Southport and Bald Head Island

Go back in time to when life’s pace was slower and quieter—when the air was fresher and the faces friendlier. Visit Southport, a small maritime community that remains a perfect example of late 19th-century coastal North Carolina.

The town is noted for its quiet beauty and hospitality. There is a real sense of community here. Quiet avenues lined with oak trees lead to beautiful historic homes, several of which have been featured in a number of motion picture films. Film buffs can even take the Safe Haven Movie Tour, which highlights eleven locations from the popular production. Changing seasons mark the year’s transition, and visitors are offered a chance to be different—to be themselves. With a population of approximately 4,500 year-round residents, the small-town atmosphere remains intact.

Southport is located at the southeastern tip of North Carolina, just below Wilmington. The area includes Bald Head Island, the City of Southport, and the beach area known as Oak Island. Set at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, Southport has long served as a protected harbor for sea-going craft, from the pirate ships of yesterday to the fishing and recreational vessels of today. A big attraction to Southport is Waterfront Park, where visitors watch trans-oceanic ships from every country pass on their way up the Cape Fear River to the state ports. Modern visitors also enjoy the Southport Marsh Walk, an enticing destination for birdwatchers seeking views of white ibis, egrets, and pelicans.

Although it is Victorian in appearance, Southport was founded in 1792. After the Revolution, a community sprang up around Fort Johnston, named for North Carolina’s first Royal Governor, Gabriel Johnston. The area became so popular that on December 20, 1792, Southport was created. Two prominent landmarks plotted then still exist today: Franklin Square Park (originally “The Grove”) and the Franklin Square Gallery, which displays the works of local artists and reopens for its 2026 season on February 16th.

Southport supports a thriving artist community, and local shops and galleries provide an outlet for arts and crafts. The Smithville Burying Ground (Smithville is the original name for Southport) contains remains of early residents and a monument to lost river pilots. For a deeper dive into local history, visit the Old Brunswick County Jail, built in 1904 and now a unique museum.

Begin your visit at the Fort Johnston-Southport Museum & Visitors’ Center at 203 E. Bay Street. Just around the corner is the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport, now located at 204 E. Moore Street. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and offers free admission, though donations are appreciated. It features fascinating exhibits, including a 2,000-year-old Native American canoe and the original pleas of clemency by the pirate Stede Bonnet.

Walking the residential district reveals restored 19th-century homes, including the Thompson House with its widow’s walk; the Walker-Pyke House (the oldest surviving house); and the Adkins-Ruark House, which inspired Robert Ruark’s novel, The Old Man and the Boy.

Shopping in the Southport-Oak Island area remains an adventure. You will not find large shopping malls, but rather unique shops like Etcetera, located at 701 N. Howe Street, specializing in handcrafted jewelry and gifts. Southport makes antique hunting pleasurable, and after a day of touring, you can enjoy the world-famous “Calabash” style of seafood.

A 30-minute crossing on the Fort Fisher Ferry leads to the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. The aquarium features a 235,000-gallon saltwater tank (the “Otter Cove” and “Cape Fear Shoals” exhibits) and offers a fascinating look at marine life. Note that tickets must now be purchased in advance online.

A 20-minute ferry ride from Southport takes you to secluded Bald Head Island. Here, gasoline engines are prohibited to preserve nature; transportation is limited to bicycles, electric golf carts, and walking. The most significant landmark is Old Baldy, North Carolina’s oldest lighthouse, built in 1817. For a small fee, you can climb to the top for an extraordinary view of beaches, salt marshes, and the Atlantic.

The island also features the Bald Head Island Conservancy, which offers educational programs and “Turtle Walks,” and the Shoals Club for dining and swimming.

Events

• Arts MAY-nia: To be held May 22–23, 2026, at the Brunswick Community College Arts Lawn.
• NC Fourth of July Festival: A massive tradition drawing thousands for fireworks and old-fashioned celebration.
• U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament: Scheduled for October 1–3, 2026, hosted at 4433 Long Beach Road.

Editor’s Notes & Corrections

I have updated several key details to reflect the current status in 2026:

• Population: The population of Southport is now approximately 4,500, rather than 9,000.
• Visitor Center & Museum: The original “Southport 2000” center is now the Fort Johnston-Southport Museum & Visitors’ Center at 203 E. Bay Street. The Maritime Museum has also moved to 204 E. Moore Street.
• Etcetera Shop: The address has changed from 112 E. Moore Street to 701 N. Howe Street, Suite 1.
• Aquarium Admission: While your original text mentioned free admission, the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher now charges admission (ranging from ~$11–$13) and requires advance online ticket purchases.
• Orton Plantation Gardens: I have removed the recommendation to visit Orton Plantation. The plantation and its gardens were sold to a private owner in 2010 and have been closed to the public ever since.
• New Attractions: I added the Southport Marsh Walk, the Old Brunswick County Jail Museum, and the Safe Haven Movie Tour as these are now major draws for visitors.
• Event Dates: Confirmed the 2026 dates for the U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament as October 1–3.

Would you like me to create a promotional social media post or a brief “Quick Guide” to accompany this updated article?