21 BEST Issues To Do In Southport, NC

The small seaside city of Southport is a hidden gem of coastal North Carolina. It fosters a quaint Southern ambiance, with no scarcity of heat hospitality or sunshine. There are many issues to do in Southport and sights to find right here, despite the fact that the favored native possibility of stress-free on a captivating waterfront porch is endlessly tempting.

You’ll discover an abundance of museums, galleries, parks, and outlets to tailor your journey to any sort of journey you need. Get to know this scenic and secret vacation haven with these greatest issues to do in Southport, NC. 

The Greatest Issues to Do in Southport, NC

Fort Johnston Museum

Fort Johnston was the primary ever fort commissioned to be inbuilt North Carolina in 1754. In-depth everlasting and rotating reveals discover the fascinating previous of this house by way of genuine artifacts, authentic paperwork, images, and handicrafts. It’s a really perfect attraction for historical past buffs and admission is free.

The preserved storefront of Fulwood’s Grocery Retailer can be a cool interactive factor. It’s a good way to be taught a bit bit extra in regards to the distinctive heritage of Southport.

• Tackle: 203 E Bay St, Southport (GPS)
• Hours: Customer heart workplace: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Eat at Provision Firm

The most well-liked and well-known place to eat in Southport is Provision Firm. They provide scrumptious seafood in a laid-back “seashore bum” setting which may be probably the greatest stuff you style in the entire Wilmington space.

Provision Firm was established in 1993 and provides views of the Southport Yacht Basin, the Intracoastal Waterway and the mouth of the Cape Worry River. You received’t remorse having a beer right here because the solar goes down.

Go for a Paddle

There’s a myriad of strategies for getting lively out on the water in Southport. Paddling is a well-liked decide, with an abundance of inland creek and river networks to discover. A number of kayaking firms may be discovered round city for hourly, each day, or weekly tools rental and there are many launch factors to search out inside the scenic panorama.

Guided expeditions can be found as nicely. No matter the place you enterprise to on this wilderness, remember to preserve your eyes peeled for recognizing native species.   

Uncover the Galleries

Artwork fans rejoice! There’s a thriving artistic scene taking place in Southport. Set in a barn-style house on the sting of downtown, Artshak Studio is a cool and colourful gallery with a various assortment of works. There are items of images, sculpture, portray, and extra from native and regional artists each eclectic and trendy.

Rick Evans Gallery and Lantana’s Gallery are each filled with specialty handcrafted works as nicely, together with work, sculptures, jewellery, and decor for looking or shopping for.  

• Tackle: 211 N Howe St, Southport (GPS)
• Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10: 00 am – 5:00 pm, Closed: Sunday & Monday

Fort Fisher State Recreation Space

Fort Fisher State Recreation Space is a secluded six-mile stretch of shoreline and an superior Wilmington Seashore. To reach take the Southport Ferry to the tip of Pleasure Island. The ferries run repeatedly and value $7 a automobile (costs and schedules discovered right here). Fort Fisher itself is an undeveloped slice of wilderness ultimate for some out of doors wandering in coastal habitats together with salt marshes and pristine seashores.

It’s an amazing place to take pleasure in some shelling, browsing, and swimming. There’s a nature path, commentary deck, and guests heart. 

• Tackle: 1000 Loggerhead Rd, Kure Seashore (GPS)
• Hours: Monday -Sunday: 8:00 am -7:00 pm

Oak Island Nature Middle

Oak Island Nature Middle is a tiny protect nestled amongst towering pines, historical oaks, and gorgeous salt marshes. The Speaking Timber Strolling Path is a particular draw right here. It winds by way of lush forest resulting in breathtaking panoramas searching over the glowing Intracoastal Waterway of the island.

There are a variety of academic reveals right here as nicely, some that includes dwell animals and others providing a extra in-depth have a look at the ecology of the encompassing terrain. Plus, there are just a few picnic areas and a fishing pier. It’s such a picturesque place and a pleasant approach to benefit from the pure wonders of Southport. 

• Tackle: 5202 E Yacht Dr, Oak Island (GPS)
• Hours: Monday – Thursday: 5:30 am – 7:00 pm, Friday: 5:30 am – 6:00 pm, Saturday: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, Sunday: Closed

Worth Creek Lighthouse

Worth Creek Lighthouse is the one remaining construction nonetheless standing of a system of lights that when guided many ships from the mouth of the Cape Worry River to Wilmington. Immediately its facade is crumbling and it’s not fully accessible, solely viewable from afar. It was constructed out of brick and stands 20 toes tall.

Its glory days have been from the pre-Civil Warfare period to when it could fall into disrepair within the mid-1800s. It’s greatest considered from aboard the ferry, providing some scenic photograph ops in addition to an fascinating peek into the nautical historical past of this coast. 

• Tackle: Ferry Rd SE, Southport (GPS)

Previous Brunswick County Jail Museum

Extra of a historic museum than the rest, the Previous Brunswick Jail is among the cooler issues to do in Southport. There’s no admission payment to go to, however it’s open seasonally, so examine the schedule earlier than you head over.

The construction was inbuilt 1907 and was the first jail for over 70 years right here. Volunteers are on-site to provide a tour and inform tales of all that occurred in its hallowed halls. Unique jail cells and carvings made into the partitions by prisoners are nonetheless seen right now. It’s an fascinating however bleak look into the regulation enforcement practices of the twentieth century. 

• Tackle: 318 E Nash St, Southport (GPS)

Store on the Farmers’ Market

The summer time markets are such a preferred exercise to partake in Southport. Dozens of distributors congregate every week to supply all of the freshest native produce, flowers, and herbs grown on farms within the space, in addition to handcrafted wares and home-baked treats. It’s situated in Franklin Sq. Park on the primary drag of Howe Road downtown.

It’s probably the greatest methods to help native and impartial purveyors, in addition to be taught a bit about consuming seasonally and sustainably. 

Southport Pier and Riverwalk

Wandering alongside the Southport Pier and Riverwalk is among the greatest methods to take in the enchanting surroundings right here. Start on the Waterfront Park downtown, which provides every kind of leisure together with a really perfect Instagram photograph second with a set of lovely swings simply on the water’s edge.

From there the stroll extends into the center of the Cape Worry River, offering spectacular views stretching miles in each path. There are various alternatives alongside this route for birdwatching and fishing as nicely. Get pleasure from ample seating in the event you get uninterested in strolling to easily bask within the breathtaking panoramas, particularly throughout sundown.  

• Tackle: 178 E Bay St, Southport (GPS)

Go Antiquing 

Southport occurs to be a dream vacation spot for any and all antiquers. A mosey down Moore Road will shortly reveal this to be true. Timeless Treasures is an aptly named well-liked hang-out for scoring a very enviable classic haul. You’ll discover rows and stacks of furnishings and collectibles to scour, together with books, glassware, jewellery, instruments, devices, art work, and extra.

The comfortable and eclectic ambiance makes it further attractive as nicely. The Hoarders is definitely set close by on Oak Island and boasts new and recycled dwelling items galore. Hidden gems are plentiful right here, and it’s onerous to stroll away with out only one particular piece coming dwelling with you. 

• Tackle: 122 E Moore St, Southport (GPS)
• Hours: Monday -Saturday 10: 00 am- 4:00 pm, Closed: Sunday

Silvercoast Vineyard

The famend Silvercoast Vineyard has a Tasting and Taproom proper within the coronary heart of downtown Southport, and is a unbelievable NC vineyard to attempt. They’ve a formidable collection of their award-winning wines on-site to attempt, in addition to native craft beers on draft and by bottle, in case you’re extra of a hop head than a tannin buff. The varietals are aged in oak barrels dry to semi-dry in additional conventional European types.

The house is comfy and intimate and even has a small reward store and artwork gallery related. There’s a cute out of doors patio as nicely the place they may usually host dwell music. 

• Tackle: 105 S Howe St, Southport (GPS)
• Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Monday: Closed

Rent a Fishing Constitution

Deal with your self to a stunning little tour out on the Southport waters by hiring a ship constitution. Reelin Pelican Fishing Charters is only one of many trusted outfits on the town. They’ve three completely different vessels to supply for each inshore and offshore angler adventures.

Every thing wanted is included and you’ll even convey your individual bites and drinks aboard. For a ship tour company that gives extra themed cruise packages, attempt Southport by Seaside. 

• Tackle: 4909 Fish Manufacturing unit Rd SE Southport (GPS)

North Carolina Aquarium Fort Fisher

The enduring North Carolina Aquarium has a location proper close by Southport at Fort Fisher. It’s such a enjoyable approach to discover the underwater world of the North Carolina coast and probably the greatest issues to do close to Southport.

You’ll be able to contact the highest of a swimming stingray, really feel overwhelmed by the cuteness of child sea turtles and otters, spot an albino crocodile, and marvel at sharks and eels navigating their habitat. It’s academic, thrilling, immersive, and most significantly, an enticing approach to help the realm’s conservation efforts. 

• Tackle: 900 Loggerhead Rd, Kure Seashore (GPS)
• Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

The Swamp Park Eco Journey Zipline Park

Within the neighboring borough of Ocean Isle Seashore lies the final journey park. This place has obtained all of it for any daring souls searching for a thrill. There are guided zip line excursions that ship you hovering excessive above the swamp of historical cypress bushes for a birds-eye view of the spectacular panorama. There’s an ATV expertise for hours of going full pace by way of pristine forest on mud-filled paths.

The Aerial Journey Park is simply as thrilling because it sounds. It has over 50 problem obstacles together with rope programs and wobble bridges. The Swamp Boat tour takes you down the Shallotte River to be taught in regards to the intricate ecosystem. Earlier than heading out remember to see the well-known Alligator household at their on-site reptile sanctuary as nicely.  

• Tackle: 5550 Watts Rd SW, Ocean Isle Seashore (GPS)
• Hours: Friday – Sunday: 9:00 am – 5: 00 pm, Closed: Monday – Thursday

Museum of Coastal Carolina

The Museum of Coastal Carolina is the one pure historical past museum in North Carolina set on a barrier island is shut by proper in Ocean Isle. It was created to encourage curiosity in regards to the coastal setting right here and is such a enjoyable approach to get to know the pure world round you thru a variety of interactive reveals just like the wave and tide machines, the augmented actuality sandbox, draw alive, and the contact tank.

It’s a tremendous science-based house filled with enjoyable for the younger and the younger at coronary heart and it’s simple to spend hours right here taking part in and studying on the identical time. 

• Tackle: 21 E 2nd St, Ocean Isle Seashore (GPS)
• Hours: Thursday-Saturday: 10:00 am-3:00 pm, Closed: Monday-Wednesday

Ingram Planetarium

Ingram Planetarium is all the time internet hosting new and thrilling occasions to take pleasure in. Their packages provide visually gorgeous reveals in regards to the complexity of the cosmos that may captivate anybody. Unintentional Astronauts, The Sky Tonight, The Solar Our Dwelling Star, and Seven Wonders will all blow you away.

There’s a science corridor right here as nicely that has many hands-on reveals like a coding station, interactive nanotechnology, and information from NASA in actual time! Get to know the magic of the photo voltaic system just a bit bit higher, or go for a enjoyable laser gentle and music present as an alternative, both method, it’s price a go to whereas in Southport. 

• Tackle: 7625 Excessive Market St, Sundown Seashore (GPS)
• Hours: Thursday- Saturday: 10:30 am – 4:00 pm, Closed: Sunday- Wednesday

Go on a Film Tour

One of many coolest little-known details about Southport is that it’s really served because the set for lots of movies and TV reveals! Tour firms round city provide guided strolling excursions by way of the streets right here to level out the particular sights you could acknowledge from well-known cinematic scenes.

Over 40 productions have been created on this charming city together with A Stroll to Keep in mind, I Know What You Did Final Summer season, Secure Haven, The Secret Lifetime of Bees, and extra. 

Go to the Oak Island Lighthouse

Essentially the most iconic fixture of Oak Island simply off the shore from Southport is the Oak Island Lighthouse. It was really the final lighthouse to be inbuilt North Carolina in 1958. The towering construction is marked with numerous shades of striated grays and is situated proper on the mouth of the Cape Worry River.

Excursions of the highest are provided seasonally on sure days, and the sweeping panoramas from listed below are among the most picturesque round. A captivating picket boardwalk takes you proper as much as the spectacular facade and the within is open year-round for anybody to discover.   

• Tackle: 300a Caswell Seashore Rd, Oak Island (GPS)
• Hours: Wednesday, Saturday:10:00 am -2:00 pm, Thursday: 24 hours, Closed: Monday, Tuesday, Friday & Sunday

Caswell Seashore

Caswell Seashore is well one of the crucial idyllic methods to spend a day whereas in Southport. It seems like a hidden gem of the Carolina shore, with comfortable sands, calm heat waters, and loads of house for absorbing some sunshine.

It’s tremendous clear as the area people makes certain to maintain it litter free. Pack a picnic, convey a e book, or go for a refreshing dip within the salty sea, regardless it’s a soothing approach to spend a day basking in the fantastic thing about the coast. 

Beachin Day Spa

What’s a trip and not using a little pampering, and probably the greatest issues to do in Southport is get pampered. We extremely suggest indulging in some rejuvenating therapies on the Beachin Day Spa to get better from the stress of on a regular basis life and go away feeling refreshed and relaxed.

There are a selection of state-of-the-art choices to take pleasure in, together with cupping remedy, raindrop remedy, scorching stone therapeutic massage, deep tissue therapeutic massage, bamboo therapeutic massage, personalized facials, signature peel, and LED gentle remedy all from proficient professionals.

You may get a bundle to combine and match just a few completely different indulgences and there’s even a hair salon on-site if you wish to spherical all of it off with a brand new do. 

• Tackle: 5200 E Oak Island Dr, Oak Island (GPS)
• Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 9:00 am -5:00 pm, Closed: Sunday & Monday

Superior Issues to Do in Southport, NC Map

The place to Eat in Southport?

• Provision Firm: Simple seafood dishes in a laid-back setting. Consuming right here is should for lunch or dinner.
• Fishy Fishy Cafe: Informal dockside seafood cease accessible by boat, with dwell music on weekends.
• Oliver’s on the Cape Worry: Elegant Southport restaurant serving scrumptious New American delicacies.

The place to Keep in Southport?

After you might be accomplished doing all these enjoyable issues to do in Southport, it’s time to relaxation your head. There aren’t many locations to remain in Southport, so you could go for a close-by Wilmington lodge.