Southern Living Magazine named Topsail Island as one of the top 10 best beach towns in the United States. The May issue listed Topsail Island's 26 miles of beaches and home to three beach towns as a favorite. 

The magazine said, "A no high-rise development rule helps maintain its natural beauty. If you love marine life, visit in summer when Loggerhead sea turtles come ashore to nest and lay eggs along Topsail's beachfront from mid-May through August. And the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Surf City is a great place to learn about the island's preservation and conservation initiatives."

"Topsail Island is home to three beautiful beach towns - North Topsail Beach, Surf City, and Topsail Beach," said Tammy Proctor, director of the Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism. "Each town has its own charm."

Proctor cites events in each town as nationally recognized, award-winning, including Ocean City Jazz Fest, Ocean Fest, and Autumn with Topsail. 

"Each town features delicious dining, especially seafood, and a wide variety of shops," Proctor said. 

"Your beach vacation is closer than you think on Topsail Island," said Proctor. "We are central on the US Eastern coastline, and accessible on Interstate 40 and US Highway 17."

Other national beach towns making the national list are Ocean Springs, Mississippi, Fernandino Beach, Florida, Cape Charles, Virginia, Rehobath Beach, Deleware, Melbourne Beach, Florida, Port Aransas, Texas, Dunedin, Florida, St. Simeon Island, Georgia. The only other North Carolina beach to make the list was Carolina Beach because of its boardwalk.