Southport North CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Southport, North Carolina.
1. Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry
SCENIC WATER TRANSPORTATION
The Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry offers a picturesque 30-minute ride connecting Southport to the peaceful beaches of Fort Fisher. Travelers can enjoy breathtaking views of the Cape Fear River and Atlantic Ocean while making the crossing. This popular transportation option serves as both a practical route and a tourist attraction in its own right.
2. Southport Pier and Riverwalk
WATERFRONT PROMENADE EXPERIENCE
Southport Pier and Riverwalk provides visitors with a charming waterfront boardwalk experience along the Cape Fear River. Visitors can enjoy the salty air while watching various watercraft pass by, from large container ships to small fishing boats. The area offers perfect photo opportunities with scenic views of the water and historic waterfront.
3. North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport
LOCAL MARITIME HISTORY
The North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport focuses on preserving and showcasing the rich maritime heritage of the region. The museum features fascinating exhibits on piracy, shipwrecks, and coastal storms that have shaped the area's history. Visitors can explore artifacts and learn about the important relationship between Southport and its surrounding waterways.
4. Fort Johnston - Southport Museum & Visitors Center
HISTORIC MILITARY SITE
Fort Johnston was constructed in 1745 to defend the Cape Fear River from potential Spanish attacks and now serves as both a museum and visitor center. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into centuries of local history with informative exhibits and friendly volunteer staff. Visitors can explore the fort's significance in the establishment of Southport, which was officially founded in 1792.
5. Price's Creek Lighthouse
HISTORIC MARITIME BEACON
Price's Creek Lighthouse stands as a historic maritime landmark visible from the Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry route. Passengers are encouraged to look to the shore during their ferry crossing to capture photos of this picturesque structure. Though no longer operational, the lighthouse remains an important piece of the region's nautical heritage.
6. Old Brunswick County Jail Museum
HISTORIC CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
The Old Brunswick County Jail Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the historic correctional facilities of coastal North Carolina. The preserved structure allows guests to explore the history of law enforcement in Brunswick County through various exhibits and artifacts. This unique museum adds to Southport's reputation as a living museum where history is both preserved and enjoyed.
7. Silver Coast Winery Tasting Room
LOCAL WINE EXPERIENCE
Silver Coast Winery Tasting Room provides visitors with the opportunity to sample locally produced wines in the heart of Southport. Wine enthusiasts can enjoy tastings of various regional varieties in a charming atmosphere. The tasting room represents the coastal region's growing reputation for quality winemaking.
8. Southport Marina
WATERFRONT BOATING HUB
Southport Marina serves as a premier destination for boaters and maritime enthusiasts visiting the Cape Fear region. The well-maintained facility offers stunning views of the waterfront and access to the Intracoastal Waterway. Visitors can observe a variety of vessels from small recreational boats to impressive yachts while enjoying the coastal atmosphere.
9. Old Smithville Burying Ground
HISTORIC CEMETERY SITE
Old Smithville Burying Ground represents an important historical site preserving the final resting places of early Southport residents. The historic cemetery contains graves dating back to the town's earliest days when it was known as Smithville. Visitors interested in genealogy and local history will find this peaceful site both educational and contemplative.
10. Southport Fun Tours
MOVIE LOCATION EXCURSIONS
Southport Fun Tours offers visitors engaging golf cart tours showcasing the town's numerous film and television production locations. Guests can discover sites featured in popular works like 'Safe Haven,' 'A Walk to Remember,' and TV shows such as 'Dawson's Creek' and 'Under the Dome.' The tours also include the historic waterfront district and provide insider recommendations from knowledgeable local guides.
11. The Provision Company
WATERFRONT SEAFOOD DINING
The Provision Company offers casual waterfront dining with fresh seafood in a relaxed atmosphere overlooking the water. Diners can enjoy locally caught fish and shellfish while watching boats cruise by on the Intracoastal Waterway. This popular eatery exemplifies Southport's reputation for quality seafood and scenic dining experiences.
12. Franklin Square Gallery
LOCAL ART SHOWCASE
Franklin Square Gallery showcases the work of local and regional artists in a charming historic building in downtown Southport. The gallery features rotating exhibitions of paintings, sculptures, photography, and other art forms representing the creative culture of coastal North Carolina. Visitors can browse and purchase unique artwork while supporting the vibrant local arts community.
13. Moore Street Market
GOURMET FOOD SHOPPING
Moore Street Market serves as a popular gourmet food destination offering specialty groceries, prepared foods, and unique culinary items. The market provides visitors and locals alike with high-quality ingredients and ready-to-eat options in a charming atmosphere. Food enthusiasts will appreciate the carefully curated selection that highlights local and regional flavors.
14. Bald Head Island
CAR-FREE ISLAND RETREAT
Bald Head Island is a nearby car-free island accessible by ferry from Southport offering pristine beaches, maritime forests, and marshlands. Visitors can explore the island by golf cart, bicycle, or on foot while enjoying its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere. The island is home to the historic Old Baldy Lighthouse, North Carolina's oldest standing lighthouse dating back to 1817.
15. Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson Historic Site
COLONIAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson Historic Site preserves the archaeological remains of a colonial port town and Civil War fort near Southport. Visitors can explore the foundations of original structures and learn about the site's significance through interpretive displays and a museum. This important historical location offers insights into both colonial America and Civil War history in the Cape Fear region.