With so many incredible things to do in Southport, there is no wondering why this coastal community is a favorite vacation destination! 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 have gathered suggestions on the best things to do in one of North Carolina’s best coastal towns:
Pro Tip: For more trip ideas and things to do, check out our North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands Vacation Guide.
Embark on a Historical Adventure:
When in Southport, there are a wide range of historical activities fit for every interest and age level.
Fort Johnston Southport Museum and Visitors Center
A good place to start is with a visit to the Fort Johnston-Southport Museum and Visitors' Center.
- Find maps and brochures (also found online) to help you along a self-guided walking tour through historic Southport.
- Find memorabilia from many of the movies and TV shows that have filmed in the area, including props from Nicholas Spark’s Safe Haven.
Established in 1754, Fort Johnston was the first commissioned fort to be built in North Carolina. Then continue your history tour through Southport and see homes and churches dating back to the 1800s, important landmarks like 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.
- Hands-on and interpretive exhibits covering the natural and cultural history of the Lower Cape Fear region through.
- Learn about the first indigenous mariners and commercial fisheries to the Civil War and World War II to sailing and steam vessels.
- The museum is free and open year-round from Tuesday through Saturday.
Old Brunswick County Jail Museum
Step into a piece of Southport history at the Old Brunswick County Jail Museum.
- Take a guided tour of the two-story jail with a docent from the Southport Historical Society.
- Kids can enjoy specially designed children’s activities and take their photo behind the bars of the old jail cells.
- Open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm from April through October as well as Fridays 12:30 to 3:30 June through August.
Calling All Movie Buffs:
Known for its picturesque beauty, the town of Southport has been captured in tons of films and television shows 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.
Movie Locations Tours
- Go on a self-guided movie locations walking tour with brochures found at the Fort Johnston Southport Visitors Center and Museum.
- Embrace your inner movie buff with a golf cart tour by Southport Tours or Southport Fun Tours.
- Sign up for a guided e-bike tour of Southport film locations with Cycle-logical Tours.
Other Things to Do in Southport:
Beyond the history and movie There’s no shortage of other fun things to do with the family in Southport.
- Shop the boutiques, art galleries, and gift shops across town.
- Gather the family for a round of board games or an axe throwing competition at Throw Baxe Axe House and Board Game Lounge.
- Take a waterfront tour with Southport Water Tours or Southport by Seaside Boat Tours.
- Attend a free outdoor summer concert or market during select months. Visit our Events page for upcoming events.
Things to Do Close By:
If you are looking for somewhere to lay down your beach blanket, head out and explore the neighboring beaches of Oak Island and Caswell Beach.
- Oak Island is the quintessential, classic family vacation spot with more than 60 public beach access points, two ocean piers and plenty of rental equipment outfitters that can help gear you and your family up for any adventure. Whether you spend your time casting from the surf, combing the beach for souvenir shells or just kicking back and relaxing,
- See the Oak Island Lighthouse on Caswell Beach (the last lighthouse to be built in North Carolina) and climb the 131 ships ladder steps to the outside balcony. Oak Island Lighthouse tours are free but be sure to make a reservation at least two weeks out from your visit.
- Get outdoors on Oak Island at 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 the area.
For more information on Things to Do in Oak Island and Caswell Beach, visit our blog here.
Places to Eat and Drink in Southport:
Southport’s Yacht Basin, where the Intracoastal Waterway, Cape Fear River and Atlantic Ocean meet, is the ideal setting to enjoy delicious dining with a breathtaking view!
Waterfront Dining Options
- 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 coast and the south as well as spectacular views.
- Edgewater 122, an elevated waterfront locale with menu highlights including signature crab dip, fresh caught seafood, steakhouse options, and shareable plates.
Fine Dining Options
- Oliver’s on the Cape Fear, is where elevated Southern cuisine meets the salubrious breezes and stunning views of Southport’s waterfront through the restaurant’s large interior windows.
- Ports of Call, globally inspired dishes prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients and an on-staff mixologist to help pair your meal with the perfect beverage.
Casual Options
- Blue Cow Grille, made to order burgers and sandwiches with big flavor combinations.
- Dry Street Pub & Pizza, a menu of signature pizzas with creative daily specials and build your own options.
Breweries and Taprooms
- Silver Coast Winery Tasting Room, they offer tastings of their local 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.
- Southport Tap and Cellar, enjoy outdoor seating, food truck fare, music, and a selection of unique beers.
- Cape Side Brewing, Southport’s newest brewery serving in-house brews, guest IPAs, ciders and more. Stick around for food truck fare and live music on select nights.
- Water Tower Wine, a neighborhood wine bar with a variety of glass or bottle options and charcuterie pairings.
Check out our Restaurants page for more Southport dining options, and our taprooms and wine bar page for a list of more local spots.
Where to Stay in Southport:
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 accommodation. Not to mention being able to enjoy beautiful waterfront views at any time of the day!
Plan Your Visit
Whatever the reason, whatever the season, Southport is the perfect picturesque destination for a relaxing vacation.
Check out our website for more information on Southport, or request a free North Carolina's Brunswick Islands Vacation Guide to help plan your next trip.