Is Southport, North Carolina a Good Town to Visit?
If you’re looking for a new town to visit on the Carolina coast you may have come across the Southport, NC. To help you decide if it’s the best destination for your next vacation, I’ve rounded up some info on this historical town to help you plan your trip.
Is Southport, North Carolina a Good Town to Visit?
If you’re looking for a quaint getaway with small town charm, yes! Historic Southport is home to museums, restaurants, boutiques and more that provide the perfect, relaxing oasis. It’s even attracted the attention of Hollywood shows such as Dawson’s Creek and Steven King’s Under the Dome!
What is Southport, NC known for?
The love of history shines bright in Southport. The Fort Johnston-Southport Museum, North Carolina Maritime Museum, and Old Brunswick County Jail Museum are just a few attractions that bring history buffs to this small town.
After a museum tour you can head over to one of Southport’s coveted waterfront seafood restaurants like Provision Company or Olivers On the Cape Fear for some lobster or shrimp and grits. End your afternoon with a relaxing walk in Waterfront Park which borders the downtown streets and the Cape Fear River.
If you’re in town for more than a few days you can check out Southport’s self-guided walking tour of the town’s numerous filming locations. Pose as your favorite character in films such as I Know What You Did Last Summer, A Walk to Remember and Safe Haven. There are over 36 locations that have appeared on camera in the downtown streets alone!
Is Southport, NC Safe?
Compared to North Carolina overall, Southport falls below the state’s averages for property crime and violent crime. As in other cities, it is important to stay vigilant and take the proper precautions to keep yourself, your family, and your property safe.
Does Southport, NC have a beach?
Southport is located at the mouth of Cape Fear River, about 2 miles inland from the Atlantic Ocean.
For a more traditional beach experience, Caswell Beach is located just on the other side of the Intracoastal waterway, 15 minutes from Downtown Southport.
Is Southport, NC a good place to live?
It all depends on your lifestyle! Southport is home to just over 3,500 residents, making it a quiet, close-knit community in the off season.
In recent years, Southport was ranked the #6 place in North Carolina to retire.
For those that value a bustling year-round atmosphere, nearby towns like Wilmington may be better suited for you.
What airports are close to Southport, NC?
If you’re looking to visit Southport from out of state, a flight into Wilmington or Myrtle Beach’s international airports will get you there in no time. Both airports offer flights year round to most major US cities.
- Wilmington International Airport ILM (42 minute drive)
- Myrtle Beach International Airport MYR (1.5 hour drive)
Driving Directions to Southport, NC:
- From Charlotte, NC (3.5 hours)
- Take US-74 E for 167 miles
- In Bolton, NC take Exit 258 onto NC-211 S
- Stay on NC-211 S for 42 miles
- From Raleigh, NC (2.5 hours)
- Take I-40 E for 115 miles toward Benson/Wilmington
- Take Exit 416-A-416-B to merge onto I-140W toward Myrtle Beach for 20 miles
- Merge onto US-17 S toward NC-87 S
- Take NC-87 S for 20 miles toward Southport, NC
- From Columbia, SC (3.5 hours)
- Follow I-20 E, I-95 N and US-74 E for 175 miles
- Take Exit 258 from US-74 E onto NC-211 S
- Stay on NC-211 S for 42 miles
Where to stay in Southport, NC?
No matter if you’re visiting for a couples weekend, family reunion, or a trip with friends, Southport has numerous lodging options to fit a variety of occasions.
- Romantic Getaway
- One bedroom, one bathroom condo that sleeps 2
- Located in the Village at Southport, just steps from the marina, restaurants and shops
- Features a covered deck for cocktail hour and bikes for exploring the town
- Coastal Cottage
- 3 bedrooms, two bath home that sleeps 6
- Spacious, full kitchen for in home cooking
- Contains a fenced-in patio for outdoor dining amid towering live oak trees
- Waterfront Oasis
- 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bath home that sleeps 8
- Features a double front porches and rec room with a pool table and large TV
- Pet friendly with a fenced-in backyard
With its southern charm, history, and coastal access, it is easy to understand why Southport, NC attracts thousands of visitors each year. If you found this article helpful, be sure to share it with friends and take a look around the site of other interesting places you can visit soon.