I am so excited to welcome you to the lovely Southport, North Carolina, a wonderful little beach town that offers you a great location, is truly quaint, though less crowded, and is connected with beach scenic views, interesting tourist historical and heritage sites, and a couple of special excursions. Southport is a charming coastal town perched on the Cape Fear River, and this setting suits everyone.
Whether you plan to go on vacation for some ultimate thrilling experience or have a historical and culture-centered interest in the region, Southport will exceed your expectations.
So, in this travel post, discover the 11 best things to do in Southport, NC, for a memorable vacation, and you’ll make lasting memories in this beautiful place.
Top 11 Things to Do in Southport, NC, for a Memorable Vacation
These are the Top 11 Things to Do in Southport, NC, for a Memorable Vacation that you shouldn’t forget while you’re in Southport, NC
#1 Southport Boat Rentals
The Southport Boat Rentals location is an exciting and interesting vacation destination that offers tourists the freedom to float at their leisure and see the enchanting scenes of Cape Fear.
The trip is available to them by a variety of different boats, enabling them to design their ideal vacation, whether they want a peaceful hike through a marsh with the wildlife, a cruise along the coast on a fine day, or to take some great pictures of the beach while fishing.
The Southport Boat Rental Company is the best option for tourists who want to hop from one natural wonder to another that is otherwise unaccessible and find themselves at the beach.
- Special Features: Hiring boats to go around the waterways of Southport is ideal for fishing, visiting beautiful places, and enjoying the serenity of the water.
- Address: 606 W West St, Southport, NC 28461
- Official Website: Southport Boat Rentals
- Phone No: +1 910-523-6021
- Open and Close Hours:
- Monday – Sunday: 12 PM – 7:30 PM
- Google Map Direction Link: Southport Boat Rentals Directions
#2 North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport
At the NC Maritime Museum in Southport, you can delve into the seagoing past of the Lower Cape Fear region. Here, you can read maritime tales of the region’s original inhabitants, fishing for commercial purposes, even pirates and shipwrecks.
Moreover, look at how important the Cape Fear River was during historical times and be pleased by the sight of all types of ships, from old sailing vessels to present-day steamships. The museum becomes alive with interactive displays where people can learn while having fun, interesting presentations, and festive activities.
- Special Features: Exhibits on the maritime history of the Cape Fear region, including shipwrecks, pirates, and the Civil War.
- Address: 204 E Moore St, Southport, NC 28461
- Official Website: NC Maritime Museum
- Phone No: +12525047740
- Open and Close Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM- 5 PM
- Google Map Direction Link: NC Maritime Museum Directions
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#3 North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is a place for people who are fond of nature and like spending time with their families. It is near Things to Do in Southport, NC, and allows you to be in the water world around North Carolina’s coastline. You can find show-casings with several types of water beings, from funny otters or beautiful sea creatures such as turtles and sharks to reef fishes with various bright colors.
One of the best things to do in Southport, NC, for a memorable vacation is participate in educational programs, watch dive shows, and attend special events at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, which also possesses interactive touch tanks, stingrays, and starfish facilities where you can get up close and personal.
- Special Features: Exhibits featuring marine life from the Cape Fear region, including sharks, sea turtles, and touch tanks.
- Address: 900 Loggerhead Rd, Kure Beach, NC 28449
- Official Website: NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher
- Phone No: +1 910-772-0500
- Open and Close Hours:
- Monday – Sunday: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Google Map Direction Link: NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher Directions
#4 Southport Fishing Pier
The locals and the tourists seeking a relaxing and enjoyable place for fishing love the Southport Fishing Pier. It is because it stretches out over the Cape Fear River’s picturesque water area, offering beautiful scenes besides numerous fishing spots. Are you an established or new angler? You will love this area, as it allows you to catch different types of fish.
Apart from other privileges, the calm atmosphere is synonymous with having a leisurely walk and is the best place to lie back and savor the ocean breeze. To make your trip a hit, a must-visit place would be the Southport Fishing Pier in Best Things to Do in Southport, NC.
- Special Features: A scenic pier perfect for fishing and drinking in the views of the Cape Fear River.
- Address: 113 W Bay St, Southport, NC 28461
- Official Website: Southport Fishing Pier
- Phone No: +1 910-457-7927
- Open and Close Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk
- Google Map Direction Link: Southport Fishing Pier Directions
#5 Northrop Antique Mall
An unforgettable vacation in Southport town should include a day at Northrop Antique Mall because it offers a shopping experience that is distinct and attractive. This antique mall is situated in Southport city center and has numerous old-fashioned items, such as mementos, and original and valuable pieces for sale. Various individual vendors present their stocks at different booths, offering various antique wares, from furniture for houses to decorative items up to memory items, including gems, among others.
Roaming around the shop is like visiting the past, where you can find valuable historical items. Spending the afternoon on such an adventure is fun as different things emerge, becoming memorable souvenirs after one leaves.
- Special Features: A large antique mall featuring various vintage and collectible items.
- Address: 111 N Howe St, Southport, NC 28461
- Phone No: +1 910-457-5455
- Open and Close Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM
- Google Map Direction Link: Northrop Antique Mall Directions
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#6 Explore Bald Head Island
Exploring Bald Head Island is one of the coolest things travellers can do in Southport, NC, and it makes the trip unforgettable because it means breaking out of the usual schedule. Southport is only a short ferry ride away, and one is on a no-car island. The island has untouched beaches with cleanliness at its highest level, different types of trees found on Atlantic European beaches, and waters surrounded by mounds of land.Â
There are many potential inconveniences that travellers might find bothersome: the bugs off of the tree stumps, swimming on quiet beaches or just lounging in the sun, a chance to hike or bike through the beautiful trails, or jumping into the past by visiting the Old Baldy Lighthouse.
Over the years, the island has remained peaceful despite its proximity to Southport. It has great natural views and historical significance, making it the perfect place to visit for those interested in the beauty of coastal North Carolina. No wonder it is one of the best things to do in Southport NC, for a memorable vacation.
- Special Features: Accessible only by ferry, this island offers pristine beaches, maritime forests, and the historic Bald Head Island Lighthouse.
- Address: 101 Lighthouse Wynd, Bald Head Island, NC 28461
- Official Website: Bald Head Island
- Phone No: +1 910-457-5003
- Google Map Direction Link: Bald Head Island Ferry Terminal Directions
#7 Enjoy a Performance at the Southport Community Theatre
Why go to a performance at Southport Community Theatre? You may be asking yourself. You will never regret deciding if you intend to have an unforgettable vacation in Southport, NC. According to a local theatre that hosts thousands of shows a year featuring plays, musicals, and other performances composed by gifted local thespians, visiting these shows is a highly efficient way to explore the Best Things to do In Southport, NC of the warm world while interacting with its inhabitants.
The small size of the place ensures that you have a great view from all the seats there. It’s the perfect opportunity to add cultural and entertainment activities to your Southport trip.
- Special Features: Local theatre group performing a variety of plays, musicals, and other live performances.
- Address: 111 N Howe St, Southport, NC 28461, United States
- Official Website: Southport Community Theatre
- Phone No: +19105232552
- Open and close hours: Depends on the show time
- Google Map Direction Link: Southport Community Theatre Directions
#8 The Cape Fear River
One of the most incredible attractions open to individuals traveling to Southport, NC, is the chance to float up the Cape Fear River. Doing so means soaking up the area’s breathtaking natural beauty and rich maritime history.
The meanders of this river flow all along its course. These bodies of water are rich marshlands inhabited by a wide variety of wildlife, making it an ideal destination for individuals who wish to embark on a boat trip, which means showing them the surrounding areas while getting them with friends or alone time on the water.
Tourists can access the historical significance of the river at Fort Fisher and the Battleship North Carolina Monument. The park may be visited for a serene outing or a stroll. Those interested in sightseeing along Southport’s coastline can see an area next to the park.
- Special Features: Offers boating, fishing, and scenic views, an essential part of the area’s history and ecosystem.
- Official Website: Cape Fear River
- Address: Runs through Southport, NC
- Open hours: 24/7
- Google Map Direction Link: Cape Fear River Directions
#9 Silver Coast Winery Tasting Room
There are many activities to enjoy while in Southport, NC; however, the Silver Coast Winery tasting room is one of them you can’t miss. Located in downtown South Port, this luxurious wine-tasting room offers a relaxing atmosphere and local flavours with cultural awareness. Visitors can try them in their original form and sometimes with other ingredients.
Learn about wine and how it’s made in North Carolina as you enjoy the companionship of friends who share the same interests on a perfect stage that makes learning fun. In Southport, on the Silver Coast Winery Tasting Porch, newcomers to wine tasting and those who have been doing this for some time are assured of having wonderful moments they will always savour.
- Special Features: Wine tastings and sales of local wines in a charming setting.
- Address: 105 S Howe St, Southport, NC 28461
- Official Website: Silver Coast Winery
- Phone No: +19102872800
- Open and Close Hours:
- Sunday- Monday: 1 PM – 6 PM
- Google Map Direction Link: Silver Coast Winery Directions
#10 Skydive Coastal Carolinas
Skydive Coastal Carolinas offers an unforgettable adventure, making it one of the top things to do in Southport, NC, for a memorable vacation. Skydive Coastal Carolinas makes you feel like you have opened the door to another world, being the top Southport attraction, a journey filled with memories, and giving your vacation an experience you will never forget.
A jump in the air is the best way to get an adrenaline thrill, and experienced professionals will help with safety procedures. For first-time skydivers, combining fun with expert care will provide facilities that dazzle the board. Skydive Coastal Carolinas is the perfect experience with unforgettable memories of the Southport community,
- Special Features: Offers tandem skydiving with stunning views of the North Carolina coast.
- Address: 4019 Long Beach Rd SE, Southport, NC 28461
- Official Website: Skydive Coastal Carolinas
- Phone No: +1 910-457-1039
- Open and Close Hours:
- Monday – Sunday: 8 AM – 4 PM
- Google Map Direction Link: Skydive Coastal Carolinas Directions
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#11 Fort Fisher Ferry
The Fort Fisher Ferry is one of those unforgettable, must-do activities you should consider for your Southport, NC, vacation. This passenger and vehicle ferry is entertaining and allows one to get a glimpse into the Cape Fear River, dolphins, and seabirds, which, in addition to this, grants access to the North Carolina State Aquarium and the beach. Besides these impressive views, it is indeed a very good day out in Southport.
Taking the Fort Fisher Ferry is one of the top 12 things to do in Southport, NC, for a memorable vacation because it links the traveller to the most scenic, wildlife, history, and natural wonders.
Special Features: A ferry boat to get to Cape Fear River from Southport and the touch with Fort Fisher State Recreation Area and North Carolina Aquarium.
- Address: 1301 Ferry Rd SE, Southport, NC 28461, United States
- Official Website: Fort Fisher Ferry
- Phone No:+19102517310
- Open and Close Hours: Varies by season; check the website for the schedule.
- Google Map Direction Link: Fort Fisher Ferry Directions
The Best time to visit Southport, NC
The best time to visit Best things to do in these seasons
- January – March: Visit museums and historic sites like the Old Baldy Lighthouse
- Enjoy peaceful beach walks
- Explore the Southport Winterfest
- April – June: Take the Fort Fisher Ferry for scenic views
- Go on nature hikes and bike rides along scenic trails
- Enjoy a spring festival
- Visit Local farmers’ markets
- July – September: Sunbathe on the beaches
- Go kayaking or paddleboarding
- Enjoy water sports
- Take part in the Fourth of July Festival
- Experience skydiving with Skydive Coastal Carolinas
- October – December: Explore haunted tours and Halloween events
- Attend the Southport Christmas Festival
- Enjoy cooler beach walks
- Visit local holiday markets
Conclusion
As much as this is true, Southport, NC, holds the historians’ activities that make every traveller’s vacation memorable. Skydive Coastal Carolinas can provide skydiving in Southport, and the Fort Fisher Ferry can provide nature trekking, making the destination an adventurous and relaxing vacation destination.
At this place, you are welcome to view the historic side of Old Baldy Lighthouse and hike, bike, and sunbathe on the beautiful sandy beach. To do there is the alteration with local celebrations, scary walking tours, and the markets connected with the season.
The top 12 things to do in Southport, NC, for a memorable vacation capture the essence of this beautiful beach town.Â
Some FAQs
What historical places in Southport, NC, can one not afford to miss?
Old Baldy Lighthouse’ and ‘North Carolina Maritime Museum’ are undoubtedly some of the historical places that shed light on the region’s historical significance and the United States maritime history.
What fun things can be done outside in Southport, North Carolina?
Many outdoor activities can be done in Southport, including beachcombing, kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, biking, and nature walks along the trails.
Could you recommend any out-of-the-ordinary things to do in Southport, North Carolina?
Yes, the two memorable things that should be done are skydiving with Skydive Coastal Carolinas and a ride on the Fort Fisher Ferry to see beautiful views.
Are there any family-friendly activities in Southport, NC?
Absolutely! Families like going to the beaches, visiting the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, participating in local festivals, and visiting the Southport waterfront park.
