Southport, Oak Island and Bald Head Island, NC

Southport, NC, is a quaint fishing village where streets lined with live oaks invite you to slow down, to stroll, to enjoy the scenery and the serenity. Scattered throughout the town are beautifully preserved historic homes including the one where author Robert Ruark spent much of his youth with his grandfather, which inspired his series, namely "The Old Man and the Boy."

When you have traveled south on Howe Street, the main street, as far as you can go, you will reach the water. Here sits Waterfront Park with its gorgeous views of the confluence of the Atlantic Ocean, the Cape Fear River and the Intracoastal Waterway where sailboats, power boats, shrimp boats, ferry boats and container ships all ply the waters. Head west and you will wind along the waterway and the scenic Old Yacht Basin to the state-of-the-art Southport Marina.

The downtown is a vibrant shopping area with clothing stores, antique stores, gift shops, restaurants, a library and a visitors center among others. Evidence of the many artists who have made Southport home are the number of galleries you will find there. Franklin Square Gallery, located behind Franklin Square Park, is a community gallery that is run by the Associated Artists of Southport, an all volunteer group, and features the work of local artists. The beautiful building that houses this gallery is an historic building and dates back to 1904.

Southport is known as the Fourth of July Capital of North Carolina. The Fourth of July Festival, held here yearly and lasting several days, attracts many thousands of people from all over the United States. The parade, crafts fair, fireman's activities, children's activities, entertainment, veteran's recognition and the naturalization ceremony, topped off with fantastic fireworks, celebrates Independence Day the old-fashioned way.

Situated 4 miles out across the water at the mouth of the Cape Fear River is Bald Head Island, which can only be reached by boat or via the Bald Head Island Ferry, a passenger ferry that sails out of Deep Water Point in Southport. Famous for its Old Baldy Lighthouse and history of pirates, the island, though populated, is an ecological paradise which is protected partially by the fact that no cars are allowed there. Travel is by bicycle or golf cart. The Bald Head Island Conservancy takes an active part in protecting the flora and fauna, including the loggerhead sea turtles who lay their eggs here every year, and in ecological education.

A short drive from Southport and across a bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway you will find Oak Island. Caswell Beach and the Town of Oak Island are located here and the miles of beaches that stretch the length of the island are accessible to the public. Houses that line the beaches, as well as a few condos, are available as vacation rentals so that you may spend a glorious vacation beside the green Atlantic. You will find fishing piers as well as surf fishing, swimming, surfing, playing in the sand, miniature golf, restaurants, gift shops, ice cream shops — everything you need for a fun family vacation.

Inland from Southport you will come upon Boiling Spring Lakes with its 50 lakes available for fishing, swimming and boating. Here, also, is the nature trail designed by The Nature Conservancy, where you can enjoy natural wonders and may even spot Venus Flytrap plants or the red cockaded woodpecker. 

This InsiderInfo™ Guide to Southport, Oak Island and Bald Head Island is the area's most complete source of information for travelers and newcomers alike.  Fresh content, locally grown!