Southern Pines NC: 16 Fun Things To Do Outside
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Are you looking for the best things to do outside in Southern Pines NC? Then you’ve come to the right place!
Southern Pines is an outdoor lover’s paradise with numerous parks and trails to explore. From a variety of scenic hikes and nature walks to unique local attractions, outdoor venues, and more – there are plenty of activities for all types of adventure seekers!
I visited Southern Pines in May of 2023 and was impressed by the number of things to do in Southern Pines. The area also includes multiple other towns including Pinehurst, Aberdeen, and Carthage. All activities were close together and made it so convenient to spend a day exploring.
Southern Pines is known nationally for golfing and horseback riding, but the area has so much more to offer in terms of the outdoors.
Best Trails in Southern Pines
The thing I loved about hiking in the Southern Pines area was that everything was close together and super accessible! Sometimes you only have one day to visit a location and this area makes it so easy to do just that.
1. Hike Weymouth Woods
Weymouth Woods is an incredible nature preserve in Southern Pines. Here, you can explore trails on foot and get close to nature.
There are 8 hiking trails of varying lengths to choose from, so it’s easy to find one that is suitable for your level of experience, group size, and timeframe.
The preserve is approximately 6 minutes from downtown Southern Pines making it incredibly accessible and easy to fit into a day trip itinerary. All the trails are dog-friendly, but make sure you keep your pooch on a leash!
My favorite trail while I was visiting was the Lighter Stump, Pine Island, and Holly Wood Road Loop. This trail is 3.8 miles and goes through beautiful, lush woods. I even heard a woodpecker while I was taking some photos!
Water is not available on the trails so bring a water bottle and a snack just in case.
2. Stroll Around Reservoir Park
Reservoir Park is a great place for visitors to take a leisurely stroll on a nice day. The 165-acre park is situated around the Reservoir and there’s a 2-mile loop that runs along the lake.
The path around Reservoir Park is easy to navigate and there are lots of benches to relax on along your stroll. I thoroughly enjoyed stopping at different lookout points to enjoy the views and watch some ducks and geese swimming in the water!
I also ran the section that diverges from the lake and it was the perfect place for solitude. As a solo female, I didn’t feel unsafe since there is so much nearby, but I also had the area to myself and was able to enjoy nature without the crowds.
The trail is marked, but you need to pay attention and look for markers in certain areas so definitely not for those who get turned around easily.
3. Southern Pines Greenway System
Southern Pines Greenway System is a collection of trails for hiking and biking in Southern Pines. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon exploring!
The greenway offers a variety of trails ranging from short, easy walks to longer strolls – so there’s something for everyone. The most popular trail parking includes Elizabeth Rounds Park, Reservoir Park, Whitehall Trail, and Nick’s Creek Greenway.
The city provides a super helpful map of the greenway. If you are looking for biking in the area this is the best option.
4. Aberdeen Lake Park
Aberdeen Lake Park is located south of Southern Pines in Aberdeen and it’s ideally situated right near town. The lake has a variety of things to do, from fishing to nature walks and picnics.
An easy hike around the lake takes less than 30 minutes to do. This is a great spot for families with little ones or those looking for a quick adventure!
Best Outdoor Activities
5. Sandhills Horticulture Gardens
If you are looking for a unique experience in Southern Pines, then make sure to add Sandhills Horticulture Gardens to your list!
This 12-garden complex is located right next to Reservoir Park so it’s easy to pair the two together. Plus, admission is free which makes it even better!
My favorite garden was the Sir Walter Raleigh Garden – it had so many beautiful flowers and was the best spot for photos. I saw Daylilies, Sweetbay Magnolias, and Kousa Dogwoods while I walked through.
Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the grounds but it’s still a great spot to spend an hour or two!
Sandhills Horticulture Gardens has a long history in Southern Pines and was originally established as a public garden in 1978. Each month the gardens feature different blooms and events to attend, so there’s always something new to do!
If you’re a professional or hobby photographer, this is an exceptional place to exercise those muscles. The composition and settings are endless here and I thoroughly enjoyed finding different angles to capture.
6. Moore County Mural Trail
If you are looking to take a break from hiking, then why not add Murals of Carthage to your itinerary?
Located throughout Moore County, this is a great scavenger hunt exercise that you can easily embed into a weekend getaway.
More than a dozen murals are scattered across the county – five of which are located in the courthouse square in Carthage. Each mural celebrates different pieces of history in the area and it’s worth spending some time admiring them up close. They also make for some really beautiful photos!
7. Reservoir Park Activities
Reservoir Park deserves to be on the list twice because there are so many things to do here other than hiking!
The park includes a disc golf course, numerous docks for fishing, and multiple pavilions. It’s the perfect spot for some family fun or getting together with friends.
I spent the evening at the Reservoir reading in a hammock and watching multiple fishermen on the lake. You can bring your own kayaks, paddle boards, or canoes here to enjoy the water.
Additionally, a bunch of picnic tables are placed around the lake which makes it easy to find a spot for a relaxed outdoor lunch or dinner.
8. Walthour Moss Foundation Horseback Riding
Walthour Moss Foundation is an equestrian haven in Southern Pines – and it’s the perfect place for horseback riding lovers!
The foundation offers 4000 acres of land that have been set aside exclusively for equestrian use. It’s located just outside of town making it easily accessible and a great spot to explore if you have horses.
An interactive map of the area can be found here. Horseback Riding is only available if you own horses and are able to transport them to the destination.
9. Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities
When in Southern Pines, the Weymouth Center for the Arts should be on your must-visit list! This 26-acre estate houses numerous activities and events open to the public.
The main attraction of this estate is the Boyd House. The space is especially beautiful when the gardens are in bloom.
Weymouth Center for the Arts also hosts regular events like live music, writer’s residencies, and even pride. To get an idea of the different events happening while you’re there take a look at their event calendar.
So if you’re looking for something different to explore during your stay in Southern Pines – then this might just be the thing.
10. Walk Downtown Southern Pines
A visit to Moore County isn’t complete without a walk in downtown Southern Pines. The area has a charming and quaint feel to it with historic buildings and on the weekend it’s a fun place to people-watch.
When walking the streets of downtown Southern Pines, you’ll find a variety of local shops and eateries. There are clothing boutiques, an ice cream parlor, outdoor apparel stores, a bookstore – and so much more!
You can also explore the various art galleries or pop into The Sunrise Theater if you’re looking to get out of the elements!
Best Outdoor Eats & Drinks
There’s nothing better than a patio moment after spending a day adventuring. Luckily, the Southern Pines/Pinehurst area has some great outdoor spaces to grab a bite to eat and a refreshing drink.
11. Pinehurst Brewing Company
Pinehurst Brewing is located seconds from downtown Pinehurst and has a fabulous outdoor area. You can order food indoors and enjoy the beautiful atmosphere outside.
The outdoor space is also covered which makes it a great place to be outside even on a bad weather day!
I didn’t try out any of the food, but the beer was fantastic and the service was great.
I learned that the building used to be a steam plant that provided power to the village of Pinehurst. You can learn more about the history from the different plaques hanging up inside and outside.
12. Moore County Farmer’s Market
The farmer’s market happens on Saturdays during the summer in downtown Southern Pines at Downtown Park. A produce-only version of it also takes place year-round on Thursdays at Armory Sports Complex.
I visited the Saturday morning farmer’s market and was not disappointed. Everyone was exceptionally friendly and I loved that there was live music.
I scoped out a ham and cheese croissant from Bakehouse and an iced chai from a cute little coffee cart called Blue Bonnet Coffee Co.
Falcone Family Farm was my favorite vendor with beautiful plants for your garden. I also really appreciated the variety of options from jam to pottery to homemade soap.
There were multiple classic produce vendors selling an array of fruits and veggies which is great if you’re staying at a place with a kitchen or just want a piece of fruit to snack on.
13. Red’s Corner
Red’s Corner is a relatively new addition to Southern Pines and the owners definitely hit it out of the ballpark. The concept is a permanent food truck park with picnic tables and a bar.
I adored the vibe here and thought it was extremely family and dog-friendly. The food I had was out of this world and the selection had a little something for everyone.
The Cookies-N-Moore food truck has quite possibly the best cookie I’ve ever had.
If you’re looking for a relaxed evening vibe on a nice day, this is the place to be. Just make sure to get there early if the weather is good because I was told it fills up quickly.
15. The Roast Office
If you’re looking to spend some time browsing books after a delicious sandwich, then this is the place for you. The Roast Office is the old Pinehurst post office and offers both breakfast and lunch items.
Outside they have a handful of great patio tables to enjoy your meal on a nice day. After you’re done, head inside to check out the wide selection of books.
Unfortunately, the inside is not dog-friendly so I didn’t get the chance to browse as much as I’d like to, but if you go, definitely report back! Plus book purchases support the local library so it’s a win-win.
16. Hatchet Brewing Company
Hatchet Brewing Company is a veteran-owned brewery right in the center of downtown Southern Pines.
The brewery serves many types of beer and small snacks. Typically there’s also a food truck on-site from Thursday to Saturday. If there isn’t one, you are welcome to order delivery or take-out from nearby.
If trivia or bingo is your speed, then you’ve come to the right place. On Saturday nights Hatchet holds music bingo and on Thursdays, taproom trivia is the main attraction.
I don’t know about you, but I always love a beer and a game. You can tell this place is loved by locals because the atmosphere was buzzing.
The food truck on-site, while I was in town, was Household 6 Catering. Sometimes I feel like food trucks can be hit or miss, but this was 100% a hit. I had the chicken salad sandwich which was scrumptious.
Places to Stay in Southern Pines
Southern Pines has a lot of things to do so if you’re looking for a place to stay while visiting, I’ve got you covered.
Tanglewood Farm
Tanglewood Farm was where I stayed during my time in Southern Pines. The bed and breakfast is comprised of 3 suites making it super cozy and private.
The owners are incredibly friendly and welcoming which added to the positive experience of staying here. My favorite part was the exquisite breakfast made up of a quiche, multiple pastries, and orange juice.
I loved watching the owners weed their garden. The chicken coop is also where they get the eggs for the delicious breakfast. Most of what they serve is grown on the property which I think is so cool.
I was also given permission to say hi to their beautiful horses and give them some snacks. Just remember to ask if you’d like to see the horses!
Tanglewood is located only 8 minutes north of downtown making it convenient and easy to access all the different activities. I really appreciated that it was also tucked away and not in a noisy area. I highly recommend staying here if you visit Southern Pines!
Jefferson Inn
The Jefferson Inn is located in downtown Southern Pines just steps from restaurants and shops. The inn is a 100+-year-old landmark and is well-beloved in the area.
If your plan is to go to some bars or you’re looking to stay late somewhere, this is probably the best choice for you. I’d also recommend it if you simply prefer to be in the heart of the area you’re visiting.
The Private Barn
The Private Barn is the absolute cutest accommodation and is just minutes from Reservoir Park. I am obsessed with the movie viewing area.
Location is always important to me so this accommodation checks the box. This specific listing can also be paired with the Cloverfield Cottage if you are traveling with a larger group. It’s also pet and kid-friendly which is a major bonus!
FAQs
Where is Southern Pines Located?
Southern Pines is situated in central North Carolina. It is approximately an hour southwest of Raleigh and about 45 minutes West of Fayetteville.
What is Southern Pines Known For?
The city of Southern Pines has been deemed the Home of American Golf for a reason. Golfing and horseback riding are the two major activities that Southern Pines is widely known for, but clearly, there are so many other great things to do here as well!
Is Southern Pines and Pinehurst the same?
Southern Pines and Pinehurst are two separate cities less than 10 minutes apart from each other. Other towns nearby include Carthage and Aberdeen.
How Far is Southern Pines from the Beach?
The beach is about 2.5 hours from Southern Pines. The closest beach is Ocean Isle Beach.
Conclusion: 16 Fun Things To Do Outside in Southern Pines
Southern Pines is an incredible area of North Carolina with numerous outdoor activities! Whether you’re looking for a beautiful hiking trail or are keen on some patio vibes, this place has you covered. Spend a weekend here enjoying the beautiful outdoors. I promise you won’t regret it!