North Carolina houses over a dozen military bases and installations that military families from all branches call home. Many military families will say that one of the best parts of living in the Carolinas is the abundance of pleasant weather if asked. The opportunity to take full advantage of the seasonal amenities is underrated, especially during warmer months.
Camp Lejeune boasts a perfect location with beach access. Families don’t have far to drive to enjoy nearby outdoor fun. Beaches, parks, and entertainment attractions are within a few hours’ drive.
Try these suggestions for enjoying the warm sunshine on base or near Camp Lejeune.
A day at the beach is a no-brainer, especially since there are so many beautiful ones to choose from.
Located on Camp Lejeune, Onslow offers plenty of convenience and affordability. Not only is a day of pure beach play available, but military ID card holders also have the opportunity to rent lodges and RV sites. As you can imagine, these accommodations are in demand, so it's best to reserve early. In addition to pet-friendly rooms, the nearby Marine Mart offers the basics for a fun-filled day.
This island’s vibes are calm and relaxing. Get away from the hustle and bustle of military life on a beach in one of the island’s three towns: North Topsail Beach, Surf City, and Topsail Beach. Many local businesses are only open seasonally (Memorial Day to Labor Day), so keep an eye on the ones you're interested in trying.
The poetic name gives away the personality of the isle—all 23 miles of it. Not only is the ocean a shade of green like you’ve never seen, but the island itself has a lush setting and showcases nature at its best.
Within easy driving distance of each other, Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, Emerald Isle, Harker’s Island, Indian Beach, Morehead City, Pine Knoll Shores, Salter Path, and Swansboro bring millions of tourists each year to enjoy the many “best of” lists that the Crystal Coast ranks on top. From the best beaches to the best eateries, there's something for each guest to enjoy amongst the beautiful shore towns.
Large or small, there’s no shortage of options to enjoy the day at a park with a picnic or barbecue. Although summer days might be a bit too hot to be in the full sun, fall, spring, and long-lasting evenings are ideal times to play catch in the park.
The North Carolina State Parks website is a useful first stop for information near Jacksonville and Camp Lejeune. Not only are the most popular sites described, but charming and likely less crowded island parks are listed. Spend the day exploring off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Last used by the U.S. military during WWII, Macon State Park has a long history of guarding American soil. The park draws equal parts history lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Swimming, fishing, and hiking are all activities visitors come to enjoy.
An absolute must for animal lovers! More than 100 horses live their best horse life on the beach and in the dunes. Wild horses are the only year-round residents, but they draw quite the crowd on pretty days. Visitors boat or ferry in to catch a glimpse of the storied ponies, which are said to be descendants of European horse ancestors who survived a shipwreck off the coast.
Berry picking, paddle boarding, and even a raceway park are close to Camp Lejeune. Figuring out how to make time for all the fun takes detailed planning.
Get your recycled grocery bags ready! Shoppers enjoy a collection of locally grown produce, meat, eggs, cheese, handmade crafts, artisan displays, and plenty of baked goods to snack on while strolling through all the fresh-from-the-farm options.
Bike riders who want to learn the lay of the land near Jacksonville can see it all during the 21-mile bike ride, Jacksonville to the Sea. Pack enough provisions for the journey and park your bike at the ferry to enjoy a beach day at Hammocks Beach State Park. Take note of the ferry return times to bike back home before dark.
Your summer won't be complete without a traditional outdoor festival, so mark your calendars to be at the Onslow County Parks and Recreation on July 4. The Freedom Festival promises a fun day of activities that include live music, shopping, food booths, children’s events, and of course, the much anticipated fireworks show . Be warned, any party that advertises the use of a public misting tent expects soaring temps and humidity to be on the guest list.
North Carolina is known for providing ample options for outdoor adventures. But these activities close to home at Camp Lejeune are exceptionally fun to welcome back the warmer temperatures and show off the accommodations to out-of-town guests. Choose a couple as high priority and then fit the others in as time permits.
For those with PCS orders in hand, start your North Carolina adventure by finding your new home. Check out Camp Lejeune homes for sale and homes for rent below and get settled in.