Surrounding Beaches and Islands

Hammocks Beach - Swansboro North Carolina

Venture to Bear Island and reward yourself with vivid memories of one of the most unspoiled beaches on the Atlantic coast. Accessible only by passenger ferry or private boat, there's just one thing at Hammocks Beach that's crowded—the list of things to do.

Stroll the beach with laughing gulls and sandpipers. Cast a baited hook into endless rows of foaming breakers. Discover tiny specimens of marine life in tidal pools and mudflats. Use a camera or paintbrush to capture the green and gold grasses that color the salt marshes. Spend the night among the sand dunes, or simply bask in the sun and do nothing at all.

Secluded and tranquil, free from intruding commercialism, Hammocks Beach may not be for everyone, but the island is a retreat for people who welcome the challenges of relentless sun, sand, sea and sky.

Ferry Dock @ Hammocks Beach

Hammocks Beach State Park is a North Carolina state park in Onslow County, North Carolina in the United States. Located near Swansboro, along the Southern Outer Banks, or Crystal Coast, the state park covers 1145 acre and consists mainly of Bear Island, but also nearby Huggins Island, as well as Jones Island in the mouth of the White Oak River.

One of the best things about this area is the beach. In Swansboro North Carolina you can take the Ferry out to hammocks beach and in just a short walk be on the shores of one of the most beautiful islands in North Carolina.

If you want to talk shells, Hammocks beach is the place to go. No matter what day it is you can count on a variety of shells. In addition to being isolated the tourists don't seem to visit there as often so the shells are way more abundant than any other beach that you will find on the coast of North Carolina.

If you are really looking for an adventure you can even camp, yes that's right, camp on the shores of Hammocks beach. Be careful not to miss the last Ferry back at 6:00 p.m. though or you will be camping whether you like it or not!

Ferry Schedule is as follows:

9:30am 10:30am 11:30am 12:30pm 1:30pm 2:30pm 3:30pm 4:30pm Huggins Island - Swansboro North Carolina Thanks to the stewardship of numerous local residents and a grant provided by the North Carolina Clean Water Trust Fund, North Carolina Natural Heritage Trust Fund, and the North Carolina Division of State Parks, Huggins Island was purchased and is now permanently preserved, providing expanded low-impact recreational opportunities for visitors to Hammocks Beach State Park. This water quality protection and enhancement project will help to safeguard the State's investment in Huggins Island. What is there to do on Huggins Island? Huggins Island is currently considered a Nature Preserve, due to its unique Cultural and Natural History. The Island has suffered damage to its upland areas, so it has become overgrown with an impenetrable blanket of foliage. There are no plans to develop the island at this time. Is camping allowed on Huggins Island? No, camping is prohibited on Huggins Island, however paddlers may enjoy the 6-mile paddle trail that goes around the island Jones Island - Swansboro North Carolina Jones Island: Jones Island is a 23.46 acre coastal island located at the mouth of the White Oak River. The North Carolina Coastal Federation purchased a portion of the island from land owners through a clean water management trust fund grant. Additional property was donated by the Audubon Society. Together, the two properties were given to the State of North Carolina to be included as part of Hammocks Beach State Park. This unique coastal fringe evergreen forest contains a small wetland area and is considered regionally significant. The island is home to a variety of birds such as the stunning painted bunting. An abundance of wildflowers in the open areas attract butterflies such as the American lady and swallowtails. Mammals on the island include river otter, raccoons and white-tailed deer. What is there to do on Jones Island? Jones Island is currently considered a Nature Preserve and is accessible only by private boat. Plans are in the works have a small interpretive and educational facility available in the future. Is camping allowed on Jones Island? No, camping is prohibited on Jones Island. Camping is only available on Bear Island. Topsail Island - North Carolina Situated at the southern end of Topsail Island, off the coast of southeastern North Carolina, the Town of Topsail Beach is the smallest of the three communities located on the 26-mile long island. North Topsail Beach occupies the northernmost section, and Surf City, the largest town on the island, is in the center. The Island is just off US Highway 17, about half-way between Wilmington and Jacksonville. If you looking for shells this beach is probably not the one for you unless you pay very close attention to the tides because it is always hit or miss on whether or not there will be any. Normally if you can make it early in the morning during low tide your chances are much better because the tourist traffic has not yet his the shores and only the early morning regulars have made it to the shore line and generally they have no interest in the shells. If you are more of a social person and do not mind crowds Topsail is also the beach for you, during tourist season the beach tends to be very crowded and you may have to walk a ways to find a good site to sit and watch the waves; however, don't take this in a negative light unless you are anti-social, there is plenty of networking opportunity involved and friends to meet in this atmosphere. One of the most fascinating things about the island is during the night. There is no swimming allowed during nightfall for safety reasons, but walking along the shore is absolutely amazing against a warm sea breeze. At certain parts of the island the sand can be kicked and will sparkle with a green or purple glow because of the phosphorus embedded within the chemical make up. You will find yourself walking up and down the beach kicking and side stepping all the way along the banks seeing how big you can make the glow grow. Topsail Beach consists of residential cottages and a small quaint business district. We are bordered by water on three sides. Following is a listing of some of the activities convenient to the Jolly Roger. Most of the items listed in Topsail Beach are within walking distance, and all are within biking distance. Topsail Beach Water Sports     Swimming, sailing, boating, skiing, surfing, kayaking, scuba, kite-surfing...     Kayaks, paddleboards, and bicycles delivered by Herring's Outdoor Sports 328-3291     Nature tours, trips, and photography     Pier and Fishing     Partyboat and Tours 328-3474     Town Boat Ramp Jolly Roger Pier -Topsail Island The Jolly Roger Pier is the most magnificent place to gaze upon the ocean in all of Topsail. No matter where you are you can see it stretching out toward the ocean as far as the eye can see. If you are looking for a fishing spot, romantic walk, or just a place to get away from it go out and visit the pier. A personal favorite time is at night when you can walk out on the pier and everything seems to just disapear almost as if you are in another world when you step out onto the pier and begin walking the long walk toward the end your troubles seem to just float away in the wind and you almost become one with the ocean. In addition to the pier The Jolly Roger Inn provides excellent oceanfront accommodations in the village of Topsail Beach, North Carolina. Topsail Island offers miles of sandy beaches, outstanding fishing, quaint shops and restaurants, and all water sports, with great golf nearby. Topsail is a unique treasure, a place where you can enjoy our many activities, or just take it easy and enjoy the view! The Jolly Roger Inn has 65 bedrooms, efficiencies, and suites; most have balconies with outstanding views of the beach strand and the Atlantic Ocean. Our experienced staff takes pride in providing our guests with true Island Hospitality! The Jolly Roger is located within walking distance of Uncrowded Ocean Beaches Deep-Water Sound Our Fishing Pier, Grill, and Shop Restaurants and Gift Shops Bookstore and Coffee Shop Skating Rink and Putt-Putt Partyboat and Boat Ramp Museum and Sea Turtle Hospital Topsail Inlet is just a few minutes away by boat, and there are five golf courses within half an hour's drive. Please call soon to make reservations for a vacation you will long remember! Surf City - North Carolina If you are a surfer you will know where Surf City got it's name from. It is the premier place to find the perfect waves year round if surfing is your thing. No surfer wants to go to a beach that is often hit or miss on whether the waves are right that day and night. The beaches are beautiful as well and there is a big mixture of locals and tourists because of it's popularity but it can be said that if you want to ensure a beautiful beach visit go to Surf City! .