10 Amazing Things to Do Near Camp Lejeune
by PCSgrades Staff - March 24th, 2022
Headed to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina? Congratulations! Your adventure is just beginning.
The area surrounding Camp Lejeune offers plenty of possibilities for recreation and relaxation. But once you're ready to travel away from the base, even more options open up.
Read on to find your next great North Carolina adventure!
Currently stationed at Camp Lejeune? Is your favorite activity on the list? If not, we want to hear about it! Send us a message in the comments section or click here to share more information about Camp Lejeune.
10 amazing things to do near Camp Lejeune
Ready to explore? We've compiled our list of the top 10 things to do near Camp Lejeune.
Want even more ideas? Check out this bucket list of things to see near Jacksonville, NC, the closest large city to Camp Lejeune.
1. Lejeune Memorial Gardens
Home to the Beirut Memorial, the Onslow Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Montford Point Marine Memorial, and a 9/11 Memorial Beam from the World Trade Center, Lejeune Memorial Gardens is a ‘must-see’ local attraction. Located at Montford Landing Road and Lejeune Boulevard, the site includes space for future memorials including the Corpsmen Memorial. Several trails wind through the beautiful gardens.
2. Wilmington Railroad Museum
The Wilmington Railroad Museum seeks to preserve the area’s railroading history for future generations. Enjoy model and life-sized engines and take a ride on a miniature Thomas the Tank Engine. The Museum also hosts toddler storytime during the week. Birthday parties can be booked in their red caboose.
Located less than an hour from Camp Lejeune, it's a must-see for history buffs and train lovers of all ages!
3. Fort Macon State Park
Less than two hours from Camp Lejeune sits beautiful Fort Macon State Park. This area will appeal to history buffs and outdoor lovers alike. Completed in 1834 to fortify coastal vulnerabilities identified during the War of 1812, it was actively manned during the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, and World War II. Additionally, swimming, fishing, picnicking, and hiking are all permitted on site.
Learn more about recreational and lodging options on the Fort Macon State Park website.
4. Check out the wild horses
Cape Lookout National Seashore is a collection of southern barrier islands that make up the Outer Banks. Shackleford Banks has been home to the area’s wild horses for centuries. The horses are fabled to have survived a European shipwreck offshore, but historians are still not certain how they got to the island. The Seashore also boasts Cape Lookout Lighthouse, built in 1859. All guests over 44” tall are welcome to climb the 207 steps (12 stories) to the top.
Both Cape Lookout and Shackleford Banks are only accessible via passenger ferry or private boat.
5. Topsail Island
Topsail is only 35 minutes from Jacksonville, NC, but it feels like a world away! Make a day of the 26-mile-long Topsail Island which is home to three separate towns: North Topsail Beach, Surf City, and Topsail Beach. The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital in Surf City is open for tours on Fridays and Saturdays. Additionally, surfboard and kayak rentals are available at 50 South Surf Shop for those looking to get a workout in while they play.
What would you tell other military families about Camp Lejeune or your current military base? Leave a review of on-base housing or off-base neighborhoods to help fellow military families!
6. Missiles and More Museum
If your kids are into pirates, this museum may be one of their favorites. Check out Operation Bumblebee, the Navy’s secret missile program that operated on Topsail Island in the 1940s. Today, this popular museum on Channel Blvd is dedicated to local heritage and military history.
7. North Carolina Aquarium
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is not to be missed! In addition to aquatic life, it also houses animatronic dinosaurs and a new butterfly house. Annual membership is reciprocal with all NC Aquarium locations and the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro.
8. Enjoy more sea life
The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is a popular and manageable destination for parents with smaller children. In addition to the sea life indoors, there is a large play area and nature trails outdoors. They also book birthday parties!
9. Visit Freedom Fountain
This water feature has 54 jets: 50 for each state, three for the three branches of government, and one large one symbolizing freedom. Freedom Fountain is an excellent place for photos. In the evening, the fountain becomes a patriotic landmark as the falling water is lit up red, white, and blue.
10. Lynnwood Park Zoo
Lynnwood Park Zoo is located about 30 minutes from Camp Lejeune. A unique animal park spread over 10 acres of land, the zoo features more than 80 animal exhibits, with a broad range of species – mammals, reptiles, birds, and others. Some of the most popular mammals are zebra, grey fox, wallaby, and pygmy goats.
It's a small zoo without concession stands. Bring a picnic along and spend the day! PCSing to Camp Lejeune, NC? PCSgrades has you covered. Click here to access our free database of resources designed with military families in mind. Read honest reviews of Camp Lejeune housing, moving companies, and local attractions, written by people just like you. You can also connect with military-friendly real estate professionals who will help you find your home in North Carolina.
