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Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina is a Marine Corps Base as well as a Navy and Coast Guard command. It’s a massive 256-square-mile training facility that covers 14 miles of beaches which are used for amphibious assault training. According to Military.com, the Camp Lejeune area, which is also near New River Air Station, “is the largest concentration of Marines and sailors in the world.”
This beautiful coastal area in Onslow County offers service members and families, as well as tourists, plenty of exciting things to do. Here are five of the top exciting things to do:
- Honor heroes at Lejeune Memorial Gardens
Lejeune Memorial Gardens is a peaceful and poignant memorial park in the heart of Jacksonville. Walk amongst the beautifully landscaped grounds and view a variety of tributes to veterans and fallen warriors, including:
- The Beirut Memorial
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial
- Montford Point Marine Memorial
- 9/11 Memorial Beam
- The Eagle, Globe, and Anchor Statue
- Freedom Fountain
- Enjoy family fun at Zing Zumm Children’s Museum of Jacksonville
Kids up to age ten will love this interactive, hands-on museum that encourages children to play, create, explore and discover. It’s a great place to spend quality family time.
- Paddleboard or kayak around Bear Island
If you want to explore unspoiled land, a visit to Bear Island in Hammocks Beach State Park is a must. This undeveloped 3-mile long barrier island located in Swansboro, about 19 miles away from Jacksonville, is accessible by ferry, private boat, canoe/kayak or marine taxi service. Pick up a plant and animal checklist at the park office and then hike on the beach or paddle or kayak on the paddle trails that lead to marshes. (Rental kayaks and canoes are available.) Keep an eye out for loggerhead sea turtles, herons, egrets, and bottlenose dolphins swimming offshore.
- Attend a festival at Riverwalk Crossing Park
Located in the historic district of downtown Jacksonville is Riverwalk Crossing Park. This pretty manicured park is a lovely area for running, walking or relaxing. The park also hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year including Oktoberfest, Winterfest and the New River Festival & Palooza.
- Test your athletic abilities at a USAA Grand Prix Series challenge
The Grand Prix Series hosted by Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) is a series of classic running races as well as unique extreme challenges. All races are held at Marine Corps installations on trails used by Marines for training. Registration fees help support MCCS facilities and programs.
One other thing you can do while you’re in the area is visit our Jacksonville, NC Omni office in the Western Blvd. Shopping Center. Our Jacksonville location serves Camp Lejeune, MCAS Cherry Point and MCAS New River. Stop by and say hello!
This blog is for informational purposes only. Visit the individual websites for complete details including hours of operation and pricing information. Information can change at any time Omni Financial does not endorse, recommend or imply affiliation with the listed companies, events or organizations.
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