Blog written by: Tracy S.
Tracy writes for Coastal Vacation Resorts at Oak Island, sharing vacation-planning tips, travel insights, local activities, and property highlights to help guests make the most of their time along the North Carolina coast.
We hope that you will take the opportunity to explore the wonders of coastal North Carolina while you are on vacation. A quick day trip to Southport is the perfect addition to your Oak Island vacation itinerary.
Are you ready to build your own adventure and explore this charming coastal town? Below, you will find several categories of things to do in Southport, including dining, shopping, attractions & points of interest, and even a fun side quest. Under each category, we have listed multiple options for you to choose from. Select one or two places to visit from each category that interests you—and you have built your own Southport day trip adventure!
In this article:
- About Southport, NC
- Getting There
- Southport Dining
- Shops & Boutiques
- Attractions & Points of Interest
- Side Quest: Bald Head Island
- Book Your Oak Island Rental
Build Your Own Southport Day Trip Adventure
About Southport, NC
Southport, North Carolina, is a charming waterfront town known for its picturesque setting and laid-back coastal lifestyle. The town overlooks the Cape Fear River, where it spills into the Atlantic Ocean. With a history dating back to the 1500s, the area first drew early European explorers before becoming an established town in 1792, and then became known as Southport in 1887.
Over the years, it has evolved from a fishing village and military outpost into a welcoming destination for visitors. Strolling through Southport, you’ll find shady streets lined with centuries-old live oak trees, historic homes, and scenic river views that reflect its rich past and relaxed pace. It’s a place where history and coastal beauty combine. And thanks to free parking throughout most of the town, exploring is easy and convenient.
Getting There
The trip from Oak Island to Southport is only 16-19 minutes, depending on where you’re staying. For those who are staying in vacation rentals closer to Highway 133 and Caswell Beach, it is an 8-mile drive. If you have rented a home on the west side of the island that is closer to Highway 906, you can expect a 12-mile drive.
Southport Dining
Fishy Fish Cafe
106 Yacht Basin Drive, Southport, NC
Located on the waterfront in downtown Southport, Fishy Fish Cafe features incredible views and delicious meals. Enjoy the casual atmosphere of the indoor and outdoor dining, along with the nostalgic setting of a TV and movie filming location. Start off with the popular NC Peel ‘n Eat Shrimp or sample the Cajun Crab Cakes. They are open for lunch and dinner.
Frying Pan Restaurant
319 West Bay Street, Southport, NC
Frying Pan Restaurant is an iconic establishment, offering southern-style seafood with fabulous water views. Try the all-you-can-eat Crab Legs each Wednesday or classic BBQ Ribs with Grilled Shrimp. If you are in the mood for something lighter, try the Frying Pan Steak Wrap or the Kale Super Salad. This local favorite on the Yacht Basin is open for lunch and dinner.
Blue Cow Grill
108 E. Moore Street, Southport, NC
This little burger joint serves big flavors in the heart of Southport. Beyond the mouth-watering burgers, guests at Blue Cow Grill love the seafood salads, toasted sandwiches, and made-to-order wings. Pair an on-tap beer with a classic Reuben or savory Tuna Tacos. This fun eatery is open for lunch and dinner.
Shops & Boutique
Cattail Cottage
416 N. Howe Street, Southport, NC
Cattail Cottage is a fun gift shop in a quaint setting. Browse the unique selection of candles, books, perfumes, garden decor, jewelry, and more.
Olde Southport Village Shoppes
1102 N. Howe Street, Southport, NC
The Olde Southport Village Shoppes are a collection of small, brightly painted buildings in a village setting. Each shop is individually operated by a wide variety of businesses. You will find everything from handcrafted perfumes to permanent jewelry, as well as an art gallery.
The Christmas House
104 W. Moore Street, Southport, NC
Marvel at this Victorian-style cottage trimmed with large green shutters and candy canes. The Christmas House features an impressive selection of holiday decorations.
If you haven't already booked your Oak Island vacation rental, there is no time like the present!
Attractions & Points of Interest
North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport
204 E. Moore Street, Southport, NC
The North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport offers a fascinating look into the region’s coastal heritage, focusing on the history, culture, and waterways of the Cape Fear area. Located on the scenic waterfront, the museum features exhibits about shipwrecks, pirates, fishing traditions, hurricanes, and the role Southport has played in maritime navigation and military defense. Visitors can explore artifacts, maritime models, and interactive displays that bring centuries of coastal history to life.
Smithville Burying Ground
401 E. Moore Street, Southport, NC
The Smithville Burying Ground is one of the oldest and most historic cemeteries along the coast. It offers a glimpse into the town’s early past. Dating back to the late 1700s, this small, peaceful site serves as the final resting place for some of Southport’s earliest residents, including Revolutionary War soldiers, sea captains, and prominent local families. Explore weathered headstones and simple markers surrounded by shady live oaks. This is an interesting way to learn about the town’s history.
Old Brunswick County Jail Museum
401 E Moore St, Southport, NC
Located at the corner of Nash and Rhett Streets across from the Old Smithville Burying Ground, the Old Brunswick County Jail was built in 1904. Since 1984, the structure has undergone extensive renovations to restore this important piece of Southport history. Now known as the Old Brunswick County Jail Museum, you can take a step back in time and imagine what it felt like to be incarcerated in this historic jail!
Fort Johnston-Southport Museum & Visitors' Center
203 E. Bay Street, Southport, NC
The Fort Johnston–Southport Museum & Visitors’ Center offers an introduction to Southport’s rich history. Housed on the grounds of historic Fort Johnston—one of North Carolina’s oldest military sites—the museum features a variety of exhibits. Learn about the town’s role in colonial defense, the Civil War, and maritime life along the Cape Fear River. Visitors can explore artifacts, maps, and local lore. The on-site visitors’ center provides helpful information for exploring Southport and the surrounding coast.
Southport Waterfront Park
146 E. Bay Street, Southport, NC
Overlooking the Cape Fear River, Waterfront Park allows visitors a moment of respite after a day of exploring. Watch the boats, look for wildlife, walk on the pier, and take a few Instagram-worthy photos.
Take a Tour of Southport
There are a few options if you would like to take a tour of this quaint town. The Southport Historical Society has a FREE tour app that gives points of interest to visit, GPS coordinates, and educational information. Another option is to book an excursion with Southport Fun Tours, complete with a local guide. For yet more local entertainment, see how many of the Southport TV and movie filming sites you can visit! This town has played host to blockbuster hits like “Safe Haven” and popular TV series like “The Summer I Turned Pretty”.
Side-Quest: Take the Ferry from Southport to Bald Head Island
Extend your day trip to Southport with a visit to Bald Head Island. Make reservations on the private ferry that leaves from downtown Southport. After the short ferry ride, you will arrive on the pristine shores of Bald Head Island. Here, you can grab a bit to eat, rent a golf cart to explore the island, and walk to the “Old Baldy” lighthouse. This car-free island is a fun place to spend a few hours or the day!
Are you looking for more day trip ideas? We invite you to consider an excursion from Oak Island to Shallotte for a day of fun.
Book Your Oak Island Vacation Rental
From your vacation rental on Oak Island, you can explore lighthouses, spend lazy days on the beach, take epic day trips, indulge in mouth-watering seafood, and spend quality time with the people you love. Let us help you find the ideal rental for your family’s needs. Whether you are planning a large family reunion or an intimate retreat with your best friends, you will find the ideal accommodation with Coastal Resort Vacations Oak Island.
Browse our selection of oceanfront homes, rentals with pools, or dog-friendly properties.
Blue Heaven (pictured above) offers oceanfront luxury at its finest. Guests can enjoy views of Yaupon Pier and listen to the sound of crashing waves. With 5 bedrooms and accommodations for 15, this is the perfect choice for those who want it all, including easy access to Southport, which is only a few minutes away.
Amenities include:
- Oceanfront
- Dog-friendly
- Heated private pool
- Spacious decks
- Elevator
- Fenced yard
- Easy beach access
Start a custom search today and make your vacation rental reservations!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q) Are there any dessert or ice cream shops in Southport?
A) Yes! Try Flava’s Ice Cream Shop or Spike’s Dairy Bar, which are both located downtown.
Q) Where can I get coffee in Southport?
A) Walking around downtown Southport with an iced latte or a hot cup of coffee is an excellent choice. Breeze through Southport Coffee Co or Moody Bean Coffee Shop and pick up your coffee order!
Q) Are there interesting things to do on Oak Island besides going to the beach?
A) Absolutely! From hidden gems to fantastic restaurants, Oak Island has it all.
