Southport is proof that some of the best coastal destinations aren’t necessarily known for their beaches, although there is plenty of sand and surf nearby. Located at the spot where the Cape Fear River meets the Atlantic Ocean, the small town in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands is more defined by its maritime history, walkable streets, and undeniable Southern charm.
Even if you’ve never visited this part of the coast in person, you may recognize a few familiar backdrops. Southport was famously a filming location for Safe Haven and A Walk To Remember, and, more recently, The Summer I Turned Pretty. Whether you’re hoping to recreate your favorite movie or TV scene, sample all kinds of fresh seafood, or simply enjoy a relaxing weekend getaway, here’s how to plan a trip to Southport.
What to Do
The second you arrive in Southport, your first order of business should be getting your bearings. And the best way to do so is by exploring the 4,143-person town on foot. If you’re interested in Southport’s past—many homes and buildings date back to the early 19th century—embark on this self-guided walking tour, making sure to get a peek of the Walker-Pyke House at 239 E. Bay; built around 1800, it’s Southport's oldest surviving house. Television and movie buffs may be more interested in seeing Southport’s most iconic film locations with their own two eyes.
To get the full Southport experience, you’ll need to get out on the water. Southport Water Tours offers sunset and sightseeing cruises along the Cape Fear River and Intracoastal Waterway. Depending on the weather, the captain may bring you toward Bald Head Island and Battery Island. You’re even allowed to bring your own cooler. Standard adult fare starts at $25.
southportwatertours.com; 110 Yacht Basin Dr, Southport, NC 28461
If you’re visiting Southport in the summer, make sure you add a classic beach day to your trip itinerary. Neighboring Oak Island and Caswell Beach have the wide stretches of coast North Carolina is famous for, so grab your sunscreen, beach chair, and umbrella and set up for a day filled with lounging, swimming, and shelling (see if you can find a baby's ear, a moon snail, or a knobbed whelk).
Have a day when the weather isn’t quite cooperating with outdoor activities? Head indoors at the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport. With a mission to “collect, preserve and interpret material culture pertinent to the maritime history of the Lower Cape Fear region,” the museum, which doesn’t charge admission, is the perfect place to gain a deeper understanding of how Southport evolved into the destination it is today.
Where to Eat and Drink
In Southport, waterfront dining comes with the territory. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Edgewater 122 is one of the best places to eat overlooking the Cape Fear River. The restaurant even has two boat slips that can fit a 30-foot vessel. If you’re dining in the evening, come hungry; it’s hard to pass up the 122 Fried Platter—an entree that includes jumbo shrimp, oysters, crab cakes, and Parmesan fries.
edgewater122.com; 122 Yacht Basin Dr, Southport, NC 28461
When you’re in the mood for something easy and casual—but still distinctly Southport—Provision Company is the move. Another pillar in the Southport community, Provision Company is open seasonally and serves up its seafood in the Old Yacht Basin. Swing by around noon for the lunch special—a quarter pound of peel-and-eat shrimp and a North Carolina blue crab cake (Calabash style), with tartar and cocktail sauce on the side.
provisioncompany.com; 130 Yacht Basin Dr, Southport, NC 28461
More seafood and waterfront views await at Fishy Fishy Cafe. In typical Southport fashion, you can pull up to the restaurant by boat, ready to order all the peel-and-eat shrimp, po’ boys, and fried flounder you can handle. Lunch is served until 4 p.m., and you can opt for indoor or outdoor seating.
ishyfishycafe.com; 106 Yacht Basin Dr, Southport, NC 28461
Lowcountry cuisine and seafood are the stars of the menu at Mr. P’s Bistro. Kick things off with the Oysters Bienville before moving on to the shrimp and grits, scallops, and crab cakes. Open for dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays, this family-owned favorite is a Southport staple, one that’s been around for more than three decades.
mrpsbistro.com; 309 N Howe St, Southport, NC 28461
Where to Stay
You aren’t going to find glamorous, five-star hotels in Southport—but this small town has something even better: historic inns and bed-and-breakfasts. One of these properties, the Robert Ruark Inn, puts you right in the heart of Southport. Each morning, you’ll wake up to a full, multi-course breakfast before venturing out to the restaurants, shops, and historic sites in the downtown area.
robertruarkinn.com; 119 N Lord St, Southport, NC 28461
Carriage House Inn Southport is another idyllic option for those travelers seeking a low-key getaway to the Brunswick Islands. The homey rooms and common spaces—including a sunroom, screen porch, and parlor—are comfortable and cozy. Perfect for a couple’s weekend retreat or solo travelers seeking a bit of rest and relaxation. Guests are also treated to a continental breakfast and a daily happy hour.
Southport’s history is alive and well at Captain Newton's Inn, a delightful property built in 1886. The intimate inn has three rooms—Captain Newton’s Room, Gracie’s Room, and Indian Oak Room—all of which are outfitted with a king-sized bed and a private bath. While they’re all lovely, Gracie’s Room is better suited for those guests craving privacy; it has a private porch with two rocking chairs and a separate private entrance.
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