Attractions and Places To See in Onslow County - Top 4

Onslow County boasts several beautiful natural areas. You can visit Hammocks Beach State Park, which includes the undeveloped Bear Island, accessible by ferry or private boat, offering secluded beaches and maritime forests. Stones Creek Game Land provides a vast area of longleaf pine savannas and bottomland forests, with informal routes around its seven small lakes. For oceanfront enjoyment, North Topsail Beach offers 12 miles of coastline perfect for relaxation and fishing.

Onslow County is rich in history. The prominent Lejeune Memorial Gardens in Jacksonville honors service members with memorials like the Beirut Memorial and the Onslow Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Historic Downtown Swansboro, known as the 'Friendly City by the Sea,' features the Old Brick Store (the oldest structure in Onslow County) and Morton's Academy. You can also explore the Jacksonville Onslow African-American Heritage Trail or the Missiles & More Museum on North Topsail Beach.

Yes, Onslow County offers many family-friendly options. Both Hammocks Beach State Park and North Topsail Beach are great for families, with beaches and opportunities for outdoor fun. Mike's Farm in Richlands provides agri-tours and events year-round. Additionally, Onslow County's Parks and Recreation Department maintains numerous parks like Phillips Park and Northeast Creek Park, which feature playgrounds and walking trails.

Onslow County offers a variety of hiking opportunities. You can find easy trails like the Tidelands Trail or Jacksonville Commons Loop. For slightly longer options, consider the Wallace Creek Greenway. The Mountains-to-Sea Trail also passes through areas like Stones Creek Game Land, offering a chance to see diverse habitats. For more details on routes, check out the hiking guide for Onslow County.

Absolutely! Onslow County has several routes suitable for running. Popular options include the Orde Pond Loop Trail, and various running loops from locations like Olive Garden or New River Marine Corps Air Station. You can find more detailed routes and distances in the running trails guide for Onslow County.

For unique local experiences, consider a tour and tasting at Walton's Distillery for moonshine and corn whiskey. Huffman Vineyards also offers wine tastings. For a maritime adventure, Ghost Fleet Oyster Co. provides boat tours to an oyster farm where you can learn about oyster farming and even shuck your own. The Environmental Education Center in Sneads Ferry offers insights into the local ecology.

Yes, Lejeune Memorial Gardens is designed to be wheelchair accessible, allowing visitors to comfortably experience its significant military memorials and the Rails to Trail Greenway that runs through the park.

Onslow County is enjoyable year-round, but the spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities and exploring. Summer is ideal for beach activities at Hammocks Beach State Park and North Topsail Beach, though it can be warm and humid. Winter provides a quieter experience for exploring historical sites and natural areas.

Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, especially in natural areas. Stones Creek Game Land is known for its diverse habitats, where you might spot Venus flytraps and various waterfowl. Hammocks Beach State Park, particularly Bear Island, is home to diverse wildlife within its maritime forests.

To fully experience Hammocks Beach State Park, including a ferry trip to Bear Island for beachcombing and exploring, you should plan for at least half a day, if not a full day. This allows time for the ferry ride, enjoying the secluded beaches, and potentially exploring some of the wooded walking trails near the visitor center.

Yes, Onslow County is excellent for water sports. The New River Blueways in Jacksonville offer diverse paddling routes. At Hammocks Beach State Park, Paddle NC provides rentals for kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes, along with eco-tours. You can also kayak through marshes along segments of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.

Beyond the main attractions, consider exploring the tranquil waterways of the New River Blueways for paddling. The Pelletier House in Jacksonville, the city's oldest standing structure, offers a glimpse into local history. For a taste of local culture, visit Sneads Ferry, known for its fresh seafood and annual Shrimp Festival, or take a Lady Swan Boat Tour from Historic Downtown Swansboro for scenic history by water.