Southport vacation rentals

I know what you're doing next summer vacation

This picturesque harbor town is such a looker that Hollywood keeps coming back to it, whether for rom-coms like Safe Haven or slashers like I Know What You Did Last Summer. And that's before we get onto Dawson's Creek. Pretty as a postcard, a Southport vacation rental will put you smack bang in the middle of one of North America's most stereotypically wonderful maritime spots. Sail, fish, cruise, or stroll, the seaside life is yours for the taking. Southport's got an arty vibe, all packaged up with small-town charm and a dash of briny seafaring charisma.

Brush up on history with a visit to Old Baldy

Get a boatload of maritime heritage at the North Carolina Maritime Museum, or go behind bars (temporarily) at the South Brunswick County Jail Museum. There are plenty of cute little art galleries around, with Franklin Square Gallery one of the best known. If you're looking for an excursion that's a bit out of the ordinary, how about taking the ferry across to Bald Head Island? This quirky little island, where most residents buzz around on electric golf carts, is home to North Carolina's oldest standing lighthouse, "Old Baldy." There's a museum, along with historical tours of the island.

Sail off into the sunset with a Southport vacation rental

Water activities take center stage in salty Southport, with sailboats sweeping across the waters and fishermen throwing their lines off the pier. Even if you're not a natural sailor, it seems a shame not to try out your sea legs while you're staying at your Southport vacation rental. Why not start with a sunset cruise or a mackerel-fishing expedition? Stroll along the riverwalk, peruse the little independent shops, or just take yourself down to the pier and watch the boats go by. Come summer, Southport's renowned for its epic July 4th celebrations. Book early if you want to catch them.

Life's a breeze when you're over by the ocean

If a look at Southport's location on the Atlantic coast tells you anything, it's that you might encounter a bit of weather during your Southport vacation rental, but at least it's unlikely to be anything too dramatic. It can get pretty hot in the summer months, and reasonably humid to boot, but fortunately you've usually got that cool Atlantic breeze to take the edge off. Fall is a lot cooler, while winters can be quite cold and windy. And the presence of that big old ocean means there's always a risk of a bit of rain coming in.

Teenage turtles out on the idyllic islands

Set on the North Carolina coast, where the Cape Fear river runs into the Atlantic Ocean, the sunsets here are a thing to behold. The area's characterized by a number of islands and beaches, of which gorgeous, sandy Oak Island beach is one of the most popular. Many of the islands are a haven for wildlife, and Bald Head Island in particular is famous for its population of endangered loggerhead sea turtles. In late summer, the tiny hatchlings emerge from their eggs on the beach and make for the water's edge, and the local rangers run (very popular) guided walks.

Transportation to and around Southport

The nearest airport is in Wilmington Intl. Airport (ILM), located 24.7 mi (39.7 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that's convenient for your trip, you could book a flight to Myrtle Beach Intl. Airport (MYR), which is 54.4 mi (87.5 km) away.