The Destination

Bald Head Island, NC has been a cherished destination for Katie’s family for almost 20 years, and in the last four years, they’ve shared its magic with Peter. It’s also the place where Peter proposed.

Bald Head Island’s unique name was given by mariners who, before lighthouses existed, looked for its well-worn, vegetation-free dunes resembling a bald head. During the 1700s, several infamous pirates, such as Stede Bonnet and Edward Teach (Blackbeard), used Bald Head Island as a hideout. And while the pirates have long gone, the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina, Old Baldy, remains the most visible landmark on the island. It is the second of three lighthouses that have been built on Bald Head Island since the 18th century to help guide ships past the dangerous shoals at the mouth of the Cape Fear river.

Of Bald Head Island’s 12,000 acres, 10,000 are protected and home to a variety of wildlife, including nearly 300 species of birds, dolphins, loggerhead turtles, alligators, deer, and foxes. If you’re looking for aquatic attractions, try fishing in the surf or kayaking in Bald Head Creek, or visit the Bald Head Island Conservancy (BHIC) to learn more about the island’s sea turtle conservation program.

Shopping and Dining

There’s plenty of great places on the island to grab a bite to eat, or do some shopping. Here are a few of our favorites.

Coffee

  • Sandpiper Coffee & Ice Cream offers coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and ice cream. Katie and Peter recommend driving your cart over to their harbor location to start the day with a cold brew!

  • Midway Coffee Co. is a great centrally-located option with coffee, acai bowls, and avocado toast.

Breakfast

  • Boat House serves traditional diner-style breakfast and lunch alongside coffee and brunch cocktails.

Lunch

  • Jules’ Salty Grub & Island Pub is an all-around favorite for lunch, dinner, and late night drinks. Katie and Peter recommend a Soggy Dollar Painkiller or a Cat 5 to kick off the vacation!

  • Jailhouse Provisions offers salads, sandwiches, and a rotating draft beer menu.

  • Mike’s Bites is a great pit-stop for hot dogs and Italian ice after a visit to East Beach.

Dinner

  • Bald Head Bottle is a great pre-dinner drink spot serving fun rotating cocktails. You can also pop in to purchase beer, wine, and seltzer for your home!

  • Copper’s Wood-Fired Kitchen has Neapolitan-style pizza for pickup at the Maritime Market.

  • Bald Head Island Club has it all! Make sure you stop in for dinner after a challenging day out on the golf course. Check on your guest membership in advance!

  • Shoal’s Club has the best views on the island and an elevated dining experience. Check on your guest membership in advance!

Shopping 

If you’re looking to do some shopping, here are some of our favorites on the island:

  • Bald Head Blues for men’s golf apparel.

  • Booty for children’s toys and pool games.

  • Island Passage for men’s and women’s BHI apparel.

  • Monkee’s for women’s clothing.

  • Room Service for home decor and art.

  • Turtle Central for men’s and women’s BHI apparel, in addition to fun conservancy updates during turtle nesting season May-October!

Bald Head Island Map