Topsail Island, a 26-mile-long barrier island, warmly embraces the local sea turtle habitat, as do many of the southeastern North Carolina beaches. Local volunteers operate the Topsail Turtle Project and the only sea turtle hospital in the state, the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. A visit to the Turtle Hospital, as it is affectionately known, is a real highlight of a Topsail Island vacation. Topsail is a quiet spot with a small downtown shopping area. The island includes the towns of Topsail Beach and Surf City and part of North Topsail Beach.
