25+ Things to Do Near MCAS New River and Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, Swansboro, and Sneads Ferry

Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station, both located in Jacksonville, North Carolina, make up the largest Marine Corps installation on the East Coast and the second largest installation in the Corps by both land area and population. There is a lot to explore on base at Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River, from beaches to community centers, and even a skate park. In fact, we have welcome guides to both Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River to help PCSing servicemembers and families get to know these installations.

There’s enough to do on Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River to keep you busy for a while, but you won’t want to miss out on what the surrounding Onslow County community has to offer, either. Keep reading to see our top picks in nearby Jacksonville, Swansboro, and Sneads Ferry, so you can take advantage of all that coastal North Carolina has to offer.

5 Places in Onslow County That Are Military Friendly

Since Camp Lejeune was established in 1941, Jacksonville, NC has been a military town through-and-through. You’ll find living there that, in addition to the active duty service members who call Jacksonville home, many former service members have chosen to make roots in Jacksonville.

If you like to support Veteran-owned businesses, you’ll have plenty of options, and you’ll also find plenty of local establishments giving back to service members and Veterans throughout the year.

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Carolina Museum of the Marine and Beirut Memorial

The Carolina Museum of the Marine honors the dedication and values of Carolina Marines. It explores the history of Marine Corps installations in coastal North and South Carolina, and the impact that the Marines who were trained and stationed on those installations have had across the globe.

The Carolina Museum of the Marine doesn’t just present disembodied historical facts, it showcases the stories of real people who served at Camp Lejeune. Its goal is to honor these individuals, not just as service members, but as valued members of the local Jacksonville community.

After learning about the history and dedication of Camp Lejeune Marines, service members and civilians alike will want to visit the nearby Beirut Memorial park to pay their respects to the service members who died in the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing. The majority of service members who died in the attack were members of the 24th Marine Amphibious Unit, stationed at Camp Lejeune, who were sent to Beirut at the request of the Lebanese government to act as peacekeepers.

The memorial was built by the people of Jacksonville to honor the 273 service members who died as a result of the attack because they were more than just Marines stationed at Camp Lejeune - they were members of the Jacksonville community, and their loss was felt deeply.

Eggs Up Grill

If you’re a breakfast-lover, you won’t want to miss Eggs Up Grill. From classics like biscuits and gravy, to more inventive options like crab cake eggs benedict, Eggs Up has something for everyone. The food and the service are consistently great.

Eggs Up is a chain restaurant, but the local Jacksonville franchise is owned and operated by a Marine Corps Veteran. Eggs Up offers a 10% discount for service members and retirees all-year-round, as well as additional discounts and promotions at various times throughout the year.

Cracked It!

If you love solving puzzles and breaking codes, an escape room probably sounds like the perfect way to spend an afternoon with family, friends, or even a date.

Look no further than Cracked It! Escape Games for a fun and challenging escape room experience. With five different themed rooms, Cracked It! will keep you busy for a while.

Since 2016, Cracked It! has been owned and operated by a local military family that sees the value in giving back and showing appreciation to local servicemembers. They offer a 10% discount on your entire booking for members of the U.S. military.

Rick’s Restaurant

Rick’s Restaurant and Sports Bar is a local favorite, with award-winning steaks, fresh seafood, and more. Located in Sneads Ferry, Rick’s is the perfect place to go out with friends, have a cold beverage, and watch the big game.

Whatever your sport is, you’re bound to find a game playing on one of the 20 TVs inside Rick’s. Sports fans will know, you can always count on Monday nights to watch professional sports. That’s why Rick’s offers a special Military Mondays deal, so local servicemembers can come out to watch a game with dinner and enjoy 10% off their meal.

Altitude Trampoline Park

Families looking for a fun way to spend the day with energetic kiddos will love Altitude Trampoline Park! With trampolines, foam pits, a climbing wall, and more, Altitude is a place where kids can run, jump, and play to their hearts content.

The local Jacksonville Altitude offers a 10% military discount every day, except Wednesdays. What’s so special about Wednesdays? That’s when they bump it up to 50% off!

10 Restaurants Near Camp Lejeune You Won’t Want to Miss

You might not think Jacksonville, NC, has a bustling restaurant scene, but you’d be surprised by the diversity of great restaurant options. There’s a little of everything, not to mention a bustling food truck scene to take advantage of at local festivals and events (keep reading to learn about those).

Tsukiro - Delicious sushi and hibachi with a great all-you-can eat deal. Word of advice - get there early, especially on pay-day weekends, because it will be packed.

Duck’s Grille and Bar - Fine-dining without the fuss. You’ll get a delicious meal and great service, but in a welcoming and unpretentious environment.

The Angry Ginger - A traditional Irish pub with more than just great food (make sure to check out the Irish Nachos). They also regularly offer fun activities like trivia and live music.

Jeff’s Burgers, Dogs, and Shakes - A local gem - unassuming from the outside, but inside you'll find some of the best burgers around.

Lazzara’s Pizza and Subs - Let’s face it, good pizza can be hard to find south of the Mason-Dixon. Take it from a native New Yorker with very high standards, you can actually get great pizza in Jacksonville at Lazzara’s Pizza and Subs. Another honorable mention goes out to Abruzzo’s Pizza, which has two Jacksonville locations.

Baker’s - This small-town diner is another hidden gem in Jacksonville. It’s a deeply community-oriented business loved by Jacksonville locals.

El Cerro Grande - One of the best Mexican restaurants in Jacksonville. They also have two smaller taquerias, called El Cerro Tacos, located in Jacksonville and Swansboro. The birria tacos and birria ramen are can’t-miss dishes.

Restaurants for the Whole (Furry) Family

Dog-lovers stationed at Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River will also find some great restaurant options with outdoor seating so their four-legged family members can join them for a meal.

The Boro - This local Swansboro bistro specializes in local, coastal cuisine. They have outdoor seating and will even provide a special menu just for your pup!

Capt. Bob Beck’s Marina Cafe - This beloved local dive proudly describes itself as Jacksonville’s only waterfront dining experience (on the New River, not the ocean). This seafood spot offers outdoor seating so you can bring your furry friend.

Blend Cafe - Located on a quiet stretch of Highway 17 by the New River, this cafe has a large, peaceful deck area where you can enjoy breakfast or lunch with your pooch.

What Are Some Pet Friendly Places Near Onslow County?

While there aren’t many public off-leash dog parks in Onslow County outside apartment and housing communities, there are lots of great outdoor spaces to take your furry friend for a long walk in nature.

Swansboro Municipal Dog Park

Location: 901 W Main St, Swansboro, NC 28584

One of the only public dog parks in Onslow County, the Swansboro Municipal Dog Park offers a fenced-in area for off-leash play with benches for owners to rest. Unlike a lot of dog parks, this one is in a wooded area that provides plenty of shade!

Dragonfly Dog Park

Location: 12099 US 17, Maysville, NC 28555

Dragonfly Dog Park is a privately-run, nonprofit co-op dog park located just outside Onslow County. While you do have to buy an annual membership, the park’s three off-leash play areas and two-miles of leash-on walking trails make it worth the investment for active dogs.

Onslow County Parks and Beach Accesses

Location: Multiple locations

Onslow County Parks and Recreation operates multiple parks in the area with extensive walking trails great for dogs, as long as they are on-leash. In particular, Hines Farm Park and Stable and Onslow Pines Park are great options. The County also maintains two public beach access points, and dogs are allowed on Onslow County beaches.

Hammock’s Beach State Park

Location: 1572 State Rd 1511, Swansboro, NC 28584

Located off of NC 172 between Jacksonville and Swansboro, Hammock’s Beach State Park has multiple trails perfect for taking your dog on a long walk and exploring nature together.

5 Great Date Ideas Near Onslow County (For Couples or BFFs)

Whether you’re looking for a fun way to spend the afternoon with your girls, going for a guys night out, or planning a romantic date with your special someone, the area around Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River has plenty of great options for things to do.

Watch the Sunrise at the Emerald Isle Pier

Technically, you could watch the sunrise at any local beach, including Onslow Beach which is located on Camp Lejeune.

However, if you want a truly beautiful and quiet spot to watch the sunrise, we’d recommend the Emerald Isle Fishing Pier. It’s a bit of a drive, but worth getting up early. Plus, Emerald Isle has lots of great breakfast spots, whether you want a sit down meal or just to grab coffee someplace casual.

Shop Local at Humphrey Farms General Store

If you’re a farmers’ market lover, you have to check out Humphrey Farms General Store. It’s like a small farmer’ market that’s open every single day (as opposed to other local markets which are seasonal and only open for a few hours on weekends).

Humphrey Farms offers a variety of locally sourced grocery items, as well as over 20 booths showcasing local artisan goods for sale. They even have a lunch counter with delicious sandwiches, so you can make a whole afternoon out of exploring the store.

Grab a Brew at the Clove Hitch

The Clove Hitch Beer Hall is a small beer bar in historic Downtown Jacksonville offers a variety of North Carolina craft beers. The Clove Hitch shares an outdoor patio space with the restaurant next door, so you can take full advantage of both establishments for a date night or evening out with friends.

Spend a Day on the Water with Swansboro Paddle Boarding and Kayaking

Swansboro Paddle Boarding and Kayaking offers multiple ways to get out on the water and enjoy the best of coastal North Carolina. Rent a kayak or paddle board and choose your own adventure, book a jet ski tour, or even charter an intimate boat cruise.

If you’re just looking to spend some time on one of the Crystal Coast’s beautiful secluded barrier island beaches, Swansboro Paddle Boarding also offers boat taxi services to Shark Island and Bear Island.

Go Antiquing in Jacksonville

Jacksonville, NC has not one, but two massive antique malls that you could explore for hours. Antique 2 Chic Vendor Market and The Foundry are only located about 10 minutes away from one another. You could spend the whole day exploring both of these stores and still not see everything.

Plus, if you did decide to make a day of it, you could stop for a quick bite at Jeff’s Burgers, Hot Dogs, and Shakes, which happens to be just across the street from Antique2Chic.

5 Places Kids Will Love Near Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River

Families looking to get out and have some fun will find plenty of options in the area surrounding Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River. Read on to learn about a few of our top recommendations!

Zing Zumm Children’s Museum

Located in downtown Jacksonville, Zing Zumm Children’s Museum is the perfect place to bring your little for an afternoon of endless possibilities for play. The museum features a wide range of different play areas with different themes, including a grocery store, a historic ship, a veterinary office, a train station, and even outer space, just to name a few.

There’s even a designated calming space in case your kiddo gets overwhelmed.

Ages: 10 and under

Military Discount? No

Hours:

• June to January - Tuesday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• February to May - Wednesday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Roller City

Roller City is a roller skating rink in Jacksonville, NC perfect for families looking for a fun way to spend an evening.

All ages are welcome during the hours listed below, although for some special events, rink use is restricted to children age 12 and under (plus older siblings). Skate rentals are available for a small additional fee.

Ages: All ages

Military Discount? None advertised

Hours: Thursday: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday: 2 pm to 10 PM, Sunday: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Sturgeon City

Sturgeon City is a nonprofit environmental education center located in downtown Jacksonville. They offer programs for a variety of age groups.

Some are designed for families or children and caregivers, but they also have a regular Kids Night Out drop-off program if you’re looking for something fun for your child to do while you have date night.

You can also take a self-guided walking tour of Sturgeon City and near-by parks for a less-structured afternoon of play in nature.

Ages: All ages

Military Discount? None advertised, but many programs are free.

Hours: See schedule of upcoming events.

Glo-Mania Lazer Tag

Glo-Mania Lazer Tag offers laser tag and an arcade for families to enjoy. Located inside the Jacksonville Mall, this could be a great way to spend the whole afternoon, or you could pop in for a quick game while shopping.

Keep an eye on their social media, as Glo-Mania occasionally offers promotions for military members.

Ages: All ages

Military Discount? None advertised

Hours: Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

Coastal North Carolina has many fantastic aquariums to explore. The nearest aquarium to Camp Lejeune is the Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. The aquarium features a touch tank, an otter exhibit, a sea turtle exhibit, an art gallery and more.

Ocean habitats feature more than just interesting sea life - they also contain replicas of famous shipwrecks like the Queen Anne’s Revenge and the first German submarine sunk by the US Coast Guard off the North Carolina Coast in 1942. The aquarium is a bit of a drive from Jacksonville, so it’s recommended that you purchase tickets in advance to ensure they have availability when you arrive.

Ages: All ages

Military Discount? Yes

Hours: Daily: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Don’t Miss These Onslow County Seasonal Events!

Some exciting events only come around once a year, and we don’t want you to miss out! Here are 5 seasonal things to do in Onslow County that you won’t want to miss.

Local Festivals and Events Throughout the Year

Throughout the year, local governments and organizations regularly host cultural festivals and fun events you won’t want to miss. From 4th of July celebrations to trunk-or-treats, Onslow County has an event (or three) for every holiday.

There are also some special local events you may want to check out, like Swansboro’s Pirate Festival or the Jacksonville Jamboree. If you want to stay up to date of all of the major events going on in the local area, Only in Onslow’s Upcoming Events calendar is a great resource to stay in-the-know.

Jacksonville Ospreys Games

Named for the aircraft that so often fly over the region near Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River, the Jacksonville Ospreys are a Collegiate Summer Baseball Team that plays in Jacksonville, NC.

The season typically runs from May through July. Check their website for promotional nights with fun themes.

Fall Saturdays at Mike’s Farm

Mike’s Farm in Bealaville, NC, is a great place to visit any time of the year to pick your own in-season fruits or vegetables, meet the animals, or to have a delicious family-style dinner at their restaurants.

While Mike’s Farm offers a variety of events throughout the year, Fall Saturdays on the Farm are something special, with hayrides through the pumpkin patch, fall treats in the general store, and often live music.

Fishstrong Fright Nights

If you’re looking for something a little spookier this fall, look no further than Fishstrong Fright Nights! This local-run haunted hayride and walking trail is one horror lovers won’t want to miss.

Christmas Town at ELJ Farms

For a festive evening out at Christmastime, visit ELJ Farms to experience a massive Christmas light display. You can drive through the display in your own vehicle or reserve an open-air wagon ride. Afterward, meet Santa and explore the Sweet Shop and General Store.

Check Out These Nearby Day Trips Perfect for a Quick Getaway

After a while of the same-old, same-old, sometimes a change of pace really does wonders. When you’re ready to get away for an afternoon or even a whole weekend, there are great options not far from Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River.

South on NC 17 will take you to Wilmington, NC, a small but thriving city with museums, shopping, and great restaurants. North on NC 17 will take you to New Bern, the colonial capitol of North Carolina.

If you’re willing to drive a bit further, Jacksonville isn’t all that far from an idyllic beach getaway in North Carolina’s Southern Outer Banks.

Wilmington

Drive time: 1 hour

• Take a walk and smell the flowers at Airlie Gardens or the New Hanover County Arboretum.
• Take a tour of one of Wilmington’s fantastic museums, like the Cameron Art Museum, Battleship North Carolina, or the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science.
• Enjoy an afternoon of shopping at the Mayfaire Town Center.

New Bern

Drive time: 1 hour

• Learn about colonial North Carolina at Tryon Palace, former home to the colonial governor.
• Grab a soda at the Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola!
• Grab lunch and a scoop of homemade ice cream at the Cow Cafe.

Beaufort and the Southern Outer Banks

Drive time: 90 minutes

• Visit the North Carolina Maritime Museum, the repository for artifacts from Blackbeard’s wrecked flagship, Queen Anne’s Revenge.
• Explore local produce, seafood, and artisan goods amidst impressively preserved colonial architecture at the Olde Beaufort Farmers Market.
• Take a ferry from Harker’s Island to Shackleford Banks to see the famous North Carolina wild horses.

Don’t Miss Out on These Fun Things to Do Near Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River

Coastal North Carolina and greater Onslow County have much to offer servicemembers and their families stationed at Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River. From beautiful beaches to family fun and tons of great restaurants, you won’t want to miss out. We hope this guide has given you some new places to check out or ideas for things to do during your time in Jacksonville.