North Topsail Beach

North Topsail Beach occupies the northern most part of the island. The name comes from New Topsail Inlet, but the locals say that Topsail Island (pronounced Top-sul) got its name because pirate ships hid behind the island with their sails visible from the sea.

Highrise developments are not permitted in the township. The town is small with only about 2,000 year-round residents, but 8,000 tourists visit North Topsail Beach each month in the summertime.