One of the best hidden-gems in North Carolina, Southport has been honored with the distinction of being one of the “Best Coastal Small Towns,” by USA Today, and one of “America’s Happiest Seaside Towns,” by Coastal Living. With its picturesque Spanish moss lined streets, historic homes and waterfront views, it is easy to see why the area has received these, and so many more, prestigious accolades. To help you plan your next vacation to Southport we've gathered some suggestions for things to do in one of North Carolina’s best coastal towns.
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Embark on a Historical Adventure
A visit to this historic maritime town will take you back in time to when pirates and privateers roamed the Cape Fear, through the Revolutionary and Civil Wars and much more. There are a wide range of historical activities fit for every interest and age level.
Fort Johnston Museum and Visitors Center
Established in 1754, Fort Johnston was the first commissioned fort to be built in North Carolina and is now home to the Fort Johnston-Southport Museum and Visitors' Center. Here you will find maps and brochures (also found online) to help you along a self-guided walking tour through historic Southport. Make sure to visit the exhibits inside and then continue your history tour through Southport to see such important landmarks as the Old Brunswick Jail, City Hall, Old Smithville Burial Grounds, River Pilots Tower and much more!
North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport
Anyone interested in the maritime history of the area will enjoy a trip to the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport. Here, visitors can discover the natural and cultural history of the Lower Cape Fear region through hands-on and interpretive exhibits. Learn about the first indigenous mariners and commercial fisheries to the Civil War and World War II to sailing and steam vessels. With new exhibits popping up regularly, there is always something new to learn at the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport. The museum is free and open year round from Tuesday through Saturday.
Calling All Movie Buffs
Known for its picturesque beauty, the town of Southport has been captured in tons of films and television shows! At the Fort Johnston-Southport Museum and Visitors' Center, you can find memorabilia from many of the movies and TV shows that have filmed in the area, including props from Nicholas Spark’s Safe Haven.
Movie/Television Filming Locations Tours
After visiting the Fort Johnston, continue to embrace your inner movie buff with a golf cart tour by Southport Tours or Southport Fun Tours to see filming locations from some of the 40+ productions filmed in Southport, including A Walk to Remember, Dawson’s Creek, The Summer I Turned Pretty, Under the Dome, I Know What You Did Last Summer and much more.
More Things to Do
Shopping in Southport
The shopping opportunities in Southport are endless. Spend the day perusing local boutiques, gift shops, antique stores, and more.
- Boo & Roo's - gift shop
- Southport Market - gift shop and general store
- Hive Sweet Home - boutique
- Cat on a Whisk - kitchen supply
- Mad River - home goods
Art Galleries in Southport
Southport is home to a talented and bustling artist community whose works are on display at galleries across town. Pop your head into one during your next visit, and make sure to mark your calendar for Southport's "First Friday Gallery Walks."
- Artisan's Gallery on Howe
- Ricky Evans Gallery
- Franklin Square Gallery
- Bardani Gallery Artists
- Artshak Studio and Gallery
Visit Nearby Oak Island and Caswell Beach
- Take a day trip to Caswell Beach to see the Oak Island Lighthouse, the last lighthouse to be built in North Carolina. Visitors can take a free tour of the lighthouse and climb the 131 ships ladder steps to the outside balcony that has stunning panoramic views of the ocean, Intracoastal Waterway and surrounding towns, just make sure to reserve your spot in advance.
- Enjoy a beach day. Oak Island is the quintessential, classic family vacation spot with more than 60 public beach access points.
- Gear up for a family adventure by bike our kayak with one of our local rental equipment outfitters.
- Visit one of the island's two ocean piers - the Oak Island Pier and Ocean Crest Fishing Pier.
- Head over to the Oak Island Nature Center, which offers a wide range of educational activities where both kids and adults can learn about the environment and the animals native to Oak Island.
For more information on Things to Do in Oak Island and Caswell Beach, visit our blog here.
Places to Eat and Drink
Southport’s Yacht Basin, where the Intracoastal Waterway, Cape Fear River and Atlantic Ocean meet, is the ideal setting to enjoy delicious dinning with a breathtaking view!
- Fishy Fishy Café - a vibrant spot serving specialties like Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Shrimp and Cajun Crab Cakes.
- Provision Company - a tasty seafood shack serving fresh seafood, sandwiches, salads and more.
- The Frying Pan - a casual eatery serving up the best of the coastal south as well as spectacular views.
- Edgewater 122 - an upscale neighbor to Fishy Fishy next door, Edgewater's plates of fresh seafood and southern fare are as delicious as they are beautiful.
If you’re looking for a place to wear your finest flip flops, check out:
- Ports of Call - A dinner and lunch menu of globally inspired dishes prepared with fresh and seasonal ingredients.
- Oliver’s on the Cape Fear - serves up delectable fine dining on the Cape Fear River with large interior windows and an outdoor porch allowing diners to take in all that the alluring waterfront has to offer.
Make sure to visit our Restaurants page for a list of additional of restaurant options in Southport.
Before or after an exceptional meal, make sure to grab a glass of wine or a cold beer at the Silver Coast Winery Tasting Room. Located in the heart of downtown Southport, they offer tastings of their award-winning wines and regionally brewed craft beers. You can purchase both beer and wine by the bottle, as well as wander through their on-site art gallery and eclectic gift shop. Or enjoy outdoor seating, food truck fare, and music at one of the many wine bars and taprooms around Southport.
Where to Stay
If you haven't yet booked your place to stay, there is no need to worry!
For history mixed with hospitality, you can’t go wrong with one of the bed and breakfasts located in Southport.
Or there are a host of adorable vacation rental homes available, as well as hotels and motels within Southport.
Staying in Southport means being able to easily explore the antique stores, cafés, unique boutiques, and fabulous art galleries that surround your accommodations. Not to mention being able to enjoy beautiful waterfront views at any time of the day!
Whatever the reason, whatever the season, Southport is the perfect picturesque destination for a relaxing vacation. Check out www.ncbrunswick.com for more information on Southport and to plan your next trip to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands.