Southport is a charming coastal town in North Carolina. It has lots of activities and attractions for everyone. You can explore history or enjoy water adventures here. This place is full of fun and discovery.
Looking for a walk by the water? Want to dive into local arts and culture? Or maybe you want to join in on the town’s lively events. Southport has something for everyone.
Key Takeaways
- Southport boasts over 30 unique restaurants in its downtown area, offering a diverse culinary experience.
- The Fort Fisher State Recreation Area provides a six-mile stretch of undeveloped shoreline for nature enthusiasts.
- Wilmington, just 35 minutes away, features prominent attractions like the USS Battleship North Carolina and the Cape Fear Museum.
- Southport has been the backdrop for several Hollywood films, including “Safe Haven” and “Summer Catch.”
- The NC 4th of July Festival in Southport has been a longstanding tradition, held for over 200 years.
Tour the Local History
Southport, North Carolina, has a rich history going back to the mid-1700s. You can dive into the town’s stories with different tours. These include walking, bus, and boat tours. Or, you can see the historic sites by yourself.
Explore Historic Sites and Museums
The Fort Johnston Museum & Visitors Center is in the Garrison House. It’s the only part left from Fort Johnston. It gives a peek into Southport’s history.
The Old Brunswick County Jail is now a museum. It’s been run by the Southport Historical Society since 1984. It tells a lot about the town’s history.
The NC Maritime Museum is all about Southport’s sea history. It shows how the town was important for seafaring.
To really get to know Southport’s history, try the free PocketSights app. It has five self-guided tours, like the Southport Monument and Marker Tour. The Cape Fear River: Circle Tour is over fifty miles long and visits eight big historical spots.
The Southport Historical Society started in 1976. It helps keep the town’s history alive. From Fort Johnston to the N.C. 4th of July Festival in 1972, Southport’s story is told through its sites, museums, and tours.
Get Paddling
Southport is perfect for those who love the water. It has many chances for kayaking, watersports, and river adventures. The town is near the Cape Fear River, Bald Head Island, and the Atlantic Ocean. This makes it great for eco-tours and seeing wildlife.
Kayakers can go through the Blackwater Cypress Swamp and creeks. There are local places that rent out equipment and give guided tours. Dutchman Creek Park has a boat ramp and parking for easy access to the water.
The Southport Marina also rents out kayaks and does tours. These tours take you along the Intracoastal Waterway and Cottage Creek.
For a deeper experience, you can book tours with companies like the Adventure Kayak Company and Lighthouse WaterSports. They offer kayak rentals, lessons, and guided tours. On these tours, you can see many local animals, like birds and alligators.
Southport is great for both expert and new kayakers. It has many waterways to explore. But, be careful, especially in summer or on windy days when the water moves fast.
If you want to buy a kayak, there are stores in Southport, Oak Island, and Wilmington. They have new and used kayaks for sale. With so many options, visitors will find an adventure that fits their level and interests.
Explore the Waterfront
Southport’s downtown has a beautiful Southport Waterfront Park. It’s free and lets visitors enjoy the Cape Fear River views. You can sit on benches, walk along the Southport Riverwalk, or fish at the Southport Pier. It’s a top spot for locals and visitors to relax by the water.
Relax at Waterfront Park and the Riverwalk
The 9-acre Southport Waterfront Park is perfect for relaxing. You can watch boats and wildlife by the Cape Fear River. There’s a Southport Riverwalk for beautiful views and places to fish and birdwatch.
Grab a bench or swing and enjoy the calm. This place is a favorite for its peaceful waterfront vibe.
Southport has almost a dozen marinas by the waterfront. This means lots of ways to enjoy the water. You can rent a boat, go on a fishing charter, or take a boat tour. The Southport Marina and waterways show off the beauty of this coastal town.
Have an Artful Adventure
Southport is a haven for art lovers. It has many local galleries that show off the area’s creative spirit. These Southport art galleries have a unique coastal feel. They display a wide range of art like paintings, sculptures, pottery, photography, jewelry, and home goods.
Many Southport artists have special events and new artist receptions all year. These events let visitors connect with the local art scene. Some galleries, like Uncorked by the Sea, mix art with wine tastings for a fun experience.
In downtown Southport, you can dive into the Southport art scene. The shops and galleries there offer a great selection of Southport art shopping. You’ll find everything from handcrafted pottery to beautiful paintings. This ensures every visitor can find a piece that reflects the town’s spirit.
If you like the quirky or the elegant, Southport art events and galleries are for you. They offer an artful adventure that will touch your soul deeply.
Things to do in Southport NC
Southport is a charming coastal town in North Carolina. It has lots of attractions and activities for all ages. You can explore the town’s history, see beautiful waterfront, enjoy local art, and taste coastal cuisine.
Discover Southport’s History
Learn about the town’s past by visiting historic sites and museums. The NC Maritime Museum in Southport shows thousands of years of history and maritime culture. Fort Johnston, the longest-running fort in the country, tells about the area’s military past.
The Old Brunswick Jail is now a museum. It gives a unique look at the region’s history.
Explore the Waterfront
The waterfront in Southport is full of things to do. You can relax at Waterfront Park and the Riverwalk, go on a kayaking tour, or see the Oak Island Lighthouse for amazing views.
Take a ferry to Bald Head Island for beautiful beaches, watersports, and historic sites.
Enjoy Family-Friendly Adventures
- Discover Keziah Park and its 800-year-old “Indian Trail Tree”
- Explore Dutchman Creek Park, a 30-acre park with a playground and fishing spots
- Visit Smithville District Park for sports facilities and outdoor activities
- Enjoy the Southport Spring Festival and Southport Winterfest events
Southport has a rich history, beautiful waterfront, and activities for families. It’s a great place for a unique and memorable coastal trip.
Take a Day Trip
Southport is a great spot for day trips in the Cape Fear region. It’s close to Wilmington attractions and Bald Head Island. You can drive to Wilmington to see museums, shop, and visit historic sites. Or, take a ferry to Bald Head Island for beautiful beaches and historic spots.
Explore Nearby Attractions
There are many things to do near Southport. Here are some places you might want to visit:
- Shallotte River Swamp Park, which has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 82 reviews
- City Pier, rated 5.0 out of 5 based on 2 reviews
- Oak Island Beach, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 27 reviews
- Bald Head Island, accessible by ferry with an average rating of 3.4 out of 5 from 34 reviews
- Trolley Pub – Wilmington, holding an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 15 reviews
Looking for outdoor fun, historic sites, or something unique? Southport day trips in the Cape Fear region have it all.
Soak up the Hollywood Scene
Southport, North Carolina, is a top spot for movie and TV makers. It’s known for its beautiful views and is close to Wilmington’s film scene. The town has been in many big movies and TV shows, like “Safe Haven” and “Dawson’s Creek.”
Visitors can dive into Southport’s Hollywood side with guided tours. These tours show off the places where famous scenes were filmed. You’ll see the Old Brunswick Jail, waterfront cafes, and baseball fields.
The Southport Museum and Visitor’s Center has a guide to “Safe Haven” filming spots in downtown. This lets fans walk in the footsteps of the movie’s stars. The area around Southport is also a hit with filmmakers. Places like Southport and Oak Island have been in movies like “Crimes of the Heart” and “The Secret Life of Bees.”
Many famous stars have visited Southport over the years. Stars like Halle Berry, Julia Roberts, and Andy Griffith have been there. Exploring Southport’s movie history is a chance to see the beauty and charm of this coastal town.
- Southport’s natural settings and proximity to Wilmington have made it a popular filming location for movies and TV shows.
- Iconic filming sites in Southport include the Old Brunswick Jail, waterfront cafes, and baseball fields.
- The Southport Museum and Visitor’s Center offers a guide to “Safe Haven” film locations in the downtown area.
- The broader Brunswick Islands region has also been a popular choice for filmmakers, with Southport and Oak Island featured in productions like “Crimes of the Heart” and “The Secret Life of Bees.”
- Southport has welcomed a steady stream of Hollywood stars over the years, including Halle Berry, Julia Roberts, and Andy Griffith.
Have an Eventful Trip
Southport, North Carolina, is a small coastal town with a big heart. It’s full of life thanks to its many festivals and events all year. Visitors can enjoy everything from the famous Southport 4th of July Festival and Fireworks to other fun celebrations.
Attend Local Festivals and Events
The NC 4th of July Festival and Fireworks is a big deal in Southport, going strong for over 200 years. It’s a star-spangled event with classic cars, live music, fun for kids, and a big fireworks show at night.
But the 4th of July isn’t the only time to party in Southport. The town has many community events that show off its culture and traditions. You can check out art festivals or seafood and music festivals that celebrate the coastal life.
- Southport’s Annual Oyster Festival
- Southport Art Fest
- Southport Farmers’ Market
- Southport Music and Seafood Festival
Whenever you come to Southport, you’ll find something exciting happening.
Conclusion
Southport, North Carolina, is a beautiful coastal town full of activities and attractions. It has a rich history and a lively art scene. Visitors can enjoy the waterfront and beaches too.
This town is perfect for a day trip or a longer vacation. It lets you experience the southern coastal vibe of North Carolina.
Southport has historic sites, museums, outdoor fun, and cultural events. It’s great for those who love nature, maritime history, or just want to relax by the coast. History lovers, outdoor fans, and coastal enthusiasts will find something special here.
When planning your trip, check out the Southport Pier & Riverwalk and the North Carolina Maritime Museum. Try the local food, see the art galleries, and learn about Southport’s role in movies. Its charm, history, and adventures will make you want to come back.
