the Island Retreat Spa and Salon for all your relaxation needs. https://www.islandretreatspa.com/
  • Create memories at historic sites like the Bald Head Light House at the Smith Island Museum. Old Baldy is the oldest standing lighthouse in North Carolina AND you can get a magnificent view of the whole island from the top if you decide to climb up the 109 feet. You can also go on a historic island tour to learn about revolutionary war history and more from the Old Baldy Foundation. Visit oldbaldy.org for more information or call (910) 457-7481.
  • Wildlife exploring and nature walks are all around the island. You can go bird watching, trek the turtle trail, and maybe see an alligator in the gated pond.
  • Take a hike off of Federal Road near the market on the M. Kent Mitchell Nature Trail that provides a 360-degree view of the marsh. For a guided hike or other fun activities, visit the Bald Head Island Conservancy. You can also go on a guided kayak or canoe trip along the marshes through the Bald Head Island Conservancy as well. 
  • The Village Chapel of Bald Head Island provides all people an opportunity to worship God, express faith, and observe Judeo Christian traditions. Visit https://villagechapelofbaldheadisland.org/ for more information. 
  • Check out the Southport mainland on a quick trip on a water taxi, or take the ferry. There are many shops and places to eat to explore for the day at Southport! Call the Southport Water Taxi to set up your day trip at (910) 457-7141. 
  • Take a fishing trip through charters on the island. Visit baldheadassociation.com/boat-services-charters to make your reservations during your stay. Fishing licenses are available at ncwildlife.org.

Experience the Delicious Flavors of the Region

Restaurants on Bald Head Island

While you are visiting Bald Head Island, you will be able to choose from an amazing selection of restaurants that offer everything from local seafood, to innovative dishes, to classic options, and more. Find out about some of the best spots to grab a bite when you come to visit!

seafood platter

Near Deep Point Marina, Southport

  • Island Times Cafe (910) 269-2337, islandtimescafe.net - Grab-and-go breakfast, lunch, and snacks before you hop on the ferry.

Middle Island

Near the BHI Marina

  • Jules Salty Grub & Island Pub (910) 457-7217, www.julessaltygrubbhi.com - ​Waterfront spot in the heart of the island serves southern and seafood with a coastal flair.
  • Sandpiper Coffee and Ice Cream (910) 457-1222, www.sandpipercoffee.com - ​Enjoy a hot brew or some cold custard.
  • Will O’ the Wisp (910) 363-1887, www.thewispbhi.com - ​Island Style Pizza, Cocktails, Cold Drinks, and Frozen Treats.
  • Boat House BHI (910) 457-1222, https://www.boathousebhi.com - Family-owned restaurant serving authentic southern cuisine favorites.

Club Dining on the Island

Bald Head Island Club: www.bhiclub.net/dining

You will need to purchase the temporary membership to the BHI Club to have access to these restaurants. We have sent all the information for purchasing the club via email, but if you need help let us know.

  • Horizons (910) 477-5011 - Poolside, outdoor/indoor coastal cuisine with a twist; lunch, dinner, and take out available.
  • Palms Room (910) 363-0939 - Casual dinner atmosphere with beautifully crafted cocktails.
  • Grille Room (910) 363-0939 - Fine dining with exquisite dinner and dessert.
  • The Terrace - Al fresco dining for lunch and dinner featuring great views.
  • The Bean Bar - Located inside the Horizons - Freshly brewed coffee and tasty breakfast treats or dishes.

Shoals Club: shoalsclub.com/web/pages/dining 

You will need to purchase a temporary membership to the Shoals Club to have access to these restaurants. Depending on the property you are staying at, you may or may not have access to purchase a Shoals Club membership. If you are unsure if you have access to purchase Shoals Club, please contact us.

  • Aqua (910) 454-4888 - Fine dining with simple, yet sophisticated preparations of fresh, regionally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
  • Latitudes (910) 454-4888 - Amazingly crafted drinks, from coffee to cocktails.
  • Sandbar Grille (910) 454-4888 - Poolside casual dining with a Caribbean, Asian, and local flare.

Near the BHI Conservancy

  • Mike’s Bites (910) 275-8185 - Everything from Italian ice, sandwiches, and hot dogs for your appetite. 

Catering & Private Chefs

  • Coastal Catering and Events - Joe Caldropoli, Owner & Executive Chef. Joe is an extremely talented chef who truly understands food. His goal is to create beautiful, delicious dishes which he can take from our kitchen to yours without disturbing the integrity of the cuisine. https://www.coastalcateringandevents.com/
  • The Maritime Market also has family meals with everything from lasagnas, barbecue trays, shrimp & grits (an Island favorite!), lobster mac 'n cheese and much more. They also do catering on occasion, contact them for more details: (910) 457-7450, maritimemarketbhi.com.
  • Gabe’s Gourmet Personal Chef Services https://www.gabesgourmetpersonalchefservicesllc.com/ 

Find gifts, souvenirs, and more

Shopping on Bald Head Island

When you come to visit Bald Head Island, you will be able to check out plenty of local shops that offer unique gifts, souvenirs to commemorate your trip, fashionable clothing, and more. Learn about some of the area’s top stores right here!

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Even more activities and info

More Helpful Links

In addition to the activities, restaurants, and shops that we have covered above, these are some more links that you may find helpful while planning your trip or during your stay here on Bald Head Island.

We have no doubt that you will have a great time on this beautiful private island when you book one of our vacation rentals!

rowers on water