Top 10 Things to Do in Southport
*Image Attributed to Brunswick Visitors Guide, https://www.southport-nc.com/downtown-southport.html*
Lots to Do in Southport
Southport, North Carolina is a truly unique experience for everyone that visits the locale. On the one hand, it has plenty of world-class golf courses, restaurants, and nearby attractions. On the other hand, Southport still radiates that Southern small-town charm. Even though it’s a small town, there are still plenty of fun activities to enjoy. Here are the top 10 things to do in Southport.
Discover and Experience the Local History:
The Cape Fear River and surrounding areas have been culturally significant since the first explorers from Europe discovered the New World. There’s so much history to discover in Southport, it can make your head spin! Founded in the 1700s, Southport has roots that go back to colonial America. The nearby landmarks of Brunswick Town and Fort Johnston are excellent examples of some of the history Southport has to offer. Other locations you can visit around town include the NC Maritime Museum, the Brunswick County Jail, and the rows of beautiful historic homes along the waterfront.
Kayaking and Canoeing
Being surrounded by the mouth of the Cape Fear River and the nearby Atlantic Ocean, Southport has plenty of channels, creeks, and marshes that you can explore. It’s the perfect place to get out and start paddling your way to an adventure. Best of all, there are nearby outfitters such as The Adventure Kayak Company to help get you set up with any gear you need.
Shopping
From candy barrels and Christmas decorations to eclectic local artwork, the town of Southport has it all. There are plenty of shops to explore and knick-knacks to buy for yourself or a friend. Southport is a town that helps to represent local artists and craftspeople, as well as creators from across the Southeast. A lot of these galleries and shops have a distinctive coastal flare to them and often hold special events. Window shoppers and lovers of artwork will feel right at home in Southport.
Walk Along the Waterfront
Few views on the Southeastern seaboard can compare with a walk along the historic Cape Fear River. With silver gulls crying overhead, brown pelicans diving into the water, historic homes lining the road, fishing boats along the pier, and Oak Island Lighthouse gleaming in the distance, the waterfront in Southport is the definition of “picturesque.”
Fresh Seafood
One of the best places to feast upon fresh seafood is in Southport. With restaurants like Oliver’s on the Cape Fear, Fishy Fishy Café, Frying Pan, and The Provision Company set along the shoreline of the river, you can count on the best shrimp, crab, and oysters on this side of Brunswick County.
Go to the Beach
While not a beach town itself, Southport is near some incredible beaches. Oak Island, Bald Head Island, Caswell Beach, and several others are only a few minutes’ drive from the town. With white sand, quiet shores, and plenty of space to lay your blanket out and relax, the Brunswick County beaches are some of the best in the Southeast. It’s an ideal way to spend your permanent vacation.
Visit Movie Locations
The city of Wilmington is already considered home to one of the largest film studios East of Hollywood. But Southport is home to plenty of silver screen charm of its own. The dazzling waterfront and rustic locations have offered the perfect settings for known films like A Walk to Remember, I Know What You Did Last Summer and Domestic Disturbance. TV shows like Dawson’s Creek, Revenge, and Matlock have also been filmed in Southport. Visiting these different locations is a perfect way to spend the day if you’re a lover of Hollywood magic.
Have Yourself a Day Trip
Southport is a small town that has a big community spirit! There are plenty of options if you’re looking to plan your little day trip. Bald Head Island is a fantastic example of one of the most popular coastal destinations that visitors will travel to Southport for. Many other important attractions are also nearby, such as Oak Island Lighthouse, Fort Caswell, Brunswick Town, and more. Southport hosts several music events, car shows, and parades as well.
Cast a Line
With the Cape Fear River and a mix of salt water from the ocean, the channels and holes surrounding Southport are perfect for anglers of all skill levels. Southport is an excellent area to try and catch local favorites like Red Drum and Flounder.
Explore Local Wetlands
With so many natural marshes and wetlands in and around Southport, you can count on plenty to explore in your spare time here. The Marsh Walk is an especially great opportunity to go birding and to see local wildlife in their natural habitat.
Whatever you choose to do in Southport, you can guarantee it will be time well spent in paradise!