Bald Head Island Beach Reviews

Beautiful beach. It was so nice and relaxing. I recommend this island to anyone. We saw a pod of dolphins off the shore.

This is a spectacular place with a long history of mystery, ghosts, pirates, and battles. It is also a great family vacation destination. After a 30 minute ferry ride, you reach the marina. There are no gasoline autos allowed on the island. Only golf carts are allowed,other than trams and commercial vehicles. You must either own a home or have reservations to visit this beautiful place. The island is only 6 miles by 8 miles and a large part is a national wildlife refuge. A gorgeous 18 hole golf course and newly renovated clubhouse is the crown jewel of the island. A second luxury beach club is at the other end of the island. Dating back to 1822, Old Baldy(the lighthouse) is one of the oldest standing lighthouses on the East Coast.. You can still climb all the way to the top. It used to guide sailors towards the mouth of the Cape Fear River. At the east end of the island, Captain Charlies Rescue station(now privately owned) helped stranded sailors from a sure death along Frying Pan Shoals, the last of the sand bars of the Outer Banks. There is great fishing here. A very modern grocery store provides all you need. Many retail shops and four or five restaurants are available. There are tours of the island, hiking trails, canoing, kayaking, freshwater fishing, turtle watching, live music in the parks, and at night in the clubs. This is a wonderful family place, for lovers of peace and quiet and adventure. I highly recommend it.

This little gem of an island is great for those who love quiet and nature. No cars, only gif carts and bikes. Unfortunately, it has been discovered by people and it quite crowded during the summer and holidays. But pick a time during the week in the fall and you will be in for a treat. Be aware that there are no shopping malls, no movie theaters, no miniature golf, bowling alleys, and only a few restaurants. If you are looking for wild night life, I suggest you look elsewhere.

Visited BH with my wife and 6 friends from Virginia. They were very excited to visit because they heard so much about the island. I called ahead to make sure they had dockage for us to come and eat lunch. I was using my 21' Grady dual console for the voyage. The inlet channel was a lot rougher than the river but we made it in with minimal salt spays hitting my guests. We arrived to find there was only one slip available and it was as far away from the restaurants as possible. Meanwhile there we 10 empty slips right in front of the restaurants. The dock hand could not have been nicer and followed us in his skiff and gave us a ride to the fuel dock by all the restaurants. We chose Mojo's (great service and food). Halfway through lunch a women approached us from the gap in the railing (we were eating outside on the deck). All I could see was her head. It reminded me of the "guy behind the fence" from home improvement. She informed me where the dockmaster office was and that I should visit before I left. I asked her why and she told me I owed $20 for dockage. I did not like her rude attitude. It was like she was accusing me of trying to get away with something. Before I came that morning I called to ask about dockage to make sure there were slips available for the public and no one mentioned a fee. I mentioned this and she asked with attitude if I should be able to come to BHI for free. I responded with I was coming to support local businesses (Mojo's and the gift shops, over $500 worth) and to show people who might want to rent or buy property. All of my guests were amazed by the nickel and dime attitude. I live in Wilmington and have brought several people to BHI over the last 10 years to show the island and eat. Maybe I have gotten away with murder but no one ever asked me to pay for dockage. I will never bring my guests from out of town there again.

We recently rented a house on Bald Head Island with another family. The island is absolutely beautiful!

Although located off the coast of North Carolina, Bald Head Island has a subtropical eco-system due to the warm waters of the gulf stream. It is home to exceptional animal life and many plant species found nowhere else in the state. There are four island habitats: ocean/beach/dune, maritime forest, freshwater lagoons, and the salt marsh...we were lucky to experience them all during June.

On the island, residents get around either on foot, bicycle, or golf cart, leaving the island void of traffic noise. This is such a welcome relief particularly if you are coming from a metro area.

The beaches are pristine, but there is plenty to do even if one doesn't want to sit on the beach all day. The Bald Head Island Conservancy offers lots of options, and particularly during summer there are lots of programs associated with the loggerhead turtles that are currently nesting. Climbing Old Baldy lighthouse is fun and provides beautiful views. The Maritime Forest offers some easy hiking trails under a beautiful canopy of old live oak trees and tropical vegetation on the forest floor.

One downside is that there are few restaurants and there is only one grocery store. This is probably by design to keep the island minimally commercial. During the year, there are only 200+ residents living on the island. As a result, you will pay more for food. There are also two private clubs with restaurants, but we did not pay the extra money for a week long membership. My suggestion if you are renting a house, stock up on food from one of the larger grocery stores in Southport before getting on the ferry for Bald Head. As long as everything is crated, the Bald Head Island tram service will take it to your rental location. The grocery on the island is fairly large, well stocked, including good wine and beer selections...it's just more expensive.

We had a wonderful time and would return again, it is peaceful, serene, beautiful...just what you want on a vacation.

Bald Head Island is very handy to beat quick developing summer squalls as, Jane and I did just last week. We were fishing out front in Long Bay as we noticed a rapid forming storm and decided to make a quick run for BHI. Wow - it was great to beat the storm and enjoy the shops of the island and a quick bite to eat before heading back to the Ella wreck for some great flounder fishing.

Bald Head Island is a magical place to visit! Travel by ferry to get there and
travel by golf cart thru out the island. I have always loved going to Bald Head Island. Be sure to stop and take a view on each side of the island. We stayed at a place on the far end of the island on my most recent visit in September 2012. I can never get enough of this place! Oh.....please be sure to stop and see the little purple berries that grow on the island.

We had a great time from the ferry ride to riding a golf cart around the island The visit and climbing up "Old Baldy" led to a great view at the top. Lunch at Mojos was a little expensive but wonderful marin atmosphere. Be aware, there are not many places to eat on the island, so plan ahead. And best of all - beautiful uncrowded beaches.

Spent a week here! Beach is perfect, and the island is very relaxing. Only golf carts on the island.

The most relaxing place I have ever visited!!!
From the time the ferry docked time stood still one week of island living has converted me can't wait for my next visit the beaches are endless and the island is spotless, people are friendly and plenty to do.

Many different beaches to pick from around the island! Rent golfcart to be able to visit more of the island especially if time there is limited! But still a great place to take family even for the day!

I love BHI. We have been coming here for several years. My brother and his wife bought a house here 3 years ago so we get to come often.

Spent Thanksgiving week at a VRBO rental #375335. We took the Ferry from Southport and then traveled by golfcart the rest of the trip. This beach is very quiet and serene. We loved waking up to the ocean front view and relaxing for the holiday for once. We had dinner and drinks at Mojo and the food was good and the service excellent. The island market was a perfect place to pick up last minutes items for turkey dinner. We loved driving around the island taking in all the scenery and lovely houses.

We were fortunate to be invited to a dreamy wedding weekend on the island, so we rented a duplex for a little family gathering. The island is a private development, with spiffy informal infrastructure that, off season, worked really well from the ferry dock to the tram pickup and back. We bought food at the small grocery, which was adequately stocked but nothing spectacular. We noticed many owners loading large coolers with their luggage. You cannot get any local catch seafood or fish to buy but there are people fishing and crabbing in the creek.
We loved using the golf carts to explore, and we rented kayaks to explore the entire creek one day, which I highly recommend. We did it on a very windy day, thus could not take a canoe, so do it on a calm day! Fish were leaping about and into our kayak. The water birds are numerous and not too shy as they feed. The beaches are absolutely gorgeous, and you can choose between south or east beaches, based on weather, i.e. if calm and full of biting flies on the south, go to the east. If too windy there go south, etc. We do not golf but enjoyed seeing a giant gator sunning himself near one of the greens! The food in the restaurants is nothing special, and, as other reviewers have reported, the Shoals Club pulled a fast one and served a wedding dinner that was completely different food, and served differently, from that which had been tasted and ordered! Fortunately, the sweet bride was the opposite of Bridezilla and let it go, but !!! Brides, beware the Shoals Club!!! Otherwise, the wedding was fairy tale perfect, gorgeous simple vernacular chapel aside the historic lighthouse, terrific evening crab pot boil at the lighthouse, great music, lighting, spectacular settings. Above all, it is relaxing, comfortable, safe for kids to run about, and gorgeously uncrowded. We loved the tranquility and quiet of BHI and will return!

Our family of 6 visited Bald Head Island to relax and unwind. We spent fun days on the beach and in the pool at the Bald Head Island Club. We rented bikes and rode all around the island. It is not crowded anywhere. We shopped at the small grocery store and had several fun meals out. Just what a busy family needed.

My family and I took the ferry from Oak Island, NC to Bald Head Island for the day and LOVED it! It is such a nice island to visit! I loved the idea of no cars and only golf carts and bikes as means of transportation! We rented a golf cart for the day and drove the island :) I also brought my little dog with us too! My only complaint is that they promote being pet friendly, yet we could not eat anywhere with our pet. I understand that eating inside the resturant is not allowed but eating on the outdoor patio should really be permitted considering people are traveling with their pets and have no other place to put them once they arrive at the island.

We rented a house on the east end of Bald Head Island about 15 min walking distance from the beach. Most of the homes are fairly new and very nice. They do not allow cars on the Island so everyone drives golf carts. The Island has a lot of vegetation so it is cool during the day- not like most beach resorts. We went June 6-13 and the water was about 78 degrees. The waves were nice and there were lots of sand bars for the kids to play. The club on the east end has a great kids pool which was great. Overall we will be coming back again.

Our family owns 2 properties on Bald Head Island and we had the privilege to stay there over the 4th of July holiday.

Hurricane Arthur blew through while we were there and it was very interesting to me the precautions the island took for everyone's safety.

On the island golf carts are the primary source of travel. The only gas powered automobiles are for emergency vehicles and construction crews. With that being said the lack of pollution made for an amazing sky over the ocean. I have never seen so many stars at the beach. There are NO hotel or motels, only homes which takes away the commercial feel the beach has.

The downside to the island is the cost. It is extremely expensive. The shoppes, the ferry ride over and back that you HAVE to take to get to the island ($25 round trip per person), the cost of daily parking ($10 a day)... If it weren't for the free place to stay us "normal people" would not have been able to afford it.

It is truly amazing; I have never experienced such things it was truly a blessing.

What beautiful place for a wedding! The local offerings are slim but the professional staff at the Bald Head Island Club and the Shoals Club did an fantastic job. Be sure and get yourself organized since a quick trip to the store isn't an option.
My niece, her fiance and both families along with a gang of friends enjoyed beautiful weather, great food, fun and memories for a life time!

Terrific experience. Very well run from ticketing throughout trip. Efficient. Courteous. Bringing my dog along was not a problem which is a real treat. She loved sitting right up front feeling the breeze blow! I thought the cost was truly reasonable.

We rented a house on the beach for two weeks. The island is lovely, and because there are no cars, it is really quiet. The beaches are wide, flat and clean. At low tide, you can ride your bike on the beach just as you can at Kiawah Island and other Charleston beaches. The island is serious about conservation. It isn't an over-developed touristy island. When we went, the beaches were empty. There is a lot to do on the island including tennis, golf, ocean and river kayaking, swimming of course, paddle boards, and surfing I am told although I did not see any surfers. There isn't any sailing except for sailboat charters - that is unfortunate because it would have been nice to explore with a catamaran. The principal drawback of the island is a significant one: food. There are few restaurants on the island, and no restaurants offering fresh healthy food. The Maritime Market is large, but their produce was poor quality, the "local" fish was not fresh, the chicken breasts were questionable and even a jar of salsa had fermented. We ended up taking the ferry back to Southport, renting a car and driving to Wilmington to go to a Whole Foods. All told, that added $100 to our grocery bill, but it was worth it to get fresh high quality food. It was our only complaint about the island. I am not sure I would return because there are nice islands where you can find good markets and clean beaches, although none as quiet as BHI!

We vacationed on the island for a week. It is a beautiful island with glorious beaches...but, wow, the people sure are rude. From the market to 80% of the shops were poorly staffed were rude, lazy and unhelpful people. We've never felt so unwelcome anywhere. We won't be back!

This beach was a long, wide paradise that was only obtainable by golf cart so that made the air so much cleaner. We came here with our family of 6 along with grandparents and cousins. We enjoyed the beach almost everyday and loved the peacefulness. There was so much beach that you could find your own peace of paradise to enjoy the view and the surf..

We sailed to Bald Head and spent the night at the Marina. Ate at MoJo's! Toured the island on the rented golf cart. The beach at the shoals is fabulous!
Very quaint. Lovely church service at the beautiful chapel.
The food market is so well stocked. They even had my vidalia onion steak sauce that I love and can never find!! Delicious ice cream at the little shop around the corner from the Food Market.

Had another great stay at BHI. Taylor-Boone house was the most well appointed house we have stayed at. Great mix of golf tennis beach pool restaurants shopping nature and educational activities and dining. Zip around the island on bikes or golf carts. Call the Comservancy early in your stay to sign up for activities as they fill up fast. Turtle nest excavation was amazing found 10live baby loggerheads! Will come back again!

Have made multiple trips and love going after Labor Day when the island is peaceful, and not populated. This time of year is great for touring the island on bikes or the other option is to use the only other mode of transportation which is golf carts. South beach is wonderful for younger children, east beach has more of a drop off. It may take multiple trips to the pond where Big Al the alligator lives. Touring the island and viewing the homes is an interesting past time. Grab a breakfast sandwich at The Market place super value for $4 bucks. No theaters here lots of nature and beaches. 2 swim clubs, Shoals club is fancier, BHI more for children and extra charge not included in rentals, tennis and golf available. If a rental offers bikes, best to ask questions because most are not in good shape, better to rent, also kayacks and extra golf carts can be rented. Ask what a home provides, otherwise you need to bring spices to soap to toilet paper or buy at a premium. Delicious ice cream at the marina but pricey $5.50 for a scoop.

Pros: The island has lots of Natural beauty. It was kinda chilly but nice sunny day for the beginning of Feb. I recommend bike rentals instead of the gold carts if this is your first time over at the island. No gas vehicles allowed on the island. We rode bike on the island seen an alligator and lots beautiful things. For the time of year no many people on the island so everyone was very nice.

Cons: The cost of the Ferry is very expensive. You have to rent everything. This trip is not for the cost conscious person. Bring a backpack with snacks and food. Restaurants are importing food and drinks. So the cost is more than double the cost of any typical restaurant. Summer time I have been over there lots more people and they can be rude and nasty. Most people 99% are from somewhere else so they have a sense of entitlement.

Recommend: Try the bike ride in the winter to see if you like it. Its alot less people and great views.

Renting a house on BHI is the perfect familly get away. This is our 6th summer on the island, and once again we swear never to stay just one week again, make it two!
The houses on BHI vary considerably in price and size, but they are all wonderfully convenient to the beaches and clubs on the island. Whether you want to pay a little extra for beachfront, or ocean view (which we typically choose, with direct beach access) you are going to find yourselves on one of the nicest, cleanest, and least crowded beaches in USA. Access to the island is by BHI ferry only, and the no cars policy results in "no cares" as we all drive golf carts which come with the houses, or bikes, around this incrediblly well planned paradise.
Good news golfers, the golf course is 1st class in every way! And plenty of water on the course to keep your drives honest, or bring a lot of balls.
Shop for home rentals on the BHI site or on VRBO. Using BHI gives you some more flexibility and maintainance back up should you need it, but VRBO is a bit less expensive. We have used both and have had no problems; just be sure with VRBO houses that you and the owner have very good communication and that the house will come fully equipped, plus you must have a club membership - we like the Shoals Club.
Our kids think of this place as our beach home, having come here since they were small to now bringing a husband. We have celebrated grandma's 80th and 90th birthdays on the island with family reunions..
Visit the BHI website and get the flavor. We love this place.

We love Bald Head Island!!
Golf carts only. We stayed during the week
of the Fourth of July and really enjoyed all the islands activities.
The golf cart parade was a lot of fun. The kids enjoyed all the decorated golf carts and the candy of course!
We all drove the carts to beach access #1 to view the Fourth of July fireworks display at Southport. Everyone enjoyed sitting in the sand and watching them from our vantage point on the island.
Really good restaurants like Mojo’s and Delphine’s. Maritime market is a fully stocked grocery and restaurant.
Bald Head Island is a great place for a fun filled family vacation.

This is our 3rd trip to Bald Head Island and everything on this island is magical. We used to vacation in Hilton Head and Wild Dunes, SC but after we discovered BHI we insist on always coming back.

We have rented villas and homes and each place came with 2 golf carts (most rentals have them) and there is so much to do on this island. Aside from the Turtle Walk and various sailing/kayaking lessons there are also camps for the kids.

We loved riding bikes around the island as well. Every Wednesday during the summer the town has the Sunset Celebration (it is free) which is great fun for the kids and adults with a DJ, dancing, games and a bonfire w/ smores on the beach.
It is just a beautiful, classic beach town that is unspoiled (no tacky shops/hotels/ loud cheesy bars, no overcrowded beaches)......you feel like you are in another country, it is so serene.

If you are looking for a gorgeous, relaxing getaway then this is the place.

The ferry ride over and back for our large family just about sent us into bankruptcy. The idea of this island is quaint. Unfortunately none of the workers or visitors acted very friendly at all. The island has few public restrooms and even fewer are wheelchair accessible. Most shops are not wheelchair accessible either. The sweet ladies who volunteer at old badly were the exception to the rule....so if they work for free they are nice, is what my children learned from this island.

This being our 4th trip in 20 yrs-we encountered something that never happened before--the Ferry was not running as schedule!
This was due to the low tides(very narrow harbor) and the amount of sand that had accumulated for the Ferry to maneuver---sooo if you had a Flight to catch or a certain time restraint to get off the Island--good luck!
They had a Dredge parked at the opening but it could only work when the winds weren't high-which was most of our week.
We had 4 ppl that had different flights to connect for CALIF and you have to make reserve. for Tram at your house to get you to the Ferry. That Reserv we made only to be told by the VRBO owner I rented from(1week prior to leaving I might add) that she had already made a reserve. for us to leave. Well news to me--VRBO is a good rental source and the owner always answered my many questions __EXCEPT THE MOST IMP ONE OF ALL-- we had a time constraint!! and the FERRY did too!!!

CHECK THE FERRY WEBSITE OR YOU WILL PAY!!!!

As with everything there---very pricey!!!!
But it is pretty--do your homework-which I thought I did!!!

Best part of Bald Head Island is that there are NO CARS!! Kid and pet friendly with Electric (eco-friendly) carts on the island. Rented cart from Cary Cart Company after walking off ferry and it was so simple.

Best coastal destination in N.C. period. It’s not even close

My family and I look forward to our yearly two week beach trip to Bald Head Island! We wait for the school year to start and then we know we can relax in a more peaceful enviroment with out children ruining our stay. We stay oceanfront every year. We enjoy the turtle conservatory, biking, marina, spending time on the beach and many rides around the island on the golf carts! The ferry ride is awesome! Bald Head Island is by far the best beach in North Carolina! Try it! You won't be disappointed!

Everyone should get to go to Bald Head Island at least once in their life. It was probably one of the most relaxing beach trips I’ve ever taken. It was QUIET no cars only bicycles and electric golf carts. Maybe all beach towns should be like this place

We were a little confused as to how to pack and what to do for our "airport like" ferry ride without our car to Bald Head Island. They tell you to pack as if you are flying. After navigating the ferry and getting our luggage to the tram, we found our house (Bald Head Island Rentals). We were pleasantly surprised with the location and the use of 2 golf carts. During our week long stay we went sailing, fishing, crabbing and shelling (during low tide). The children participated in a few wonderful art classes (All About Art) and even did a squid dissection (Bald Head Island Conservancy)!

South beach is a wonderfull choice to go with family. The water is warm and the waves aren't too big. Although there are sharks in the evening. So the best time to visit is Afternoon

We loved this place, no cars allowed for transportation, only golf carts or bikes. A passenger ferry (toll charged) takes you across in about 30 minutes. Beautiful beaches, especially on the far end, where a peninsular beach goes out into the ocean and forms a kind of seabird sanctuary for dozens of gulls, pelicans, and other species of east coast sea birds. Much of the perimeter of the island on the land side is developed with attractive homes/cottages but the entire sandy shoreline is open to the public. Although a golf course takes up a portion of the interior on the harbor side of this 3 mile private island open to the public, much of it is left in it's natural state, with several nature trails and paths to explore. There are homes for rent both in the shaded woods and along or near the sun drenched shore. On the eastern or sea side is a marsh with board walks for further exploration, so bring insect repellent to keep away the bugs, although that wasn't much of a problem for us when we visited in early May. If you are of a naturalist bent I would definitely recommend a visit to this place, be sure to bring your camera. You can also rent a kayak and transverse some of the waterways around and through the marsh. For us that will have to be next time.

We were so looking forward to our Bald Head Island day trip and therein lies the problem. If you're going over just for the day, be forewarned--restrooms are few and far between, there are no places to rinse off the sun, sand and salt and other than the restroom near the ferry, we could find no place to change into and out of our swimwear. Yes, there are no cars, BUT the golf carts abound and they do not drive slowly. We ended up not allowing our young granddaughter to ride a bicycle. Instead, she rode on the golf cart with Grandma and Grandpa (which I thought was the best way to go.) We bought the "luxury" tent package--four chairs, a very well-secured tent, and a small ice chest with four waters and ice. It was a welcome relief from the sun but pretty darn expensive. We took a kayak tour and God bless our guide--he was extremely patient. You will get wet and so will everything you bring with you. There was no place to secure belongings. The tour did not go very far, and was interesting, but I don't think I'd do that again, not being an experienced rower. We didn't see much but the guide gave us good information about the area. We brought food and water over on the ferry with us. Restaurants seemed to be very pricey and the grocery store has fairly limited items and is expensive as well. The beach, however, is gorgeous. The rental company did a great job getting our bikes to the ferry area and setting up the tent.

Not crowded and you can walk for miles! The "point" or "cape fear" is the most beautiful spot on the beach. It is where the oceans from the east facing beach and the south facing beach meet. It's my favorite spot!

From the ferry ride to the golf carts (no cars allowed) to the shops and beautiful beaches, this quaint little island is great to spend the day exploring. It is not going to be a cheap day, but definitely a memorable one. I recommend visiting Old Baldy. The climb is somewhat difficult and the lighthouse sways in the wind a little, but the view is breathtaking.

Although we have lived in NC for 16 years, this past weekend was our first time at Bald Head Island. What an incredible place! We spent lots of money getting there -- ferry fee per person, ferry fee per bike, daily fee for car at ferry parking lot, tips for baggage handlers, tips for tram drivers. But once that was done, the beauty and peace of the place impresses. The beach was pristine and stunning. We will return in the fall when we understand the place is emptier and the rentals are more affordable.

North Beach on Bald Head Island is larger than the other two. Very wide un crowded beach even at peek season. You do have to take a ferry over to the Island, but well worth it. Lots to do on the Island! There are not any places to buy food or drinks on or took close to this beach, but you can bring your items in a cooler. North Beach is farthest from the marina so you would need to rent a golf cart or bikes if you are visiting for the day. If you rent a house it should have a golf cart with it. No cars on the Island which was a plus for us!

It is a hike to get here. This is my 13th visit to BHI. I have explored most the island, eaten in most the restaurants and experienced the life on the island from almost every budget level. It is a wonderland in many respects. It is perhaps most ideal in season for families with small children. If NOT wanting to be around a kid friendly resort for vacation, come in the spring or fall, a lot less kids and a lot quieter. Even in the peak of season there is silence and solitude. Not for the budget traveler but not necessarily a stab in the wallet if you enjoy cooking and eating in. A good market which is well stocked (though a bit pricey) beats what you might spend eating out every night. All in all a great vacation spot for those seeking a different experience of the beach. I will be back as 13 is never a good lucky number to stop visiting on.

It's not cheap. But excellent! There was nothing we didn't enjoy! Climbing 108 steps and one ladder of "Old Baldy" the oldest lighthouse in NC was great! 360 degree view of the island. We rented the golf cart and again absolutely loved tooling about all day. Went to the Atlantic beach, beautiful, parking near the beach. Don't forget to go inside the chapel, it's beautiful and peaceful. If you're planning a wedding it would be amazing, looks over the march and inland waterway of the island. Driving through the maritime forest was amazing. We saw deer, and painted buntings! The little shopping center was great! Boutique style and a little market to pick up snacks and drinks. We also, stopped on the eastern side at the beach, uncrowded and beautiful. Most relaxing day of our vacation. The ferry runs late so you can spend the whole day. When we had finished our touring we ended the day at Mojo's for drinks and dinner, great outdoor seating with shade and sun that looks over the marina and the ferry port. Check out the chef's choice or the daily fresh seafood. Porkchops with mushroom pasta was really good. Ask for Seth, he was amazing! Wonderful day with the perfect sunset for a perfect day.

If you like upscale cruise ships or you're looking to hide from somebody or something, you will love it. As beautiful as it is, to me it is vanilla and boring. From the music at the restaurants to the interaction we had with several employees on the island it all seemed scripted. I know a lot of people love it, but IMO there are several other local beach communities much better. I live on an island close by with my own boat, and we rarely go to Bald Head with the other options in the area. Old Baldy is worth a trip and we were happy to make a donation to the preservation of it. I'd day trip it and stay elsewhere.

Just a terrific day- took the Ferry over ($22 per person)- no cars. Walked the beach, rented a golf cart and tooled around for a couple hours.
Next time I would go earlier and rent a kayak and get into the interior wetlands for some birding.
Had a nice dinner at MoJo's on the water.

We have visited 4 to 5 times over the years. The island is beautiful. The contrast between beach and maritime forest is lovely. There is very little light or noise pollution. Being able to bike, walk or run the island is wonderful. Houses are beautiful. There are hiking trails, kayaking, SUP, golfing and tennis. The beaches are just okay. The beaches are narrow, and steep. The best and most accessible beach is East Beach, it is on the far side of the island. It can get crowded quickly. Tide and current have been rough each and every time we've been there to the point where I haven't felt comfortable going out to far. One year someone in our group, an adult male, was hurt badly body surfing near shore, not goofing off. The decline is so steep and the tide so rough it slammed him into the bottom. It is a wonderful place to get away we were grateful to go, but it isn't my choice for a vacation. It is expensive and inconvenient to leave the island, you're basically stuck there once you arrive. The restaurants are average. If you have a food allergy you 'll have a difficult time eating anywhere. The grocery store is incredibly small and VERY expensive. None of the homes have a pool, you will need a pass to the club to use the pool.

We just returned from our first visit to Bald Head Island, March 23-28, 2013. We had always wanted to see the island, but had hoped to do so in warmer weather. It was unusually COLD! We stayed in a beautiful cottage in Keeper's Landing. You travel by golf cart, bike or foot. The beach is beautiful, wide, and VERY clean. It was so cold we did not get in the ocean but did walk miles. The island itself is beautiful but expensive. The island can only be reached by ferry or private boat. If you use the ferry there is a tram that will take you to your rental. Shopping is limited: a grocery store, and about 5 shops. The golf course looks great but it was way to cold and windy for us to golf. There are 4 restaurants but only 3 where open during our visit - there were restrictions on where you could eat unless you were a member (we were not!). The Frying Pan Flats were very interesting. We are glad that we went but once is enough for us, I do not like to say never but I will say it is highly unlikely that we will return-- we will explore another island.

This is our 10th year or so renting a beach house at Bald Head Island, and it always hits all the family notes. There many homes to rent from various agents, so do your search and contact the owners/agents and read their specific reviews. Most homes are fairly new and well equipped.
The island is a great retreat from the daily noise of the city, golf carts and bikes only, you are always 5 minutes from a beach regardless of your location.
Island is clean and quite, if you need noise as inputs, this is not for you. It can be expensive, as everything has to be brought by boat. Walk the island sands, visit the shops, and forget the time. Cellular service is spotty, so don't plan on staying connected unless you are on the marina area.
We saw some of the typical debris (cans of beer thrown out of golf carts, etc) this time around, but it was the 4th of July week and the island was busy with lots of people. Still, most of that crap is picked up by the crews that work the island.

Strongly recommend for families with kids who are looking for a safe, quiet, clean place to to relax. Beaches are never crowded and the surf is great.

If you like jigsaw puzzles and board games, this is where you will want to visit with your family. There is no nightlife and there are plenty of sharks. Littering is a serious offense. Quiet and beautiful. Bring books to read!