48 hours in Onslow County
Located on the eastern edge of North Carolina, Onslow County offers an enticing mix of rural coastal plains communities, tidal water adventures and pristine beaches on the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a community that’s defined by its water, from the meandering New River and calm Wilson Bay to the rugged surf of the Atlantic. And adventure here is just as varied and enticing, as you can spend your days with activities that are as casual as a greenway stroll along a river, or as wild as catching a wave in the ocean. And every adventure in Onslow gives you the chance to join the community in its stewardship efforts. Onslow locals have worked hard over the years to improve the health of the Wilson Bay, and they pride themselves on constantly improving the habitat with small choices, like practicing Outdoor NC Leave No Trace principles, and large-scale initiatives, like oyster reef restoration.
Lisa Murabito
meet the local
Lisa Murabito is the executive director of the Sturgeon City Environmental Education Center, a non-profit that focuses on educating the public on how solid stewardship practices have impacted Onslow County for the better.
“The health of the New River and Wilson Bay is central to our community,” Murabito says. “The community came together to restore the Wilson Bay. They placed oysters in the river to filter the water and hand-planted wetland grasses. The transformation of this bay is a tangible lesson in stewardship and the impact of community-led restoration efforts.”
For Murabito, a weekend of adventure in Onslow County is a chance to blend many of her passions. “Spending time outdoors in Onslow County is a journey that connects coastal charm, environmental education and beautiful sunsets.”
Lisa Murabito: 48 hours of Adventure and Stewardship in Onslow County
day one
Morning Adventure
Start your day in the charming historic town of Swansboro, where you can grab a classic Southern breakfast at Yana’s Restaurant, a local institution known for its retro diner atmosphere. After breakfast, head over to Hammocks Beach State Park. The highlight here is taking the ferry to Bear Island, a pristine four-mile-long barrier island with miles of unspoiled shoreline. You can spend the morning walking along the beach, admiring shells, and enjoying the serene coastal environment.
When you’re accessing the beach, remember to Stick To Established Trails, like marked paths and boardwalks, which will allow the sensitive dunes that line the beaches to thrive. These dunes are important elements of the larger ecosystem, providing inland communities with a natural buffer from storms and giving animals like crabs and turtles a safe nesting ground.
For those with mobility challenges, Hammocks Beach State Park offers an accessible experience as well. The visitor center and ferry dock are wheelchair accessible, making it possible for everyone to enjoy the park’s beautiful coastal environment.
Locals in the area help preserve the aquatic ecosystem by avoiding the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides when caring for their properties near water sources. Visitors can do their part by using chemical-free sunscreens that are safe for our local reefs when visiting our beaches and playing in the water.
Lunch
Head to downtown Jacksonville, which is located on the banks of the New River, for lunch. Bistro 1940 is a great choice, offering a delicious and refined menu. Their lunch is famous for their sandwiches, like chicken salad and Reubans.
Afternoon adventure
If you’re a biker or walker, the Rails-to-Trails Greenway is a unique urban trail that’s worth checking out. This 5.2-mile paved path follows an abandoned railway line, connecting different parts of Jacksonville and the Marine Corps base at Camp LeJeune. It’s the first link in a larger project to connect all of Jacksonville with greenways. It’s an easy, flat route that’s perfect for a leisurely bike ride or a long walk. It offers a convenient way to get outdoors and see parts of the city that you might otherwise miss, like Riverwalk Crossing, a wonderful green space on the New River.
A lot of different people enjoy the Rails-to-Trails, so this is a great opportunity to Share the Outdoors. You’ll see kids learning to ride bikes, people running, parents pushing strollers…Be considerate when passing others, offering them a polite “hello” to announce your presence so you don’t startle anyone.
dinner
As the day winds down, head to North Topsail Beach to enjoy the sunset. The expansive, quiet beach is the perfect place for a relaxing walk as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant colors. For a late dinner, you can dine at Splash by the Sea, a local favorite with fantastic ocean views, the perfect ending to a full day of coastal exploration. They have a little bit of everything on the menu, but check out their fresh, locally-harvested seafood, like the shrimp ceviche.
Good stewardship when visiting a destination isn’t just about picking up trash. It can also include supporting the people and organizations that prioritize sustainable practices, like purchasing local goods.
spend the night
There are plenty of hotels and campgrounds throughout the county, but staying at the beach is a treat, so look into the St. Regis Resort, which is in North Topsail Beach, with condos that face the ocean.
day two
morning adventure
Start your second morning at Lejeune Memorial Gardens for a moment of reflection. This beautiful and peaceful outdoor space honors service members with several moving memorials, including the Beirut Memorial and the 9/11 Memorial Beam.
Or take the time to immerse yourself in our unique environmental story at the Sturgeon City Environmental Education Center. Take a walking tour along the scenic boardwalks, which provide beautiful views of the New River and Wilson Bay. You’ll learn about the area’s incredible transformation and see the diverse wildlife that has returned to this restored ecosystem. By learning about our environment, visitors can become more effective stewards. Finding opportunities to volunteer in local clean-ups or restoration projects is another way to form a deeper connection with the places you’re visiting.
lunch break
Since you’re in Jacksonville, grab lunch at Duck’s Bar and Grille, a local institution that has so many different options, from coconut shrimp to a Philly cheese steak.
afternoon adventure
For those who enjoy paddling, Onslow County has public launches and access points scattered throughout the watershed. The New River Paddle Trail is a fantastic option, which you can access in Jacksonville at the New River Waterfront Park. This blueway offers a different perspective of the area, allowing you to paddle through the serene inland waterways for almost 17 miles of marked trail between Jacksonville and Richland. You can rent a kayak or canoe and explore the river, spotting local wildlife, like alligators and beavers, and enjoying the tranquil scenery. It’s a great way to experience the unique coastal landscape from the water.
It’s exciting to see local wildlife, like an alligator. Remember to Keep Wildlife Wild by packing away all of your food scraps and trash, and maintaining a safe distance. Both of these practices will ensure that the gator or beaver won’t succumb to any extra stress from human contact.
bonus adventure
Onslow County is part of the broader NC Oyster Trail, which highlights the importance of oysters to our coastal ecosystem and local economy. While not a traditional “trail” in the hiking sense, it’s a unique experience that allows you to explore the origins of our seafood. You can take boat tours and learn about oyster farms, gaining a deeper appreciation for the local food scene and the conservation efforts that make it possible.
Check out Hold Fast Oysters, a small, family-run oyster farm in the nutrient-rich tidal flow of North Topsail Beach. You can take a farm tour that includes a boat ride to a floating oyster bar where you can shuck oysters that were just pulled from the water.
You’re invited to join the outdoor nc movement
Join the movement to preserve and protect North Carolina’s beloved outdoor spaces and you’ll be entered to win a ENO double nest hammock and hanging straps! Together we can preserve our beloved outdoor spaces for generations to come. Click to learn more.