Reconnect to Nature at NC’s Southern Coast

Winter's crisp air at North Carolina's southern coast offers a quieter and relaxing alternative to the busier spring and summer tourist months and could be the perfect time for a getaway.  Being out on the water is both refreshing and soul-soothing,  whether for a specialty cruise out of the historic and quaint waterfront town of Swansboro or a day of fishing.  Our sunrises and sunsets as well as the amazing wildlife along our waterways are a breathtaking sight to see.

Photo credit:  Lady Swan Boat Tours & Onslow Tourism

At North Topsail Beach, as you drive across the high-rise bridge onto Topsail Island you'll find a string of beach cottages on the horizon that form a long, rainbow-colored line, marking the place where the blue ocean meets the sandy beach.  Upon arrival, it's time to be as adventurous or as lazy as you’d like!  Now is the time to plan your cozy winter getaway and recharge your batteries.  Pack up the car with your doggo and your family or friends and make North Topsail Beach your home-away-from-home at one of our beach rentals.  You can also search and book hotel accommodations right here from our website.

You'll find some of the freshest seafood like shrimp, oysters, and blue crab all of which are in season during the fall.  Riverview Cafe in Sneads Ferry is legendary for their shrimp and stump sound oysters, with their shrimping boat, Miss Janice, docked within sight right outside.  Join the locals for dining and drinks with some live music in the Town of Swansboro at local hotspots like Saltwater Grill, Dini's Martinis and Desserts, The Boro Restaurant & Bar, Bamboo Asian House, as well as Splash by the Sea in North Topsail Beach, and Duck's Grille & Bar in Jacksonville, as well as many others.

For some family fun, and just a short drive inland along our rural country roads, you'll find Mike's Farm, the perfect place for a southern-style country dinner and some delectable baked goods.  The NC Products Barn, located on the grounds at Mike's Farm is a destination for shopping, featuring North Carolina-made products from the mountains to the piedmont and all the way to the coast.

While out in the rural coastal plains, sample some North Carolina small-batch wines made in Richlands at Huffman's Vineyards.  Relax in their spacious tasting room and enjoy local cheese and other delectables.  Walton's Distillery is becoming increasingly popular for their craft distillery tours and tastings of their Ms. Kitty's apple pie moonshine along with many other fun flavors.  They also make bourbon whiskey and have an expanding line of spirits.

Winter is just as wonderful as any time of year to enjoy the southern coast of North Carolina.  Adventures await you in Onslow County!  For more trip-planning information, check out our visitor guide.  We look forward to seeing you, #OnlyinOnslow.