If your Marine is stationed on the East Coast, it's a good bet that he/she is in or near Jacksonville, North Carolina. Listed on this page are some interesting/fun things to do in the Jacksonville Area. So, whether your Marine is at Camp Lejuene, New River Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station, Camp Geiger or any where in between, you'll find something to do in Jacksonville.
This is Jacksonville Jack. He lives in a Marine's back yard on his deck. Look for his buddies all over the Jacksonville area!
HOTELS
There are lots of good hotels in the Jacksonville Area. Most all of the major chains are there, along with some pretty decent local hotels. Your best choice is a hotel on either Marine Blvd, Lejuene Blvd or Western Blvd. This link will take you to the Jacksonville area Yellow Pages.
RESTAURANTS
In the Jacksonville area you will find most of the usual national chain restaurants such as Cracker Barrel, Chili's, Texas Road House, Ruby Tuesday's, etc. There are also some very good local restaurants that you'll enjoy.
The Marina Cafe
This restaurant may not look like much when you pull into the driveway--is it a bar? Well, yes, BUT, it has the most awesome food! It is the only full-service restaurant in Jacksonville that features patio seating that overlooks the New River. You can sit on the patio, enjoy the fresh air, and the awesome pasta and seafood. The Marina Cafe also has an actual marina, and the Cafe owns and operates a cruise vessel that offers moonlight cruises, etc.
You'll also enjoy the company of a beautiful (but grumpy) parrot that lives on the patio!
The Kettle Diner - great home cooking
Shogun - This Japanese restaurant features Tapenaki style (at your table) cooking. An enjoyable evening with very good food!
Shogun Listing in Jacksonville NC
Beaches
North Carolina has the most beautiful beaches that you are sure to enjoy. Top Sail, Surf City, Emerald Isle, Wrightsville Beach are all within easy driving distance. AND make sure your Marine takes you to Onslow Beach on Camp Lejuene!
TOP SAIL ISLAND AND SURF CITY
ATLANTIC BEACH
EMERALD ISLE
WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH
and of course you are about 4 hours away from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina!
FISHING
Just as there are plenty of beaches, great fishing is also prevalent in the area. Morehead City is home to world famous bass fishing tournaments. You can charter a boat, go deep sea fishing, take an inlet cruise, or even go to the park. You can also take a cruise to watch the dolphins. Listed below are two companies that our members have used with excellent service and a great time!
AREA ATTRACTIONS
Beirut Memorial
Ask your Marine to take you to the Beirut Memorial - to honor the 283 Marines who gave all in the bombing of the Embassy in Beirut, Lebananon. It's a sobering, solemn place to pay tribute to fallen heros. You can also see and touch a steel beam from the World Trade Center that has been placed there to honor the law enforcement and fire personnel who died in the bombing on 9-11-01.
Jacksonville Parks
The Onslow County Department of Parks and Recreation has many parks in the Jacksonville area for picnics. walks, and other activities.
Visit the Jacksonville Mall on Western Blvd. You'll find a new Buffalo Wild Wings, a CiCi's Pizza, Starbucks, a movie theater and...
Foster's Military Shop - great Marine gear at a reasonable price!
Saigon Sam's - Military Surplus
An interesting place to shop - two locations in Jacksonville, Western Blvd and Lejuene Blvd (near the front gate) you'll find great Marine gear for yourself and your Marine!
Coastal Plains Raceway
If you are into racing, Coastal Plains in Richlands NC is a great place to spend a summer evening. Drag racing and other forms of racing are featured.
Coastal Plains Raceway Website
Wilmington NC Information
Wilmington is the clostest major city to Jacksonville. This site is a great one to explore for options of things to do, including Wrightsville Beach and taking a tour of the U.S.S. North Carolina Battleship
Morehead City Information
Lots of great things to do in Morehead City (well fishing is the biggest thing to do but..) and Morehead City is very close to Cherry Point.
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WEB SITES:
Carolina Princess
Great for inlet and bottom fishing as well as deep sea charters - reasonably priced.
Mystery Boat Tours, Inc.
Take a cruise with the dolphins, have a leisurely lunch or dinner cruise, plus other options
Know someplace that we don't have listed?
We are always looking for new places to visit, things to do to add to our website. Submit your suggestions to Carol at carolmichel@mcfscoh.org