The island map
Toggle the layers to show what you care about, tap a pin for details, and share the address bar to send someone exactly what you're looking at. The small blue rings are photo spots: every photograph in this guide is pinned to the exact place it was taken. More layers (beach accesses, dining, trails) are being added as the guide grows.
Everything on the map
Conservancy
Nature tours, environmental programs, sea-turtle headquarters, and a gift shop.
Ferry
Island Ferry Landing
Where the passenger ferry arrives and the tram meets you. Departures to the mainland leave on the half hour.
Map location approximate.
Deep Point Marina (mainland terminal)
The mainland ferry terminal in Southport: parking, baggage check, and hourly departures to the island.
Landmarks
Forest Pavilion
Boardwalk pavilion with a palm sculpture fountain, in the heart of Harbour Village.
Map location approximate.
Marina
Harbour Village Marina
The island's harbor: boat slips, waterfront restaurants, and shops around the basin.
Parks & gardens
Marina Park & Pollinator Garden
Palm-lined lawn on the Monarch Trail with a pollinator garden and public restrooms.
Shops
The island's only grocery, with a bakery, deli, butcher, and restaurants under one roof.
Viewpoints
Marsh boardwalk outlook
A boardwalk view over the salt marsh with Old Baldy rising beyond the grass; one of the island's classic photographs.
Map location approximate.
Old Baldy
North Carolina's oldest standing lighthouse (1817). Climb it, then visit the Smith Island Museum at its base.
Map location approximate.
Beaches & accesses
The furthest north public beach access on West Beach. West Beach faces the Cape Fear River, so the water is calmer and better suited to wading and other activities than to surfing.
A public South Beach access on the bend toward West Beach, off Sand Piper Trail.
A public South Beach access near the Bald Head Island Country Club, off South Bald Head Wynd. A wooden staircase and walkway carry you over the dune to the sand.
A public South Beach access off South Bald Head Wynd, with handicap access.
A public South Beach access off South Bald Head Wynd.
A public South Beach access off Starrush Trail, with turn-out parking and wooden stairs and a walkway over the dune.
A public South Beach access off Sandspur Trail.
A public West Beach access. West Beach faces the Cape Fear River, so the water is calmer and better suited to wading and other activities than to surfing.
A public South Beach access off Sandspur Trail.
A public South Beach access off Silversides Trail.
A public South Beach access off Silversides Trail. An emergency telephone is available nearby.
A public South Beach access off South Bald Head Wynd. An emergency telephone is available nearby.
A public South Beach access off Peppervine Trail.
A public South Beach access off Peppervine Trail.
A public South Beach access off South Bald Head Wynd.
A public South Beach access off South Bald Head Wynd.
A public South Beach access off Brown Pelican Trail.
A private South Beach access.
A private South Beach access.
A public West Beach access on the north side of the marina access inlet. West Beach faces the Cape Fear River, so the water is calmer and better suited to wading and other activities than to surfing.
A private South Beach access.
A private South Beach access.
A public South Beach access off South Bald Head Wynd. The walk crosses more grass than sand and can be buggy.
A public South Beach access off South Bald Head Wynd. The walk crosses more grass than sand and can be buggy.
A public South Beach access off South Bald Head Wynd. An emergency telephone is available nearby.
A private South Beach access; the furthest access east before the Shoals Club on the point.
A short ride down Station House Way from Access 42, close to another bend in the road, and near the Shoals Club. A wooden walkway runs all the way from the parking area over the dunes and onto the sand. Parking at the access is limited, and carts quickly line both sides of the street at this popular spot. Like the other East Beach points, the water generally runs calmer than the south side, and it's shallower here, with a long, accessible sandbar. Access 39 also puts you near the tide pools that form at the point, a favorite with families; near the pools the sandbar can sit fully exposed. Be careful, though: shifting tides can overtake the pools and the bar fast. An emergency telephone is available nearby, and Access 39 is the furthest south of the East Beach accesses.
A public West Beach access on the south side of the marina access inlet. West Beach faces the Cape Fear River, so the water is calmer and better suited to wading and other activities than to surfing.
A public East Beach access.
Arguably one of the best access points on the island, and the last East Beach access heading north before Middle Island. It sits on the wrap-around turn where Station House Way connects with South East Beach Drive. The parking lot is large but fills during the busy season. The access itself is sand only with no wooden walkway, and the sand gets extremely hot; wear something on your feet so you aren't stranded halfway up the dune with burning feet and an armful of beach gear. Conditions vary with the weather, but East Beach generally runs calmer than the south side, with a gradual depth and a sandbar an easy reach for a comfortable swimmer. The sandbar drops off at its north and south ends. A favorite for families, and this guide's favorite sunrise surfing spot.
A private East Beach access, restricted to Middle Island residents.
A public West Beach access near public restrooms and the marina restaurants. West Beach faces the Cape Fear River, so the water is calmer and better suited to wading and other activities than to surfing.
A public West Beach access off Green Teal Trail. West Beach faces the Cape Fear River, so the water is calmer and better suited to wading and other activities than to surfing.
A public West Beach access off Seagull Trail. West Beach faces the Cape Fear River, so the water is calmer and better suited to wading and other activities than to surfing.
A public West Beach access off Cape Fear Trail; the furthest south on West Beach. West Beach faces the Cape Fear River, so the water is calmer and better suited to wading and other activities than to surfing.