Setting Out For Southport

Southport is a small coastal town, nestled at the southeastern tip of North Carolina, protected by Bald Head Island and the long barrier islands, Oak Island, Holden Beach, Sunset Beach and Fort Caswell. Stories abound of Blackbeard's love of the area and kids love to dig for his buried treasure at the beaches nearby.  Getting to Southport is easily done by land or by sea.  Several main roads, Route 211 or Route 133 will bring you south to town.  Parking is well marked and available throughout the town.

If you feel adventurous and want to feel the water moving under your feet, sail on into the Marina or take the ferry.  The ferry from Fort Fisher to Southport takes approximately 30 minutes and is one of the more budget friendly ferries.  The schedule and fare information for the ferry is available at several locations, online http://www.southporttimes.com/southportferry.html or stop at the Visitor's Center in Southport for your own  copy to go.

A soft rain fell as the ferry arrived at the dock, the passengers remaining in their cars during the short trip from Fort Fisher.  The drive into town from the ferry slip is lined with Crepe Myrtle and deep green pines. The short drive from the ferry brings you into town on Moore St. near the water's edge. Route 211 and 133 become Howe St. which is the wide main street of town.  Stop by the Visitor's Center on Moore St. and pick up the self-guided walking tour map. It will give you a brief history of the town and local interest spots.

Whether you are discovering the town of Southport for the first time or are a repeat visitor, there is something for everybody.  Like the Cape Fear Indians who used the Trail Tree to mark their trail to the sea, visitors to Southport find an abundance of places for shopping, boating, fine dining and catching fresh seafood at markets or the shore.  Let the adventure begin.