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Southern Pines, North Carolina, offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and rich cultural heritage. This unique destination draws visitors year-round, offering a tranquil, laid-back atmosphere surrounded by scenic beauty and plenty of things to do in Southern Pines NC. Southern Pines boasts a vibrant local community, enriched by arts, outdoor activities, and a wealth of historic character, making it appealing to a broad range of visitors. Its pleasant climate makes it the perfect summer getaway, inviting travellers to experience the true essence of the North Carolina Sandhills — a destination for relaxation, discovery, and connection.
10 Things To Do In Southern Pines NC
There are plenty of things to do in Southern Pines, NC, offering a blend of cultural charm and natural beauty, with vibrant downtown shops, scenic outdoor spaces, and community events.
1. Visit Weymouth Centre For Arts & Humanities
Photo: Richard Kelly / Wikimedia Commons
The Weymouth Centre, located in Southern Pines, holds both cultural significance and historical importance as the former home of author James Boyd. Today, this Georgian Revival-style mansion hosts poetry readings, music concerts, and the acclaimed Writers-in-Residence program. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the historic house, explore its beautifully landscaped gardens, or wander along nature trails that lead into the nearby Weymouth Woods Preserve. The centre also hosts seasonal festivals, educational programmes, and exhibitions that celebrate literature and the fine arts. Open to the public, the Weymouth Centre offers a peaceful setting for leisurely walks and photography.
Timings: Grounds open daily 10 AM – 4 PM
Fees: Free
Duration: 1 – 2 hours
2. Explore Downtown Southern Pines
Photo: Macrakis / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The vibrant and picturesque downtown Southern Pines is brimming with small, independent shops, restaurants, galleries, and historic buildings. This walkable area invites exploration, whether you’re visiting bookstores, vintage boutiques, art studios, or local cafés. The heart of the town also hosts seasonal events such as parades, farmers’ markets, outdoor concerts, and the popular First Friday festivals. Anchored by the Sunrise Theater, downtown Southern Pines offers a rich variety of restaurants serving both local cuisine and international fare. Downtown Southern Pines is a friendly, laid-back community where you can enjoy browsing handmade goods or sipping coffee on a patio.
Timings: Shops / cafes generally open 10 AM – 6 PM
Fees: Free to explore
Duration: 1 – 3 hours
3. See The Reservoir Park
Photo: John Phelan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Southern Pines is home to the beautiful and expansive Reservoir Park, a 165-acre green space that features a stunning 95-acre lake. The park offers nearly two miles of paved trails, perfect for leisurely walks, runs, or bike rides, and includes wooden boardwalks and shaded picnic areas for relaxation. It’s a popular spot for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding, with a small boat launch and a newly built fishing pier. The lake is stocked with bass and catfish, making it ideal for catch-and-release fishing. Reservoir Park is a serene and active retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Timings: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Fees: Free
Duration: 1 – 2 hours
4. Experience The Sunrise Theater
Photo: Alexandra Palace / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Sunrise Theater, a historic cultural gem in Downtown Southern Pines, is a vibrant venue for independent films, live events, concerts, and community showcases. Originally built as a hardware store in the 1890s, it was transformed into a movie house in the 1940s and now operates as a nonprofit arts centre. The theatre retains much of its vintage charm, with art deco interiors and a classic single-screen setup. Its diverse programming includes independent films, documentaries, and classics, along with live music, stage plays, children’s theatre, and arts workshops.
Timings: Varies by show
Fees: $8 – $15 / ₹664 – ₹1,245, depending on the event
Duration: 1.5 – 2.5 hours
5. Visit The Southern Pines Brewing Company
Photo: Spatms / Wikimedia Commons
Southern Pines Brewing Company’s Downtown Taproom offers a vibrant atmosphere, serving locally brewed craft beers right in the heart of town. Located on Pennsylvania Avenue, the taproom features a variety of house IPAs, lagers, stouts, and weekly seasonal specials. With its warm yet modern industrial design, the space is both inviting and stylish. Live music and food trucks further enhance the lively vibe, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. The brewery also hosts trivia nights, community fundraisers, and small festivals, solidifying its role as a social hub.
Timings: Mon- Sat: 12 PM – 10 PM, Sun: 12 PM – 8 PM
Fees: Free entry
Duration: 1 – 2 hours
6. See The Southern Pines Train Station
Photo: CZmarlin / Wikimedia Commons
A key part of Southern Pines’ cultural heritage is its historic railway station. Built in 1898 and beautifully restored in 2004, the station still serves as an Amtrak stop on the Silver Star route, connecting Southern Pines to cities from New York to Miami. The Colonial Revival-style building features a ticket office, a waiting area, and landscaped grounds. Surrounded by charming shops and eateries, it provides a delightful starting point for exploring downtown. Public art installations and seasonal decorations often add to the station’s inviting atmosphere.
Timings: Amtrak hours vary
Fees: Free
Duration: 15 – 30 minutes
7. Play At The Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club
Photo: Mark Anderson / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Southern Pines is home to an 18-hole golf course, whose original layout has been preserved. Known for its walkable grounds, natural terrain, and strategic challenges, the course attracts golfers from around the world. The accompanying inn exudes vintage charm, with its Southern hospitality, grand lobby, cozy fireplace lounges, and traditional guest rooms. Mid Pines hosts regular golf tournaments, clinics, and private events, earning a place among the top-ranked courses in North Carolina. The on-site restaurant and bar offer stunning views of the course and are open to the public.
Timings: Daily, tee times from 7 AM
Fees: Greens fees from $85+ / ₹7,055
Duration: 4 – 5 hours
8. Explore The Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve
Photo: ncwetlands.org / Wikimedia Commons
Weymouth Woods is a 900-acre natural area in Southern Pines, offering a rare glimpse into the longleaf pine ecosystem that once thrived across the southeastern U.S. The preserve features several miles of hiking trails that wind through pine savannas, wetlands, and sandhills terrain. Visitors can enjoy wildlife sightings, including the red-cockaded woodpecker and fox squirrel, as well as encounter unique plants such as carnivorous pitcher plants. The Visitor Centre provides informative exhibits, live animal shows, and a gift shop. The preserve is also connected to the trails at the Weymouth Centre, providing opportunities for extended strolls through stunning landscapes.
Timings: Daily, 8 AM – 8 PM (Visitor Centre: 9 AM – 5 PM)
Fees: Free
Duration: 1 – 2 hours
9. See The Duncraig Manor And Gardens
Photo: Basile Morin / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Duncraig Manor and Gardens is a stunning 12,000-square-foot English Tudor-style mansion, built in the 1920s and nestled in a peaceful neighbourhood in Southern Pines. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the manor operates as a luxury bed and breakfast and hosts weddings, private tours, and community events. Inside, visitors will find period decorations, authentic woodwork, and antique furnishings, while outside, the manor boasts formal gardens with fountains and serene walking paths. Tours of the house are available by appointment or during open house events, offering a glimpse into its rich history.
Timings: By appointment or event
Fees: Tours/events vary; some free
Duration: 1 – 2 hours
10. Visit Martin Park
Photo: Larry D. Moore / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Martin Park is a natural, undeveloped park located off May Street in Southern Pines, covering 50 acres. It is best known as the town’s off-leash dog park, featuring wooded trails, open fields, and a creek—perfect for dog play. While there are no fences or formal paths, the quiet, forested environment offers a peaceful escape into nature for locals. Benches are scattered along the trails for resting, and the terrain is gentle, making it ideal for walking or jogging. Unlike more manicured parks, Martin Park retains its natural state, providing visitors with an authentic experience of the native flora and fauna of the Sandhills.
Timings: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Fees: Free
Duration: 30 minutes – 1.5 hours
Southern Pines, North Carolina, offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and rich cultural heritage. This inviting destination attracts visitors year-round with its peaceful, laid-back atmosphere and genuine Southern hospitality. Nestled in the heart of the Sandhills, it serves as a serene getaway for those seeking tranquillity, connection, and discovery. The town is home to a vibrant community enriched by the arts, historic landmarks, and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities. With its mild climate and scenic landscapes, there are plenty of things to do in Southern Pines NC.
Cover Photo: Scott Brody / Wikimedia Commons
