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Surf City, Topsail’s Oldest Town
Largest of the three towns on the island, Surf City was chartered in 1949 and has a permanent population of about 1,700. The town proudly possesses the island’s only traffic lights and is linked to the mainland by an old-fashioned swing bridge.
With more than 30 beach accesses, boat ramps, park, playground, picnic area and an oceanfront pier, the town is the business center for the island and is experiencing rapid growth both residentially and commercially. Almost all of Topsail Island’s restaurants and many of its shops are located in Surf City.
Lots of the commercial development has taken place at the mainland portion of Surf City, including an area annexed for the Lowe’s Home Improvement store on Highway 17 North. Land also has been set aside for a new, large grocery store there.
In 2006, a new 17,000-square-foot community center was built. A beautiful outdoor recreation area was developed by the town just across the swing bridge that connects the mainland with the island. A picnic area and lots of playground equipment are among the facilities located there.
The Surf City Welcome and Visitors Center is located at 102 North Shore Drive, just a few yards north of the Surf City Pier. The Center’s goal is to promote Surf City as a welcoming year-round spot for visitors. An event that brings lots of visitors to Surf City the first weekend in December is the Christmas Flotilla, when boats are decorated and prizes are awarded for the best design. Fourth of July is another major happening featuring a popular fireworks display held near Surf City’s park.