Welcome to Southport
Where the captivating riverscape reels you in
As you walk down the tree-lined downtown streets of Southport, there are historic brick buildings with colorfully painted doors and wide sidewalks with benches waiting for you. Moreover, Southport is the quintessential fishing village. Peaceful surroundings are around every corner, where you’ll often find your neighbors heading to or sitting alongside the river. The winters are cold but short, and there is rarely a trace of snow. The locals enjoy the slower pace of life and the beauty of the river.
What to Love
- Charming small town
- Rich history
- Proximity to the beaches
Local Lifestyle
Southport has a laid-back atmosphere where you never feel rushed. The downtown area is walkable, and locals often move on foot instead of driving while in town. Benches throughout the area encourage people to stop and admire their surroundings. Several beaches are a quick drive or ferry trip away for a different type of water experience.
Two ferries operate in Southport. The Fort Fisher Ferry takes people and their cars to and from Southport and Fort Fisher. The Bald Head Island Ferry takes people to and from Southport and Bald Head Island. Except for emergency vehicles, all other gas-powered cars are forbidden on Bald Island. Once on the island, visitors travel on foot, on bicycles, or on electric golf carts.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
Fishy Fishy is an informal dockside cafe with occasional live music, incredible seafood, and boat accessibility.
Ports of Call has an international flavor to its design, music, and menu. The bistro offers a seasonal menu, a great wine list, and a cozy market area with select items from around the globe available for purchase.
Edgewater 122 is on the water and has amazing scenery. The restaurant has two boat slips available for boaters that need to dock while they dine. The heated waterfront patio has the best view and is highly sought after. The food is locally sourced, and they have a changing seasonal menu.
Southport has several antique shops and art galleries. The
Franklin Square Gallery is a wonderful place to visit. This non-profit organization has works from over one hundred local artists for viewing and purchase, from gorgeous paintings to intricate ceramic pieces.
Things to Do
Southport may not be a big, splashy city, but it has plenty of activities. The Fourth of July parade, Winterfest, and the Wooden Boat Show are a few events the town hosts throughout the year.
The
North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport has displays and information about the Cape Fear River and its maritime history. The museum has exhibits about all kinds of things, like shipwrecks, hurricanes, pirates, and the ancient megalodon sharks.
Southport Waterfront Park is the perfect place to watch commercial fishing boats and other vessels on the Cape Fear River. There is a string of park benches stretched along the way, making it easy to sit there for hours. The
Southport Fishing Pier is another place to watch the boats or cast a fishing line. It is close to downtown and easily walkable. If you enjoy a historic walk, the
Old Baldy Lighthouse is just a ferry ride away. The lighthouse has been decommissioned but is open for tours.
Schools
Southport is in the
Brunswick County School District. Union Elementary School and Brunswick County Early College High School received high ratings.
