Onslow County: Coast, Rivers and History

Onslow County combines expansive beaches, river landscapes and a diverse cultural history. The scenic New River is 40 miles long; its headwaters and mouth are located in the same county. In addition, there are more than 30 miles of beaches, the ocean, abundant marine life and diverse wildlife in the forests. This creates a varied mix of days on the coast, nature observation, cycling tours and historical discoveries for your trip planning.

Beaches, Islands and Water Activities

Hammocks Beach State Park includes a mainland area and three offshore islands. Bear Island is 4 miles long and has loggerhead sea turtle nests above the high-water line. A passenger ferry takes visitors to the park’s beach. Those choosing their accommodation based on the coastal experience will find North Topsail Beach to be a destination with more than 12 miles of sandy beach. Fishing, paddling, cycling and birdwatching are all possible there. At three access points, Onslow County Parks & Recreation offers free parking, restrooms and showers.

The other recreational opportunities can likewise be clearly assigned to different travel interests: Onslow County Parks and Recreation offers beach access, paddling routes and bicycle routes. King mackerel fishing and bottom fishing are possible at Seaview Fishing Pier; the pier is considered the longest fishing pier on the North Carolina coast. Note a special access requirement for Onslow Beach: Access is open to authorized holders of DoD identification cards with corresponding access to the base.

Museums and Traces of Regional History

The Onslow County Museum offers a permanent exhibition and changing exhibitions. The “Discover Onslow” exhibition at the Environmental Education Center focuses on the county’s ecology, geography, flora and fauna. “The Water & the Wood” connects the geological history of Onslow County with the landscape shaped by natural forces. It also features a 38-foot dugout canoe made by Indigenous people at least 700 years ago.

Historic buildings complement this natural and cultural perspective. The Pelletier House was built around 1850 and is Jacksonville’s oldest and only surviving house from the antebellum period. Group tours are available by prior request. The Old Brick Store was built around 1839 and is the oldest structure in Onslow County. On the Onslow County Museum’s Heritage Day, visitors can see hands-on demonstrations of farming, domestic skills, textile production, coastal life and the production of ship supplies from pine products.

The Freedom Fountain honors all people who have served or are serving the United States, especially those who have passed through Onslow County in service to their country. Lejeune Memorial Gardens honors American servicemen and servicewomen for their sacrifices in defense of the country and its freedoms. The African American Heritage Trail was announced in February 2010 and was intended to highlight historic markers and sites throughout Onslow County that make African American heritage and significant individual contributions to the community visible.

Routes for Cyclists and Active Days

The Jacksonville-Camp LeJeune Rail-to-Trails Path follows abandoned railway corridors for 5.2 miles from the Camp LeJeune area near Midway Park northwest to Marine Boulevard in Jacksonville. The Richlands Loop Bicycle Route is marked with green-and-white bicycle route signs. The 50-mile loop passes through rural southeastern North Carolina and along the headwaters of the New River. Surf City, North Topsail Beach, Sneads Ferry and Jacksonville are among the trail communities on the NC Mountains-to-Sea Trail.

Which Area Is Right for Your Trip?

When searching for a vacation rental or holiday home, you can first determine your preferred focus. North Topsail Beach comes to the forefront when sandy beaches and coastal activities shape the daily rhythm. Jacksonville provides access points to the Pelletier House and the Rail-to-Trails Path. Those who want to combine nature, culture and activity can include the various destinations and offerings in their trip planning and choose their accommodation based on the focus that matters most to them.

For more ideas of places to visit, you can also explore Swansboro, Sneads Ferry, Pumpkin Center and North Topsail Beach. If you would like to expand your regional search, you can also find Harnett County, Avery County, Guilford and Polk County.

For the broader travel overview: North Carolina.