10-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Jacksonville, North Carolina

  • Day 1: Camp Lejeune
    10 minutes (5 miles) from downtown Jacksonville

    Camp Lejeune is a military base spanning over 150,000 acres of land, including a beautiful beach, fishing pier, and a golf course. Take a tour to learn about its history and enjoy the scenic views.

  • Day 2: Lynnwood Park Zoo
    15 minutes (7.2 miles) from Camp Lejeune

    Lynnwood Park Zoo is a small zoo with a variety of animals ranging from exotic birds to lions and tigers. Visitors can get up close to the animals and even hand-feed giraffes.

  • Day 3: Hammocks Beach State Park
    30 minutes (20 miles) from Lynnwood Park Zoo

    Hammocks Beach State Park is a scenic park featuring a mile-long unspoiled beach, primitive camping, and kayaking in a serene environment. Enjoy the beauty of nature with your family.

  • Day 4: Riverwalk Park
    20 minutes (12 miles) from Hammocks Beach State Park

    Riverwalk Park is an urban park featuring a boardwalk by the New River, a playground, and a splash pad for a fun day out with your children. Visit in the evening for the weekly live music performances.

  • Day 5: Jacksonville Mall
    15 minutes (9.4 miles) from Riverwalk Park

    The Jacksonville Mall is a premier shopping destination with over 70 stores, a food court, and a movie theater offering modern comfort for you and your family.

  • Day 6: Onslow County Museum
    15 minutes (7 miles) from Jacksonville Mall

    The Onslow County Museum is a historical museum featuring several exhibits, including military and the first two shipwrecks of North America. It's a treasure to learn about the past with your family.

  • Day 7: Coastal Plains Raceway and Dragway
    25 minutes (12 miles) from Onslow County Museum

    Coastal Plains Raceway and Dragway is an adrenaline-packed entertainment center featuring stock car racing, dragway, and weekly events. Get your fix of excitement with your family.

  • Day 8: Gas House Landing
    35 minutes (20 miles) from Coastal Plains Raceway and Dragway

    Gas House Landing is a scenic riverfront park featuring a boat ramp, picnic areas, and trails for biking and hiking in the great outdoors with a family-friendly environment.

  • Day 9: Pelletier House
    25 minutes (10 miles) from Gas House Landing

    The Pelletier House is a historic site offering tours to learn about the 18th-century lifestyle in North Carolina, including the native Salter's Path community. Experience the culture and history with your family.

  • Day 10: Bryan Farms Market
    30 minutes (15 miles) from Pelletier House

    Bryan Farms Market is a farm-to-table market offering fresh produce, homemade jams and sauces, and seasonal activities like pumpkin picking. It's a great way to end your trip with a tasty and memorable experience.

Time and Costs Estimates:

  • Camp Lejeune (2 hours, free)
  • Lynnwood Park Zoo (2 hours, $8 per person)
  • Hammocks Beach State Park (4 hours, $6 per vehicle)
  • Riverwalk Park (2 hours, free)
  • Jacksonville Mall (3 hours, varied)
  • Onslow County Museum (1.5 hours, free)
  • Coastal Plains Raceway and Dragway (3 hours, varied)
  • Gas House Landing (2 hours, free)
  • Pelletier House (1.5 hours, free)
  • Bryan Farms Market (2 hours, varied)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $14-$20 per person

Useful Tips:

If you have more time, you can explore nearby towns like Swansboro or Sneads Ferry for seafood, shopping, and more outdoor activities. If you have less time, you can skip the Jacksonville Mall and Coastal Plains Raceway and Dragway or visit them during weekdays to avoid crowds. Don't forget to pack sunscreen, bug spray, and comfortable shoes for your outdoor adventures.

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