Best Photo Spots in Topsail Island: Locations for Taking Photographs Yourself and for Hiring a Professional Photographer
There are so many gorgeous locations for photographs on Topsail Island—we put together a list of our favorites to share with all the visitors we get here. We are lucky to have such a variety of public owned spaces to choose from here.
So, here you go— the BEST places in Topsail Island to take photographs or have your photos taken at:
THE BEACH
This one goes without saying, because the ocean is hands down the best part of Topsail Island. A few beach accesses stand out for how cute they are, and will list those below, but seriously, just walk up to any public beach access in Surf City, Topsail Beach or North Topsail and you will find a perfect spot to take in the glory of the Atlantic Ocean on our little island.
Here are links to the public beach access points at Topsail. Not all have designated parking, but each link tells you what parking is available at each access point, and if there are any other facilities to use.
North Topsail Beach Public Beach Access
Topsail Beach Public Beach Access
We mean it: every.single.beach.access can produce magic!
We are so fortunate to have the ocean in our backyard, and there are a myriad of options for capturing stunning photography here.
Often enough, we just meet our vacationing clients at the beach access closest to where they are staying at and that is perfect! Everyone can wash the sand off right away, and clients don’t have to worry about driving anywhere. This is a great option if worrying about where to park, or stressing about traffic causes unease before a professional portrait session for you.
2. Surf City Bridge
So many Topsail residents and visitors really miss the old Swingbridge, but we really are lucky to have the high rise bridge built to replace the aging icon. Built in 2018, the Surf City Bridge is 98 feet tall at its peak and has some of the best views around. The best part is the dedicated pedestrian path with a concrete barrier separating it from bike and car traffic. It is absolutely worth the hike to the top to see the sunrise or sunset from there. Just be aware that sunsets are closer to the vehicle side of the bridge so your view will be breathtaking, but not quite perfect. The sun rises on the pedestrian side, so there are no obstructions at all in the morning.
Park at Soundside park, along Roland Ave, or at the public lot in between the Surf City IGA grocery store and S. Shore Drive (don’t park at the grocery store unless you are shopping there), and then head to the pedestrian pathways around the traffic roundabout.
3. Soundside Park
Soundside Park in Surf City is one of our favorite places to relax, play, and to photograph. You can see it from the Surf City Bridge (in the photo above on the lower right hand corner of the image).
In the summer, there are movies on the lawn and live music on the stage. There are seasonal craft markets, and a super fun pirate themed playground. There are covered picnic tables with perfect sound views and breezes to enjoy, there is a public boat ramp, and a public fishing pier.
Views abound…so no shortage of photographic opportunities here. The Surf City Bridge rises over the water to the southwest of the park so the scene at sunset is stunning!
4. Kenneth D. Batts Family Park
Batts Family Park in Surf City is another sweet little park with a playground and stunning views. It has a long boardwalk over the sound, so you can take in the quiet of the sound, as well as boat traffic and views of the bridge to the North. This is another great option for soaking in a sunset at Topsail!
There are also basketball courts, as well as parking (parking is limited) and public restrooms.
5. Any of the 3 Piers in Topsail
Photography under a pier is one of our most requested locations, and they do not disappoint! There are 3 piers on the island: Surf City Ocean Pier in the middle of the island near the Surf City Bridge, the Jolly Roger Inn and Pier on the south end of the island in Topsail Beach, and the SeaView Pier on the north end of the island in North Topsail Beach.
The piers provide a beautiful backdrop from all around. Try photographing underneath the pier and beside them—there are a lot of options for both landscape and portrait photography.
6. Serenity Point in Topsail Beach
Serenity Point is the southernmost end of Topsail Island, and is both a popular fishing spot, as well as one of the best places to soak in a sunset. It is as serene as its name indicates, and while there isn’t a ton of parking at this popular spot — it is very much worth it!
7. The Point at North Topsail Beach
The northernmost end of the island is just as picturesque as the southern end. There is a parking lot, and you can also apply for a permit to drive on the beach with a 4x4 vehicle through the town of North Topsail Beach.
It is such a gorgeous area, and you will often see folks fishing, and walking around enjoying the view. It is a perfect place to bring a picnic to enjoy as there is a lot of room to spread out with not as many people as Serenity Point.
**Be very careful if you want to swim in the ocean at the very ends of the island. You should avoid swimming in the inlet channels that connect the sound to the ocean all together, as the currents are very swift and pretty unpredictable. It is very dangerous, and many boats can’t even handle the wild current at times.
8. Raleigh Avenue Beach Access in Surf City
This little hidden gem is one of my favorite spots. There is a tree lined canopy leading out to the beach! It is just a few blocks south of the Surf City Bridge off of South Shore Drive. There are only a couple of parking spaces there, so you may need to park at a larger public lot (closer to the pier there are several) and walk there, but it is such a picturesque spot!
