Surf City Boat Ramp
Renovated boat ramp at Soundside Park, offering expanded access and ample parking for boaters on Topsail Island.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the weekend rush
Surf City Boat Ramp
Best Time
Beat the weekend rush
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Renovated boat ramp at Soundside Park, offering expanded access and ample parking for boaters on Topsail Island.
"Ample parking and a nice ramp at Soundside Park, though spaces can run out quickly in the summer. "
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast, especially on summer weekends. Get there early to secure a spot for your trailer. :car:
⚠️ Watch for Shallow Areas
Be cautious of shallow water at mid-tide; some users have run aground. :warning:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Expanded Boat Ramp
Soundside Park
Newly renovated ramp offers increased width and underwater depth for easier boat launching.
Ample Parking
Soundside Park
Generous parking for vehicles with trailers, though it fills up fast during peak times.
Park Amenities
Soundside Park
Clean restrooms and a pleasant park setting make for a comfortable experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Renovations & Access
Navigating Crowds & Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast, especially on summer weekends. Get there early to secure a spot for your trailer. :car:
⚠️ Watch for Shallow Areas
Be cautious of shallow water at mid-tide; some users have run aground. :warning:
📏 Check Ramp Dimensions
The ramp is wide and has been extended, but larger boats might still find it a bit tight. :straight_ruler:
🗓️ Avoid Event Closures
The ramp closes for fireworks on July 3rd and occasionally for park events. Check ahead! :calendar:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast, especially on summer weekends. Get there early to secure a spot for your trailer. :car:
⚠️ Watch for Shallow Areas
Be cautious of shallow water at mid-tide; some users have run aground. :warning:
📏 Check Ramp Dimensions
The ramp is wide and has been extended, but larger boats might still find it a bit tight. :straight_ruler:
🗓️ Avoid Event Closures
The ramp closes for fireworks on July 3rd and occasionally for park events. Check ahead! :calendar:
🛠️ Post-Renovation Access
Renovations improved the ramp's width and underwater length.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Surf City Boat Ramp at Soundside Park is generally well-regarded for its convenient location, ample parking, and clean facilities. Recent renovations have improved its capacity and accessibility. However, visitors should be aware of potential crowding, especially during peak times, and shallow water conditions at mid-tide.
"Easy access, clean bathroom and a nice park. A little tight for bigger boats but all in all very nice"
Bill “The Nature Boy” Whitehead
"Nice ramp at sound side park with ample parking for vehicles with trailers. Becuase of the large free parking area this has become a very popular place and spaces can run out quickly in the summer, ramp is closed every July 3rd for the fireworks show and a few times during the year for park events. Now that the new bridge is in place access in and out of the park should be much easier."
Phillip V
"Boat ramp is far too crowded for a regular day. The exit from the ramp and entrance to the waterway is also too shallow for a normal size family boat or center console. I ran aground twice at mid tide. Oh yeah, and the pylons that act as dock bumpers will destroy a fiberglass boat."
Tradd Hankins
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Surf City Boat Ramp is located at Soundside Park. Access in and out of the park is expected to be easier with the new bridge in place.
Yes, there is ample parking for vehicles with trailers at Soundside Park, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Arriving early is recommended.
To avoid the biggest crowds, try visiting on weekday mornings or during the off-season. Late afternoons might also offer more parking availability.
While this is a boat ramp, kayakers have also inquired about back-side launches on Topsail Island. The Roland Ave. ramp near the drawbridge is mentioned as a possibility.
The ramp underwent renovations from December 2024 to April 2025, expanding its width and underwater section. It is now open for use.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information regarding specific entry fees is not readily available, but parking is generally free. It's always a good idea to check with local authorities for any updated fee structures.
The boat ramp is generally accessible during park hours. However, it is closed on July 3rd for fireworks and may have temporary closures for other park events.
While specific permit requirements are not detailed, it's advisable to check with the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission or local authorities for any boating regulations or permits needed for launching.
Parking spots are on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved. Arriving early is the best strategy for securing a spot.
While the ramp has been widened, some users have noted it can be tight for larger boats. It's best to be prepared for potentially tighter maneuvering.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Surf City Boat Ramp at Soundside Park offers clean restrooms and a nice park area for visitors.
The ramp's underwater section was increased to approximately 42 feet at average low tide after renovations. However, some users have reported shallow areas at mid-tide.
Be mindful of the pylons that act as dock bumpers, as they can potentially damage fiberglass boats. Also, be aware of shallow areas, especially at mid-tide.
The ramp is suitable for jet skis, but as with any watercraft, caution is advised due to potential crowding and varying water conditions.
The ramp is generally well-maintained and was recently renovated to improve its width and length.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the action of boats launching and returning, the scenic park views, and the coastal atmosphere. Sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful lighting.
While not directly at this ramp, events like the Witches Regatta at Tempe Town Lake showcase unique boat gatherings that can be visually interesting.
You'll see a variety of vessels, from smaller fishing boats and kayaks to center consoles and potentially larger recreational boats.
Many videos capture humorous or dramatic moments at boat ramps. If you're filming, be respectful of others' privacy and safety.
Early morning or late afternoon light often provides the most flattering and dramatic lighting for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When planning your trip, keep in mind that the ramp can get crowded, and there have been reports of shallow areas at mid-tide.
🎣 Anglers
However, experienced anglers know the importance of checking tide charts. Reports of shallow areas at mid-tide suggest that timing your launch and retrieval is critical to avoid getting stuck.
🚤 Recreational Boaters
The adjacent park offers a pleasant spot to relax before or after your outing. Be prepared for potential crowds, particularly on sunny weekends. Parking is a key consideration, so an early arrival is strongly advised.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Renovation Impact
While these upgrades are a positive development, it's always wise to stay informed about any post-renovation adjustments or potential lingering issues. As with any busy boat ramp, understanding the tides and being aware of your vessel's draft is essential for a smooth operation. The increased capacity should help alleviate some of the congestion reported during peak times.
Travelers should note that despite the improvements, the ramp can still get crowded, particularly during summer weekends. Parking is ample but fills up quickly, reinforcing the advice to arrive early. The park also hosts events, which can lead to temporary closures, so checking local advisories before heading out is a good practice.
Understanding User Experiences and Tips
However, some users have shared cautionary tales. Reports of the ramp being 'far too crowded for a regular day' highlight the popularity of the location.
Tips from fellow travelers and content creators often revolve around practical advice: arrive early to secure parking, be mindful of tide levels and potential shallow spots, and be aware of any scheduled park events that might cause closures.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit