As soon as the school year ends, my family starts counting down the weeks until our favorite summer tradition—our annual Bald Head Island vacation. Tucked off the coast of North Carolina, this car-free barrier island has become a treasured destination for our family. We’ve been visiting since my youngest was a baby. Now all three kids have grown up making memories on the island. With its quiet charm and unique way of life, Bald Head Island offers a slower pace that makes every trip feel magical.

Explore this unique, car-free island by cruising around on a bike, boat, or golf cart. You’ll uncover a stunning mix of natural beauty. From sand dunes, dense maritime forests, and lively salt marshes filled with wildlife. Bald Head Island is one of North Carolina’s most important sea turtle nesting grounds. It is also recognized as an “index beach” by the National Marine Fisheries Service for its conservation efforts and ecological significance.

Getting to Bald Head Island: What to Know Before You Go

The adventure starts at the Bald Head Island Ferry, where we unload labeled and sealed bags for check-in. Think airport-style luggage check—but make it beachy. Anything not sealed (like laptops or tote bags) needs to be carried on. Beach chairs are allowed as long as they’re tagged with your name and your rental address on the island. Even cases of wine or beer should be labeled. We just write our info on the box with a Sharpie.

While there’s a fully stocked Maritime Market on the island, we usually bring our staple groceries in a cooler and pantry tote. We then pick up fresh items and snacks daily. My kids always insist on getting candy at the market, a tradition started by their granddad. After dropping off supplies, my husband parks the car while I grab ferry tickets. Summer crowds can be busy, but the ferry runs every 30 minutes and rarely involves a long wait. Once you’re on the ferry, it’s time to embrace island time.

Transportation and Lodging on Bald Head Island

Once we arrive, the Bald Head Island tram service transports us and our luggage to our rental home. With cars prohibited, we get around using golf carts and bikes—part of the island’s unique charm. Our summer Bald Head Island rental this year was along Bald Head Creek. It offered stunning views of the salt marsh, egrets, and the occasional blue crab for our trap. If you’ve only stayed by the ocean, consider a marsh-side home for your next North Carolina island getaway. You’ll be amazed at the beauty and serenity.

Exploring the Beaches of Bald Head Island

One of the top things to do on Bald Head Island is, of course, hitting the beach. We loaded the golf cart with chairs, snacks, and sunscreen for a day at South Beach. This stretch has calmer waves and is perfect for lounging or floating in the surf. If you’re craving more action, East Beach offers rolling Atlantic waves and is great for body surfing or walking out to Frying Pan Shoals. It’s also the site of local legends—ghost tours will tell you all about Theodosia Burr, who supposedly haunts the island after vanishing at sea in 1813.

On the quieter side, Angel Beach is a favorite for families with young kids. The gentle waves and sandy riverbanks make it ideal for toddlers, and the sunsets here are nothing short of spectacular. Each evening, we grab a drink or treat and head to the beach to watch the sun dip below the horizon—an unmissable ritual on Bald Head Island.

More Family Fun and Island Adventures

Beyond the beach, the island offers lots of family-friendly fun. One evening, we headed to the marina for trivia night at Will O’ the Wisp. We pre-ordered pizza to avoid long wait times and had a blast answering questions about Disney, geography, and pop culture—our mixed-age team even brought home the win.

Midweek, we took a break from the beach and enjoyed a relaxing day at the Bald Head Island Club Aquatics Complex. This private club is one of the best-kept secrets on the island. It offers two pools, a splash pad, a waterslide, and poolside dining with a full-service bar. It’s a refreshing change of pace after hauling gear to the beach every day!

The Bald Head Island Club is only open to Members and registered Guest Pass Holders. Access depends on the type of membership associated with your rental. Be sure to check with your rental company or property owner ahead of time to confirm your access.

📅 Important for 2025 Summer Travelers: From Saturday, May 24 through Monday, September 1, 2025, Saturdays are Members Only days at the Club. Guest pass holders won’t be allowed into club amenities during the day on Saturdays, though they can dine at Horizons Restaurant starting at 4 PM. On Sundays, pool and restaurant access for guests begins at 4 PM. Full access is available Monday through Friday.

The Club’s guest passes are limited and issued on a first-registered, first-admitted basis, so it’s best to request passes as early as possible. If you purchase guest passes less than five days before arrival, you’ll be charged a $100 service fee. Don’t let that sneak up on you—plan ahead!

Midweek, we took a break from the sand and enjoyed a relaxing day at the Bald Head Island Club pool. With a splash pad, waterslide, and bar service, it was a welcome change of pace. Access requires a membership, but guests can often purchase a temporary pass or go as a guest of a member. We rounded out the day by climbing Old Baldy, the island’s iconic lighthouse, for a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding coastline.

One of our favorite things to do is to drive the cart around and visit some of the Open Houses of homes on the market. These houses are pricey, but they are so interesting to see. It’s a family event!

Wrapping Up Our Trip with Sweet Memories

Our final night included dinner at the Bald Head Island Club and dessert at The Sandpiper, where the frozen hot chocolate is a must-try. We brought our treats to Angel Beach and watched the sun set one last time while the kids ran along the shore. Even a rainy last day couldn’t dampen our spirits—we set our crab trap in the marsh and enjoyed a feast of fresh crab, shrimp, and scallops.

Why Bald Head Island Keeps Calling Us Back

Every family beach trip to Bald Head Island is different, but they’re always memorable. There’s something special about a place where you trade cars for golf carts, screen time for sunsets, and hustle for peace. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifteenth, Bald Head Island offers a tranquil escape that’s perfect for reconnecting and recharging with family.

By Guest Blogger Janet Fulp updated by Sarah Marchwiany

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