Area Attractions & Events


Bald Head Island Lighthouse & Historic Tours

Take a guided historic tour of Bald Head Island, which includes a stop at the Smith Island Museum, lighthouse and lunch or dinner. Lighthouse & Museum open Tuesday - Saturday 9 am - 4 pm and Sunday 11 am - 4 pm. Individual admission: $3 per person includes museum, grounds & lighthouse. Guided tour prices and times vary. Ferry & guided tour reservations required. Call 910.457-5003. 

Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site

Brunswick Town, a colonial site dating from 1726-1776, served as a Cape Fear River Port that was the major export of Naval stores and the location of the Stamp Act Rebellion. Fort Anderson was a Confederate fortification, which was part of the Cape Fear Defense System until the Civil War engagement of February 1865. The archaeological remains of colonial Brunswick can be viewed along with the massive earthen fort of Anderson. There is a 14-minute slide presentation and gift shop located at the onsite visitor center. Also available is a map for your self-guided tour, and knowledgeable volunteers to answer questions. Great picnic area. Admission is free. Hours: April 1st - October 31st Monday - Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm and Sunday 1:00 - 5:00 pm. November 1st - March 31st, Tuesday - Saturday 10: am - 4:00 pm and Sunday 1:00 - 4:00 pm. Location: 8884 St. Phillips Road, Winnabow. Take Highway 133 North from Southport about 15 miles, turn right onto St. Phillips Road. Phone: 910.371-6613.

Southport & Oak Island has attracted numerous artists, as is evident by the number of community and private art galleries. The Franklin Square Art Gallery, 301 East West Street, Southport and the Oak Island Senior Citizens Craft Shop & Center, 5918 E. Oak Island Drive, Oak Island are associations of artists and craftpersons who show and sell their works in a community-based gallery or center. There are two new additions to the promotion of local artists. They are the Southport Art Museum and City Works Arts & Crafts. City Works Arts & Crafts are scheduled to open July 2002 in Southport's Old City Garage, 113 W. Moore Street. It will provide studio space for artisans, an on-site gallery for regularly scheduled shows, and tours, process demonstrations, workshops and talks to promote, support and nurture fine arts and artisan crafts. The Southport Art Museum is located at 309 N. Howe Street inside the Southport Art Gallery.

Remains of the earthen fort that kept the Cape Fear River and the port of Wilmington open to blockade runners, which delivered vital supplies to the Confederate armies until the fort fell on January 15, 1865. Admission is free. Phone: 910.458-5538. Location: Carolina Beach. Hours: April 1st - October 31st, Monday-Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm and Sunday 1:00 - 5:00 pm. November 1st - March 31st, Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm and Sunday 1:00 -4:00 pm. 

The Southport Historical Society makes history come alive as you enjoy a relaxed one mile walk through charming Historic Southport. The brochure can be picked up at the Southport Visitor’s Center, 113 W. Moore Street, Southport or the Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center, 4841 Long Beach Road. Phone: 800-457-6964 or 910.457-6964.

Exhibits and dioramas of waterfowl, swamps, forests, mounted birds and animals, and antique fishing equipment. Hours: Open year round Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm and Sunday 1:00 - 5:00 pm. Also open Memorial Day - Labor Day weekdays 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Admission charged. Location: Causeway Drive, Ocean Isle Beach. Phone: 910.579-1016.

Open daily 9 am - 5 pm. Admission charged.

Houses a collection of memorabilia pertaining to the vast nautical history of Southport, the Lower Cape Fear, and southeastern North Carolina. Self-guided tours through 12 designated stations, or ask a knowledgeable guide to lead the way. On-site research library. Films and programs offered year-round. Admission: $2.00 adults (16 yrs. & up), Seniors $1.00, and Children free. Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Phone: 910.457-0003. Location: 116 N. Howe Street, Southport.

Located on the U.S. Coast Guard Station Oak Island in Caswell Beach. Completed in 1958, it stands 169 ft. The main light is a four light rotating fixture, reaching 24 nautical miles offshore and flashing every 10 seconds. On special occasions throughout the year the lighthouse is open to the public. See the Calendar of Events for these dates and times. Limited tours of the Coast Guard Station grounds are given twice weekly.

This lighthouse is 20 feet tall with a red brick exterior and was built in 1848. Although not operational, this is the only one of eight lighthouses built along the Cape Fear River between Oak Island and Wilmington that is still standing. It is located on private property but visible from the Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry as you leave the Southport dock.

Southport Ferry departs from dock located off Moore Street in Southport. Call 800-BY-FERRY for the latest ferry information on this and all ferries in North Carolina or visit www.ncferry.org. 

Open daily for tours which cover nine decks, roll of honor room plus changing exhibits; visit online at www.battleshipnc.com. Hours: September 16th - May 15th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. May 16th - September 15th 8:00 am - 8:00 pm. Admission Charged. Location: Hwy. 421, Wilmington. Phone: 910.251-5797. Info Line 910.350-1817.