From rural inland areas to oceanfront towns, this area offers plenty to explore in the southeastern part of the state.
By Kathleen Walls
September-October 2025
Coasting uncrowded beaches, natural beauty, and rich history, Onslow County, North Carolina, is a great place to visit for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation. Its many RV parks accommodate guests who set out to explore the area, which offers so much to see and do.
Onslow County has 30 miles of unspoiled beach.
The area has an interesting history. Until 1941, Onslow County depended on fishing, naval stores, lumber, and tobacco crops as its primary sources of income. That year, the county, and the world, changed with the escalation of World War II. Congress authorized construction of a military facility now known as Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville. Today, the base remains a vibrant, active part of the community. Tourism also plays a major role in Onslow County, which boasts 30 miles of unspoiled beach and numerous attractions.
Sneads Ferry, a centrally located boating community, offers numerous fishing and touring boat charters. It makes a convenient place to set up a base camp, with several RV parks from which to choose. Seahaven RV Park is located on the New River, about two miles from the Intercostal Waterway, three miles from the Atlantic Ocean, and not far from Topsail Beach. Seahaven offers interior, water-view, and waterfront spots with full hookups. Other in-town possibilities include Fulchers Landing Campground and Silver Sands RV Park.
Museums make a great way to get to know a place. In the town of Richlands, Onslow County Museum gives a glimpse of the area from pre- historic to modern times. Its many treasures include an ancient wooden canoe that dates to around A.D. 1300. The cypress dugout measures 38 feet long and would have held about 20 people. The vessel was found by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1968 while dredging a branch of the New River. The farmer who owned the adjacent land offered to help drag it out if he could keep it. The Trexler School Tarheels Junior Historians Club later bought the canoe, and in 1986, they donated it to the museum.
The museum also features a re- creation of an early settler’s cabin, Civil War exhibits, and others chronicling history up to World War II.
In the town of Swansboro, visitors can step into Onslow County’s past by taking the Swansboro Historic Walking Tour. Highlights include the Peter Ringware House, built in 1778 and named for a Revolutionary War privateer, and the Basil Hawkins House, a plantation home constructed in 1826 that moved to its current location in 1840. The Old Brick Store, an imposing red brick building on the corner of Main and Front streets, dates to 1839. During our walk, we learned that almost all the old homes have a stone foundation. That’s because ships sailing into port in those days arrived without cargo and used stones as ballast. They threw out the stones when they loaded the lumber and naval supplies.
Lejeune Memorial Gardens in Jacksonville includes a tribute to Vietnam veterans.
Lejeune Memorial Gardens in Jacksonville is a place to reflect on all who have served and are currently serving in the United States military, especially those who passed through Onslow County. Each of the monuments in the gardens showcases a story of bravery and courage. Among them are the Beirut Memorial, which remembers the Marines who lost their lives in Lebanon in 1983; the Vietnam Veterans Memorial; the Montford Point Marine Memorial, whose 20,000 gold stars represent the Black Marines who received training at Montford Point in World II; and the 9/11 Memorial Beam from the World Trade Center.
The new Carolina Museum of the Marine, set to open in spring of 2026, will highlight the accomplishments and bravery of Carolina Marines and sailors.
After the first Gulf War, the Freedom Fountain was erected in downtown Jacksonville. A curved wall contains medallions that represent five of the armed services. Its red, white, and blue water jets represent each of the 50 states.
Waterways are a big part of life in Onslow County. We took the shelling tour with Captain Darryl, owner of Marsh Cruises, and his “first mate,” Buxton, a silver Labrador retriever. Buxton showed that he is also an avid beachcomber. When we beached at Bear Island, he was the first one off the ship. He splashed in the water while we all searched the thousands of shells along the beach.
Cody Faison from the Ghost Fleet Oyster Co. welcomes visitors at his working oyster farm.
The water offers many resources. For instance, Cody Faison from the Ghost Fleet Oyster Co. took us to visit his working oyster farm. He explained how oysters and the farmers who place them in the waters are helping to save the environment. Did you know that one oyster can purify about 50 gallons of water a day? You will love this tour.
Another way to see the Onslow County waterways is to go shrimping or fishing with Captain Tommie Jarman of Reel Livin Fishing Charters.
For even more water fun, we took a sunset kayak trip on Topsail Beach Permuda Island Reserve, operated by Paddle NC. It was so peaceful on the water. I was amazed by the number of cormorants, pelicans, and other birds perched on an oyster farm’s cages as we passed.
On our visit to Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, in Surf City, we met Snookie, Lenie, Kaia, and other sea turtles rehabilitating at the hospital. Our guide told us stories of many of the turtles waiting to be returned to the ocean.
A ferry takes passengers to Bear Island and Hammocks Beach State Park.
Hammocks Beach State Park is a cross between land and water. It has a mainland area and three barrier islands, including four-mile-long Bear Island. It offers passenger ferry service to the islands and allows primitive camping. The visitor center has a nice museum showcasing the park’s history.
In Beulaville, Mike’s Farm takes you back to a more peaceful time. It started as a Christmas tree farm on land Mike inherited from his father. Today, the property features you-pick crops of strawberries and pumpkins, as well as hayrides and farm animals. Feeding stations are set up so visitors can give treats to the critters. Mike’s Farm is fun for all ages.
The facility also has a fantastic gift shop, a bakery, and a restaurant that serves all-you-can-eat family-style meals. Try to save room for dessert. I loved the strawberry shortcake.
If you’re looking for more adult-style fun, visit Walton’s Distillery in Jacksonville. Donald G. Walton Jr. established the distillery in 2013. He had lived a few years in Kentucky, where he learned about bourbon. His cousin, a former moonshiner, taught Donald the skill of making moonshine and gave him some recipes.
The Old Brick Store on the corner of Main and Front streets dates to 1839.
Walton’s first product was E.M. Walton’s Corn Whiskey, named after his great-grandfather. He names all of his products for one of his ancestors. Today, Walton’s makes not only moonshine, but bourbon, corn whiskey, vodka, and rum.
Another fun spot for grown-ups is Huffman Vineyards, a family-run winery. They make many of their wines with scuppernong, the first grape cultivated in the United States and the official fruit of North Carolina.
Of course, everyone needs to eat. Onslow County offers lots of choices. The sidebar on page 41 lists a few.
It’s no secret that the Tar Heel State scores in many areas, drawing residents and visitors alike. Consider Onslow County as a destination to stay awhile and explore.
More Info
onlyinonslow.com
Onslow County Restaurants
Mike’s Farm also has a restaurant that serves family-style meals.
In Jacksonville, Blend Café offers hot and iced drinks, along with sweet and savory foods.
Candy Edventure in Swansboro is a colorful candy store, filled to the brim with old-fashioned and modern-day sweets.
Stop in Dini’s Martinis and Desserts in downtown Swansboro for great martinis, food, and some spectacular desserts.
The menu at il Cigno Italiano (“The Italian Swan”) combines the favorite foods of Italy with the seafood of Swansboro.
Marrakesh Mediterranean Cuisine in Jacksonville blends authentic Mediterranean cuisine and décor.
Ocean’s Edge Oceanfront Restaurant in North Topsail Beach offers a panoramic ocean view from the seventh floor of the St. Regis resort.
Riverview Café draws seafood lovers to Sneads Ferry. Family owned and operated since 1946, it’s the oldest restaurant in Onslow County.
Many locals consider The Kettle Diner in Jacksonville to be the go-to place for breakfast, which is served all day.
THIG’S BBQ is a longtime restaurant tradition in Jacksonville. The name is an acronym for “That Hog Is Good, Son.”
Yana’s Ye Olde Drug Store Restaurant is a 1950s-style drugstore diner in Swansboro open for breakfast and lunch. A lifelike statue of Elvis seated with his guitar greets guests at the door.