On Saturday the Town of Surf City removed it’s ban on simply walking on the beach. This brings the Town in line with the other two municipalities that Surf City shares the island with. Although access to the beach strand itself was blocked by the Town for Covid-19, Topsail Beach and North Topsail Beach, never actually closed off the beach itself. For those that are packing the car now to head down for the day, wait. Although the island’s beaches are free to recreate, there is no public parking at any of crossovers or entry points. The Town of Topsail banned parking at public lots and on the sides of Town owned roads. North Topsail has done like wise, as well as shutting down their popular 4×4 recreational area at the inlet. Aside from parking on the mainland and walking over the bridge, or being dropped off by another at the beach, options for the general public to really get onto the beach, seem to still be restricted. Residents of the island ask that you keep this in mind before planning a day trip.