# Travel >> Travel Advice >> Tourist Attractions

Things to Do at Topsail Island in North Carolina

Topsail Island is located nearly a mile off the southeastern coast of North Carolina, 25 miles north of Wilmington and 140 miles south of Raleigh. The island's three cities are Topsail Beach, North Topsail Beach and Surf City. Visitors revel in Topsail's magnificent coastal sunsets and wildlife, as well as a year-round mild climate perfect for outdoor recreation and beach lounging. There are also a few cultural things to do at Topsail Island.

Missiles and More Museum at the Historical Society
- Learn about the U.S. Navy's 1946 to 1948 use of Topsail Island for secret missile missions and see original and model missiles used in Operation Bumblebee, browse exhibits of World War II guided missile technology used at Camp Davis, and see V-22 Osprey Aircraft on display at the Missiles and More Museum at the Historical Society of Topsail Island. The museum has several kid-friendly and interactive exhibits, including a collection of seashells from around the world, beach geology and pirate displays. Children ages five to eight can take part in the summertime "Stories and More" events, which include arts and craft activities and feature volunteer storytellers.
  
  Historical Society of Topsail Island
  
  720 Channel Blvd.
  
  Surf City, NC 28445
  
  910-328-8663
  
  topsailhistoricalsociety.org
Ecological Marine Adventures
- Families with young children vacationing at Topsail Island won't want to miss Ecological Marine Adventures' opportunities for fun on the coast. Kids can learn to surf, hunt for shells and shark's teeth on the beach, and endeavor on nighttime crab hunts. Adventures are geared toward children ages five to 12. Parents are welcome to go along on all adventures.
  
  Ecological Marine Adventures
  
  102 Bunker Court
  
  Hampstead, NC 28443
  
  704-578-3505
  
  ematopsail.webs.com
Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center
- Visit the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center to see various species of sea turtles being cared for by the facility. Meet the current turtle residents and learn about the conservation and protection of local marine life and the marine turtles' threat of extinction. The center is located at the southern end of Topsail Island across from the water tower in Topsail Beach. Visitor hours are from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed on Wednesdays and Sundays.
  
  Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center
  
  822 Carolina Blvd.
  
  Topsail Beach, NC 28445
  
  910-328-3377
  
  seaturtlehospital.org
Scuba Diving
- Become a certified scuba diver at Carolina Divers. Learn about the science of diving, safety precautions and responsible diving practices, and get the skills needed to become a certified open water diver. Children as young as 10-years-old may take classes to become certified junior divers. For certified divers, Carolina Divers also offers chartered diving boat trips. Divers with the proper advanced certification can also participate in deep sea dives and spearfishing trips.
  
  Carolina Divers
  
  13567-B NC Hwy. 50
  
  Surf City, NC 28445
  
  910-329-9912
  
  carolinadivers-nc.com