Camp Lejeune sits just outside Jacksonville, North Carolina. Its proximity to a relatively small city, the nearby coastline, and laid-back coastal communities is one reason many military families enjoy their time here.
From exploring local attractions, combing the beach for shells and shark teeth, and heading out on the water to fish, you’ll find some of the best things for military families to do near Camp Lejeune below.
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1. Military History at Lejeune Memorial Gardens
Military history is deeply rooted in this region. Camp Lejeune and Lejeune Memorial Gardens offer meaningful ways to learn more about the area's military heritage. The gardens honor Marines, Sailors, veterans, and other service members through several memorials, including the Beirut Memorial, Onslow Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Montford Point Marine Memorial, and 9/11 Memorial.
The gardens are also home to the Carolina Museum of the Marine, one of the newest additions to the Camp Lejeune area. Opening in June 2026, the museum explores the history and legacy of Marines and Sailors from the Carolinas through exhibits, personal stories, and immersive experiences.
2. Downtown Jacksonville and the New River
Downtown Jacksonville is centered on the New River. With waterfront parks, walking paths, greenways, picnic areas, a kayak launch, and seasonal community events like the New River Festival & Palooza, Oktoberfest, Winterfest, and National Night Out, this area is a local spot that brings the community together. Riverwalk Crossing, LP Willingham Park, Sturgeon City Park, and Wilson Bay Park all offer different ways to enjoy the waterfront.
3. Zing Zumm Children's Museum
Located in downtown Jacksonville, this interactive children’s museum is the perfect place for kids to turn on their imagination, create, and explore as they learn through play on rainy days or hot afternoons. The museum is geared primarily toward children ages 0–10, with exhibits designed around imagination and pretend play.
4. North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
When the weather doesn't cooperate or the kids simply need something different, the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores makes a worthwhile day trip.
Explore exhibits like the Living Shipwreck, a replica of the U-352 German submarine sunk off the coast of North Carolina in 1942 (the first sunk by the U.S. Coast Guard), the Loggerhead Odyssey, and the Tree-Mendous Nature Play Area for kids.
5. Beaches Near Camp Lejeune
Sometimes the best family outing doesn't cost a dime. One of the biggest perks of living near Camp Lejeune is the easy access to the coast. Jacksonville is roughly 20–30 minutes from several beaches, such as North Topsail, Onslow, or Emerald Isle, giving families plenty of options for swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, and fishing.
North Carolina's coast is particularly fun for beachcombing because every visit can turn up something different. Bring a bucket and spend an afternoon searching for shells, sea glass, and fossilized shark teeth.
6. Hammocks Beach State Park
Hammocks Beach State Park is one of Camp Lejeune’s standout outdoor destinations. Military families can take a ferry or paddle to Bear Island, a largely untouched island with miles of shoreline just waiting to be explored. Hammocks Beach State Park is the perfect beach day that feels a little more adventurous than simply driving to the coast.
Tip: Check the ferry schedule before heading out. Service is seasonal and weather-dependent.
7. Fishing and Kayaking
Keep things simple with a fishing pier or kayak launch, or book a guided inshore fishing trip. Both inshore and deep-sea fishing are favorites here in North Carolina. Book a charter for a chance to catch redfish, trout, flounder, and more.
8. Battleship North Carolina
Situated across the water from downtown Wilmington, it’s easy to envision Battleship North Carolina in its prime, serving in the Pacific Theatre during WWII. History comes to life as you walk the wooden deck and explore the ship’s nine levels. The mess decks, berthing areas, engine rooms, bridge, and Combat Information Center (CIC) are all open for exploring.
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9. Fort Macon State Park
As rich in nature as it is in history, Fort Macon State Park checks all the boxes. In addition to a perfectly restored Civil War-era fort and educational center, you’ll also find an untouched beach primed for swimming, surf fishing, and beachcombing.
10. Jacksonville Parks and Greenways
Jacksonville has a full network of trails and greenways for the whole family to get outside and moving in the fresh air near Camp Lejeune.
The Northeast Creek Park and Onslow Pines Park provide space for playgrounds, picnics, and walking. And the Oakhurst Landing and Nature Trail is a great spot to explore the gorgeous landscape, then launch onto New River for a calm outing on the water (and a chance to cool down).
11. Lynnwood Park Zoo
This veteran-owned and operated wildlife sanctuary first opened in 1990. The animals here come from private-owner surrenders, rescue situations, other facilities, and rehabilitation efforts. Some aren’t able to return to the wild, so Lynwood provides a safe place for them to call home while offering visitors the opportunity to learn more about wildlife and conservation.
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12. Indoor Attractions in Jacksonville
When the weather is too hot or rainy, head to one of Jacksonville’s local indoor attractions. Altitude Trampoline Park, MEGAPLAY, and Roller City are the perfect outlets to wear out the kids and burn energy before winding down for the evening. Cracked It! Escape Games allows you to test your wits and teamwork in a role-playing escape room.
13. Date Night Near Camp Lejeune
While there’s a long list of things for the whole family to enjoy near Camp Lejeune, don’t forget to make time for a night out. Restaurants, breweries, live music on the water, and seasonal events like Oktoberfest make it easy to enjoy a change of scenery.
Head to historic downtown Swansboro for dinner, drinks, and a stroll along the waterfront, or stay closer to Jacksonville to explore the local dining and entertainment scene downtown.
Living Near Camp Lejeune
From days on the water and local military history to kid-friendly attractions and evenings in nearby coastal towns, there’s plenty to discover around Camp Lejeune. If you're preparing for a PCS to the area, exploring these communities can also help you get a feel for where you’d like to live. Browse homes for sale near Camp Lejeune and homes for rent near Camp Lejeune as you narrow down the location, commute, and lifestyle that fit your family.
