No, Open fires on the beach are not allowed. Cooking on the beach using a charcoal grill or similar device is allowed.

Burn Permits are required for all outdoor burning. The only exceptions are:

1. Grill fires for the purpose of cooking food; and
2. Fires in metal drums (e.g., 55-gallon) on construction sites, provided they are used to warm workers and/or tools and are completely extinguished before the last worker leaves the site.

Golf Carts are not permitted to operate on any state or town owned streets within the Town of Topsail Beach. Low-speed vehicles designated and registered as such by the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles are permitted on streets or roadways where the posted speed limit is no greater than 35 mph other than North or South Anderson which may only be used to cross over to another street. However, low speed vehicles are allowed in the 25 mph zone of S Anderson in the business district of Topsail Beach. Low-speed vehicles must properly display a valid North Carolina Registration plate, and are subject to the State’s motor vehicle laws. Please refer to the police page on this website for detailed information concerning the operation of low-speed vehicles in Topsail Beach.

Beach Access Permits will NOT be available this year in Topsail Beach due to a Beach Renourishment project set to begin this Fall. Beach Access Permits are normally sold between October 1st and January 15th for vehicles and between October 1st and March 30th for horses each year. Due to the impending project, Commissioners determined that in the best interest of the project, horses and vehicles will not be permitted on the beach this year.

The Town fully expects to make Beach Access Permits available next year during the 2024-2025 season.

Licensed four-wheel drive vehicles may be operated on the very south end of the beach strand between October 1st and January 15th for fishing only. A permit is required which can be purchased at the Topsail Beach Police Department during normal business hours. Fees are $25 for Topsail Beach property owners or residents and $100 for non-residents and $50 for weekly passes. Please contact the Topsail Beach Police Department for a complete list of the rules and regulations pertaining to driving on the beach. Dune buggies and ATV's are not allowed on the beach.

Beach Access Permits will NOT be available this year in Topsail Beach due to a Beach Renourishment project set to begin this Fall. Beach Access Permits are normally sold between October 1st and January 15th for vehicles and between October 1st and March 30th for horses each year. Due to the impending project, Commissioners determined that in the best interest of the project, horses and vehicles will not be permitted on the beach this year.

The Town fully expects to make Beach Access Permits available next year during the 2024-2025 season.

Horses and their owners possessing valid town permits are allowed on the beach strand during the period beginning on October 1st of each year and ending on March 30th of the next year. Permits are issued by the Topsail Beach Police Department, 812 S. Anderson Blvd.,Topsail Beach. For more information, contact the Police Department at 910-328-4851. 910-328-4851.

Emma Anderson Memorial Chapel is located at 1100 S. Anderson Blvd here in Topsail Beach.

For an interactive map of all NC beach accesses, visit Carolina Division of Coastal Management.

Yes, dogs are allowed, but all dogs must be on a leash (no longer than 20ft) when off its own property limits from the period between May 15 through September 30 of each year. Additionally, all dogs must be on a leash from April 1 through September 30 of each year in the area designated as Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) Unit L07 by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and as clearly marked by the Town. The person must always be prepared to remove any "deposits" left by the dog. These regulations apply to the entire town including the beach.

The Town of Topsail Beach welcomes anyone who would like to have a beach wedding. There is no charge and no permit is required unless you plan to use amplification equipment during your event, including ceremony and reception. Outdoor Entertainment Permits require approval by the Town Manager and the Chief of Police not less than one day in advance of the event date.

During the tourist season, May through September, parking will be limited. The wedding party and guests should be aware that the public's access to the beach cannot be restricted for the wedding, cars must be parked completely off all paved streets and walking on or disturbing the dunes is not allowed. Contact the Topsail Beach Police Department at 910-328-4851 910-328-4851 and advise of your event date, location, and contact information in case of an emergency.