Written by: Tracy S.
Tracy writes for Coastal Vacation Resorts at Holden Beach, sharing vacation-planning tips, travel insights, local activities, and property highlights to help guests make the most of their time along the North Carolina coast.
Beach vacations are fun, relaxing, and filled with memories that will last a lifetime. While there is plenty of sand, surf, and sun to keep you in beachy bliss during your stay, there are plenty more adventures to be had in coastal North Carolina. Add some excitement, history, and local culture to your itinerary with a day trip from Holden Beach to Bald Head Island.
Set out for a day full of fun during your next vacation. This journey will take you on a short drive through the countryside, on an unforgettable ferry ride, and provide an opportunity to explore the unique and charming island.
Discover what makes Bald Head Island such a special place and why you should plan a visit during your beach vacation.
In this article:
- Overview of Bald Head Island
- Getting to Bald Head Island
- Exploring Bald Head
- Things to Do & See
- Day Trip Packing List
- Book Your Holden Beach Vacation
- Frequently Asked Questions
Your Bald Head Island Day Trip
A Brief Overview of Bald Head Island
This serene barrier island is nestled along the North Carolina coast and offers visitors a unique atmosphere to witness natural beauty and maritime history. With roughly 80% of the island dedicated as protected land, including pristine maritime forests and salt marshes, there is a diverse and breathtaking ecosystem. There are also 14 miles of beaches, where shorebirds and sea turtles nest. Of course, there is plenty of room for people to explore and play also. You will find beach access points, walking trails, and more.
No private vehicles are allowed on the island, creating an atmosphere that is laid-back and luxurious. From shady bike trails to gorgeous vacation homes and wonderful shops & restaurants, there is much to love.
Getting from Holden Beach to Bald Head Island
Your day trip to Bald Head Island starts with a quiet drive through the Carolina countryside and the quaint town of Southport via Highway 211. This drive takes approximately 40 minutes.
Once in Southport, you will take a 20-minute passenger ferry to the island. The privately run ferry offers advance ticket purchases online or in person at the ferry terminal. Tickets are $23 round-trip for adults, $12 for children (3-12), and free for those 2 years old and younger.
The ferry terminal is located at 1301 Ferry Road in Southport, NC, where parking is available for $13 per day.
How to Explore the Island
After arriving on Bald Head Island, you will need to select a mode of transportation as you explore for the day. You can rent a golf cart or a bicycle, both excellent options. If you prefer, much of the island is walkable and easy to explore on foot.
Cary Cart Company offers an entire fleet of golf cart rentals starting at $99 for a full day with options for four- and six-passenger carts. They also have 4-hour afternoon rentals starting at $50—perfect for those who only have a few hours for fun on four wheels or are on a budget. You can make reservations online for your day trip to Bald Head Island.
For a two-wheel adventure, Coastal Urge offers beach cruisers of various sizes starting at $25 per day. Pedal around the island with the breeze in your hair and a smile on your face. Where will you roll to first?
Things to Do & See on Bald Head Island
If the ferry ride and a trek around the island weren’t enough, there are also plenty of other exciting things to see and do on Bald Head Island. Climb the historic lighthouse, stop in one of the island stores, and plan to have lunch or dinner overlooking the marina.
Old Baldy Lighthouse
The Old Baldy Lighthouse was completed in 1817 and is one of the seven major coastal lighthouses in North Carolina. This light is known for its patchwork-like exterior, created by decades of repairs. Visitors can climb the 108 steps to the top of the light for a 360-degree view, including a bird’s-eye view of the Oak Island Lighthouse to the south. You can also explore the Smith Island Museum of History, inside the historic keeper's cottage.
Adult tickets are $10, youth tickets (3-12) are $5, and 2 and under are free. Please note that the lighthouse is closed in January and February.
Shopping
From candy shops and jewelry stores to stylish boutiques, there are fantastic shopping experiences on the island. Whether you are looking for a postcard or a posh new outfit, there is something for you.
Riverside Adventure Company is located near the ferry terminal and is an ideal place to pick up a pair of sunglasses or a souvenir t-shirt. If you are looking for something higher end to commemorate your day trip, try Bald Head Bottle for a sophisticated wine or Blue Sail for a piece of home decor.
Dining
Grab a cup of joe at Midway Coffee, where you can also order an acai bowl or egg & avocado. It is located inside Jailhouse Provisions (the old police station), where you can stop for lunch and enjoy salads, sandwiches, and more.
Cozumel, the island’s newest restaurant, features elevated Mexican cuisine and a full bar. For a waterfront restaurant with flair, check out Jules’ Salty Grub & Island Pub. They serve a variety of seafood dishes, burgers, steaks, and pasta with incredible views.
Which restaurant will you try during your day trip to Bald Head Island?
The Village Chapel
This stunning chapel sits in the heart of Bald Head Island near the lighthouse. If you are visiting on a Sunday, you can plan to worship at the chapel or visit their meditation garden any day of the week. The Village Chapel is a peaceful and beautiful sight to see.
BHI Conservancy
The BHI Conservancy is a non-profit organization dedicated to “discover, learn, conserve, and preserve”. In addition to behind-the-scenes conservation research and efforts, the conservancy offers a variety of programs for visitors to participate in. These programs include nature tours, hands-on dissection classes, Middle Island Explorations, Reptile Roundups, and more!
They also have an education center and a store called “Turtle Central”. If you happen to visit on a Wednesday during the summer, be sure to check out the weekly “Turtle Trot 5K”.
The Timmons Oak
Don’t miss your chance to see the oldest tree on Bald Head Island, the Timmons Oak. This massive southern live oak is estimated to be over 300 years old. It is located within the Bald Head Woods Reserve, part of the Old-Growth Forest Network, which highlights rare and protected ecosystems.
To reach this beloved tree, visitors can pick up an island map and make their way to Bald Head Woods and the Loop Trail trailhead. This is a .41-mile walking trail through the maritime forest and past a piece of ancient coastal NC heritage.
Pristine Beaches
The Village of Bald Head Island maintains numerous public beach access points along the island. There is limited parking at many of the access points for bikes and golf carts, so be mindful of availability. By using the dedicated path only, visitors can reach the pristine beaches of Bald Head Island.
What to Pack for Your Day Trip
Most visitors can pack light for a Bald Head Island day trip from Holden Beach. However, a backpack or bag with a few essentials will make the day that much more enjoyable. Of course, you will want to customize your bag to fit your needs and based on the activities planned during your visit.
Here is a quick list with a few day trip essentials:
- Water
- Snacks
- Bathing suits
- Towels
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Lip balm
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Cell phone
- Portable phone charger
- Cash/credit card
If you forget something, there are places on the island to purchase anything you may have left behind.
Book Your Stay in Holden Beach
While Bald Head Island’s exclusivity and unique charm are appealing, we highly recommend booking your vacation in Holden Beach, NC. Here, Coastal Vacation Resorts offers an impressive selection of rental homes for you to explore. From pet-friendly villas to oceanfront retreats, we are confident you will find a rental that is ideal for your needs.
Holden Beach is the perfect place to gather your friends and family for an unforgettable beach vacation. It is also a fantastic home base for many other coastal NC adventures during your stay.
Start Your Search for the Holden Beach Vacation Rental of Your Dreams!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs permitted on Bald Head Island?
Yes. Dogs are allowed on the ferry and on the beaches at Bald Head Island. They must wear ID tags and be under control of the owner at all times. Check local guidelines for seasonal leash laws and other restrictions.
Are there other points of interest for day trips from Holden Beach?
Absolutely. You can also plan a day trip to see the Oak Island Lighthouse, to visit nearby Shallotte, to spend the day in Southport, or to explore Wilmington.
