Free Things to Do in Southport & Oak Island, NC
The Southport and Oak Island areas are full of fun activities all year long, many of which are completely free! Whether you’re strolling along the beach, learning about history, or enjoying outdoor concerts, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of our favorite free things to do:
Relax on the Beach
14 miles of beautiful beaches to enjoy year-round
Perfect for sunrise/sunset walks, family fun, building sandcastles, or relaxing with a book
Historic Southport Walking Tour
Location: 203 E Bay Street, Southport, NC
Phone: (910) 457-7927
What to do: Take a self-guided tour of the historic fishing village. Pick up a walking tour map at the Southport Visitors Center and explore landmarks like:
The Old Brunswick Jail
Old Smithville Burial Grounds
Historical homes and churches dating back to the 1800s
Climb the Oak Island Lighthouse
Location: 300 Caswell Beach Road, Caswell Beach, NC
Tours:
Second-level tours: Available during summer months, no reservations needed
Top-level tours: Requires advance reservations for stunning views of Oak Island, Caswell Beach, and Bald Head Island
Parking: Limited 30-minute parking at the base of the tower from sunrise to sunset
Contact: oakislandlighthouse@gmail.com (No phone reservations)
Summer Concerts & Movies in the Park
Locations:
Franklin Square Park, Southport, NC
Middleton Park Soccer Field, Oak Island, NC
When: May through September
What’s offered: Free outdoor concerts and movie nights featuring local musicians and popular movies
What to bring: Lawn chairs, blankets, and coolers for a fun family evening under the stars
Visit the NC Maritime Museum
Location: 204 E Moore Street, Southport, NC
Phone: (910) 457-0003
What to do: Explore the rich history of the Cape Fear region with exhibits on exploration, piracy, fishing, and more. This museum is perfect for visitors of all ages!
Go Crabbing with the Kids
Locations:
Heron Lookout (SE 40th Street at Davis Creek)
78th Street Crab Dock (NE 78th Street at Yacht Drive)
What to do: Grab a few inexpensive supplies and enjoy a fun day of crabbing. Kids will love competing to catch the biggest catch, creating lasting memories in the process.
Whether you’re here for a day or a week, Southport and Oak Island have plenty of free activities to enjoy! Let us know which ones are your favorites!
Plan Your Family Vacation to Oak Island, NC
Planning the perfect family vacation to Oak Island, NC, is easy when you stay in one of our spacious vacation rentals. Whether you're looking for a pet-friendly rental so your furry friend can join in on the fun, a cozy spot with a pool to relax and cool off, or an oceanfront rental with breathtaking views just steps from the beach, we have the perfect options for you. Our Oak Island vacation rentals offer comfort, convenience, and everything you need to make lasting memories with your loved ones. Don't wait—book your Oak Island vacation rental today and start planning your ideal getaway!
