Updated: Feb 6, 2024 by Kris Jarrett

Day Trip to Bald Head Island

If you’re vacationing on the southern coast of North Carolina, consider a day trip to Bald Head Island! It’s a beautiful island with fun things to explore and the perfect getaway spot for the day. We’ve been several times so I thought I’d share some of our favorite things about the island that you can use to plan your own trip!

Where Is Bald Head Island?

Bald Head Island is located at the inlet between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean off the southern coast of North Carolina. The nearest mainland city is Southport, NC and it’s also close to the larger city of Wilmington, NC. It’s two miles wide and just under five miles long.

How Do You Get to Bald Head Island?

The only way to get to and from Bald Head is by private boat or passenger ferry that leaves from Deep Point Marina in Southport. The ferry schedule varies by day and is posted online {here}. I recommend that you buy your ferry tickets ahead of time {here}. You can also buy them in the ferry terminal but some ferries do sell out (FYI, the tickets are more expensive than you might think!). There’s a large parking lot that’s currently $12/day to park in.

The terminal is 40,000 square-foot building with comfortable indoor and outdoor waiting areas and a galley where you can grab drinks or snacks while you wait for your ferry:

Bald Head Island ferry terminal in Southport, NC

There’s also a comfortable outdoor waiting area with rocking chairs that overlooks the marina with views of the Cape Fear River:

Rocking chairs in the Southport ferry terminal

The ferry has both indoor and outdoor seating and is a smooth 20-minute ride over to Bald Head Island.

How Do I Get Around Bald Head Island?

No cars are allowed on Bald Head Island other than service and delivery vehicles so people get around by golf cart, bicycle or tram. For a day trip, you can rent a bike from Riverside Adventure Company (they have both regular and electric bikes) or a golf cart from Cary Cart Company (there are 2-, 4-, and 6-person cart options). Both rental companies are only a short walk from the ferry landing. I recommend that you make reservations ahead of time, especially if you’re visiting during peak tourist season. Most of the roads are covered with a canopy of trees, making it a beautiful ride:

What Is There to Do on Bald Head Island?

A short bike or cart ride from the terminal is Old Baldy, which is North Carolina’s oldest standing lighthouse. There is a small fee for admission to the lighthouse, but it’s worth it for the spectacular view of the island that awaits you after climbing 108 steps to the top.

Old Baldy lighthouse on Bald Head Island

Through the Old Baldy Foundation, you can take an island wide history tour by golf cart that you can learn more about {here}.

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There are a lot of cute shops to stop at including Monkee’s (upscale woman’s boutique), Room Service (home decor), The Silver Peddler (jewelry), and Turtle Central (gift shop).

Of course it’s no surprise that Room Service is my favorite with a mix of new and vintage home furnishings, accessories, and gifts.

There’s a beautiful beach that you can relax on during the summer or just dip your toes in during the cooler months:

You can make it a spa day by booking at the Island Retreat Spa.

The Bald Head Island Conservancy has a calendar of amazing educational programs that you can find {here}. Bald Head Island is nationally recognized for its sea turtle nesting activity and one of BHI Conservancy’s roles is to coordinate and sponsor a Sea Turtle Protection Program. They also offer some great Family Adventure Programs such as Kids Marsh Crabbing & Fishing, Birding Tours, Kayak the Creeks, Island Nature Tour, and more.

Bald Head island is also a beautiful place to house peep! There are so many gorgeous homes!