While being known as the Gold Coast's commercial centre, Southport has an eclectic appeal and is the focal point of many things in the region. Situated on the coast, just north of Surfers Paradise, it's a hub for shopping, dining, and family attractions. Southport's premier addresses are found along Marine Parade, but the vibrant city streets wind inland and offer a wealth of restaurants and boutiques.

Southport features on many visitor's Gold Coast itineraries, predominantly for its coastal boardwalk – Marine Parade – and the variety of dining options. It also offers a huge wealth of accommodation options, a modern Chinatown precinct, and the region's biggest shopping centre, Australia Fair.

From Marine Parade visitors can walk into the Broadwater Parklands, where a waterpark is amongst the coastal attractions. The nearby Gold Coast Seaway is the region's most popular shore diving site.

Southport has excellent transport connections, with seven light rail stations connecting the suburb with coastal destinations to the north and south. Many bus services also extend to the Gold Coast's northern suburbs.

Southport has been a tourist magnet since the 1890s, when its sideshow theatres and bustling pier made it a chic and fashionable seaside destination. This wealth helped the suburb to naturally develop as the Gold Coast's financial and business capital.