The Hammocks at Southport June 2026
One of the best things about living at The Hammocks is having an excuse for friends and family to visit. And when they do, Southport never disappoints. This little coastal gem has a way of winning people over — with its historic streets, waterfront views, fresh seafood, live music, and the kind of easy, unhurried pace that reminds everyone why they love the coast. Here's a weekend itinerary to make the most of a visit.
Friday: Arrive, Unwind, and Hit the Waterfront
Friday Evening
After getting settled, head downtown to Southport's historic Yacht Basin for your first taste of the waterfront. This is where the town really comes alive on summer evenings.
American Fish Company is a great first stop — a waterfront bar and gathering spot right on the water, perfect for a cocktail while you watch the boats come and go. Weekends feature live music, so you may walk right into a great set.
For dinner, Mr. P's Bistro is a local favorite — a warm, welcoming spot with excellent food and the kind of atmosphere that feels like Southport at its best. Another great choice is Southern Gathering, which brings genuine Southern hospitality and wonderful cooking to the table. Either one makes for a memorable first evening.
After dinner, take a stroll through the streets of historic downtown Southport or along the waterfront. The evening light over the Cape Fear River is something special, and if the tide is right, you may spot dolphins working their way through.
Saturday: On the Water All Day
Saturday Morning
Saturday is the day to get out on the water — and Southport has some excellent options.
Southport Water Tours operates two vessels: the Sally Ann, a classic sightseeing boat, and the Tiki Time, for a more festive outing. Their narrated tours cover the Cape Fear River and Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, with guides sharing the area's rich maritime history and pointing out local wildlife — including the bottlenose dolphins that frequent these waters. Guests are welcome to bring their own beverages, beer and wine included.
5 More Minutes Charters offers a "Dock, Dine & Ride" tour that pairs a boat excursion with a waterfront meal — a particularly fun option for a group. They also run sunrise and sunset cruises throughout the season.
For something truly memorable, take the short ferry ride to Bald Head Island. The passenger ferry departs from Deep Point Marina (1301 Ferry Road, just minutes from The Hammocks) and the crossing takes about 20 minutes — with dolphins making frequent appearances along the way. On the island, rent golf carts or bicycles (no cars are allowed), visit the Old Baldy Lighthouse for sweeping views of the coast, and explore 14 miles of pristine beach. It's a world apart, just a short boat ride away.
Saturday Afternoon
Back in Southport, Saturday afternoons are a good time to browse the shops along Howe Street and Moore Street in the historic downtown. There are charming boutiques, galleries, and the occasional local market worth exploring.
Wine lovers should stop into Water Tower Wine or Southport Tap & Cellar, which offers 22 craft taps and over 150 bottles of beer and wine. Both are relaxed, welcoming spots for an afternoon pour.
Saturday Evening: Dinner and Live Music
Saturday night in Southport is made for lingering. Here are a few favorites:
Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill is a waterfront classic — fresh local seafood, a Sunset Tiki Bar, and live music from the Big Deck on weekends. If your guests love the full coastal experience, this one checks every box.
The Brentwood offers a more refined evening — five elegant dining rooms, indoor and outdoor seating, an award-winning wine list, and live music. A wonderful choice for a special occasion or guests who appreciate a proper dinner out.
For a livelier late-evening scene, The Mullet Bar on the Yacht Basin has live music most Thursday through Sunday nights and a friendly, festive crowd.
Or — Stay In and Cook Local
Some of the best evenings happen right at home. If you love to cook, Saturday is a perfect opportunity to put together a meal made entirely from local ingredients. Potter's Seafood is the place to go — fresh, locally caught seafood that practically cooks itself. Pick up shrimp, fish, or whatever just came off the boat, grab some local produce, and let the Coast do the talking. There's something deeply satisfying about sharing a home-cooked coastal meal with people you love, and guests tend to remember it long after the weekend is over.
Sunday: A Slower Morning and One Last Adventure
Sunday Morning
Sleep in, have coffee on the porch, and then take your guests for a walk or bike ride through the neighborhood. The Hammocks is a beautiful place to show off on a Sunday morning.
For brunch, head into downtown Southport where several restaurants open early and serve the kind of leisurely breakfast that makes weekends feel like weekends.
Sunday Afternoon
If there's time before guests head home, Oak Island is just 20 minutes away and offers excellent beaches for a final afternoon in the sun. It's casual, beautiful, and the right kind of easy ending to a coastal weekend.
A Few Practical Tips for Hosts
- Book water tours in advance, especially in summer — they fill up quickly. Southport Water Tours and 5 More Minutes Charters both have online booking.
- The Bald Head Island Ferry tickets can be purchased at the Deep Point Marina kiosk or online ahead of time. Parking at the marina is available for a daily fee.
- Live music schedules change, so check venue websites or Facebook pages for current lineups before you go.
- Downtown Southport is walkable — once you're parked, you can cover most of the waterfront and historic district on foot.
Southport has a way of making visitors feel like they've discovered something rare — a coastal town that's beautiful, genuine, and completely its own. Lucky us, we get to call it home.
Southport by Seaside: southportbyseaside.com | Southport Water Tours: southportwatertours.com | Bald Head Island Ferry: baldheadisland.com