Discover The Best Of Hampstead, Nc With Our Travel Guide

Located in Pender County, North Carolina, Hampstead is a small but vibrant community that offers a myriad of activities for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply want to relax on the beach, Hampstead is the perfect destination. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take you through some of the best attractions, hidden gems, and budget-friendly tips to make your visit unforgettable.

Top Attractions in Hampstead

Hampstead is home to several top attractions that are worth visiting, including:

Hampstead Kiwanis Park

Located on Factory Road, Hampstead Kiwanis Park is a popular destination among families with children. The park features a playground, picnic areas, walking trails, and sports fields, making it an ideal spot for a day out with the family.

Topsail Island

Topsail Island is a barrier island located just off the coast of Hampstead. The island is known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back vibe. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, fishing, and shell collecting on the island.

Hampstead Marina

Located on the Intracoastal Waterway, Hampstead Marina is a full-service marina that offers boat rentals, fueling services, and boat slips. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding in the nearby waters.

Hidden Gems in Hampstead

While Hampstead is home to several popular attractions, there are also several hidden gems that are worth exploring:

The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center

The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center is a non-profit organization that works to rescue, rehabilitate, and release sea turtles back into the wild. Visitors can take a tour of the facility and learn about the center’s conservation efforts.

The Olde Point Golf and Country Club

The Olde Point Golf and Country Club is a private golf club that offers stunning views of the water and challenging courses for golf enthusiasts.

The Hampstead Farmers Market

The Hampstead Farmers Market is a weekly market that offers fresh produce, handmade crafts, and artisanal goods. Visitors can sample local foods and shop for unique souvenirs to take home.

Food Scene in Hampstead

Hampstead has a thriving food scene that offers a variety of cuisines to suit all tastes and budgets:

The Crab Shack

The Crab Shack is a popular seafood restaurant that offers fresh catches of the day, steamed crabs, and other seafood specialties. The restaurant also has a kid-friendly menu and outdoor seating with scenic views.

Thai Spice

Thai Spice is a family-owned restaurant that offers authentic Thai cuisine. The restaurant has a cozy ambiance and a menu that features a wide variety of curries, stir-fries, and noodle dishes.

The Sawmill Grill

The Sawmill Grill is a casual diner that serves classic American fare, including burgers, sandwiches, and breakfast items. The restaurant also has a bar that serves craft beers and cocktails.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Traveling to Hampstead on a budget? Here are some tips to help you save money:

Visit during the offseason

Visiting Hampstead during the offseason (September to April) can help you save money on accommodations and activities.

Take advantage of free activities

Hampstead has several free activities, including hiking trails, beaches, and parks. Take advantage of these activities to save money.

Eat at local markets and food trucks

Instead of eating at expensive restaurants, try eating at local markets and food trucks. You’ll get to sample local foods at a fraction of the cost.

Outdoor Adventures in Hampstead

Hampstead is a nature lover’s paradise, with several outdoor activities to choose from:

Hiking Trails

Hampstead has several hiking trails that offer scenic views of the water and wildlife. The Hampstead Kiwanis Park and the Holly Shelter Game Land are popular spots for hiking.

Fishing

Hampstead is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, with several fishing charters and marinas offering guided trips.

Beaches

Topsail Island, located just off the coast of Hampstead, is home to several beaches that offer swimming, sunbathing, and surfing opportunities.

Family-Friendly Activities in Hampstead

Hampstead offers several family-friendly activities that are perfect for kids of all ages:

The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center

The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center is a great place for kids to learn about sea turtles and conservation efforts.

Hampstead Kiwanis Park

Hampstead Kiwanis Park has several playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields that are perfect for kids of all ages.

Topsail Island

Topsail Island has several beaches and parks that are perfect for a day out with the family.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences in Hampstead

If you’re looking for unique experiences in Hampstead, here are some ideas:

The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital Nighttime Beach Walk

The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital offers nighttime beach walks during which visitors can witness sea turtles laying eggs on the beach.

The Hampstead Ghost Walk

The Hampstead Ghost Walk is a guided walking tour that takes visitors through the town’s haunted history.

The Pender County History Museum

The Pender County History Museum is a small museum that showcases the area’s history and culture.

Natural Wonders in Hampstead

Hampstead is home to several natural wonders that are worth exploring:

The Holly Shelter Game Land

The Holly Shelter Game Land is a 64,000-acre nature reserve that offers hiking trails, hunting opportunities, and wildlife viewing.

The Topsail Island State Preserve

The Topsail Island State Preserve is a 1,500-acre nature preserve that offers hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and bird watching.

The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital

The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital is a unique facility that allows visitors to witness sea turtles up close and learn about conservation efforts.

Vibrant Nightlife in Hampstead

Hampstead may be a small town, but it has a vibrant nightlife scene that offers something for everyone:

The Crab Shack

The Crab Shack has a bar that serves craft beers and cocktails, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

The Sawmill Grill

The Sawmill Grill has a bar that serves craft beers and cocktails, and hosts live music events on the weekends.

The Topsail Island Trading Company

The Topsail Island Trading Company is a gift shop that also serves wine and beer. Visitors can sip on a drink while browsing the shop’s unique souvenirs.

Local Markets in Hampstead

Hampstead has several local markets that offer a variety of goods:

The Hampstead Farmers Market

The Hampstead Farmers Market is a weekly market that offers fresh produce, handmade crafts, and artisanal goods.

The Topsail Island Trading Company

The Topsail Island Trading Company is a gift shop that sells unique souvenirs and local products.

The Olde Point Country Store and Deli

The Olde Point Country Store and Deli is a small store that sells local products and deli sandwiches.

Beaches and Mountains in Hampstead

Hampstead is located in an area that offers both beaches and mountains:

Topsail Island

Topsail Island is a barrier island located just off the coast of Hampstead. The island is known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back vibe.

Blue Ridge Mountains

The Blue Ridge Mountains are a mountain range located in western North Carolina, just a few hours’ drive from Hampstead. The mountains offer hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic drives.

Cultural Immersion in Hampstead

Hampstead has a rich cultural heritage that visitors can immerse themselves in:

The Pender County History Museum

The Pender County History Museum is a small museum that showcases the area’s history and culture.

The Topsail Island Trading Company

The Topsail Island Trading Company is a gift shop that sells unique souvenirs and local products, making it a great place to learn about the area’s culture.