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When it comes to charming coastal towns that will make you feel like you’ve been dropped onto a movie set, North Carolina doesn’t have many options. One of them was so charming that I decided I needed to write about it. And that town is Southport, North Carolina.
Located approximately halfway between Wilmington, North Carolina and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Southport is a historic coastal town on the Intercoastal Waterway at the mouth of the Cape Fear River near Brunswick Islands (a great beach destination).
The town dates back to the mid-18th century and is today one of the prettiest coastal towns in North Carolina (Coastal Living Magazine even named Southport “America’s Happiest Seaside Town”). And there’s a lot to do here, considering its size!
From museums to outdoor activities on the water, here are the The best things to do in Southport.
The Best Things to Do in Southport, North Carolina
I visited Southport during the quiet shoulder season of April (a great time to go to the beach if you hate the stifling mid-summer heat!) and loved it. Here are my favorite things I did there:
1. Learn about local history at the Fort Johnston Museum and Visitor Center
Southport has centuries of history that you can discover at the Fort Johnston Museum and Visitor CenterFort Johnston was built in 1745 to defend the Cape Fear River from possible Spanish attacks, and the town of Southport was officially established in 1792.
At this museum, you can learn more about the history of the fort and the town. It is also a great place to get information on the best things to do in Southport.
The museum is open from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 16:00 and on Sundays from 13:00 to 16:00. Admission is free.
2. Take a golf cart tour of movie and TV filming locations
For such a small town (the population is just over 4,000), Southport has a surprising history as a filming location for many popular movies and TV shows. Parts of movies like A walk to remember, The secret life of beesand Safe havenand television programs like Dawson’s Creek and Under the dome They were filmed in Southport.
You can see filming locations of many of these productions at a golf cart tour with Fun excursions in SouthportYou’ll also tour the city’s historic waterfront district and receive recommendations from your local guide on the best places to visit.
Tours are $15 for adults and $7 for children 12 and under.
(And you can visit other film locations on your own, including the historic Southport Riverwalk Marsh boardwalk, which ends at a wooden gazebo that was used in A walk to remember.)
3. Visit the North Carolina Maritime Museum
Another museum in Southport worth visiting is the North Carolina Maritime MuseumAs you can probably guess from the name, this museum focuses on the history of the waterways near Southport. Its coastal location made it a strategic port historically, so there’s plenty of maritime history.
And if the idea of maritime history doesn’t sound too exciting to you, you might be in for a surprise. This museum houses interesting exhibits on everything from pirates to shipwrecks and storms.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00. Admission is free.
4. Stroll through Waterfront Park
Seafront Park is a large park along the Cape Fear River in downtown Southport. It’s a great place to stroll along the shoreline, especially at sunset.
There is a pier you can walk on, as well as plenty of benches and rocking chairs along a paved path where you can just sit and relax while enjoying the view.
5. Shop downtown
Southport has a lovely downtown, with lots of unique shops and boutiques to explore. There are gift shops, homewares stores and even some good antique shops. One shop you can’t miss is The Christmas House, which is a year-round Christmas shop.
6. Get out into the water
One of the things you can’t miss in Southport is going sailing. A great way to do this is with a boat trip. The scenery around Southport is beautiful, with numerous islands and canals to sail and see.
You can take a sightseeing cruise with Southport water toursa private sunset charter with Southport by the seaor even a dolphin watching tour with Captain Andy’s Water ToursThese will take you to both the Cape Fear River and the Intracoastal Waterway.
7. Rent a kayak
Renting a kayak is another great way to get out on the water. Some of the best places to launch your kayak are Waterfront Park, Dutchman Creek Park, and Southport Marina. Mr. Beach Rentals offers kayak rentals.
If you are not a confident kayaker or just want the experience of a local guide, you can also book a kayak tour with a company like TourH2O Southport either The Adventure Kayak Company.
8. Book a fishing trip
Southport is also a popular destination for fishing, with several good fishing spots in the canals surrounding the town. The best way to experience fishing in Southport if you are visiting is to book a tour.
Two of the best companies for fishing trips in Southport are Southport Fish and Boat rentals on Bald Head IslandYou can expect to catch things like redfish, flounder, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, gray trout, Cape Fear tarpon, and even sharks.
NOTE: You will need a North Carolina Coastal Recreational Fishing License to fish anywhere in Southport – it costs $10 for non-residents and you can purchase one at any bait shop or just buy one online.
9. Eat fresh seafood at Southport Yacht Basin
Naturally, thanks to its coastal location, Southport is also a great destination for fresh seafood. In Southport’s yachting district, you’ll find several waterfront restaurants where you can eat your fill of delicious seafood.
Some of the best places to visit are Fishy Fishy Cafe and Provision Company, but you really can’t go wrong with any of them as they all source their fresh seafood directly from the fishing boats moored nearby.
10. Visit Silver Coast Winery’s tasting room and wine tasting
Silver Coast Winery is located in Ocean Isle Beach, about 40 minutes from Southport. However, the winery does have a tasting room located in downtown Southport.
You can enjoy tastings of their award-winning local wines as well as craft beer tastings. There is also an art gallery and gift shop where you can purchase the perfect souvenir of your trip to Southport.
11. Have a beach day
Finally, one of the best things to do in Southport is to spend a day at the beach. There are no beaches per se, actually. in Southport – the closest thing you’ll find are the parks along the coast.
But if you’re looking for sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, there are several within easy reach of Southport. One great beach to visit is Oak Island Beach, which is just a 15-minute drive from Southport. Another option is nearby Caswell Beach, which is also a 15-minute drive from Southport.
Both are fantastic places to spend the day relaxing on the beach. Both beaches offer free parking nearby and there are several beachfront restaurants where you can grab lunch or dinner on your beach day.
Southport is a charming seaside town and a great addition to any trip to the Brunswick Islands region of North Carolina.
Have you been to Southport? If so, what is your favourite thing to do there?
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Dangerous Business Travel Blog. She has traveled to over 60 countries on 6 continents from her home base in Ohio, and specializes in thoughtful, experiential travel throughout the U.S., Europe, and the rest of the world. Amanda only shares tips based on her personal experiences and places she has actually traveled to!
