76°F
🌞 Labor Day Weekend is almost here! Why not get in one more last-minute getaway before it’s 📚 back to school time? Come on over to NC’s Southern Coast #OnlyinOnslow. Book your stay at a beach rental, Airbnb, or one of our flagship hotels and make memories. You’ve worked hard, and now it’s time for play. Here are some ideas for you!
Catch the Waves at North Topsail Beach
🏖️ Cross over the Intracoastal Waterway and leave the mainland behind, and quickly settle into vacation mode on North Topsail Beach. Pack your fishing gear! Come enjoy the quieter vibe. Unwind into a leisurely long weekend with sunrises and sunsets, family play time, and the sound of the waves crashing to the shore. Read more about Beach Days #OnlyinOnslow and more ways to have fun!
Taste Our Authentic Local Cuisine from Around the World
🍱 The perfect getaway #OnlyinOnslow calls for an exploration of the best local cuisine. Sample traditional mouthwatering southern delicacies, satisfy a sushi or fresh local seafood craving or sample some authentic South American cuisine. Endless options are available and we’re sure your taste buds will be thrilled! Stay in #JacksonvilleNC and discover their International Food Trail. Dine al fresco! See the list of our restaurants offering outdoor seating. Photo: @Surf City Line, the Town of Surf City on Topsail Island.
Tour Lejeune Memorial Gardens in Jacksonville
🇺🇲 Take a stroll around Downtown Jacksonville, NC’s Lejeune Memorial Gardens to see the many awe-inspiring military memorials. Jacksonville, NC is rich with military heritage and is home to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. It’s a wonderful place to pause, reflect and honor our American military service men and women who have served and sacrificed for our freedom. Photo: Montford Point Marine Memorial, @VisitJacksonvilleNC.
Sip Local Flavors at Our Winery & Distillery
🍷🥃 Head inland to our coastal plains to taste over 30 different wines offered by small batch winery, Huffman Vineyards. Relax on the outdoor patio or stay cool indoors in the spacious tasting room and gift shop. Fruit wines with flavors like blackberry and green apple, and the Riesling are quite popular. Don’t miss a tour and tasting of locally-crafted moonshine and corn whiskey at Walton’s Distillery, a family business with a great story and legacy!
Rock & Relax on the Porch at Mike’s Farm
🍗 Mike’s Farm is an #OnlyinOnslow favorite family-style restaurant featuring southern home cookin’, a bakery, as well as traditional annual events including hayrides and their Festival of Lights during the holidays. While at Mike’s Farm, shop the largest variety of products that are all produced, manufactured, and crafted in our great state at their NC Products Barn. From suspenders, pottery, and mismatched socks to specialty coffee, handcrafted foods and unique wines there truly is something for everyone!
Explore Bear Island at Hammocks Beach State Park
🏝️ For a beachy outdoor adventure, Bear Island offers three miles of unspoiled island beachfront, with lots of salty air, wildlife, and treasure hunting for sharks’ teeth, seashells, and sand dollars. Get there by hopping aboard the Hammocks Beach State Park marsh ferry – that runs every thirty minutes, Thursday thru Sunday, or charter your own eco-tour or shelling excursion along the Bogue and Bear Inlets with Marsh Cruises, Lady Swan Boat Tours, or Pogie’s Fishing & Kayaking Center. Enjoy dolphins popping up from the water to say hello and the native birds and wildlife along the way. Check out our website for more information about specialty cruises out of Swansboro.
Paddle Our Waterways
🚣🏾♀️ Whether you are an expert or a beginner, we have many paddling access points throughout Onslow County…along the Intercoastal Waterway in Swansboro, at Hammocks Beach State Park, or at North Topsail Beach. Check out our outfitters and outposts for gear and guided tours! Photo: @Swansboro Paddle Boarding & Kayaking
Cast A Line & Get Hooked
🎣 For the land-based angler, head over to North Topsail Beach’s Seaview Fishing Pier or bring a beach chair and fish the surf and the areas around the inlets. Be sure to obtain a permit and review the rules and regulations. Charter a boat for a fishing trip out to our deeper waters for cobia, Mahi, king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, grey trout, flounder, black sea bass, and various groupers. Freshwater fishing opportunities are available along the New River in Jacksonville and the White Oak River in Swansboro.
Visit NCWildlife.org to obtain information about obtaining a fishing license in addition to rules, regulations, and related guidelines. See our website for more information – Bait A Hook OnlyinOnslow. Photo: @Instigator Fishing & Diving Charters in Swansboro.
Play in Our Parks
🚴🏾 Paddling trails, bicycle routes, tennis, playgrounds, picnic areas, basketball courts, disc golf, splash pads – you name it, we’ve got it! We encourage you to visit the Onslow County Recreation & Parks website and the Recreation & Parks – Jacksonville, NC Facebook Page for a slew of happenings and activities to enjoy throughout the year. Also, see details about our parks throughout our communities and towns on our website. Photo: Wilson Bay Park, Jacksonville. @VisitJacksonvilleNC
Download Our Visitor Guide
👋🏾 From our rural coastal plains all the way to the coast, we look forward to seeing you, #OnlyinOnslow!
