Our Area

Southport, founded in 1792, is located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River and surrounded by the Brunswick barrier islands. The first visitors to the area were the French and Spanish explorers in 1524 and Southport has attracted maritime visitors ever since. The River Pilot’s tower located on Bay Street provides piloting services to large ships headed to Wilmington. The Intracoastal Waterway could be called the main street of Southport.

This beautiful coastal town with its tree lined streets will capture your heart. From the scenic waterfront to the Yacht Basin and to the outer Barrier islands of Brunswick County there are plenty of opportunities for fishing, sailing, boating or leisurely days on the beach.

Restaurants and Shopping

Southport had long been famous for its unique shopping, restaurants and sunsets on the water. This coastal fishing town has drawn people for decades and continues to become more and more popular.

Golf

Golf is easily accessible with more than 35 public golf courses located in Brunswick County. You can try Oak Island’s course, St. James Plantation’s 3 courses, Ocean Ridge’s 3 courses or take a short trip to Myrtle Beach for 100’s of courses.

Fishing 

There are both ample opportunities for both inshore and offshore fishing not to mention crabbing and clamming. The Southport Marina has a nice boat ramp only seconds from the ICW and minutes to the Atlantic Ocean. Close by you also have 3 fishing piers; Southport City Pier, Yaupon Beach Fishing Pier and, Ocean Crest Fishing Pier.

Schools

Southport Elementary School - Pre K through 5th Grade
701 West 9th Street
Southport, NC 28461
910-457-6036

South Brunswick Middle School - 6th Grade through 8th Grade
100 Cougar Drive
Southport, NC 28461
910-845-2771

South Brunswick High School - 9th through 12th Grades
280 Cougar Drive
Southport, NC 28461
910-845-2204
 
July 4th
If you haven’t experienced a Southport 4th of July you are in for a treat. Southport hosts the annual State of North Carolina fireworks show which is the best in the state and maybe across the southeast. The festival is a three day event including bands, entertainment and capped off with a parade and waterfront fireworks show. The town is draped in patriotic bunting and flags are flying. A true celebration of American patriotism.

Fort Fisher Ferry
Just down the street is the North Carolina ferry dock which crosses to Fort Fisher every 30 minutes. Take a ride and enjoy the salt air and seagulls as you travel up the Cape Fear and across to Kure Beach. This is the only route of the NC Ferry division where you can see three lighthouses, (Baldhead, Prices Creek and Oak Island). Travel time is about 45 minutes.

Orton Plantation
Orton Plantation is located off Highway 133 halfway between Southport and Wilmington fronting on the Cape Fear River. Orton was a preeminent rice plantation of the Lower Cape Fear from the early 1700’s to the beginning of the War Between the States. Towards the end of the War the Union used the plantation house as a hospital and following the war it fell into disrepair. The home was restored in the 1880’s and the gardens were planted and the Chapel was built in the early 20th century .

Orton is famous for its beautiful gardens with its colorful azaleas. Orton Gardens is opened daily except for Thanksgiving Day and is also closed December through February. The home is used as a private residence and is not open to the public.

Links
Southport - Oak Island Chamber of Commerce www.southport-oakisland.com
City of Southport www.cityofsouthport.com
North Carolina’s Department of Transportation, Ferry Division www.ncferry.org
Southport ‘s Dosher Memorial Hospital www.dosher.org
Southport Marina www.ncports.com
Fishing Information www.fishermanspost.com
Fort Fisher Aquarium www.aquariums.state.nc.us
Brunswick County Schools www.brunswickcountyschools.com
Orton Plantation: www.ortongardens.com