A Visitor's Guide: Top 10 Things to Do in Historic Southport, NC

Southport is the picturesque, historic heart of the North Carolina Brunswick Islands. Known for its majestic live oak trees, rich maritime history, and stunning riverfront views, this charming coastal town looks like it was pulled straight out of a movie—because it actually was!

If you are planning your next family vacation and want to experience this beautiful harbor town to the fullest, here is our ultimate list of the top 10 things to do in Southport!

1. Stroll the Southport Riverwalk and Waterfront Park

The absolute best way to start your Southport vacation is by heading straight to Waterfront Park. Located right where the Cape Fear River meets the Atlantic Ocean, you can sit on the swinging benches and watch massive cargo ships, sailboats, and even dolphins cruise by. Take a relaxing walk down the paved Riverwalk for some of the best panoramic views on the East Coast.

2. Cruise the Historic Streets on an E-Bike

Southport's historic downtown is highly walkable, but it is perfect for cruising on an electric bike. An e-bike lets you effortlessly glide under the massive canopy of centuries-old live oak trees, check out the stunning historic Victorian homes, and zip from the marina to the downtown shops without breaking a sweat. (Pro tip: You don't have to bring your own! Mr. Beach Rentals will deliver premium cruisers and e-bikes directly to your Southport vacation rental!)

3. Eat Local Seafood at the Yacht Basin

You cannot visit Southport without grabbing a meal down at the Old Yacht Basin. This vibrant waterfront area is packed with incredible local restaurants like the famous Provision Company and The Frying Pan. Grab a table on the outdoor deck, order a massive plate of fresh, locally caught shrimp, and enjoy the salty breeze while watching the fishing boats return with their daily catch.

4. Take a Hollywood Location Tour

Did you know Southport is known as the "Hollywood of the East"? The town has been the filming location for dozens of movies and TV shows, most famously Nicholas Sparks’ Safe Haven and A Walk to Remember. You can easily take a self-guided walking tour, or book a local golf cart tour to see the exact houses, restaurants, and waterfront spots where your favorite scenes were filmed.

5. Kayak the Calm Coastal Waters with Park & Paddle

While the riverfront gets all the attention, the real magic of the area happens in the surrounding creeks and backwaters. Getting on the water has never been easier thanks to our exclusive Park & Paddle service! We set up your kayak or stand-up paddleboard directly at the absolute best local launch spots—like the beautiful, calm waters of "The Point" and the scenic local creeks. All you have to do is park your car, hop on your board, and explore the wildlife-rich salt marshes. When you are done, just leave the gear with us. It is the ultimate, hassle-free coastal adventure for beginners and families!

6. Ride the Ferry to the NC Aquarium

For a fun, unique family adventure, drive your car right onto the Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry. This scenic 35-minute boat ride takes you across the mouth of the Cape Fear River over to Pleasure Island. The kids will love feeling the sea breeze from the deck, and once you dock on the other side, you are just minutes away from the incredible North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher! Spend the afternoon petting stingrays, hanging out with a rescued bald eagle, and marveling at the massive two-story open ocean tank before catching the ferry back to Southport for dinner.

7. Take a Spooky Lantern-Lit Ghost Tour

Once the sun goes down, Southport's centuries of history really come alive. Since this town was historically a hub for pirates, sailors, and soldiers, it is loaded with local legends! Book an evening walking tour with the Old South Tour Company. Guided by the light of a flickering lantern, you will walk the historic streets while hearing incredible (and spooky!) tales of Southport's legendary ghosts and folklore.

8. Explore the NC Maritime Museum at Southport

Looking for a great indoor activity? The North Carolina Maritime Museum is a must-visit. Located right downtown, this fascinating, interactive museum dives deep into the region's seafaring history. Kids and adults alike will love learning about the pirates who once sailed these waters (including Blackbeard himself!), exploring shipwreck artifacts, and discovering the town's rich naval heritage.

9. Shop the Boutiques on Howe Street

No vacation is complete without a little retail therapy! Howe Street is the main artery of downtown Southport, and it is lined with fantastic, locally-owned boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries. Whether you are looking for coastal home decor, unique local art, or the perfect nautical souvenir, you can easily spend an entire afternoon browsing these charming storefronts.

10. Watch the Ships Roll In at Sunset

Because of Southport's unique geographic location facing south across the water, the sunsets here are absolutely breathtaking. Grab an ice cream cone from a downtown parlor, head back down to Waterfront Park in the evening, and watch the sky explode into shades of pink, orange, and purple as the shrimp boats dock for the night. It is the perfect way to end a perfect coastal day.

Sweet Treat Bonus: Chuck’s Homemade Ice Cream

No vacation day is officially complete without a sweet treat! After spending the afternoon browsing the boutiques on Howe Street or cruising on your Mr. Beach Rentals e-bikes, make a mandatory stop at Chuck's Homemade Ice Cream, right in historic downtown Southport. Chuck's is a local staple, and they have something for everyone. Whether you are craving a scoop of their delicious, classic homemade ice cream, or you’re looking for the famous King of Pops, Chuck’s has you covered with a dedicated freezer stocked with your favorite all-natural pop flavors. Grab your treat of choice, snag a spot on a nearby bench, and enjoy the charming downtown vibe!

Beach Day Bonus: Take a Quick Drive to Oak Island

Because Southport is a historic riverfront town, it doesn't have crashing ocean waves—but you are only a 10-minute drive from the pristine sands of Oak Island! You absolutely must dedicate a day to crossing the bridge and enjoying the Atlantic Ocean. To make your beach day completely effortless, Mr. Beach Rentals delivers premium beach chairs and shibumis directly to your Southport vacation house, hotel, or Airbnb. Just toss your freshly delivered gear in the trunk, make the quick drive over the bridge, and set up your perfect spot on the sand in total comfort!

Don't wait until you arrive to secure your gear—reserve your relaxation today and let us deliver the perfect coastal day right to your door.

Book Your Southport Gear Here

The Top 10 Things to Do in Sunset Beach, NC: A Local Resident's Guide

Sunset Beach is the serene, unspoiled gem of the North Carolina Brunswick Islands. Whether you are looking for beautiful nature adventures or just want to sink your toes into the sand and unplug, this quiet island has it all.

If you are planning your next family vacation and want to experience the island like a true local, here is our ultimate list of the top 10 things to do in Sunset Beach!

1. Enjoy the Widest Beach in North Carolina

You didn't come all this way to sit inside! The number one thing to do on Sunset Beach is to simply enjoy the pristine, wide-open beaches. Set up a great spot near the water, build a sandcastle with the kids, dive into the gentle waves, and let the ocean breeze wash your worries away. (Pro tip: Don't ruin your first vacation day by trying to stuff too much in the car. Mr. Beach Rentals will deliver premium beach chairs and umbrellas directly to your rental home!)

2. Walk to the Kindred Spirit Mailbox on Bird Island

You cannot visit Sunset Beach without making the pilgrimage to the famous Kindred Spirit Mailbox. Located about a mile and a half down the untouched sands of Bird Island, this solitary mailbox is filled with journals where travelers from all over the world leave their thoughts, wishes, and prayers. It is a beautiful, peaceful walk and a truly unforgettable coastal experience.

3. Relax Under the Oaks at Sunset Beach Town Park

If you need a break from the sand, head just over the bridge to the Sunset Beach Town Park, located right on the Intracoastal Waterway. This beautifully maintained five-acre park is shaded by massive, ancient live oak trees and features winding brick walkways. Let the kids play, take a walk out on the small fishing pier, or simply sit on one of the many swinging benches to watch the boats cruise by. It is a picture-perfect spot for a family picnic with an unbeatable coastal breeze! If you are visiting during the warmer months, you absolutely must check out the park's weekly events:

• Market in the Park: Held every Thursday morning from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM (April through the early fall). It is the perfect place to grab fresh local produce, artisanal goods, and handmade jewelry from local vendors.

• Summer Concert Series: Held every Wednesday evening from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM during the summer season. Bring a blanket or a Mr. Beach Rentals chair to the Village Park Gazebo to enjoy free live music right by the water!

4. Cruise the Island on an E-Bike

Sunset Beach is incredibly bike-friendly—in fact, there isn't a single stoplight on the island! There is no better way to see the gorgeous beach cottages than by feeling the wind in your hair on an electric bike. An e-bike lets you effortlessly cruise from the pier all the way to the West End without breaking a sweat. It is the perfect way to beat the beach traffic when heading out to grab dinner. Mr. Beach Rentals has cruisers and e-bikes for rent year-round.

5. Kayak the Calm Coastal Waters

While the ocean gets all the attention, the real magic of Sunset Beach happens on the backwaters. Renting a kayak and paddling through the salt marshes, Jinks Creek, and the Intracoastal Waterway is an unforgettable experience. Check out our list of great launch spots where the water is calm, making it perfect for beginners and families. Keep your eyes peeled for coastal birds, jumping fish, and even dolphins!

6. Catch a Show at the Ingram Planetarium

Need a break from the sun or looking for a rainy-day activity? The Ingram Planetarium is a must-visit. Located just over the bridge, you can sit back in their state-of-the-art dome theater to watch incredible shows about the universe, or catch one of their famous evening laser light shows set to classic rock music. It is highly interactive, educational, and a whole lot of fun for the entire family.

7. Walk the Historic Sunset Beach Pier

Located right in the center of the island, the Sunset Beach Pier is a classic piece of coastal Americana. Even if you don't fish, paying a small fee to walk out to the end of the pier offers the absolute best panoramic views of the island and the open ocean.

8. Step Back in Time at the Old Bridge Museum

For decades, the only way to get to Sunset Beach was across a floating pontoon swing bridge. While the modern bridge is now in place, locals saved the original bridge and turned it into a charming museum! Head to the Old Bridge Historical Society on the mainland to learn about the island's fascinating history and see how the bridge operator used to manually open the bridge for boats.

9. Play a Round of Championship Golf

Sunset Beach isn't just famous for its pristine sand; it is also a premier destination for golfers! The mainland portion of the town is home to several gorgeous, award-winning golf courses. You can book a tee time at the Sea Trail Golf Resort, which boasts three distinct, beautifully manicured courses that wind through the coastal landscape. Spending a morning on the greens is a fantastic way to enjoy the coastal weather before heading back over the bridge for an afternoon relaxing on the beach.

10. Watch the Sun Rise and Set Over the Water

There is a reason this island is called Sunset Beach! Because of the unique way the island faces south, during the late fall and winter months, you can actually sit on the beach and watch the sun rise over the ocean in the morning and set over the ocean in the evening. Head down to the sand, sit back in your beach chair, and watch the sky explode into shades of pink, orange, and purple. It is the perfect way to end a perfect beach day.

Bonus: Eat World-Famous Seafood in Calabash

You simply cannot visit Sunset Beach without making the quick, five-minute drive over to the neighboring town of Calabash. Known as the "Seafood Capital of the World," this quaint fishing village is the birthplace of Calabash-style seafood—lightly breaded, perfectly fried shrimp, flounder, oysters, and the best hushpuppies you will ever eat! Grab a table by the river at one of the many local waterfront restaurants and watch the fishing boats roll in. After a massive seafood dinner, you will want nothing more than to head back to your rental and take a well-deserved nap in one of our premium Mr. Beach Rentals lounge chairs!

Don't wait until you arrive to secure your gear—reserve your relaxation today and let us deliver the perfect beach day right to your door.

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The Top 10 Things to Do in Ocean Isle Beach, NC

Ocean Isle Beach (OIB) is the crown jewel of the North Carolina Brunswick Islands. Whether you are looking for high-energy family adventures or just want to sink your toes into the sand and unplug, this island has it all.

If you are planning your next family vacation and want to experience the island like a true local, here is our ultimate list of the top 10 things to do in Ocean Isle Beach!

1. Simply Enjoy the Beach

You didn't come all this way to sit inside! The number one thing to do on OIB is to simply enjoy the pristine, family-friendly beaches. Set up a great spot near the water, build a sandcastle with the kids, dive into the waves, and let the ocean breeze wash your worries away. (Pro tip: Don't ruin your first vacation day by hauling heavy gear from the car. Mr. Beach Rentals will deliver premium beach chairs and umbrellas directly to your rental home!)

2. Find an Unexpected Moment of Happiness with King of Pops

While you are relaxing on the sand, keep an eye out for the signature rainbow umbrellas of the King of Pops pushcarts. Their friendly staff walk the shores of Ocean Isle to find customers and serve up incredible, handmade ice pops. Grabbing a gourmet popsicle right on the beach is a guaranteed "Unexpected Moment of Happiness" for both kids and adults!

3. Cruise the Island on an E-Bike

Ocean Isle Beach is incredibly bike-friendly, and there is no better way to see the island than by feeling the wind in your hair on an electric bike. An e-bike lets you effortlessly cruise from the East End all the way to the West End without breaking a sweat. It is the perfect way to beat the beach traffic when heading out to grab dinner or an ice cream cone! Mr. Beach Rentals has cruisers and e-bikes for rent year-round.

4. Kayak the Calm Coastal Waters

While the ocean gets all the attention, the real magic of OIB happens on the backwaters. Renting a kayak and paddling through the salt marshes and canals is an unforgettable experience. Check out our list of great launch spots where the water is calm, making it perfect for beginners and families. Keep your eyes peeled for coastal birds, jumping fish, and even dolphins!

5. Dance at the Friday Night Concert Series

If you want to experience the true community vibe of OIB, you cannot miss the live music. The Town Park is the site of the free Friday Night Concert Series that runs all summer long. Grab a beach chair, pack a cooler, and head to the park to enjoy fantastic local bands playing everything from beach music and country to classic rock.

6. Explore the Museum of Coastal Carolina

Need a break from the sun or looking for a rainy-day activity? The Museum of Coastal Carolina is a must-visit. Kids can get their hands on live sea stars or sea urchins in the touch tank, or they can dig in the fossil pit for ancient sharks' teeth. It is highly interactive, educational, and a whole lot of fun for the entire family.

7. Walk the Historic Ocean Isle Beach Pier

Located right in the center of the island, the OIB Pier is a classic piece of coastal Americana. Even if you don't fish, paying a small fee to walk out to the end of the pier offers the absolute best panoramic views of the island and the open ocean.

8. Fly High at The Swamp Park

Located just minutes off the island, The Swamp Park offers an adrenaline rush for the adventurous family members. You can zip-line through the old-growth cypress trees, conquer the aerial adventure park, or take a guided swamp boat tour to look for local alligators in their natural habitat.

9. Play a Round of Mini Golf

It wouldn't be a beach vacation without a little friendly family competition! Ocean Isle Beach is home to River Country Mini Golf, an awesome, tropically themed course located right by the bridge. Grab a putter after dinner and see who buys the winner ice cream!

10. Catch a Spectacular Sunset

There is a reason this area of the coast is so famous. Because of the way OIB faces geographically, the sunsets here are nothing short of breathtaking. Head down to the West End of the island in the evening, sit back in your beach chair, and watch the sky explode into shades of pink, orange, and purple. It is the perfect way to end a perfect beach day.

Bonus: Shop Local at LainSnow

No beach vacation is complete without a little retail therapy! If you are looking for the perfect beach outfit, you absolutely have to stop by the brand new LainSnow flagship store located right at 1 Causeway Drive (just across from the park). Created by an Ocean Isle Beach local, this swimwear line went completely viral online for its buttery-soft, incredibly flattering ribbed swimsuits and adorable "mommy-and-me" matching sets. The beautiful, brightly colored store is an experience in itself. Grab a new suit, snap a selfie by their creative murals, and then let Mr. Beach Rentals deliver the chairs so you can show it off in total comfort on the sand!

Ready to make the most of your Ocean Isle Beach vacation? Mr. Beach Rentals is your one-stop shop for fun! From kayaks and paddleboards to e-bikes and premium beach chairs, we deliver the gear you need directly to your vacation home. Skip the lines, skip the heavy lifting, and get straight to relaxing.

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