A Day Trip Guide to Bald Head Island, NC
Just a short ferry ride from Southport, Bald Head Island feels like stepping into a different world.
With no personal vehicles allowed, visitors explore the island by golf cart, bicycle, or on foot. Between beautiful beaches, maritime forests, historic landmarks, waterfront dining, and incredible sunsets, it's easy to see why so many Oak Island visitors make Bald Head Island part of their vacation.
Whether you're planning a half-day adventure or a full day exploring the island, here's everything you need to know before you go.
Getting to Bald Head Island
The only way to reach Bald Head Island is by passenger ferry from Deep Point Marina in Southport.
The ferry ride takes approximately 20 minutes and offers beautiful views of the Cape Fear River, Oak Island Lighthouse, and the surrounding coastline. Ferry reservations are recommended, especially during the busy summer season.
Ferry Pricing
Adult Round Trip Ticket: $23
Children (3–12): $12
Children 2 and Under: Free
Tickets can be purchased online or at the ferry terminal.
Parking
Visitors leave their vehicles at Deep Point Marina before boarding the ferry.
Current General Lot parking is:
$13 per day per vehicle
The parking lot is located directly across from the ferry terminal, making the process quick and convenient.
Getting Around the Island
One of the most unique aspects of Bald Head Island is that personal vehicles are not allowed.
Instead, visitors travel by:
Golf cart
Bicycle
Walking
Many visitors choose to rent a golf cart for the day, making it easy to explore the entire island.
Popular rental companies include:
Riverside Adventure Company (golf carts and bicycles)
Bicycles are another great option thanks to the island's extensive network of paths and quiet roads.
Visit Old Baldy Lighthouse
No trip to Bald Head Island is complete without visiting the island's most recognizable landmark.
Old Baldy Lighthouse is the oldest standing lighthouse in North Carolina and has become one of the island's most photographed locations.
Visitors can:
Learn about local history
The views from the top stretch across the island, marshes, Cape Fear River, and Atlantic Ocean.
Explore the Village and Marina
The marina area serves as the heart of Bald Head Island and is one of the most popular places to spend an afternoon exploring.
Visitors will find:
Waterfront restaurants
Ice cream and coffee shops
Local boutiques
Harbor views
Boardwalks and marina access
Many visitors enjoy strolling the boardwalk, watching boats come and go, and dining along the waterfront. One local favorite is Jules' Salty Grub & Island Pub, which offers casual coastal dining with beautiful views overlooking the marina.
The marina is also home to Marina Park, a popular gathering spot where visitors can relax, enjoy the scenery, and take in some of the island's best sunset views.
Visit the Bald Head Island Conservancy
Families, nature lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts often make the Bald Head Island Conservancy one of their first stops after arriving on the island.
The Conservancy offers:
Sea turtle education programs
Interactive nature exhibits
Wildlife programs
Guided island tours
Conservation and research experiences
Children especially enjoy learning about Bald Head Island's nesting sea turtles, maritime forests, and unique coastal ecosystems.
Before you leave, be sure to stop by Turtle Central, the Conservancy's gift shop. The shop features sea turtle-themed merchandise, educational gifts, books, apparel, and souvenirs that support the Conservancy's conservation efforts across the island.
A visit to the Conservancy provides a fun and educational experience while helping visitors better understand the wildlife and natural beauty that make Bald Head Island so special.
Explore the Maritime Forest Preserve
Many first-time visitors are surprised to discover that large portions of Bald Head Island are covered by protected maritime forest.
Miles of trails wind through:
Live oak canopies
Palmetto groves
Coastal wetlands
Wildlife habitats
It's a completely different environment than the beaches and offers a peaceful way to experience the island.
Spend the Day at the Beach
Bald Head Island is home to some of the most beautiful and uncrowded beaches in North Carolina.
Many visitors bring:
Beach chairs
Towels
Umbrellas
Coolers
and spend several hours relaxing by the ocean before exploring other parts of the island.
Popular beach access points include areas near South Beach and East Beach.
Because the island is less developed than many coastal destinations, the beaches often feel quiet and secluded even during summer.
Watch the Sunset Over the Cape Fear River
One of the most overlooked experiences on Bald Head Island is sunset.
Unlike Oak Island, where the sun sets primarily over marshes and the Intracoastal Waterway, Bald Head Island offers incredible views where the Cape Fear River meets the Atlantic Ocean.
Popular sunset viewing locations include:
Marina Park
The marina waterfront
South Beach
Old Baldy area
The western shoreline near Cape Fear
The combination of boats, marshes, open water, and colorful skies often creates some of the most spectacular sunsets along the North Carolina coast.
Family Photography on Bald Head Island
Bald Head Island is one of the most scenic destinations along the North Carolina coast for family photography.
From Old Baldy and Marina Park to quiet beaches, maritime forests, and waterfront sunsets, the island offers a variety of unique backdrops that simply can't be found anywhere else.
Many families visiting Bald Head Island choose to schedule a photo session during their vacation to preserve memories of their time together on the island.
Planning Your Bald Head Island Day Trip
Whether you're exploring Old Baldy, riding a golf cart beneath live oaks, relaxing on the beach, or watching the sun set over the Cape Fear River, Bald Head Island offers one of the most unique day trips on the North Carolina coast.
For many Oak Island visitors, a day on Bald Head Island quickly becomes one of the most memorable parts of their vacation.
