Surf City sits as the commercial heart of Topsail Island, providing a dense concentration of independent retailers that cater to beachgoers and year-round residents. The shopping landscape here focuses on boutique fashion, professional outdoor gear, and locally produced artisan goods. Finding the best places for shopping in Surf City involves traversing the area near the swing bridge and exploring the retail hubs along the main thoroughfares.
A walk through the town reveals a commitment to local entrepreneurship and a distinct lack of large chain retailers. The shops in this coastal community offer a detailed look at North Carolina’s seaside culture.
Topsail Island Trading Company
Topsail Island Trading Company functions as a primary destination for those seeking high-quality gifts and local specialties. This family-owned establishment, located on New River Drive, is widely recognized for its extensive collection of nautical jewelry and coastal home decor. The interior offers a bright and organized setting where visitors can browse through rows of wind chimes, beach-themed ornaments, and premium clothing.
The store's most famous feature is its homemade fudge. The shop also serves as a hub for permanent jewelry, where custom chains are welded directly onto the wearer. The inventory often features items from local North Carolina artisans, offering a unique selection that evolves with the seasons.
East Coast Sports
East Coast Sports provides a comprehensive retail experience for outdoor enthusiasts, specializing in professional-grade fishing and boating equipment. Located on Roland Avenue, this shop has served the island since 1952. The store spans an extensive square footage, housing a massive inventory that includes everything from light tackle to offshore rigging.
The clothing department offers a wide selection of performance apparel from renowned brands such as Grundéns, AFTCO, and Guy Harvey. Beyond the fishing gear, the shop stocks a variety of beach necessities, including high-end sunglasses, hats, and footwear designed for maritime environments. The establishment remains a central point for information on local fishing tournaments and coastal recreation.
Herring’s Outdoor Sports
Herring’s Outdoor Sports focuses on the active side of coastal living, providing a specialized selection of outdoor apparel and equipment. This shop, located near the Surf City bridge, serves as the premier outfitter for kayaks and paddleboards. The retail space emphasizes quality, featuring top-tier brands such as Patagonia, The North Face, and Columbia.
The inventory covers the specific needs of individuals engaging in water sports and hiking. Customers can find technical footwear, moisture-wicking clothing, and specialized beach gear like UV-protective umbrellas and heavy-duty coolers. The shop also offers a robust rental program, allowing patrons to test high-end paddleboards and kayaks before making a purchase.
Surf Shops in Surf City
A town named Surf City has no shortage of surf shops. These four sit on the island side, close enough to the water that you can rent a board and be in the waves within minutes.
405 Roland Ave.
Onshore Surf Shop
Bills itself as Surf City’s oldest surf shop, a go-to for surf gear and water sports.
111 N. Shore Dr.
Spinnaker Surf Shop
A family-owned shop established in 1988, less than 100 yards from the ocean, that rents surfboards by the day.
306 S. Topsail Dr.
50 South Surf Shop
Surf gear and surf-inspired clothing for the family, plus surfboard and beach bike rentals and surf lessons.
310 New River Dr.
Bert’s Surf Shop
Beach and surfwear, accessories and sporting goods, next to Surfside Sportswear & Gifts on New River Drive.
New to the water? Our guide to surfing in Surf City and kayaking and paddleboarding on Topsail Island cover where to go once you’re geared up.
Bumblebee Market
Bumblebee Market offers a boutique experience characterized by a curated selection of trendy clothing, gourmet treats, and unique gifts. Situated on Roland Avenue, the shop features a coffee bar where patrons can purchase specialty mochas and lattes to enjoy while they browse. The atmosphere is upscale and inviting, with a focus on sophisticated resort wear and accessories.
The market is particularly well-known for its selection of dark chocolate caramels with sea salt and other gourmet confections. The clothing racks showcase on-trend styles that appeal to a wide age range, featuring brands that are difficult to find in larger commercial centers. Gift sections include items for pets, children, and home entertaining, making it a reliable stop for birthday or holiday shopping.
Mia’s Marketplace
Mia’s Marketplace occupies a large retail space on NC Highway 50 and is divided into two distinct shopping sections. "The Pantry" specializes in old-fashioned candy, saltwater taffy, and a diverse selection of gourmet dips, mustards, and salsas. This area provides a nostalgic experience with its wide range of artisanal snacks and local specialty foods.
The "The Boutique" section of the store focuses on unique gifts, home decor, and resort wear. The selection includes fine jewelry, handcrafted soaps, and decorative items that reflect the coastal environment. The shop is a destination for those seeking to furnish a beach home or discover a high-quality souvenir that surpasses standard trinkets. The combined format of the store enables a comprehensive shopping experience that caters to both gourmet food needs and fashion interests.
More Gift Shops in Surf City
If you’re shopping for souvenirs or presents, these smaller stops round out the gift scene. Several cluster at 208 N. New River Drive, which makes them easy to visit together.
125 N. Topsail Dr.
Sugar Kingdom
More than 2,500 kinds of candy for kids and grownups alike.
208 N. New River Dr.
Popcorn, Soap and Southern Crafts
Topsail Island Popcorn Factory (250+ sweet and savory recipes), Carolina Shores Natural Soap (handmade soaps and lotions) and Southern Emporium (handmade crafts and home wares) share this address.
418 N. New River Dr.
Megabella Treasures
Known for what it calls the largest selection of nutcrackers on the island, a natural stop for holiday shopping.
13500 NC Hwy 50, Gateway
Tommy J Designer Jewelry
Handmade sterling silver and 14K yellow and white gold jewelry on the mainland side.
Gift that gives back
Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue Gift Shop
Turtle-themed gifts whose sales help fund the all-volunteer rescue and rehabilitation center. Hours are seasonal, so check before you go.
206 N. Topsail Dr.
Sandy Toes Boutique & Gifts
A family-owned boutique with contemporary upscale and casual clothing, open year-round.
Source: Pender County Tourism, Surf City shopping directory (at the time of writing).
Surfside Sportswear & Gifts
Surfside Sportswear & Gifts is one of the oldest retail establishments on Topsail Island, having opened its doors in 1976. This 5,000-square-foot store, situated between Island Delights and Bert’s Surf Shop, offers a traditional beach shop experience with an emphasis on family-owned service. The store is managed by a multi-generational team that possesses deep roots in the community.
The shop offers a massive selection of merchandise, including swimwear, footwear, and home decor. The inventory also features an impressive Christmas section, including beach-themed ornaments and local holiday cards. The sheer volume of souvenir t-shirts and sweatshirts ensures that every visitor can find a memento of their time on the island.
Rust & Refined
Rust & Refined brings a modern, industrial-chic aesthetic to the local retail scene. This lifestyle boutique focuses on a mix of new and vintage items for men, women, and the home. The shop, located on Roland Avenue, offers a curated collection that emphasizes quality and craftsmanship over mass production.
The men's section features durable apparel and accessories from brands like Dirty Marsh Outfitters, while the women's section focuses on timeless pieces and contemporary accessories. The shop's commitment to a specific, polished aesthetic makes it a standout destination for those who appreciate a more curated and thoughtful approach to shopping in Surf City.
Locals Art Gallery & Wine Bar
Locals Art Gallery & Wine Bar offers a sophisticated environment that seamlessly blends fine art with a premium wine selection. Located behind the Salty Turtle brewery, the gallery exclusively showcases the work of local artists based in the Topsail area. The artistic range includes photography, abstract resin work, and traditional paintings that capture the essence of the coast.
Patrons can enjoy a glass of wine or a craft beer while viewing the rotating exhibits. The gallery also sells bottles of wine to go, featuring one of the most extensive collections in the region. The addition of gourmet charcuterie and desserts makes the gallery a social destination as much as a retail one.
Shopping in Topsail Beach
At the south end of the island, Topsail Beach keeps its shops close together on South Anderson Boulevard, with addresses running from 627 to 708.
627 S. Anderson Blvd.
South End Outfitters
Open since late 2012, with fishing gear like Yeti coolers and Penn reels alongside Peter Millar and Vineyard Vines apparel.
702 S. Anderson Blvd.
The Gift Basket
A locally owned shop established in 1973, with jewelry, gifts, tide and nautical clocks and weather instruments.
706 S. Anderson Blvd.
The Blue Gracias Open Air Art Market
Original art, gifts and home decor, much of it made from materials with a former life.
708 S. Anderson Blvd.
White Crab Coffee and Books
Espresso, homemade baked goods and a shelf of beach reads from bestsellers to local authors.
Groceries and Everyday Shopping
The island shops are independent, but daily errands are easy. Most of the big grocery stores sit on the mainland along NC 210 and NC 50.
Store | Where |
|---|
Surf City IGA | 106 S. Topsail Dr., on the island. Often listed under its business name, Surf City Shopping Center. |
Publix | The Arboretum at Surf City, 2765 NC Hwy 210 E, at NC 210 and NC 50. The 48,000-square-foot store opened in 2018. |
Harris Teeter | Surf City Crossing, at NC 210 and U.S. 17 |
Walmart Neighborhood Market | 420 Fun Center Dr., with a pharmacy |
Sources: Surf City Ocean Pier, local business listings;
WECT (2018); WilmingtonBiz (July 2019); Walmart store page (at the time of writing).
Shopping off-season? Pender County Tourism notes that local shops keep seasonal hours and recommends calling or checking a store’s website before you visit, especially in fall and winter.
Explore Life in Surf City
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Treasure understands that the quality of local retail and the vibrancy of the business community are essential factors in the Surf City lifestyle. They specialize in identifying residential properties that offer convenient access to the region’s premier shopping and cultural hubs.
Interested in Surf City real estate?
Reach out today and find your dream home in Surf City.
Living Near Surf City’s Shops
Many buyers want to walk to the shops on the island while keeping the grocery stores on the mainland within a short drive. Here is where to start, depending on which side of the bridge appeals to you.
Topsail Beach and North Topsail
Explore More With Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Treasure
More Questions About Shopping in Surf City
What is Surf City Shopping Center?
It’s the business name often listed for the Surf City IGA, the grocery store at 106 S. Topsail Drive on the island.
Where can I buy groceries near Surf City?
On the island, there’s the Surf City IGA. On the mainland, Publix is at the Arboretum at Surf City (NC 210 and NC 50), Harris Teeter anchors Surf City Crossing (NC 210 and U.S. 17), and there’s a Walmart Neighborhood Market on Fun Center Drive.
Are Surf City shops open in the winter?
Some are, but shops keep seasonal hours, so Pender County Tourism recommends calling or checking a store’s website first. Sandy Toes Boutique, for example, is open year-round.
Where can I shop in Topsail Beach?
South Anderson Boulevard has South End Outfitters, The Gift Basket (established in 1973), The Blue Gracias Open Air Art Market and White Crab Coffee and Books, all within a few doors of each other.
Where can I rent a surfboard in Surf City?
Spinnaker Surf Shop on N. Shore Drive rents surfboards by the day, and 50 South Surf Shop on S. Topsail Drive rents surfboards and beach bikes and offers lessons.
How do I find a home near the shops in Surf City?
Sources: Pender County Tourism; Surf City Ocean Pier; WECT; WilmingtonBiz; Walmart (at the time of writing).
Find Your Place in Surf City
