Homes for Rent in Bald Head Island, NC

Bald Head Island, NC, is a secluded beach village bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Fear River, accessible only by passenger ferry from Southport. This unique community prohibits cars, with residents and visitors using golf carts and bikes for transportation. The island's population, primarily retirees with a median age of 69, has nearly doubled since 2020. Coastal-style beach houses dominate the area, featuring in-ground pools, large windows, and wooded lots for privacy. The Bald Head Island Club offers members outdoor pools, tennis courts, croquet lawns, and a golf course. Attractions include the Bald Head Island Marina, public beach access points, and the Bald Head Woods Reserve with 200 acres of old-growth oak forests and walking trails. The island is a hotspot for turtle nesting, supported by the local turtle conservancy. Dining options include Sandpiper Coffee & Ice Cream, Jailhouse Provisions, and Bald Head Bottle. Maritime Market serves as the community's supermarket. Annual events include the National Lighthouse Day Celebration at Old Baldy and the weekly 5k Turtle Trot. Families are served by Brunswick County Schools, with Southport Elementary School earning high ratings. The ferry to the mainland runs hourly, taking around 40 minutes to reach Bald Head Island. From Southport, it's about an hour's drive to Wilmington and an hour and a half to Myrtle Beach, SC.