Overview
Spanning the northern eleven miles of Topsail Island, North Topsail Beach (NTB) is known for its wide, drive-on shoreline and quiet neighborhoods. The town incorporated in 1990—last of the island’s three municipalities—and counts just over 1,100 year-round residents, swelling to ten times that number in summer.
NTB includes Ocean City, the first place in North Carolina where Black families could purchase beach property (founded 1949). The Ocean City Jazz Festival, held every July Fourth weekend, celebrates this history with nationally known performers.
Compared with busier Surf City, NTB is quieter: fewer high-rise condos, more turtle nests, and some of the East Coast’s best inlet fishing. Vehicle beach-driving permits let anglers chase red drum along New River Inlet year-round.
Map
Fast Facts
| Population (2020): | 1,109 |
|---|---|
| ZIP Code: | 28460 (shared with Sneads Ferry) |
| County: | Onslow |
| Incorporated: | 1990 |
| Historic Ocean City District: | 1.25-mile tract pioneering Black beach ownership (est. 1949) |
| Longest Pier on Topsail Island: | Seaview Pier – 1,000 ft |
| Beach-Driving Season: | Oct 1 – Mar 31 (permit required) |
Schools
- Dixon Elementary —
- Dixon Middle —
- Dixon High —
Things to Do
- Seaview Fishing Pier & Restaurant — Longest pier on the NC coast, open 24/7 in summer.
- Vehicle Beach-Driving at New River Inlet — Surf-cast for red drum at sunrise.
- Ocean City Heritage Walk — Self-guided historic markers along the district.
- Stump Sound Marsh Kayaking — Launch at New River Inlet Road for dolphin spotting.
- Turtle Talks (July–Aug) — Free Monday evening programs with the NTB turtle patrol.
- Sound-Side Shelling — Wade the shallow flats behind mile-marker 3 for whelks and sand dollars.
Public Services
Upcoming Events
- Ocean City Jazz Festival (early July): National jazz artists on an oceanfront stage.
- Sea Turtle Hatch Releases (Aug–Sept): Publicly announced the morning of each release via town social feeds.