10 Reasons to Visit Bald Head Island

Bald Head Island is my happy place. There is nowhere like it. It’s one of those places that you can never truly explain it to someone until they experience it for themselves. Bald Head Island has been my family’s favorite summer beach trip spot for many, many years now…and I never feel like my summer is complete without finishing the season off with a trip to this magical place.

My Outfit: Dress / Shoes / Hat / Lilly’s Outfit: Dress / Shoes / Alex’s Outfit: Polo / Shorts / Shoes

As Summer 2020 comes to a close, I wanted to share ten reasons why you should add Bald Head Island to your travel bucket list.

Also be sure to check out my Bald Head Island Travel Guide blog post here for all the details on how to book your trip, where to stay, where to eat, etc.

10 Reasons to Visit Bald Head Island:

There are no cars on the island:

No cars are allowed on the island. Your only means of transportation once on the island are golf carts, bikes, or by foot! You leave your cars at Deep Point Marina and can either take the ferry or a private boat over to the island.

There is something so magical about riding a golf cart around the island. You get to see other beachgoers as you pass each other on carts…smile and wave…there is no separation between you and nature…the list goes on. My favorite evening activity is cruising around on the golf cart to pick our sunset view for the night.

When you look to rent a house on the island, the rental details will disclose how many carts the house comes with, so typically you do not have to rent golf carts…just a house that comes with golf carts as part of your rental. Pretty cool.

Forest or Sea…Which One Will It Be?

Book the perfect house for your family based on size, and where you want to be located…East Beach or West Beach? The Maritime Forest or the Marsh? There are so many amazing places to stay on the island. We typically stay in the Maritime Forest because it’s centrally located to the shops and we can get to either East or West Beaches in a flash!

Connect With Nature:

Nature is everywhere you turn. One of my favorite parts of Bald Head Island is the “tunnel of trees”. When going through the maritime forest, the trees almost bend to cover the road with gorgeous Spanish moss dripping down. It’s glorious. You run into all kinds of wildlife. Deer, foxes, maybe if you are lucky you can even see a sea turtle nest hatch!

I also love that the BHI Conservancy has evening nest excavations and all kinds of activities to learn more about marine life and other wildlife on the island.

Family Fun for Everyone:

There is an activity for everyone in your group on Bald Head Island. From Pirate led ghost tours to kayaking the creeks, sailing lessons, bike rides, paddleboarding, golf, croquet, tennis, going down water slides, you name it…

You can also belong to one of the clubs on the island for the week that offer amazing kid-friendly pools and facilities.

No Crowded Beaches:

One of the reasons I felt so comfortable going to Bald Head Island this summer is that social distancing is natural there. You might see only three or four other groups of people on the beach when you are there. I love how it feels like I have the beach to myself…and sometimes I do!

It Isn’t Touristy:

The older I get, the less I want to be in a crowd. I love that Bald Head Island has exactly what you need. Nothing more, nothing less. There is a small market that you can buy groceries at. A few beautifully curated shops, and a handful of restaurants. That’s it. There are no busy boardwalks and nothing is ever crowded. I love that about the island.

Turtle Time:

I love that everything is slower-paced on the island. The golf carts, the meals, the long days at the beach. I love a good adventure vacation, but nothing truly resets me like a beach day at BHI. Plus, you might actually get to see a real sea turtle while you are here.

The History:

Bald Head Island is filled with early American history. Pirates such as Blackbeard and Steede Bonnet used Bald Head Island as a hide out during their days of terrorizing the seas. It’s fun to learn all about the history of the island, and climb to the top of Old Baldy-the historic lighthouse!

Family First:

This island loves families. You see that in everything they do. From the no cars on the island rule, to the activities you can join in on at one of the clubs or the conservancy, this island was made for families to visit. In fact, I met friends on the island when I was a little girl, and still make plans to see them year after year, even as grown-ups with our own families.

It’s So Special You Can’t Explain It:

I could speak to the magic of Bald Head Island for hours, but to truly know just how special this place is, you will have to travel there yourself!

Here ends my summer blog post for the year! Sad to see summer go, but I am so excited for everything fall holds!

xoxo,

Kalyn

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