Fort Johnston Southport Museum
Discover Southport's history and cinematic past at this free museum and visitor center, offering river views and engaging exhibits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Fort Johnston Southport Museum
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Southport's history and cinematic past at this free museum and visitor center, offering river views and engaging exhibits.
"A great FREE museum to learn about the history of Southport and its film connections. "
🎯 Check Hours Before Visiting
Hours can vary; confirm opening times (often 10 AM-4 PM) to ensure you can visit. :clock1:
💰 Free Admission & Fun
Enjoy this free museum! Kids often love the scavenger hunt activity. :moneywithwings:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Southport on Film Room
Inside the museum
Discover movies and TV shows filmed in Southport, a fascinating glimpse into the town's cinematic past.
Cape Fear River Views
Overlooking the river
Enjoy scenic views of the Cape Fear River and watch huge freighters pass by.
Local History Exhibits
Museum interior
Explore artifacts and stories detailing the rich history of Southport and its surrounding area.
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Planning Your Visit
Check Opening Hours
Free Admission & Scavenger Hunts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Hours Before Visiting
Hours can vary; confirm opening times (often 10 AM-4 PM) to ensure you can visit. :clock1:
💰 Free Admission & Fun
Enjoy this free museum! Kids often love the scavenger hunt activity. :moneywithwings:
🚻 Public Restrooms Available
Convenient public restrooms are located outside around the back of the building. :toilet:
🚢 River Views & Freighters
Don't miss the chance to see large freighters on the Cape Fear River. :ship:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Hours Before Visiting
Hours can vary; confirm opening times (often 10 AM-4 PM) to ensure you can visit. :clock1:
💰 Free Admission & Fun
Enjoy this free museum! Kids often love the scavenger hunt activity. :moneywithwings:
🚻 Public Restrooms Available
Convenient public restrooms are located outside around the back of the building. :toilet:
🚢 River Views & Freighters
Don't miss the chance to see large freighters on the Cape Fear River. :ship:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Fort Johnston Southport Museum as a friendly, informative, and free attraction. Highlights include the 'Southport on Film' exhibit and scenic river views. While generally well-received, some visitors have noted that hours can be inconsistent, so checking in advance is recommended.
"Friendly staff with great information. Nicely done and interesting little museum in a historic building and area. HUGE freighters go right up and down the Cape Fear River."
Brad Sevaldson
"Great FREE museum to learn about the history of Southport. Interesting room on “Southport on Film,” where you’ll learn about all the high profile movies filmed there! It’s also the visitors center, so stop by to learn about all there is to see and do!! Public bathrooms outside around back!"
Alexandrea Sumuel Groves
"We visited the Visitors Center early in the morning and found that they don’t open until 10:00. We went about exploring the downtown area and came back for a quick walkthrough before they closed at 4:00. Unfortunately, we got there at 3:53 and they were closed and the lights were off.
Not to be deterred, we came back the next day when we were sure that they would be open.
What we saw was a nice history of the town, with a lot of information about movies that had been filmed in and around town.
There were volunteers there who answered questions and provided other information."
Tom Fletcher
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Fort Johnston Southport Museum is located in Southport, North Carolina. It's easily accessible by car and is a central point in the historic downtown area. Parking is generally available nearby.
Yes, the museum is located within the historic Fort Johnston site, offering a glimpse into its military past alongside exhibits on local history and film.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum typically opens at 10:00 AM and closes at 4:00 PM. However, it's always best to verify current hours before your visit, as they can change.
No, admission to the Fort Johnston Southport Museum is completely free, making it an excellent budget-friendly attraction.
Since admission is free, advance booking is not required. You can simply visit during their operating hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum features exhibits on Southport's history, a special room dedicated to movies filmed in the area, and offers scenic views of the Cape Fear River. They also sometimes have scavenger hunts for kids.
Yes, kids often enjoy the scavenger hunt and learning about local history and films. The river views are also engaging.
Public restrooms are available outside around the back of the museum building for visitor convenience.
Fort Johnston is one of the oldest forts in North Carolina, playing a role in various historical periods, including the Revolutionary War and Civil War. The museum preserves and shares this history.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the historic building itself, the exhibits inside, and especially the scenic views of the Cape Fear River with its passing freighters. The 'Southport on Film' room also offers unique photo ops related to movie memorabilia.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed inside the museum, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific signage or ask a staff member if you're unsure.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great place to break up a day of sightseeing, offering both educational content and interactive elements. Remember to check the hours, as they can be specific, and utilize the convenient restrooms located around the back.
🎬 Film Buffs
Beyond the film focus, the museum itself offers a glimpse into the historic port town, providing context for why it's such an attractive location for filmmakers. It’s a unique opportunity to connect the on-screen magic with the real-world charm of Southport.
💰 Budget Travelers
It offers a substantial amount of information and engaging exhibits, including the popular film room and historical displays. Combined with the free river views, it provides a rich experience that rivals paid attractions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Southport's Past
The museum is particularly noted for its 'Southport on Film' room, which highlights the numerous movies and television shows that have been filmed in and around the picturesque coastal town. This section offers a fun and unique perspective, showcasing Southport's role in the entertainment industry.
Beyond the exhibits, the museum's location provides beautiful views of the Cape Fear River. It's a prime spot to watch large freighters navigate the waterway, adding a dynamic element to the visit. Public restrooms are conveniently located around the back of the building, making it a practical stop for day-trippers and locals alike.
Family Fun and Engagement
Parents can appreciate the educational value of learning about local history and the town's connection to the film industry. The 'Southport on Film' exhibit often sparks curiosity and provides talking points for children.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit