From the mountains to the coast and everything in between, I adore North Carolina, partly because it reminds me of my current home state of Virginia, and also due to the fact that it’s filled with lesser-known pockets with fabulous things to do. While the two states share many attributes, such as topography and history, being north-to-south neighbors means that when my husband and I need a getaway, it’s a no-brainer to head to The Tar Heel State.
We always enjoy discovering somewhere new on a weekend getaway—Burnsville and Durham are recent favorites—but there’s one place that keeps calling us to visit time and time again: Southport. Being in such a quaint spot makes us linger longer, especially if it includes beach time on nearby Oak Island.
Whether you’re thinking about a spring break family getaway, a girls’ trip, or just need a solo respite, here’s why this coastal stretch of North Carolina keeps beckoning us back.
What To Do
Visiting the two free museums in Southport will acclimate you to the area and help you learn a bit about the town’s maritime significance. You can learn important history at the Fort Johnston-Southport Museum and Visitors’ Center. From movie locations to memorable residents, this small museum gives a brief overview. It’s also located inside a historic fort that once defended the coast. Right behind is the North Carolina Maritime Museum, where you can delve into former fishing practices, but my favorite part is peeking through the periscope from the USS Dolphin.
There’s a reason the museum has a section dedicated to movies: the beauty and laid-back vibe of Southport have drawn location scouts searching for the perfect backdrop. Fans of love stories like A Walk to Remember and the more recent Safe Haven may recognize several picturesque places showcased in the films. Those who enjoy ‘80s movies can find settings from Weekend at Bernie’s (a fun watch!) and Crimes of the Heart. If you want to hit some of the highlights while in town, grab a bite at Fishy Fishy Cafe, wander downtown, and board the Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry to get a taste of the big screen.
While Southport has plenty of coastline, if you crave a more traditional beach experience—think toes in the sand and jumping waves—spend a day on Oak Island, where you won’t find high rises. Instead, you’ll see houses on stilts and plenty of beach access points so that you, too, can enjoy a beachside retreat. Several companies, like Mr. Beach Rentals, lend lounge chairs, coolers, kayaks, and more to make your oceanside time a breeze. For a full day of play, rent a kayak, bike, or cornhole set to help pass the time as you listen to the surf. Before leaving, stop by the newly rebuilt Oak Island Pier for a great view of the coastal sunset.
One of the reasons I adore Southport is the various antique shops in and around town. There are also a hefty number of thrift shops, which are the perfect complement for those who enjoy shopping secondhand. If you collect true antiques, such as sterling silver and original wall art, stop by Old Elegance Antiques in the heart of Southport. Right across the street is one of my favorite charity shops, Dosher Memorial Hospital Flea Market, and the multi-vendor antique shop, Northrup Mall, is just a few steps away. It’s also worth venturing beyond the main hub to The Painted Mermaid for quirkier antiques and the Southport CIS Thrift Shop, which supports local schools.
When Southern lighthouses come to mind, you may instantly think of ones with winding staircases leading to the top, but the story is a bit different with the Oak Island Lighthouse. While it has fewer stairs (131 to be exact), what makes this structure unique is that the inside is composed of a series of metal, “ship’s ladders.” Because of the steep angle, participants must be at least 9 years old. While I had to catch my breath at the top, the view is stunning and well worth the climb. This volunteer-run attraction is free, but donations help sustain and preserve it for future generations.
While you could rent a bike to explore Oak Island and Southport—Island Dan’s is an excellent place to do so—to get out in the fresh air for a few hours on two wheels, book a guided e-bike nature trek with Cycle-logical Tours. Whether you want to traverse the town or the island (separate tours let you do both), you can learn about historic landmarks, explore scenic areas, and hear about local flora and fauna as you ride. The e-bikes let my husband and me pedal our way through this fun activity with ease. Booking a tour at the beginning of your stay will also help you get the lay of the land.
Where To Eat and Drink
For a quick grab-and-go breakfast, order a coffee and pastry from Port City Java (a daily stop for my husband), a small North Carolina chain with a location in the heart of Southport. To start your day on a satiating note, stop by Carolina Coastal Cafe, where you’ll be served quickly in a festive atmosphere as they go all out to decorate for every holiday. Additionally, the Old Bridge Diner has an award-winning breakfast in a diner-style atmosphere that will fuel your day in a jiffy.
When lunchtime calls, Edgewater 122 focuses on locally-sourced ingredients and offers waterside dining with one of our favorite views. Prepare to be impressed by the food styling, which is top-notch and very Insta-worthy. Whether you need a place to go on Taco Tuesday or are just craving a hearty burrito, pop into Kai-Joes, which puts a fresh spin on classic food. Their sister restaurant, Fizzy Jane’s, is also ready to greet you with creative cuisine.
Being close to the sea means there are plenty of options for fresh seafood with ocean views. For an upscale steak and seafood dining experience, make dinner reservations at Island Way, where you can view the ocean from their locally-famous glass wall set against the dunes. The Ports of Call Bistro and Market is in Southport’s central hub and offers selections from around the world alongside local staples.
Whether you select a craft cocktail at Koko Cabana—also note their menu’s selection of “weird beers”—or pop into the tasting room of Silver Coast Winery in the heart of Southport, drinks are also a must while in town. For a flavorful beer, stop by Solar Brewing Company, which was the first brewery on Oak Island.
Where To Stay
For a week of exploring the area, have a true home-away-from-home by booking one of the many rentals available on Oak Island. Doing so will give you easy access to the beach and make leisurely days of fun in the sun more accessible. If you prefer to be close to Southport, the River Hotel of Southport has cozy rooms and fronts the river, where you can play on the beach, walk the pier, swim in the pool, or simply enjoy the view. Southport also has several historic bed and breakfasts within walking distance of shops and restaurants.
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