Amanda & Tanner
BHI ACTIVITIES
Old Baldy Lighthouse and Smith Island Museum
Climb Old Baldy and Visit the Smith Island Museum: One of the prettiest sights on Bald Head Island is Old Baldy rising above the trees, looking out over the sea, marsh and harbor, and greeting you when you arrive on the ferry. Old Baldy, North Carolina’s oldest standing lighthouse and one of three that once graced Bald Head Island, is only a short walk from the ferry landing. Admission to the Smith Island Museum of History allows you to climb Old Baldy’s 108 steps for an incomparable view of the island. While you’re there, take a look at the artifacts in the Smith Island Museum and learn more about Bald Head Island’s seafaring history or pick up a souvenir in the gift shop. For those wanting to delve deeper into Bald Head Island’s past, the Smith Island Museum offers self-guided audio tours.
Coastal Urge
Stand Up Paddleboarding: Coastal Urge is your headquarters for all things SUP on Bald Head Island – rentals, guided excursions and instructional sessions take place at The Board Room, located in the harbor. Paddleboards are available for daily or weekly rental and Coastal Urge will deliver them to your house and provide basic instructions there.
Jules’ Salty Grub & Island Pub
Count the boats as they come and go, watch the sun set or just wait for the next ferry to arrive while you enjoy delicious food and beverages at Jules' Salty Grub & Island Pub (formerly MoJo's on the Harbor). Before you even open your menu, order a cocktail or choose from a variety of fine wines and beer. If you’re in the mood for a classic coastal dining experience, order a signature steampot brimming with crabs, peel & eat shrimp or choose from fresh fish entrées. Not in the mood for seafood? Jules' salads, burgers, steaks, pasta dishes and sandwiches are big enough to share. During the summer Jules' offers a sushi bar complete with a selection of à la carte options. In the summer months, LuLu's BBQ, located next door to Jules', will feature smoked brisket, ribs and pulled pork with all the fixin's.
Maritime Market
You can grab breakfast or lunch (or both) at the Maritime Market Café, located inside the Maritime Market. For breakfast, classics like pancakes, biscuits, eggs and bacon are always on the menu, but if you get a chance, try one of the chef’s imaginative daily specials like a local seafood omelet or banana crepes. Lunch selections include sandwiches, salads and wraps with your choice of sides (the house-made potato chips are always a favorite). Dine in the café or outside on the porch, or get your order to go and have lunch at the beach or your favorite al fresco dining spot on the island.If you’re interested in sweet treats, the kitchen bakes fresh pastries – brownies, turnovers and cookies – daily. The Café has an ice cream window where you can get cones, cups and shakes and enjoy them under the shady live oaks. The Café also features a Port City Java coffee bar, offering a full selection of hot and cold coffee beverages.
Island Retreat Spa and Salon
Yoga, Barre and Pilates. The Island Retreat Spa is home to Bald Head Island's only professional yoga studio space. Designed for both beginners and experienced yogis, our space offers a serene respite for thoughtful, productive practice. Our studio features state-of-the-art Manduka mats and props, and boasts filtered natural light from the palm and oak canopy outside. Island Retreat Spa and Salon has a carefully curated collection of beauty and wellness products and gifts in our Spa Boutique. Including silk pajamas, organic skincare, CBD products, essential oils and yoga gear. Located adjacent to Maritime Market, Noonie Doodle Sweets & Treats, and Room Service.
Bald Head Island Club
Hit the golf links: The golf course at the Bald Head Island Club is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful in the Southeast. The George Cobb-designed course winds through the forest, under the eye of Old Baldy, and out onto the dune ridge where a 180° view of the ocean greets you for the final holes. The course was renovated by Tim Cate, and includes redesigned bunkers, expanded fairways and the widespread use of native plants in the landscaping. Can’t miss holes include Nos. 6 and 7, where Old Baldy watches over the course, and 16, a par three set high on the dune ridge with sweeping ocean views. An on-site practice facility provides a space where golfers can warm up, and PGA professionals on staff can give lessons to youth and adults of all skill levels. A clubhouse that offers men’s and women’s golf apparel, golf equipment and shoes, as well as club fitting and regripping services, is open year-round. Club rentals are also available for a fee.
Island Passage
Shopping: Specializing in comfortable, contemporary clothing for men, women and children. Find brands like Free People, YA, Sam Edelman and Dolce Vita shoes, Hobo bags, French Connection, Echo, Jantzen and more. Also Specializing in comfortable clothing for men, women and children, Canopy Outfitters offers a large selection to ensure you’re in style for all your Bald Head Island adventures. If you’re looking for your favorite beach brands like Quicksilver, Billabong, Roxy, Rainbow and Reef, head here. They also stock a large selection of T-shirts, logo apparel and gifts.
Room Service
Shopping: If you’re looking to furnish your beach home or to take a bit of coastal style back home with you, look no further than Room Service, located along Maritime Way. They offer an eclectic mix of new and vintage home decorative items and gifts including rugs, lamps, throw pillows, picture frames, bedding and kitchenware in addition to furniture.
Riverside Adventure Company
Bald Head Island’s beautiful beaches beg you to build sandcastles, stroll, take a swim or just unwind. With 14 miles of pristine beaches, you shouldn’t have a problem finding your perfect spot. South Beach features long stretches of sand and calmer waters, perfect for walking and spending the day with the family. East Beach is ideal for boogie boarding and surfing. Can’t-miss spots include Cape Fear Point, where Frying Pan Shoals extends 30 miles offshore, and the wide stretch of sand where West Beach meets South Beach, a great area for beachcombing. Beach equipment rentals, including umbrellas, chairs and beach games like bocce, croquet and bean bag toss, are available through Riverside Adventure Company on a daily and weeklong basis. Beach & Baby Equipment Rental also offers beach rentals including bocce ball sets, beach carts, chairs and tents. Island Hardware rents chairs and umbrellas.
Delphina
Delphina Cantina brings the fresh flavors of Latin cuisine to Bald Head Island. Located in the harbor in the former River Pilot Café, this lively restaurant serves Mexican food with a Spanish and Cuban flair. Signature dishes like Carnitas Al Horno—pork braised in house made adobo sauce served with braised jalapeno cabbage and Dijon mustard mashed potatoes—show off the chef’s deep knowledge of authentic Latin cuisine. Tasty quesadillas, Baja chicken salad and fish tacos balance out the menu with more familiar options. Don’t miss the Elotero Corn—grilled corn on the cob, roasted garlic aioli, cotija cheese and chilli. It’s to die for. Homemade desserts, a kids menu and an extensive beer and wine list make Delphina a choice for dinner or lunch.