Onslow County: Beaches, Islands and History

Onslow County reveals itself through its rivers and coastal landscapes. The scenic New River is 40 miles long; both its headwaters and its mouth lie within the same county. In all, there are more than 30 miles of beaches here, along with rivers, the sea, abundant marine life and diverse wildlife in the forests.

Beaches, Islands and Water

Hammocks Beach State Park includes a mainland area and three offshore islands. Bear Island is one of them and is 4 miles long. A passenger ferry takes visitors to the park’s beach; ferry service is seasonal. Check the schedule before you go so you can plan around the ferry times.

Nests of loggerhead sea turtles can be found above the high-water line on Bear Island. Their location offers a direct glimpse of coastal wildlife during a visit to the island. North Topsail Beach has more than 12 miles of sandy shoreline. Activities there include fishing, paddling, cycling and birdwatching.

At three access points at North Topsail Beach, Onslow County Parks & Recreation provides free parking, restrooms and showers. Since parking regulations can change, check current parking options before your visit. Access to Onslow Beach is limited to authorized DoD ID cardholders with appropriate access to the base. Check current base rules before visiting.

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. These types of fishing give you a concrete sense of the opportunities this spot offers for a fishing trip.

Exhibits and History

The Onslow County Museum serves the public with a permanent exhibit and changing exhibitions. At the Environmental Education Center, the “Discover Onslow” exhibit explores the county’s ecology, geography, flora and fauna. Nature and landscape topics thus stand alongside the museum’s exhibits as a distinct way to discover the region.

The “The Water & the Wood” exhibit explores the geological history of Onslow County and a landscape shaped by natural forces. It includes a 38-foot dugout canoe crafted by Indigenous people at least 700 years ago. At the Onslow County Museum’s seasonal Heritage Day, hands-on demonstrations of farming, domestic skills and textile production round out the program. Coastal life and the use of pine products to make ship supplies are also among the topics. Event dates may vary.

The Old Brick Store was built around 1839 and is the oldest structure in Onslow County. The Pelletier House dates to about 1850 and is Jacksonville’s oldest and only surviving antebellum home. The two claims refer to different areas: one to the county, the other to Jacksonville. Advance reservations are required for group tours of the Pelletier House.

Memorial sites are also part of the county’s history. Freedom Fountain honors all who have served or are serving the United States, especially those who have passed through Onslow County while serving their country. Lejeune Memorial Gardens honors American service members for their sacrifices in defense of the country and its freedoms.

Cycling Routes of Varying Lengths

The Jacksonville-Camp LeJeune Rail-to-Trails Path follows abandoned rail lines for 5.2 miles from the Camp LeJeune area near Midway Park northwest to Marine Boulevard in Jacksonville. The Richlands Loop Bicycle Route is 50 miles long, marked with green-and-white bicycle route signs, and passes through rural southeastern North Carolina along the New River headwaters. The stated lengths clearly distinguish the two routes: the 5.2-mile Jacksonville-Camp LeJeune Path contrasts with a 50-mile loop.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Swansboro, Pumpkin Center, North Topsail Beach, Sneads Ferry, New Hanover, Pitt, Alamance, Currituck County.

For the broader travel overview: North Carolina.