easy myrtle beach day trip with kids: southport, NC
Southport, North Carolina is a great day trip idea from Myrtle Beach. It’s just over the state line and offers so much history, beauty and free exploring –– those are the big three for us! Here are our tips for this easy Myrtle Beach day trip with kids.
DISTANCE: 45-90 minutes from various parts of the Grand Strand
WHEN TO VISIT: This is a beach town so off-peak is ideal (Feb–May and Sept–Dec).
WHAT TO PLAN FOR: Plan to spend 4+ hours to see most everything. It’s a walkable area but def bring a stroller for younger kids.
OPTION: Extra 3+ hours to go to Fort Fisher.
TOP PLACES TO EXPLORE
OLD BRUNSWICK COUNTY JAIL: This is free but has very limited hours for inside tours. It’s staffed with docents and replicas to better envision what life was like for the jailor and inmates nearly 100 years ago. There is a fun scavenger hunt and prizes if kids can locate all the items. (Wed & Sat: 12:30–3:30p and same time on Fridays from June–Aug)
OLD SMITHVILLE BURYING GROUND: I realize I am in the minority for loving old cemeteries but, in case you’re like me, then this is a very beautiful and interesting one. It’s just across the street from the jail so well worth taking a few extra minutes to explore this.
NC MARITIME MUSEUM: This is a fun one and the top one I’d prioritize if your kid’s energy is running low. It’s all self-guided and free (donations appreciated). They have the most interesting things for kids to see and really fun scavenger hunts and explorer backpacks for kids who need something extra to hold their attention while adults tour.
FORT JOHNSON: This free museum explores the history of the town of Southport. It also has a scavenger hunt but may be less exciting and engaging for kids.
There is a beautiful lawn out front with chairs and plenty of room for kids to roam. It overlooks the Cape Fear River and you can see all the way out to the Oak Island Lighthouse and beyond to Bald Head Island.
FOOD & DRINK | There are plenty to choose from. Provision Company is one of the most popular choices but we opted for a funky little spot called Cafe Koa. It was eclectic and delicious so it’s a 5/5 from us. Edgewater 122 and Fishy Fishy Cafe are two other popular restaurants with water views. There are several fun coffee/tea spots and ice cream spots too.
SHOPPING | There are shops all along the main streets of town so take advantage of as many of those as your kids patience will allow!
taking the ferry to fort fisher
If you’ve got the energy then taking the ferry over to Fort Fisher is a way to extend your visit. There you can see the NC State historic site and the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Here are some of our tips and key info about doing that.
• THE FERRY is a fun experience. It runs every ~45 minutes and is a 35 minute long commute across the waterway. Its $7 each way for standard sized vehicles and you can get out of your car to enjoy the observation deck during the commute.
• FORT FISHER AQUARIUM is a key attraction and it’s neat. It’s certainly a smaller and older feeling aquarium but the price is fair at $11 for kids and $13 for adults. It does have a playground space outside and some short boardwalk/trails. I’d only anticipate spending 60-90 minutes here. Note that it is required to purchase tickets in advance but during the slower season they will do their best to accommodate you on-site.
• FORT FISHER STATE HISTORIC SITE is a great place for kids to explore outdoors. It has a beautiful visitors center and interesting grounds with restored/replica cannons, earthwork bunkers and more. You can also walk down by the water from either side (Cape Fear River or ocean).
If you have more time to spend then find other things to do in Kure Beach here.
