Start your trip by visiting the beautiful North Topsail Beach, where you can sit back, relax, and soak up the sun. Kids can have fun searching for seashells, building sandcastles, and splashing in the waves.
Get up close and personal with different species of animals at the Lynnwood Park Zoo. The zoo offers a range of experiences, including feeding and petting zoo animals, a zip line, and a playground for kids.
Explore the home of the second-largest military helicopter fleet in the world at the Marine Corps Air Station New River. Take a guided tour and learn about the history, training and capabilities of the Marine Corps Aviation.
Take a day trip to the Alligator Adventure Park, featuring alligators, birds and mammals, and animals from around the world. The park offers a thrilling alligator feeding show, educational reptile talks, and plenty of opportunities for photos.
Step back in time at an antebellum historic house museum, the Poplar Grove Plantation. The house, built in the 1850s, tells the story of life on a southern plantation. Visitors can take a guided tour of the house and grounds and learn about the history of the area.
Spend a relaxing day at the Hammocks Beach State Park. Here you can enjoy swimming, kayaking, fishing, and having a picnic in the beautiful surroundings.
End your trip by having fun at the Children's Museum of Wilmington. Kids can play, learn and explore different exhibits and activities such as nature, science, and music. Also, there is a special area for toddlers.
Having a vehicle is highly recommended for this itinerary. For those who do not have a car, renting a vehicle is a good option. There is no public transportation between the locations. The distances between the locations are relatively short, and there is plenty of free parking available at each location.
Here are the approximate travel times and distances from Jacksonville to each destination:
For those who have more time, visiting other nearby locations such as Wilmington and Carolina Beach could also be added to the itinerary. For those who have less time, some activities could be combined or cut out. Also, have plenty of water and snacks, and wear comfortable shoes.
The nearest major airport to Jacksonville is the Wilmington International Airport (ILM), located approximately 45 miles away. The airport offers various national and international flights by most airlines. Another option could be to fly into the Raleigh International Airport (RDU), located approximately 120 miles away, providing more daily flights and an opportunity to visit the capital city of North Carolina.