When summer vacation in North Carolina comes up, most people immediately think of the Outer Banks. There’s so much more to explore, and Coastal Carolina avoids many of the crowds and high prices. This vacation destination, especially Onslow County, offers a laid-back, family-friendly alternative, full of hands-on learning, history and outdoor fun.
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Why choose Coastal Carolina over the Outer Banks?
While the Outer Banks gets the most attention, Coastal Carolina is the quieter gem with just as much to explore. From uncrowded beaches to rich military history and educational attractions, it’s perfect for families looking to make memories without battling tourist traffic.
Easily accessible through the Albert J. Ellis Airport or via car, there’s something for everyone in this region. Jacksonville, Swansboro and Sneads Ferry are charming towns packed with activities that offer both entertainment and substance.
Hammocks Beach State Park
Hammocks Beach State Park in Swansboro is one of the area’s most treasured outdoor escapes. Take a short passenger ferry ride to Bear Island, a pristine, undeveloped barrier island that offers swimming, kayaking, picnics and more.
The park also has nature trails and educational exhibits in the visitor center on the mainland. It’s a quieter and more relaxed version of the beach day experience.
The visitor center only sells ferry tickets on the day of, which allows visitors flexibility to make a last-minute visit. This state park also offers on-site camping with spots for tent and RV camping, as well as newly built cabins to rent.
Search for shells and sea glass
Coastal Carolina beaches are ideal for scavenger hunts of the best kind. The beaches are filled with shells and sea glass, including sand dollars and shark teeth. Kids love collecting unique shapes and colors, while adults often find it surprisingly relaxing.
Look especially after high tide or storms, when the ocean gives up its best finds. It’s a free and simple way to connect with the coastline and bring home free souvenirs.
Explore Lejeune Memorial Gardens
Located in Jacksonville, Lejeune Memorial Gardens offers a peaceful, self-guided walking tour through several monuments that honor military service in a 25-acre complex that often has active duty military personnel walking through. It’s an opportunity to talk with kids about history and sacrifice in a thoughtful setting.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial lists every MIA, POW and servicemember who died in the war listed in alphabetical order, making it easy to find loved ones. The Beirut Memorial and 9/11 Memorial both provide powerful stops that invite reflection.
The gardens are open daily and are well-marked for easy exploration. Plaques at each stop provide relevant information, helping to understand the conflicts and their impact for those who didn’t live through them.
Learn about sea turtles
Just a short drive away in Surf City, the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center is a must for animal lovers. This nonprofit rescue works to rehabilitate injured and sick sea turtles and return them to the wild.
Visitors can tour the facility in small groups to learn about the turtles currently in care and the threats these creatures face from pollution and boat strikes. This hands-on experience encourages wildlife conservation in kids and adults alike.
Head to the Onslow County Museum
The Onslow County Museum in Richlands is surprisingly engaging for families, especially with its kid-friendly scavenger hunts designed to keep younger visitors engaged. Exhibits range from natural history and early settler life to rotating seasonal displays.
The museum does a great job of tying local stories into broader American history. Admission is free, and it’s a great stop on a rainy day or to break up a beach-heavy itinerary.
Tour an oyster farm
Down near Sneads Ferry, several local oyster farms offer boat tours where you can learn about oyster cultivation firsthand. The process is surprisingly intricate and sustainable, and guides often share fascinating insights about the local waters and marine life.
Kids love the boat ride and hands-on aspect, and there’s usually a chance to shuck and taste fresh oysters at the end. It’s a mix of science, food and fun that works for a range of ages.
Take a family-friendly ghost tour in Swansboro
For a fun evening activity, check out Crystal Coast Ghost’s family-friendly ghost tour through historic Swansboro. The stories are spooky but not too scary, making them just right for older kids and teens.
Along the walk, guides share town legends and historical facts dating back to the town’s founding in the early 1700s, adding depth to the experience. With the EMF detector each participant can carry, it’s a unique way to explore Swansboro after dark with plenty of stops for photos and questions.
Enjoy an alternative everyone will love
Coastal Carolina might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of a beach vacation, but it deserves a closer look. With fewer crowds, plenty of fun educational opportunities and plenty of room to explore, it’s ideal for families seeking a laid-back, enriching getaway.
Michelle Price is a food and travel writer at Honest and Truly who almost has an empty nest. She loves to provide both the inspiration and the confidence you need to help get you into the kitchen and on the road to enjoy new flavors and experiences.
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