Semitropical Climate - 14-Miles of Unspoiled Beaches - 10,000 Acres of Sea Marsh with Exotic Birds - No Cars - 200 Year Old Oaks in Undisturbed Maritime Forest - What’s Not To Love ...
Bald Head Island provides for a unique island vacation unlike anything else you have experienced. It is more than a destination, it is a calming mindset. Located off shore in warm Gulf Stream waters, this semitropical island enjoys not only a physical 20-minute boat ride separation from the mainland - providing the ultimate gated community - but more importantly it offers a psychological separation from the real world. And yet, all this comes with many of the conveniences of home, a convenient ferry system to deliver you safely to your island paradise and it is an easy drive from most of the East Coast urban centers that breed stress.
The Environment
Bald Head is being developed and lived upon with nature conservation in mind. You will notice almost immediately how trees in the maritime forest are treasured, resulting in the placement of homes “into” the environment. More than 10,000 of the island’s 12,000 acres will remain forever protected and undeveloped. The island’s proximity to the warm Gulf Stream waters contributes to the mild, semitropical climate that makes Bald Head the northernmost point in the United States where Sabal Palms grow naturally. On Bald Head it is not uncommon to see palm trees, pine trees and 200-year old live oaks growing side by side.
Find a beach to be alone . . .
The island consists of 14-miles of unspoiled and lightly inhabited beaches, 200 acres of maritime forest preserve and 10,000 acres of protected salt marsh and tidal creek. The Bald Head beaches have been singled out for their beauty, including designation as one of “Americas Top 20 Beaches” by Stephen “Dr. Beach” Leatherman. The small amount of total island area left for development is divided among six diverse environments. Each should be explored while visiting to fully appreciate Bald Head. The entire island is serene but within this serenity lie quiet corners for you to enjoy quiet, introspective, relaxation - a “fun wave riding sand castle building friends and family holiday” - or a romantic sunset in a corner of the world that is yours and yours alone. Get out and explore and find the Bald Head environment that stirs your soul.
South Beach - walk across the street to find a beach to be with family
Villa 20 is located on South Beach. Much of the early Bald Head development occurred along the miles of soft sand in front of the dune ridge that bisects the island east to west, which is South Beach. With the Atlantic Ocean as your front yard as far as you can see, gentle sea breezes and proximity to the Harbour and the Bald Head Island Club, it is not hard to understand why this is treasured land. South Beach stretches from the legendary Cape Fear Point to the east to the Cape Fear River point to the west.
West Beach - Confluence with the sea
At the confluence of the historic Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean, this area is a nice walk from Villa 20 and offers a peaceful spot to pick up shells, watch for dolphins, sunbathe, and fish. It is the best beach at sunset. Take the cart, beach chairs and refreshments and find the beach access along Green Teal Trail and sit back and enjoy. Take advantage of this opportunity, because after all this is one thing that makes Bald Head a unique destination on the East Coast - a place where the sun rises and sets over ocean each and every day.
East Beach
Running from the legendary Frying Pan Shoals (The Point) to some point north that even the heartiest of you will probably never find, is East Beach. The water on East Beach tends to be about 5 degrees cooler than the water on South Beach but beyond that it is more of the same - only better. The north end of East Beach is the place to go if beach and quiet are your favorite combination.
Marsh and Tidal Creek - birds, dolphins, colors, oh my . . .
For many people the marsh and tidal creek are the most beautiful spot on Bald Head. The marsh slowly changes color throughout the day as the sun lights the grasses. The marsh covers the entire north side of the island.
Middle Island can be entered near East Beach and offers views back across the marsh toward Bald Head and out over thousands of acres looking further north. You can rent kayaks at Island Passage and take marsh tours or sit and watch the various water fowl (egrets, ibis, Great Blue Heron), or go fishing or crabbing. There is also a walking trail that meanders out onto a peninsula into the marsh that offers some beautiful views and photo opportunities. Entrance is from near the Maritime Market. The marsh is a calming spot on the island of calm.
Middle Island can be entered near East Beach and offers views back across the marsh toward Bald Head and out over thousands of acres looking further north. You can rent kayaks at Island Passage and take marsh tours or sit and watch the various water fowl (egrets, ibis, Great Blue Heron), or go fishing or crabbing. There is also a walking trail that meanders out onto a peninsula into the marsh that offers some beautiful views and photo opportunities. Entrance is from near the Maritime Market. The marsh is a calming spot on the island of calm.
Maritime Forest - 200 years in the making
Most of the island behind the ocean dune ridge is covered in thick diverse forest filled with stately live oaks, huge wax myrtle, old dogwood, yaupon, cedar and palmetto palm trees. This is among the only place you will have the opportunity to drive in a perfectly quiet electric cart on roads that have been carefully sculpted through historic maritime forest. Because of the strict development rules, you will see homes in settings that will cause you to wonder how they got them in and around the trees. It’s a Bald Head thing and best understood by people who built tree forts as kids.
Harbour Village - it all starts and ends here
Cedar-shingled coastal island homes rim the harbour where the ferry arrives. The harbour is best known as the point of entry but once you have arrived you will want to return to the harbour to enjoy the harbour swing, shop Island Passage, or eat seafood outside and enjoy the music at Mojo’s in the Harbour. If you can’t stand to leave there is also a BHI real estate office in the Harbour Village as well.
The Harbour tends to be a good meeting spot or place to find out who is on-island. I include BHI Village in the Harbour Village as well. The village is home to “Old Baldy,” our 1817 Thomas Jefferson commissioned lighthouse - and our most revered symbol of historic Bald Head Island.
The guys pictured below will get you to Villa 20 from the harbor in the tram cars shown below right,
The Harbour tends to be a good meeting spot or place to find out who is on-island. I include BHI Village in the Harbour Village as well. The village is home to “Old Baldy,” our 1817 Thomas Jefferson commissioned lighthouse - and our most revered symbol of historic Bald Head Island.
The guys pictured below will get you to Villa 20 from the harbor in the tram cars shown below right,
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Club Living on Bald Head Island
One of the great social opportunities you will have while our guest on Bald Head Island is to use a temporary membership assigned to you through our club memberships in the Bald Head Island Club and the Shoals Club. To describe this opportunity further, I offer the following details.
Bald Head Island Club
With its cedar shingled exterior and spacious wrap around verandah, the Bald Head Island Club - located right next to the Villas - is stately and welcoming. The Clubhouse is currently going through renovations that will make it even more wonderful. Inside, the warm paneling and traditional finish create a classic southern country club environment but in true Bald Head tradition - Relaxed.
Bald Head Island Club is home to the championship, Cobb-designed, 6,855 yard golf course that many consider to be one of the finest courses in the Carolinas. Golf Digest recently awarded it the coveted 4.5-star rating and a survey of more than 3,000 executives through the Executive Golf Guide named it their favorite to play across a series of categories.
The Dining Room at the BHI Club offers an elegant atmosphere and extensive menu to enjoy on a night out. For more casual dining the Club Lounge (AKA - The Grill) features a grill menu and well stocked bar. Televised sporting events and live bands offer evening entertainment.
The Club’s other amenities include four hard surface tennis courts that have just recently been resurfaced, regulation greenswards for a serious game of club croquet, a 25-meter swimming pool with a slide for the little ones, an outdoor playground for the kids - including tether ball, a raised deck and poolside Pelicatessen (AKA, Peli-Deli) for outdoor meals of deli-style sandwiches, hot dogs and a variety of snacks and cold drinks with a view of the pool and ocean. Additionally, the Pro Shop building next to the Club House contains a small but well equipped fitness center.
Bald Head Island Club is home to the championship, Cobb-designed, 6,855 yard golf course that many consider to be one of the finest courses in the Carolinas. Golf Digest recently awarded it the coveted 4.5-star rating and a survey of more than 3,000 executives through the Executive Golf Guide named it their favorite to play across a series of categories.
The Dining Room at the BHI Club offers an elegant atmosphere and extensive menu to enjoy on a night out. For more casual dining the Club Lounge (AKA - The Grill) features a grill menu and well stocked bar. Televised sporting events and live bands offer evening entertainment.
The Club’s other amenities include four hard surface tennis courts that have just recently been resurfaced, regulation greenswards for a serious game of club croquet, a 25-meter swimming pool with a slide for the little ones, an outdoor playground for the kids - including tether ball, a raised deck and poolside Pelicatessen (AKA, Peli-Deli) for outdoor meals of deli-style sandwiches, hot dogs and a variety of snacks and cold drinks with a view of the pool and ocean. Additionally, the Pro Shop building next to the Club House contains a small but well equipped fitness center.
The Shoals Club
Located near the Cape Fear Point, just a 10 to 15 minute cart drive from the house along scenic South Beach. It takes its name from the sandy “Frying Pan Shoals” that extend 20 miles out from the Point and have served up thousands of shipwrecks, as shown in the picture up in the loft at the Villa. Built in 2004, this wonderful Beach Club serves as a center of beach activity. With 10,000 square foot clubhouse and 20,000 square feet of porches, pools and decks and dramatic views of the shoals, The Shoals has quickly become a favorite spot to swim, eat and meet.
Use your temporary membership card to obtain beach towels and walk down the private wooden boardwalk to South Beach, where you can borrow club lounge chairs and umbrella. Be sure to walk to the far extremes of the Point and look out over the ocean where two bodies of water rush together, creating a beautiful surf break and wonderful photo opportunities. For a fresh water option, the covered porch on the rear of the club opens to a series of cascading terraces that descend to a spacious lap pool, spa and walk-in children’s swimming pool. Depending on your child’s age and stage of independence, you can lounge on the deck with a beverage and still keep an eye on the kids, while you still enjoy the vast ocean view.
The Dining Room at the Shoals Club is on the second floor, with the bar, and offers dinner menu items served Tapas-style, including beef, vegetable and regional seafood specialties. A casual pool side grill (Sandbar Grille) offers a variety of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers and soups and a full service bar that specializes in frozen beach drinks served with an ocean view.
Use your temporary membership card to obtain beach towels and walk down the private wooden boardwalk to South Beach, where you can borrow club lounge chairs and umbrella. Be sure to walk to the far extremes of the Point and look out over the ocean where two bodies of water rush together, creating a beautiful surf break and wonderful photo opportunities. For a fresh water option, the covered porch on the rear of the club opens to a series of cascading terraces that descend to a spacious lap pool, spa and walk-in children’s swimming pool. Depending on your child’s age and stage of independence, you can lounge on the deck with a beverage and still keep an eye on the kids, while you still enjoy the vast ocean view.
The Dining Room at the Shoals Club is on the second floor, with the bar, and offers dinner menu items served Tapas-style, including beef, vegetable and regional seafood specialties. A casual pool side grill (Sandbar Grille) offers a variety of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers and soups and a full service bar that specializes in frozen beach drinks served with an ocean view.
Additional Dining Options
If you are not going to eat at the clubs or at home, there are several good options for eating on Bald Head Island. These include the following.
Mojo’s on the Harbour
An open-air harbourside pavilion for roll-up-your-sleeves seafood dining. They specialize in steam pots filled with crab legs, clams, mussels, shrimp, potatoes and corn. This is outdoor dining with live entertainment on weekends that allows you to monitor the coming and goings in the harbour while you dine in a wonderfully casual environment.
Maritime Market - Deli, Pizza, and family style pick-up
For that tweener meal, between cooking in or going out, you can always order a fresh pizza from the Deli in the Maritime Market. They also sell sandwiches, salads, family-style casseroles and dessert, wine and beer - everything you need to make a meal and not have to think too hard about it. They have great breakfast options and sell ice cream from the window under the trees around to the right.
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Island Activities
Bald Head Island exists for relaxation and the appreciation of maritime nature. Kids have fun the way kids had fun hundreds of years ago - they ride bikes, play in the waves, build sand castles and fly kites. Families talk and play games. Adults seem to sit in the sun with their feet in the sand enjoying a good book or sit in the shade and enjoy the company of a good friend or family. At night the kids seem to congregate at the beach “and chill” meeting new friends, play guitars or rent videos/DVDs and eat popcorn. The Maritime Market also has a Redbox DVD rental unit. Bald Head is not for those who seek boardwalks, movie theaters, go-cart tracks, and the like. That is not to say that there is nothing to do - just that finding things to do requires more interaction with nature and a little bit of imagination and willingness to explore. Options to pursue to ensure everyone sleeps well at night include the following.
Fishing - From surf casting along the shore to dropping a line into tidal creeks or the Cape Fear River, from trolling along the massive Frying Pan Shoals to sports-fishing the prolific Gulf Stream, the waters surrounding Bald Head Island offer exciting options for visiting anglers. Offshore, you can fish for tuna, wahoo, billfish and king mackerel, while inshore fishermen may hook red drum, pompano, bluefish, flounder and speckled trout. Fishing charter trips can be arranged with multiple sources on the mainland and in the Harbour Village. If this is something that you are interested in, contact me ahead of time and I’ll steer you in the right direction.
Boating - Bald Head Island offers a welcoming 10-acre harbour and full-service marina and can accommodate boats up to 115-feet. An attentive dock master and staff can assist you with small boat and fishing equipment rentals, fishing charters, and canoe or kayak excursions. The rental office is next to the island rental agency in the Harbour. Rental reservations can be made at 910-457-7380.
Fishing - From surf casting along the shore to dropping a line into tidal creeks or the Cape Fear River, from trolling along the massive Frying Pan Shoals to sports-fishing the prolific Gulf Stream, the waters surrounding Bald Head Island offer exciting options for visiting anglers. Offshore, you can fish for tuna, wahoo, billfish and king mackerel, while inshore fishermen may hook red drum, pompano, bluefish, flounder and speckled trout. Fishing charter trips can be arranged with multiple sources on the mainland and in the Harbour Village. If this is something that you are interested in, contact me ahead of time and I’ll steer you in the right direction.
Boating - Bald Head Island offers a welcoming 10-acre harbour and full-service marina and can accommodate boats up to 115-feet. An attentive dock master and staff can assist you with small boat and fishing equipment rentals, fishing charters, and canoe or kayak excursions. The rental office is next to the island rental agency in the Harbour. Rental reservations can be made at 910-457-7380.
Seaside Activities - Fun with those you love
Take time to enjoy traditional seaside pastimes, such as crabbing in Bald Head Creek, or combing our 14 miles of pristine beaches for seashells. It is not unusual to find sand dollars near the Cape Fear Point. Surfing and wind surfing enthusiasts delight in Bald Head Island’s uncrowded beaches year-round. You can always see how far you can walk north on East Beach. Be warned, if you pick up every shell you see it is a very long walk home and it is often into the wind!
Walking, Running and Cycling - Car-free roads through the forest, along the creek and beside the ocean make Bald Head Island a pedestrian’s paradise. Site of the TAC-sanctioned Maritime Classic 10K Run each November, the island is full of scenic running routes. Walking, inline skating, riding a scooter and cycling are also popular ways of getting around the island. Recently, Frommer’s Best Beach Vacations: Carolinas and Georgia named Bald Head Island its "#1 Beach for Bicycling." Island Passage rents bikes by the day and the week. You can bring your bike to Bald Head with you but will be charged extra to place it on the ferry. If bringing a bike, be sure to tell them when you make your reservation to make sure there will be room. Otherwise they may bring it over on the next available ferry that has space.
Day Spa - Serenity By The Sea Day Spa offers massage therapy, salt glow body scrub, rejuvenating and detoxifying body wraps, etc. Some of their services are offered on-island and others require a day trip to Southport. If you go to Southport while visiting, please be sure to buy a No-Frills ferry pass while you are on the island. A no frills pass will be offered only from the island. Appointments at Serenity by the Sea can be made at 910-457-0502.
Walking, Running and Cycling - Car-free roads through the forest, along the creek and beside the ocean make Bald Head Island a pedestrian’s paradise. Site of the TAC-sanctioned Maritime Classic 10K Run each November, the island is full of scenic running routes. Walking, inline skating, riding a scooter and cycling are also popular ways of getting around the island. Recently, Frommer’s Best Beach Vacations: Carolinas and Georgia named Bald Head Island its "#1 Beach for Bicycling." Island Passage rents bikes by the day and the week. You can bring your bike to Bald Head with you but will be charged extra to place it on the ferry. If bringing a bike, be sure to tell them when you make your reservation to make sure there will be room. Otherwise they may bring it over on the next available ferry that has space.
Day Spa - Serenity By The Sea Day Spa offers massage therapy, salt glow body scrub, rejuvenating and detoxifying body wraps, etc. Some of their services are offered on-island and others require a day trip to Southport. If you go to Southport while visiting, please be sure to buy a No-Frills ferry pass while you are on the island. A no frills pass will be offered only from the island. Appointments at Serenity by the Sea can be made at 910-457-0502.
Nature Walks
It can be argued that any road on the island provides a nature walk, but for one a bit more off the beaten path, the M. Kent Mitchell Nature Trail provides a scenic 20-minute walk through the maritime forest and along the salt marsh and tidal creek. Access to the trail is from a point near the Maritime Market. There is a sign by the road identifying it.
In the summer months, the Bald Head Island Conservancy conducts Turtle Walks at night and Alligator and Bird Walks in the morning. There is also a “gator pond” on Stede Bonnet Wynd - although you will likely see far more turtles than gators there.
In the summer months, the Bald Head Island Conservancy conducts Turtle Walks at night and Alligator and Bird Walks in the morning. There is also a “gator pond” on Stede Bonnet Wynd - although you will likely see far more turtles than gators there.
Historic Tour Packages - Pirates Weekend! - climb Old Baldy
An historical, and sometimes hysterical, narrated tour of Bald Head Island delivers facts and fancy, legends and lore. Tours run Tuesday-Saturday starting at 10:30 am. The price also includes round-trip ferry passage, lunch voucher, and entrance to the Smith Island Museum of History and the Old Baldy Lighthouse.
Tours for those already staying on the island are available for $30 (price subject to change without notice). Call (910) 457-5003 for reservations. Alternatively you can go it alone and explore the “Old Baldy” lighthouse. The climb to the top is well worth the effort to see the view out over the Marsh and Harbour. While there, take a walk through the Chapel. Who knows, maybe your baby will grow up on BHI vacations and end up getting married there too!
Tours for those already staying on the island are available for $30 (price subject to change without notice). Call (910) 457-5003 for reservations. Alternatively you can go it alone and explore the “Old Baldy” lighthouse. The climb to the top is well worth the effort to see the view out over the Marsh and Harbour. While there, take a walk through the Chapel. Who knows, maybe your baby will grow up on BHI vacations and end up getting married there too!
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Bald Head Island Shopping
Centrally located in the forest on Maritime Way, The Maritime Market grocery store offers a large selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and seafood, as well as beer, wine, bread and canned goods. This full-service supermarket also includes a deli, butcher shop and sandwich counter. There is no need to bring anything to the island if you don't want to. This is a full service grocery store. Part of the fun is going grocery shopping in a golf cart and trying to decide where all the bags fit and to find the fastest way home before the ice cream melts. This is where you go to swap out the propane tank on the grill if it runs out of gas while you are there. We work on the honesty system on BHI and appreciate your cooperation with doing this. I'll even send you the money if you mention it.
The BHI Club’s Pro Shop offers a wide selection of Bald Head Island Club logo apparel, as well as golf equipment and accessories. The staff will schedule tee times, croquet court times and golf lessons, and handle golf club rentals and repairs.
Inside Island Passage you'll find an eclectic array of quality sportswear and accessories, not to mention a collection of colorfully designed Bald Head Island T-shirts. Island Passage Paddlers can also arrange a variety of island excursions including crabbing, canoeing and kayaking. Bikes, fishing gear, beach chairs and umbrellas, as well as golf carts, may be rented.
The Island Passage offers a whole list of recreational rentals to save you from having to carry items to the island with you. Remember, you can bring your own bike but it costs extra to carry it on the boat and you need to tell them at the time you make your ferry reservations if you plan to bring it. Alternatively, Island Passage offers bike rentals at $5/hour, $20/daily or $60/week which includes bike, baby seat and/or tagalongs. They also offer bike helmets and baby trailers. For the beach they offer umbrellas and chairs and boogie boards. They also rent golf carts. All these items are available but usually require a reservation. It is wise to make advance reservations during the busy season. Call 910-457-4944 for more information.
Located next to the Maritime Market, Maritime Passage is a boutique offering an array of relaxed island fashion, gifts, jewelry and accessories for men, women and children.
Island Hardware Centrally located near the intersection of Muscadine Wynd and Edward Teach Wynd at 16 Maritime Way, this 5,000 square foot facility provides an array of home improvement items, grills, beach toys and garden supplies.
The Silver Peddler, directly next to the Maritime Market offers beautiful and unique jewelry and home accessories.
The BHI Club’s Pro Shop offers a wide selection of Bald Head Island Club logo apparel, as well as golf equipment and accessories. The staff will schedule tee times, croquet court times and golf lessons, and handle golf club rentals and repairs.
Inside Island Passage you'll find an eclectic array of quality sportswear and accessories, not to mention a collection of colorfully designed Bald Head Island T-shirts. Island Passage Paddlers can also arrange a variety of island excursions including crabbing, canoeing and kayaking. Bikes, fishing gear, beach chairs and umbrellas, as well as golf carts, may be rented.
The Island Passage offers a whole list of recreational rentals to save you from having to carry items to the island with you. Remember, you can bring your own bike but it costs extra to carry it on the boat and you need to tell them at the time you make your ferry reservations if you plan to bring it. Alternatively, Island Passage offers bike rentals at $5/hour, $20/daily or $60/week which includes bike, baby seat and/or tagalongs. They also offer bike helmets and baby trailers. For the beach they offer umbrellas and chairs and boogie boards. They also rent golf carts. All these items are available but usually require a reservation. It is wise to make advance reservations during the busy season. Call 910-457-4944 for more information.
Located next to the Maritime Market, Maritime Passage is a boutique offering an array of relaxed island fashion, gifts, jewelry and accessories for men, women and children.
Island Hardware Centrally located near the intersection of Muscadine Wynd and Edward Teach Wynd at 16 Maritime Way, this 5,000 square foot facility provides an array of home improvement items, grills, beach toys and garden supplies.
The Silver Peddler, directly next to the Maritime Market offers beautiful and unique jewelry and home accessories.
Turtle Central
Located at the Bald Head Island Conservancy headquarters at the east end of Federal Road, Turtle Central Conservancy Gift Shop stocks a delightful assortment of jewelry, T-shirts, toys, books, note cards and gifts. Store clerks are volunteers and proceeds from the store benefit the conservancy’s programs.
The Climate
Bald Head Island is a mild climate semitropical island. Moderated by the warm waters of the nearby Gulf Stream, the weather on Bald Head Island is generally mild year-round, making it an ideal year round destination.
We have had a dusting of snow (That's fun in a golf cart!!!) but in general in the winter we enjoy days in the 50s and by March we average high 60s. By Easter we expect days in the mid-70s. We are far enough into the gulf stream that the water is mild all year and in fact, I saw kids swimming over New Year's. Every season has something unique to offer. September and October with days in the 70s and 80s and nights in the 60s and 70s is the "locals" favorite but Summers are made for the beach and Spring is made for weddings. We haven't found our favorite yet, (in nearly 2 decades) so I guess we will just keep trying.
We have had a dusting of snow (That's fun in a golf cart!!!) but in general in the winter we enjoy days in the 50s and by March we average high 60s. By Easter we expect days in the mid-70s. We are far enough into the gulf stream that the water is mild all year and in fact, I saw kids swimming over New Year's. Every season has something unique to offer. September and October with days in the 70s and 80s and nights in the 60s and 70s is the "locals" favorite but Summers are made for the beach and Spring is made for weddings. We haven't found our favorite yet, (in nearly 2 decades) so I guess we will just keep trying.
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