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  • sarahmfriesema
  • Jul 7
  • 3 min read
Beach blanket with book, hat and grapes

Around here, I believe your free time should feel as dreamy as a golden hour beach stroll—and luckily, Southport and Oak Island deliver. Whether you're craving a laid-back coffee crawl, a breezy paddle through the marsh, or a night out with your favorite people, there's a coastal itinerary waiting to match your mood. These are the local gems we reach for again and again—real-life favorites from someone who calls this dreamy little corner of North Carolina home. So pick your vibe, pack your sunnies, and let your weekend unfold like a vacation... even if you live here full-time (or plan to).


LAID-BACK

  • Southport Riverwalk & City Pier - .7 miles of easy, pretty terrain. Excellent for birdwatching.

  • Oak Island lounging - my favorite spots are the McGlamery access because of the shower, and the Oak Island Pier - shade, Ruby's Coffeehouse and Koko Cabanan.

  • Middleton Park Summer Concerts - check out the lineup

  • Bike Riding - you can rent electric bikes, regular beach cruisers and even tandem bikes from Mr Beach Rentals.


Two women riding a tandem bike in historic downtown Southport, NC

OUTDOORSY

  • Adventure Kayak Company tours - guided tours and kayak rentals

  • Oak Island Nature Center - Explore and learn about ICW wildlife and conservation. Check out their summer programs.

  • Southport Yoga Dock - An open-air yoga experience. All classes are drop in.

  • Oak Island Golf Club - 18 holes with marsh and ocean views. Book a tee time.

  • Oak Island and Ocean Crest Piers - great for early morning fishing.

  • Angry Pelican Charters - nearshore and deepsea fishing, dolphin adventure tours and sunset cruises.


DATE NIGHT

  • Island Way - oceanfront dining with spectacular sunset views. Do not skip the corn pudding.

  • Grape & Ale - A cozy wine and craft beer spot. Southport and OKI locations.

  • Ports of Call - a quaint neighborhood bistro with a globally-inspired menu. Featured in Safe Haven.

  • Spikes & Strolling - Dusk with an ice cream in hand - the best way to stroll Southport.

  • Southport Water Tours - hop aboard a sunset cruise of the Cape Fear River.

  • Edgewater 122 - Upscale casual, coastal-inspired, waterfront dining.



KID-FRIENDLY

  • NC Maritime Museum, Southport - an interactive museum featuring local maritime history.

  • Crabbing at Heron Lookout Park (40th street) - Bring some string, chicken, a bucket and a net.

  • Middleton Park Playground & Splash Pad - visit the Dole Whip truck to cool off.

  • Middleton Park Summer Concerts - truly fun for the whole family. This summer's lineup.

  • Mini Golf at Jungle Golf - 18 holes of classic putt-putt

  • Throw Baxe - retro-themed ax throwing and board game lounge.



GIRLS DAY

  • Southport Coffee & Kitchen - Southport Sliders, Arnold Palmer, salt & vinegar chips and yap.

  • Southport Barre - take a barre or pilates class with Abbey. Perfect for every experience level.

  • Southport Tap & Cellar - craft beers, hard ciders. Live music, food trucks and Thursday night trivia.

  • Mad River - buy each other a gift, have it wrapped (free) and exchange at dinner.

  • Southern. A Gathering Place - seasonal, locally sourced menu. Order apps & entrees and share. Make reservations!

  • Karaoke at The Tikki Tavern - the best dive bar in town.


Eating lunch at Southport Sliders at Southport Coffee & Kitchen

SOLO SELF-CARE DAY

  • Southport Barre - take a class with Abbey and thank me later.

  • Cafe Koa - order the American Woman omelette.

  • The Fresh Cottage - clean beauty, curated homeware and designer apparel. A personal fav.

  • Live Oak MedSpa - refresh with a facial or maybe something a little more.

  • Southport Massage and Foot Retreat - no self-care day is complete without a massage

  • Harper Library - grab and book and read on the waterfront swings.


Woman holding a barre pose at Southport Barre


Whatever your weekend mood, Southport and Oak Island are here for it. From spontaneous solo days to family adventures and sunset date nights, this little slice of coastal North Carolina has a way of making every moment feel a bit more magical. And if you find yourself not wanting to leave? Well... that happens a lot around here. Whether you're dreaming of a vacation home, planning a future move, or just exploring what life could look like by the water, we’re always happy to help you find your place along the coast. Because here, it’s not just about what to do on the weekend—it’s about building a life you don’t need a vacation from.




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