7 Best Things to Do in Southern Pines, North Carolina

By VacationIdea Staff on July 26, 2022 - Updated

7 Best Things to Do in Southern Pines, NC

Sandhills Community College

Internationally known as the Home of American Golf, the Pinehurst, Southern Pines and Aberdeen area attracts large numbers of golfers each year. However, those who don’t play golf will find plenty to interest them while the golf fanatics tee off. Nature lovers and gardening enthusiasts can spend hours admiring the stunning gardens at the Weymouth Center for the Arts and Humanities and at the brilliant Sand Hills Horticultural Gardens. If you enjoy hiking or biking you can explore some of the trails on the Boyd Round Timber Tract. When you have worked up a thirst you can visit the Southern Pines Growler Company or the Bell Tree Restaurant and Tavern.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Sunrise Theater

The Sunrise Theater first opened its doors in 1898 and has been a prominent landmark on Broad Street every since. Although the theater has seen several reincarnations over the past 100 years, it was recently completely restored to its former glory and is now once again drawing the crowds to watch first-run and independent films in this historic location. For a fun night out you can book your seats to watch arty or non-mainstream movies that you might not get a chance to see elsewhere. A few of the most popular recent productions include ballets by the Bolshoi Ballet and Riverdance, filmed onstage in Dublin, Ireland.

Sunrise Theater, 250 NW Broad Street, Southern Pines, NC 28387, Phone: 910-692-3611

2.Southern Pines Growler Company, Southern Pines, NC

Southern Pines Growler Company brewed their very first craft beer in 2014 and opened their brewery taproom just three month later. The brewery was the brain-child of three US servicemen and the brewery is proudly 100% veteran owned. Southern Pines has gone from strength to strength over the past 6 years and you are invited to come and visit the team in their taproom where you can taste the freshest new test batch of artisan beers. Varieties on tap include American Pale Ale, Cream Ale, German Hafeweizen, Berliner and several IPA’s. There is often a food truck parked outside to supple delicious eats to go with your beer.

Southern Pines Growler Company, 565 Air Tool Dr, Suite E, Southern Pines, NC 28397, Phone: 910-365-9935

3.Weymouth Center for the Arts and Humanities

The beautiful and historic Weymouth Center for the Arts and Humanities offers local residents and visitors to Southern Pines a brilliant destination for a day trip. The estate was established by the distinguished writer and conservationist James Boyd in the early 1900’s. History and architecture enthusiasts will want to tour the beautiful old mansion house and its formal gardens, while nature lovers will enjoy spending time in the forests. The Weymouth Center offers direct access to the wonderfully scenic trails which crisscross the Boyd Round Timber Tract. Visitors are welcome to take a self-guided tour of the mansion on weekdays and to attend the regular literary readings and musical events held in honor of James Boyd.

Weymouth Center for the Arts and Humanities, 555E Connecticut Ave, Southern Pines, NC 28387, Phone: 910-692-6261

4.Sandhills Horticultural Gardens, Southern Pines, North Carolina

All nature lovers and gardening enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the beautiful Sandhills Horticultural Gardens in near-by Pinehurst. The gardens are cared for by the horticultural students of Sandhills Community College, who welcome visitors to spend a wonderful hour or two surrounded by beauty. Regardless of which season you choose to visit you will find something to delight the senses. The garden includes several themed areas including the Hackley Woodland Garden, a native wetland trail garden, the rose garden and the Sir Walter Raleigh formal English garden. There is also a dedicated Children’s Garden where little visitors can have educational fun. These wonderful gardens are free to visit – members receive additional perks including lectures, newsletters and more.

Sandhills Horticultural Gardens, 555 Lindbergh Pl, Pinehurst, NC 28374, Phone: 910-692-6185

5.Full Moon Oyster Bar, Southern Pines, North Carolina

The Full Moon Oyster Bar is a favorite local eatery which specializes in delicious freshly sourced fish and seafood. The beachy décor sets the scene for a lip-smacking lunch or dinner and there are great choices for everyone, even if you hate oysters. The restaurant claims that many of their recipes have been handed down from generation to generation and you will find several unique flavor combinations. Menu choices include freshly-shucked oysters (served in many different styles), fabulous crab cakes and many other lightly steamed or seared dishes which will delight your taste buds with their fresh-from-the-ocean flavor. Traditionalists can feast on classic Fried Fish and Chips, Angus Steaks or beautifully grilled salmon and line-caught fish.

Full Moon Oyster Bar, 134 Brucewood Rd, Southern Pines, NC 28387, Phone: 910-246-2048

6.Vito’s Restaurant and Pizzeria, Southern Pines, North Carolina

Recently celebrating their 35th anniversary in Southern Pines, Vito’s Restaurant and Pizzeria has long been a favorite meeting and eating place for Southern Pine locals and visitors. The restaurant started as a small family operated pizza house in 1980; word of their delicious pizzas and authentic Italian dishes quickly spread and they have since gone from strength to strength. When you visit Vito’s you can look forward to choosing from a wide range of authentic Italian specialties including appetizers, pizzas and pastas, soups, salad, entrees and desserts. You can pair your meal with a fine bottle of wine from the extensive wine cellar.

Vito’s Restaurant and Pizzeria, 615 SE Broad St, Southern Pines, NC 28387, Phone: 910-692-7815

7.The Bell Tree Restaurant and Tavern, Southern Pines, NC

The popular Bell Tree Restaurant and Tavern is modeled on a typical tavern from yesteryear. Expect a comfortable and friendly ambiance teamed with an exceptional choice of drinks, including no fewer than 40 whiskeys, 13 beers on tap and a wide variety of other designer liquors. The food side is no less impressive and you can choose from a selection of delicious bar snacks including finger food, sandwiches, burgers, wraps and quesadillas to accompany your drinks. If you are visiting for dinner you can choose from an interesting and varied menu of appetizers, entrees and desserts. The name of the tavern refers to the prohibition days, when thirsty travelers would ring a bell hidden inside a hollow tree to request a libation.

The Bell Tree Restaurant and Tavern, 155 NE Broad St, Southern Pines, NC 28387, Phone: 910-612-4766