The Southport and Oak Island NC area offers fun things to do throughout the year – many of which are FREE! Of course, our favorite free thing to do is to visit the 14 miles of beautiful beaches. Whether for a sunrise or sunset stroll, a family day at the beach building sandcastles and swimming or just to catch up on a favorite book and relax, the beach is open year round!
If you’re looking to expand your horizons, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite free things to do in Southport and Oak Island below. Be sure to share with us what your favorites are, too!
Historic Southport Walking Tour
203 E Bay Street, Southport, NC 28461 (910) 457-7927
Take a self-guided walking tour through the historic fishing village of Southport NC. Begin your stroll at the Southport Visitors Center at Fort Johnston where you can pick up a walking tour map to guide you to the many fascinating, historical landmarks that populate this maritime community. Popular locations along this tour include The Old Brunswick Jail, Old Smithville Burial Grounds and historical churches and homes dating back to the 1800s.
Climb the Oak Island Lighthouse
300 Caswell Beach Road, Caswell Beach, NC 28465 Reservations: oakislandlighthouse@gmail.com (No phone reservations are accepted)
Lighthouse grounds are open year round for your viewing and photographing pleasure. There is limited on-site 30-minute parking located at the base of the tower from sunrise to sunset. Two types of tours are available: second level and top. Second level tours are only offered during the summer months on Wednesdays and Saturday from 10am to 2pm and do not require reservations. Top level tours require advance reservations but offer breathtaking bird’s eye views of Caswell Beach, Oak Island and Bald Head Island. Be sure to check with the Friends of the Oak Island Lighthouse for specific age requirements and reservation availability.
Summer Concerts & Movies in the Park
Franklin Square Park, 130 E West Street, Southport, NC Middleton Park Soccer Field, SE 46th Street, Oak Island, NC
From May through September, the City of Southport and Town of Oak Island each offer local residents and visiting guests an outdoor summer concert and movie series. Grab your lawn chairs, blankets and coolers and enjoy some family fun under the stars featuring some of the most popular local bands and musicians as well as noteworthy blockbusters.
Visit the NC Maritime Museum
204 E Moore Street, Southport, NC 28461 (910) 457-0003
The North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport tells the story of the Cape Fear region’s people and their connected history to the water. This fascinating museum is fun for ALL ages and tells a colorful story of exploration, piracy and commerce, of pilotage, salvage and fishing at the crossroads of the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean. Dive into this “must see” attraction during your visit.
Go Crabbing with the Kids
Various Locations on Oak Island
There is nothing more fun than spending a few hours crabbing with the littles. Kids from 1 to 100 will agree that pulling in the biggest catch will provide reason to brag for years to come! With just a few inexpensive items, you can catch dinner and make treasured memories in the process. Oak Island provides plenty of waterway access points and 2 prime crabbing spots at Heron Lookout (SE 40th Street at Davis Creek) and the 78th Street Crab Dock (NE 78th Street at Yacht Drive).
If you aren’t already vacationing in Southport and/or Oak Island NC, we invite you to visit us any time of the year! Whether you need a large beach house, a simple cottage or a convenient condo, we offer the best of Brunswick County beach vacation rentals at great rates! Simply book your family’s getaway conveniently here on our website or call (800) 486-5441 to speak with one of our friendly reservation specialists.