48 Hours on Bald Head Island

 

It’s ferry time! One thing that differentiates Bald Head Island from other destinations is that the journey to get there is half of the fun. Taking off from Southport, North Carolina - you’ll leave your cars behind and board the ferry at Deep Point Marina (available every hour) for a 20 minute ride to Bald Head Island. Once arrived, take a tram to your new humble abode and drop off your bags before taking the golf cart out for dinner. 

 

  

There are so many great places for dinner on the Island, it’s hard for us to recommend just one. However, you can’t go wrong with the delicious menu and views offered at the famous Mojo’s on the Harbor. A waterfront restaurant and bar, Mojos on the Harbor typifies Bald Head Island’s casual and family-oriented vibe. 

 

Indoors, you’ll find an air-conditioned room and an adjacent renovated sports bar that's perfect for watching the Friday night game. However, with spacious outdoor seating that overlooks the beautiful harbor, the best show in town is guaranteed to always be the sunset view. 

 

 

If the night’s still young, there are great after-dinner treats just a stone’s throw away for the whole family. To the right of Mojo’s, you’ll find the Sandpiper Ice Cream shop, sure to please kids with its unique flavors of coffee Oreo, peanut butter, and mango sorbet. Next to the Sail Shop, adults can find their own after-dinner treat at Will o’ the Wisp, a comfortable beer & wine bar overlooking the harbor.

 

 

Start your Saturday out peacefully with a calming run, bike, or golf cart ride to the grocery store & café, Maritime Market. Breakfast at the Market Café is an island tradition, made all the better by the culinary talents of Chef Chip Pridgen and his team. From slow-cooked yellow stone ground cheese grits to house-made fresh sausage, Maritime Market’s daily-made specials make for a memorable start to the day. Enjoy a cup of fresh ground coffee, or one of their delicious lattes from 8am-10:30 daily, when breakfast is served. 

 

 

Begin the day’s adventure with a little bit of history and exercise, as you take an iconic visit to the Bald Head Island Lighthouse, affectionately nicknamed Old Baldy. The landing is home to a sweet, charming shop where you can learn more information about the history of the lighthouse and the history of the Island, dating back 400 years. 

 

For $6 per adult; $3 for kids, you can climb the 108 steps up a ship’s latter for the best 360 view of the island, where you'll see lush, green marsh, winding rivers, and expansive beach and ocean.  

 

Once back down, be sure to ask where you can view Civil War remains of sand curtains, Battery no. 4 and a magazine bunker used to help defend the Cape Fear from the Union Navy. 

 

For a full list of Bald Head Island's historic sites, please visit us here.  

 

 

After climbing up an appetite, a great spot for lunch is only a short golf cart ride away. At the Bald Head Island Club, you’ll find a swimming pool for the kids, an adjacent bar for the adults, and a delicious lunch for the whole family at the Pelicatessen Deli. 

 

Known for their delicious homemade pizzas and selection of sandwiches and fries - there is something for everyone at the restaurant affectionately nickednamed ‘The Peli’. Grab a quick bite to eat before packing in the rest of the day’s adventure, or opt for more relaxing afternoon across the street with access to the beautiful, private South beach. 

 

View The Peli's menu, here.  

 

A fun way to end the afternoon is an exploration of Bald Head Island’s untouched nature scene and populous wildlife. Imagine gliding through beautiful winding creeks, as silent as the grass around you, coming within feet of egrets and herons, or hearing the call of an osprey circling overhead. 

 

The Bald Head Island Conservancy offers guided kayak and canoe tours for individuals and small groups all year round. 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).

 

Additionally, the Sail Shop’s fleet of kayaks and canoes fill the marsh on any given day - especially during sunset or under a rising full moon! Their guides know their way through the creeks and can help beginner kayakers get started. Self-guided tours are also available.

 

Find out how you can explore Bald Head Island with a guide, here. 

 

 

The Shoals Club, situated at the Point of Cape Fear, is a ‘must-do’ for those looking for a Saturday night dinner out. Treating diners to the best views on the island, the Shoals Club's kitchen offers fresh, local ingredients and caters to both casual and formal dining room settings. The less-formal lounge has great views, a full bar and fantastic tapas-style fare; the dining room menu is dynamic and exciting, with something to please every palate. 

 

With its iconic views and menu selections that feature locally sourced seafood, meats and produce - the Shoals Club has quickly become a favorite spot on the Island. So much so, it’s recommended that you book reservations ahead, which you can easily do here.  

 

The last day on the Island is always bittersweet. If visiting in warm weather, a last few hours of lazing on the beach is always a good idea. However, if it’s still a bit chilly - there are other great options to get the most out of your weekend away. 

 

Experience what it’s like to play a round of golf on the Island’s award-winning greens at the Bald Head Island Club. Links magazine recently rated the course the second-best renovation in the country, just behind the legendary Pinehurst No. 2. Tim Cate’s redesigned Bald Head Island golf course winds its way over dunes, around lagoons, along the ocean, and through a maritime forest. Guests are welcome; find out more information or book your next round here. 

 

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.

 

Who doesn’t love a spa day? Leave the Island completely rejuvenated by visiting the Island Retreat Spa and Salon before you go. Facials, massages, pedicures and more are offered, as well as professional services such as acupuncture, peels, injectables, and fillers.  Walk-ins are welcome; however, appointments are recommended to ensure service availability. Book an appointment ahead of time, here! 

Bald Head Island is home to a variety of charming shops to fill your souvenir, gift, or day-to-day shopping needs! For beautiful artwork, be sure to stop by the All About Art gallery and for trendy home décor, make sure to check out Room Service in Maritime Way. For clothing, gifts, and souvenirs, there are several shops to choose from around the Island to please every taste. Find our complete list and location of shops, here. 

 

Before heading back to the mainland, grab a bite to eat at the Delphina Cantina - a Tripadvisor Award winning restaurant famous for their Mexican-inspired menu and fresh, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant is near the ferry landing, and adjacent to the Sandpiper Coffee Shop - perfect for a last minute caffeine jolt before driving home. 

To see last minute accommodation deals for your next 48 hours on Bald Head Island, visit us here.