Seaside splendor at Bald Head Island vacation home rentals
Now quiet and tranquil, Bald Head Island has been at the center of events twice in its history: once in the Revolutionary War and again during the Civil War, when it was a Confederate fort controlling shipping. Thankfully, it’s now a peaceful vacation destination with 14 miles of pristine beaches; perfect for a great family-friendly getaway with quality Bald Head Island vacation rentals. Here, you can leave your car behind on the mainland before taking the 20-minute ferry trip to this exquisite island vacation destination. With no cars on the island, transportation is limited to golf carts, bikes, or your own two feet!
Historic sites near Bald Head Island vacation homes
Bald Head Island boasts numerous historic sites to delight the history buff. Vacation rentals are available near fascinating locations like the Oak Island Lighthouse, a concrete lighthouse with tours up to the balcony, and the Smith Island Museum of History, a local maritime history museum with a recreated lighthouse-keeper’s cottage. You'll also like Fort Caswell, a brick gun battery ruin site with period buildings of a coastal fortress.
Places to visit near your Bald Head Island summer rental
There are so many great attractions on Bald Head Island. Step out of your vacation home into a family-friendly world where you can relax and even learn a new skill. From surfing and paddleboarding to sailing, qualified instructors will help you get started. Or why not bike or hike around the island? Its gentle terrain offers cyclists an easy pedal and is ideal for family walks. Take a trip to historic Old Baldy Lighthouse or the Bald Head Woods Maritime Forest Preserve, which offers tranquil walks through the woods under a canopy of trees.
Activities near Bald Head Island vacation homes
Bald Head Island vacation rentals are superb bases for accessing the island’s beautiful beaches, which just beg you to build sandcastles, stroll, take a swim, or slowly unwind from the stresses of daily life. Beach equipment, including umbrellas, chairs, and beach games like bocce can be rented. You can also choose to take part in a more physical activity like paddleboarding or kayaking among the many creeks and inlets, or flying high and skimming the waves on a kiteboard. Take the opportunity to experience the joy of sailing during your visit. Whether you're a new or seasoned sailor, there’s something for you.
Climate for your stay in Bald Head Island vacation homes
Bald Head Island has a subtropical climate, and is the northernmost point in the U.S.A. where sabal palms grow naturally. Influenced by the waters of the nearby Gulf Stream, the weather is generally mild all year round, and each of the four seasons brings its own distinct pleasures. During the summer, temperatures can reach 91°F in July, which is the hottest month. Temperatures are still fairly mild in winter, at around 59°F in January.
Bald Head Island—a remarkable natural environment
Bald Head Island is the southernmost of North Carolina’s cape islands. It’s also the northernmost subtropical environment on the East Coast. Bald Head Island vacation rentals will bring you close to nearly 200 species of birds, dolphins, loggerhead turtles, alligators, deer, foxes, and an amazing variety of fish. And with 10,000 of the island’s 12,000 acres set aside as nature preserves, it’ll be a tough choice deciding which to explore first. Explore the ocean beaches on foot, glide in a kayak, or canoe on the tidal creek, or wander in the maritime forest with its enchanting mix of foliage.
How to get to and around Bald Head Island
The nearest airport is in Wilmington Intl. Airport (ILM), located 27.9 mi (44.9 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you might consider flying into Myrtle Beach Intl. Airport (MYR), which is 54.4 mi (87.5 km) away.