Things to See and Do on Bald Head Island

Historically referred to as Smith Island, Bald Head Island NC lies in Brunswick County, North Carolina. It is a small, remote island that is a great destination for a family vacation. There are many things to see and do on Bald Head Island. You'll find golf courses, lighthouses, and a forest.

Lighthouse

In the year 1789, construction on the Lighthouse on Bald Head Island began. Unfortunately, the project was plagued with setbacks and was left unfinished. By the time the government took over, only two of the four lighthouses were standing. In the years following, the lighthouse was repaired and put into service.

The current lighthouse, Old Baldy, is one of three remaining structures on Bald Head Island. It's a 14-foot-tall, five-foot-thick brick, and plaster structure. It was designed to guide ships past dangerous shoals along the Cape Fear River.

The lighthouse's history has a fascinating story. Sedgwick Springs, a veteran of the American Revolution and owner of Sedgely Abbey Plantation, was appointed the lighthouse keeper in 1806. He served as the lighthouse keeper for thirty years. However, the lighthouse proved inadequate, especially during bad weather.

When the Lighthouse on Bald Head Island first opened, it was built on an unstable site. The lighthouse's first keeper's cottage was destroyed by erosion. A second keeper's cottage was built on the same site but was destroyed by fire. In 1931, the original brick piers were reused and a larger two-story structure was built in its place. After the fire, a museum was built on the site.

The Lighthouse on Bald Head Island is the centerpiece of Bald Head Island tourism. Visitors to the island can explore the beaches, a maritime forest, and a lighthouse. The island has a unique charm and is a must-see for those who visit North Carolina. Just make sure to stay away from the alligators and enjoy your stay!

The Lighthouse on Bald Head Island was built in 1784, and locals raised funds to build it. They raised money for the project by taxing goods entering the area's ports. The future governor of North Carolina, Benjamin Smith, gave the lighthouse coalition 10 acres of land on the island for the construction of the structure.

Golf courses

If you want to take in some beautiful coastal scenery, you should check out the golf courses on Bald Head Island. They have everything from sandy beaches to maritime forests. You can play a round of golf on a course here and see the sunrise and sunset from the same spot. There are even activities available for the whole family.

There are more than 10 golf courses on Bald Head Island. The courses average a 7.2 grade. You can find them on the official website of the island. To make sure you play a course that will suit your skill level, it helps to know how many courses you can play on Bald Head Island.

Whether you have a lot of time to play golf or are a complete beginner, the courses on Bald Head Island have a variety of options for you. You can join the Bald Head Island Club for full membership and play golf for as many rounds as you'd like. You can even sign up for a temporary membership if you prefer.

The Bald Head Island Club is a great choice for a round of golf on the beach. It's located just a few minutes from Wilmington and Myrtle Beach. This private facility was voted TGD Magazine's Golf Course of the Year in 2018 and offers three 18-hole courses. Each offers a unique challenge and spectacular views.

Forests

Maritime forests are found on Bald Head Island. These forests are a great place for wildlife to live and grow. They provide shelter from storms and harbor species like Carolina wrens, painted buntings, and cardinals. You can also enjoy hiking and biking trails on the island.

To protect these natural habitats, the Bald Head Island Conservancy works with the Division of Coastal Management to manage the island's undeveloped lands. In addition to providing shade, forests also provide additional elevation to the island, which can protect outlying communities and beaches. Furthermore, ancient tree roots hold the sand in place during storms and surges of salt water.

You can choose from a variety of oceanfront and maritime forest vacation rentals on Bald Head Island. You can stay at the Marsh Onward! which is surrounded by trees but only five minutes from the beach. Another great option is Opportunity Knocks, which is near the golf course and sleeps 12 people. Both options are dog-friendly. You can also stay at The Tern, which sleeps eight people and is close to South Beach.

Bald Head Island is an offshore barrier island in the Atlantic Ocean that is home to a variety of habitat types. The Bald Head Island Conservancy works with private landowners, government officials, and industry representatives to conserve and protect small parcels of land on the island. The conservancy currently protects 188 acres of this beautiful island.

Maritime forests on Bald Head Island are home to thriving wildlife. These islands have an amazing tidal marsh and creek system.

Tram rides

Visitors to Bald Head Island can enjoy a ride on a vintage tram or take a leisurely stroll through the island. The island is five square miles, most of it preserved marshland. The developed area is only three miles wide and half a mile deep. This makes walking the island very difficult - and if you don't have a car, the island would be even more challenging.

The ferry service and the tram are both regulated by the NCUC, which is the agency that manages the island's transportation system. The NCUC also has authority over the village's barge and parking operations. The village sees all four services as important for transport to the island. However, if the ferry system is privatized, the NCUC may decide to regulate parking and barge operations, which would mean raising rates indiscriminately.

The ferry to Bald Head Island departs from Deep Point Marina, which is located at 1301 Ferry Road in Southport, N.C. The ferry takes 20 minutes to cross the island but offers a scenic ride as the ferry passes through inland towns and barrier island communities. There are restrooms and indoor and outdoor waiting areas at the Deep Point Marina. There is a fee of $12 to park your car.

There are no reservations needed for the ferry ride. It will return 20 to 45 minutes before the ferry. It is important to note that seating on the ferry is first come, first served. You should try to get there 15 minutes before the ferry. It is also advisable to make a reservation so that you can use the tram to get to your rental house.

I am softleaf a freelance writer who is fascinated by travel, lifestyle, and leisure-related topics