Jacksonville, North Carolina travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

Jacksonville is the county seat of Onslow County, North Carolina. The home of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River. Jacksonville is in North Carolina's Inner Banks region, approximately a one hour away from the "Port City" Wilmington.

2 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 6 places to stay

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 33°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Sep and Aug. (climate data from nearby North Carolina Coastal Plain)

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
OAJ Albert J Ellis Airport, Richlands — 12 mi away. Directions
EWN Coastal Carolina Regional Airport, New Bern — 30 mi away. Directions
RDU Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Raleigh/Durham — 110 mi away (major hub). Directions

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

Places to stay listed here: about $100–$114 a night (typical $114), from 3 listed prices.
Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$140, mid-range ~$190, comfortable ~$280.

See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.

Food for you

Cuisine (tap to filter)

What to ask about, for your diet

Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder

Photos

Map

Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.

Get in

By plane

Go Albert J Ellis Airport (OAJ)

Only has service from Charlotte Douglas (CLT) and Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta (ATL) airports, you must get a connecting flight from one of these to get here from other destinations.

⚠ Last checked May 2019 — confirm before you go

Maps Website

Go Sky Manor Airport (N22)

⚠ Last checked May 2019 — confirm before you go

Maps

Get around

Place Onslow United Transit System

📍 605 New Bridge Street☎ +1 910 346-2998

Maps Website

See

Beirut Memorial, near Highway 24, a tribute to the men and women who died in Beirut, Lebanon on October 23, 1983.
September 11th Memorial, an element of which is a piece of the world trade centers.

Do

Jacksonville is less than a 30-minute drive to Topsail Island's great beaches. These beaches are open to the public and there are many free public parking areas with facilities and access to the beach. There are also rental properties available throughout the island; both for short and long-term rentals.