Attractions

Hampstead is primarily a residential zone, but is dusted with natural attractions that should not be missed.  The blues and greens of the coastal waters are inviting to any lover of the land and can be complemented with sun bathing, boating, fishing, kayaking (virtually any water activity), or just meandering around the marshlands in search of wildlife. Hampstead serves as the 'seafood capital of the Carolinas,' so surely be in town when the Spot festival and fish themselves are in season for a taste of Hampstead, both in flavor and in fun. 

For information about nearby things to see and do, make sure to check out our Wilmington attractions and our Topsail Island attractions sections.

This 1850 Greek Revival house and plantation is one of the oldest and most stunning existing peanut plantations in North Carolina. Costumed and in character guides lead visitors through a lovingly restored mansion and recount the plantation's history. Skills important to daily 19th-century life, such as spinning, weaving, smithery and basketry,...read more

The Buccaneer offers sightseeing, sunset and party cruises, all slam packed with fun, laughter and beautiful landscapes. Sightseeing cruises provide the opportunity to see dolphins, osprey and other wildlife as you cruise by Blackbeard's old hideout. Sunset cruises offer a time to relax and have a front row view of Topsail's...read more

While the primary purpose of this all-volunteer facility is the care and rehabilitation of sick and injured sea turtles, the center is open on a limited basis to the public. Visitors can view magnificent loggerhead sea turtles, green sea turtles and perhaps even a rare Kemp's Ridley turtle while learning about...read more

Join in the fun as pirates aboard the 48-foot Raven chase the Belle of Topsail down the Intracoastal Waterway. The six-passenger Ravenpirate ship is outfitted with 12 black-smoke cannon, square masts, a crow's nest and pirate re-enactors. The much larger Belle of Topsail, a 55-foot replica of an 1880s double-decker riverboat,...read more

From a beautifully simple Native American dugout canoe, to a high-tech Osprey V-22 exhibit, the Missiles and More Museum covers a lot of ground in a historical and very intersting aspect. Kids of all ages will enjoy the pirate exhibit featuring notorious pirates, including Blackbeard, who once plundered the merchant ships traveling past Topsail Island....read more