Historic Southport, North Carolina
Southport, North Carolina is located in Brunswick County on the east coast where the Cape Fear River meets the Atlantic Ocean. It is located 30 miles south of Wilmington, NC and 45 miles north of North Myrtle Beach, SC. Several beach communities run down the coast from Southport to the South Carolina state line. The nearest going south is Caswell Beach, then Oak Island, followed by Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, and Calabash, known as the “Seafood Capital of the World”. Bald Head Island is located across the Cape Fear River near Southport with the Bald Head Island Ferry departing from Southport for several round trips daily.
The Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry is a state owned ferry with a great 30 minute ride across to Fort Fisher and back. For a small fee you get a great scenic boat ride and can visit the N C Aquarium and Fort Fisher then return the same day back to Southport.
Southport is a historic fishing village with many live oak trees shading modest frame constructed homes in the downtown historic district. The seafood restaurants, antique shops, and the North Carolina Fourth of July Celebration draw visitors from all over the world to Southport, NC. Visitors enjoy the Southport Trail, an hour walk though town loaded with history. Movies have been filmed in Southport over the years including “Crimes of the Heart”, “The Wedding”, “Summer Catch” and “The Birds” as well as numerous TV shows.
While Southport is a quiet relaxed town known for its beauty, hospitality, and its historic architecture, there are over 100 championship golf courses within a one hour drive. Many people vacationing at the nearby beach communities come to Southport and spend the day or take the ferry over to Bald Head Island. The Southport Visitor Center provides brochures outlining local attractions, businesses, restaurants and art galleries.
In season you can choose to purchase fresh seafood and prepare it yourself or enjoy one of the local restaurants. There are many wonderful restaurants in and near Southport. Several seafood restaurants are located near the water overlooking the Cape Fear River shipping channel, boats, boat harbor and the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. These are among the favorites with both visitors and locals.
