Onslow County’s Top Experiences

Top things to do in Coastal North Carolina

ONSLOW COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA–SEPTEMBER 2025–On the southern coast of North Carolina, Onslow County is a welcoming destination with a host of things to do. From on-the-water activities and amazing military attractions to quaint downtowns and beachfront resorts, this diverse county has an appeal like no other. Near I-95, north of Wilmington and east of Raleigh and I-40, Onslow offers easy access for a quick getaway or traditional family vacation. 

Here’s our pick for the top things to do in Onslow County. 

1. Mike’s Farm (1600 Haw Branch Road, Beulaville, North Carolina) What began as a Christmas tree farm is now one of the top attractions in the region. It is now a family-style restaurant, bakery, event venue and more! The gift shop features only North Carolina produce and products. Seasonal hayrides, pumpkin pickings and Christmas events and dinner shows are favorites for locals as well as visitors.
2. Hammocks Beach State Park (1572 Hammocks Beach Road, Swansboro, North Carolina 28584) This coastal park has so many aspects to enjoy. On the mainland, find a visitor center, interpretive exhibits, hiking trails and a gazebo. This is also the launching area for those wishing to enjoy the park’s paddling trails and for the ferry to Bear Island. This four-mile-long barrier island is the star of the park, with unspoiled beaches and primitive campsites.
3. Walton’s Distillery (261 Ben Williams Road, Jacksonville, North Carolina 28540) Corn whiskey and authentic Carolina moonshine (in flavors granddaddy never had) are the mainstays at Walton’s Distillery. At this family -owned and -operated business, the products all bear the names of family ancestors, offering lasting tributes to their dedication and craftmanship. Tours and tastings are offered daily and the gift shop offers spirits and more, for the perfect souvenir.
4. Marsh Cruises Get an up-close look at the beautiful coastal waterways and pristine shorelines of Onslow County. Your personal guide takes you aboard his 23-foot Bay Rider Skiff and into a world of wonder. Seeing wildlife in natural habitats, searching for sand dollars and discovering sharks’ teeth are all part of the Marsh Cruise experience. 
5. North Topsail Beach is a favorite for beach vacations on the North Carolina coast. White sand beaches welcome family vacationers as well as those looking for a getaway with friends or family. Beautiful resorts are flanked by beach houses dotting the coast, offering a variety of ways to enjoy the sun, sand and ocean waters. For day trips, there are public beach accesses and restaurants offering casual coastal specialties. 
6. Downtown Swansboro (Front Street, Historic Downtown) Swansboro is a quintessential seaside town where life revolves around the water and local shops and services abound. Visitors enjoy walking the downtown sidewalks to find that one-of-a-kind treasure at a local retailer, enjoying the coastal cuisine and waterfront view from one the restaurants and enjoying the boardwalks of public parks and docks.
7. Topsail Island Brewing (514 Pete’s Way, Sneads Ferry, North Carolina 28460; 252-369-2628) is a locals’ favorite, family-owned brewery and taproom. Its 16 taps feature a changing list of mostly house-made beers with a few rotating guest brews. In addition to beers, they offer cider, wine, sodas, water and even juice boxes. A regular schedule of events is always on tap to add to the fun. They include Sunday Market Days, cornhole league play and live music.   
8. Lejeune Memorial Gardens (Montford Landing Road, Jacksonville, North Carolina 28541) Located at the gateway to downtown Jacksonville, this city park is hallowed ground to those who come to learn about military history and pay respects to fallen heroes. This is home to the Beirut Memorial, Onslow Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Montford Point Marine Memorial and the 9/11 Memorial Beam from the World Trade Center. 
9. Fishing in Sneads Ferry offers options for any angler’s interests. For specialized family fun with shrimping and crabbing adventures, try Reel Livin’ Fishing Charters (132 Gull Drive, Sneads Ferry, North Carolina 28460). They do serious fishing, too, as do others like Pelagic Hunter Sportfishing (123 Page Street, Sneads Ferry, North Carolina 28460), who won the 2020 Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament.
10. At Hold Fast Oyster Co. (137 Everett Lane, Sneads Ferry, North Carolina 28460), farm tours give visitors an up-close look at oyster farming. The tour begins with a boat ride through the estuary to where the Seabirdies and Southern Salts oysters are raised. On a stop at the floating oyster bar, participants can shuck oysters just pulled from the water. The proprietors love sharing their products and have a passion for connecting visitors with the farming process. 

Visit www.OnlyinOnslow.com for more information about all there is to see and do throughout this diverse coastal North Carolina destination.

If you go

Lodging options in Onslow County include an extensive slate of national brand and local hotels and a variety of campgrounds, catering to RVs of all sizes and tent-campers, alike. Exclusive beachfront vacation rentals offer coastal comfort, as well.