Places of Interest

Local Attractions

Downtown Jacksonville

A rebirth is underway in downtown Jacksonville. Newly built homes in a traditional southern style invite a social atmosphere and are surrounded by mature trees providing shade for those hot summer days. Three downtown parks including Wilson Bay, Riverwalk and Willingham Parks are located along the New River which flow through City. Riverwalk Park is the home to several seasonal festivals including Oktoberfest, National Night Out, Winterfest and New River Splash. Jacksonville Landing is where the locals go to launch a boat, kayak or canoe to enjoy the scenery on the water or fish it's healthy waters. The health of the New River is monitored regularly by the City's Stormwater division as well as the New River Foundation. City Events

Freedom Fountain

The Freedom Fountain is a must see on your way to downtown Jacksonville. Located at New Bridge Street and Johnson Blvd, next to City Hall, this impressive fountain was erected to honor those who served or have served our Country while in Onslow County. Freedom Fountain

Jacksonville Parks

The City has 17+ parks for Citizens and visitors to enjoy. Three are located downtown along the New River including Riverwalk which is the home to many annuals festivals. Northeast Creek Park located on the eastern side of the City and near the main gate to USMC Camp Lejeune has a regulation Frisbee Golf Course with annual tournaments and a newly refurbished boat ramp where two boats may launch at the same time. This park and others in the City includes one of the award winning ball fields where area teams play year round. The Jacksonville Commons Complex, the largest of the outdoor facilities includes a Challenge Trail, soccer, baseball and softball fields as well as tennis courts, indoor basketball courts, exercise and senior facility. Jacksonville Recreation & Parks

Lejeune Memorial Gardens

Lejeune Memorial Gardens is where residents, military members and visitors come to honor those who serve our country and remember those who have given the greatest sacrifice for our freedom. It is located at Montford Landing Road and Lejeune Boulevard, near the gate to Camp Johnson. Lejeune Memorial Gardens is the home to the Beirut Memorial, the Onslow Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Montford Point Marine Memorial, the 9/11 Memorial Beam from the World Trade Center, and phase one of the future Museum of the Marine featuring a large Eagle, Globe, and Anchor statue. As part of the Lejeune Memorial Gardens Master Plan, the site includes areas for future memorials such as the Corpsmen Memorial which is currently in the fundraising process.

Jacksonville Landing & Welcome Center

The Jacksonville Landing is located across the New River from the downtown area, between the "two bridges", including the newly rebuilt Buddy Phillips Bridge on Marine Blvd. The landing is the largest access to the New River in the City with the capacity of three boats to launch at the same time. There is also a fishing area and waterside walkway, as well as a kayak launch. This facility will also include a welcome center to be built in the near future. Jacksonville Landing

Pelletier House

The Pelletier House is the oldest home in Jacksonville and is the location of Wantland Ferry, where the City finds its origin. The house is open to the public by reservation and is located along the river next to the County Courthouse in the downtown area. History of the City of Jacksonville

Trails and Greenways

The City has 17+ miles of tails and greenways for walking, jogging and bicycling. The trail connects to Camp Lejeune, neighborhoods, and parks throughout the City. Jacksonville Trails & Greenways

USO Jacksonville

The United Service Organizations of North Carolina (USO-NC), founded in 1941, is the lead organization charged with supporting military servicemen and women in the state of North Carolina. The USO in downtown Jacksonville on Tallman Street is the oldest continuously-operating USO in the world. Eleven percent of U.S. military active duty forces call North Carolina home. With seven major military installations, North Carolina has the fourth largest demographic of active and reserve duty components in the country. North Carolina USO

For more great ideas on what to do in Jacksonville, check out Visit Jacksonville website.