An independent guide to Bald Head Island, North Carolina
Ten miles of beach. Not one traffic light.
Ferry, tram, golf cart, sunrise. Everything you need to plan a trip to the island where you leave your car on the mainland, in one place.
Twenty minutes to anywhere, live-oak shade the whole way.
Close your eyes. You're on the island.
Every recording on this site was made on the island: dawn at the bird sanctuary, the ferry crossing, a golf cart humming past at dusk. Press play right here, then step into the listening room for the whole morning.
The sanctuary wakes up
0:00 / 3:39
The directory
Island essentials
ActivityFeatured
Bald Head Island Conservancy
The island's conservation organization: sea-turtle protection program, turtle walks, birding, kayak tours, environmental programs, and a gift shop at the campus.
On the island
GroceryFeatured
Maritime Market
The island's only grocery store: butcher, deli, bakery, produce, and wine, with pre-arrival provisioning delivery. The building also houses Sweet Bay Gourmet, Copper's Wood-Fired Kitchen, and Side Wok.
Maritime Forest
ActivityFeatured
Old Baldy Lighthouse & Smith Island Museum
North Carolina's oldest standing lighthouse, built in 1817. Climb the 108 steps for the island's best view, then visit the Smith Island Museum at its base.
On the island
In passing
What the island looks like when nobody's posing
All photography on this site was shot on the island by the owner. Tap any photo to look closer.
Stories
Short reads from the slow lane
Why this guide exists
Bald Head Island is reachable only by ferry, gets around on golf carts and bikes, and keeps its maritime forest wilder than almost anywhere on the East Coast. The practical details live scattered across a half dozen official websites. This guide brings them together, pairs them with photography and sound recorded on the island, and stays independent of the companies and agencies that run it.