About Bald Head Island

Aerial view of beach and residential community on Bald Head Island, North Carolina.

About Bald Head Island

Situated two miles off the southernmost point of the North Carolina coast, Bald Head Island marks the spot where the Cape Fear River and Atlantic Gulf Stream converge. Aside from the occasional public safety vehicle, you won’t find any cars here! The pace on the island is a bit slower; golf carts, bikes, and your own two feet are the best way to get around.  Bald Head is the southernmost of North Carolina’s cape islands, marked by the legendary Cape Fear. It’s also the northernmost subtropical environment on the East Coast, making it a haven for a wide array of wildlife.  Bald Head Island gets its name from early river pilots’ reference to its “bald” headland that is devoid of vegetation. During the 1700s, several infamous pirates, such as Stede Bonnet and Edward Teach (Blackbeard), used Bald Head Island as a hideout. And while the pirates have long gone, the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina, Old Baldy, remains the most visible landmark on the island. Of Bald Head Island’s 12,000 acres, 10,000 are protected and home to a variety of wildlife, including nearly 300 species of birds, dolphins, loggerhead turtles, alligators, deer, and foxes.

While the best part of the island is just relaxing, we have included a few other things to do.

Things to do on Bald Head Island:

  • Explore the beaches Bald Head Island’s beautiful beaches beg you to build sandcastles, stroll, take a swim or just unwind. With 14 miles of pristine beaches, you shouldn’t have a problem finding your perfect spot. South Beach features long stretches of sand and calmer waters, perfect for walking and spending the day with the family. East Beach is ideal for boogie boarding and surfing. Can’t-miss spots include Cape Fear Point, where Frying Pan Shoals extends 30 miles offshore, and the wide stretch of sand where West Beach meets South Beach, a great area for beachcombing. Beach equipment rentals, including umbrellas, chairs and beach games like bocce, croquet and bean bag toss, are available through Riverside Adventure Company on a daily and weeklong basis. Beach & Baby Equipment Rental also offers beach rentals including bocce ball sets, beach carts, chairs and tents. Island Hardware rents chairs and umbrellas.
  •  Ride a Bike the island’s gentle coastal terrain offers bicyclists an easy pedal, but with more than 15 miles of roadway to ride, more experienced cyclists can get their fill too. Bike rentals by the hour, day or week are available through two island outlets: Coastal Urge and Riverside Adventure Company.
  • Take a Hike on  Federal Road near the Maritime Market, the M. Kent Mitchell Nature Trail trail provides nearly 360° views of the marsh. Markers on the trail identify the flora. While you’re on the trail, if you’re still enough, a few of the bolder fiddler crabs may come out of their holes to investigate. Even if you’re just passing through, look for them at the base of the marsh grass where you’ll see more than one scurry into its hole.The Bald Head Woods Maritime Forest Preserve offers several trailheads along either side of Federal Road. Trails range from easy to moderate and lead you through the woods, beneath an enchanting canopy of trees.  The Bald Head Island Conservancy offers several organized hikes and nature walks to give visitors a chance to learn about the importance of the maritime forest and explore it alongside an experienced naturalist. All of the Conservancy’s hikes are family-friendly and are offered throughout the year.On the Bluff Island Hike, offered by the Sail Shop, you’re guaranteed a day of adventure. Groups access Bluff Island via kayak or skiff, then spend time exploring the “wilds” of Bluff and Kim Islands. Be sure to bring your camera and binoculars as the views on Cape Creek are unparalleled.
  • Kayak the Creek imagine gliding through the creek, as silent as the grass around you, coming within feet of egrets and herons, or hearing the call of an osprey circling overhead. The creeks on Bald Head Island are easily accessed by kayak and canoe and experienced naturalists and expert guides can show you the ropes. Even if you’ve never dipped a paddle in the water, you’ll learn to love experiencing nature like this.The Bald Head Island Conservancy offers guided kayak and canoe tours for individuals and small groups. These tours are perfect for any age or skill level and the Conservancy’s expert naturalists can help identify all of the flora and fauna you see (and trust us, you’ll see a lot).  Sail Shop’s fleet of kayaks and canoes fill the marsh on any given day. Their guides know their way through the creeks and can help beginner kayakers get started. Self-guided tours are also available. Kayak trips with the Sail Shop include paddles on Bald Head, Fishing and No Name Creeks, and some of their most popular tours are at sunset or under a rising full moon.https://www.baldheadisland.com/recreation/outdoor-adventures
  • Get a bite to eat or have a drink at any of the few restaurants on the island. While selection is limited, the food and beverages do not disappoint:

Areas of Bald Head Island
When booking accommodations, it is good to know the different areas of the island. We have put together descriptions of each area for your reference. You cannot go wrong with any area and will only be a short golf cart ride away from the wedding no matter where you stay!

Old Baldy Lighthouse

This is a wonderful historical lighthouse to visit and the site of our wedding. Old Baldy is the oldest standing lighthouse in North Carolina. It has maintained its original form and location for over 187 years. The most important purpose of Old Baldy was to mark the Cape Fear River entrance for the maritime sailors. Old Baldy was built in 1817 of soft red bricks covered with stucco.  Old Baldy was kept as an active light station by the government until it was deactivated in 1935, and was even used as a radio beacon in World War II.  In 1988, the historic light was relit but no longer serves as an “official” navigational aid. This beautiful lighthouse has 108 steps to climb, stands 110 feet tall, and just celebrated it’s 200th birthday in 2017.

The Harbor and River Beachfront
These homes are located near the ferry landing on the island. There are smaller homes that overlook the marsh and creek as well as views of the Cape Fear River. Homes overlooking the river offer magnificent sunsets. The only bed and breakfast on the island, Marsh Harbour Inn, is located in the harbor.

 

 

Golf Course
Many of the golf course homes not only look over the green or the fairway, but also have a view of the ocean. The villas offer good views of the ocean and the golf course at an affordable rate. The villas are usually two bedrooms with a loft that is private enough to serve as a third bedroom.

 

 

Oceanfront and Ocean View
These homes are close to Bald Head’s beautiful beaches. The sunrises and sunsets over the ocean are spectacular. These rentals often cost more, but you can find some large spectacular homes with many rooms. Grouping together makes these homes very affordable. For those looking for something smaller, try Killegray Ridge or Floras Bluff.

 

 

Marsh and Creek View
These have beautiful vistas overlooking the marsh. The peaceful tranquility of this area is breathtaking. Beach access is minutes away in your golf cart. Two areas of condos offer more affordable rentals; Light House Landing and Timbercreek. Light House Landing has direct access to the creek’s pleasures such as canoeing, fishing, crabbing and kayaking. Timbercreek also has a private pool associated with their area.
 

 

Maritime Forest
These homes are wrapped in a canopy of stately live oaks as well as other trees indigenous to the area. This is a good area to catch a glimpse of the wildlife on the island. This area also includes the Commons at Cape Fear Station where some of the best rates for homes can be found.