**Day Trip Guide to Southport, North Carolina**
Just an hour from Myrtle Beach, **Southport, NC** is a charming waterfront town where history, Southern charm, and Hollywood meet. With its oak-lined streets, Victorian architecture, and sweeping views of the Cape Fear River, Southport makes for the perfect day trip. Add in a quick ferry ride to Bald Head Island, and you’ve got a coastal adventure you won’t forget.
**A Town Steeped in History**
Founded in the 1700s as **Smithville**, Southport has long been a strategic port town.
* **Fort Johnston (1749):** Built to defend against pirates and foreign threats, now home to the Southport Museum.
* **Civil War & Maritime Heritage:** Southport played key roles in coastal defense and shipping.
* **Quaint Architecture:** Wander Howe Street to admire Victorian homes and centuries-old churches.
**Southport on the Silver Screen**
Southport is one of North Carolina’s most filmed towns, thanks to its timeless coastal backdrop. Movies and shows filmed here include:
* 🎥 **Safe Haven** (2013, Nicholas Sparks)
* 🎥 **A Walk to Remember** (2002, Nicholas Sparks)
* 🎥 **I Know What You Did Last Summer** (1997)
* 🎥 **Summer Catch** (2001)
* 🎥 **Crimes of the Heart** (1986)
* 🎥 **Weekend at Bernie’s** (1989) – opening scenes
* 📺 **Dawson’s Creek** (late 1990s, select episodes)
* 📺 **Under the Dome** (TV, 2013–2015)
* 📺 **Waterfront** (Netflix series filmed in Southport)
Southport’s cinematic charm makes it a must-visit for movie buffs — you can walk the same streets you’ve seen on screen.
**Things to Do in Southport**
* **Southport Waterfront Park:** Relax under the live oaks with views of the river and passing boats.
* **Fort Johnston-Southport Museum:** Dive deeper into local history and maritime life.
* **Boutique Shopping:** Browse antiques, art, and coastal treasures on Howe Street.
* **Southport Pier & Riverwalk:** Walk the boardwalk or bring a fishing pole.
**Lunch Stop: Fishy Fishy Café**
No Southport day trip is complete without fresh seafood by the water. **Fishy Fishy Café**, perched right on the river, is a local favorite known for shrimp, mahi tacos, and laid-back vibes. Enjoy lunch with unbeatable views of the Cape Fear River.
**Side Trip: Bald Head Island**
Hop on the ferry from Southport for a peaceful escape to **Bald Head Island**, where cars are replaced with golf carts and bikes.
* Visit **Old Baldy Lighthouse** (built in 1817).
* Walk or bike 14 miles of untouched beaches.
* Explore maritime forests and salt marshes.
Even a half-day trip feels like stepping into another world.
**Why Southport is Worth the Trip**
With its rich history, Hollywood fame, and small-town charm, Southport is the perfect **day trip from Myrtle Beach**. Stroll the waterfront, enjoy a seafood lunch, and hop over to Bald Head Island for a coastal adventure you’ll remember long after your trip ends.
👉 Planning a coastal getaway? Stay in Myrtle Beach with [Coastal Carolina Lifestyles](https://www.coastalcarolinalifestyles.com) for oceanfront rentals and easy access to day trips like Southport.