LAYOVER IDEAS AT OAJ AIRPORT:

Onslow County, North Carolina has been graced with an extraordinary natural coastal beauty.over 30 miles of wide, unspoiled beaches sprinkled with shells, waters teeming with an abundance of marine life, forests filled with sporting wildlife and farmland rich with harvests.

Its wide, secluded beaches are favorite nesting sites for the endangered loggerhead sea turtle. Hammocks Beach State Park, located just off the mainland near Swansboro, has become nationally acclaimed as a coastal wildlife nature preserve. The 890-acre island, named "Bear Island," is listed in the registry of Natural Heritage areas and is home to maritime forests, broad salt marshes, impressive sand dunes and pristine beaches. Visitors may access the island park by private boat or the passenger ferry operated by the park.

Enjoying the warm, blue Atlantic Ocean surf and the Intracoastal Waterway is easy with a wide choice of water activities. Swimming, surfing, sailing, wind surfing, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, jet skiing, boating, snorkeling and offshore diving are year round options.

Fresh and salt water fishing are highlights for outdoor lovers. The New River and tributaries are favorites for fresh water anglers. The coast offers pier fishing, miles of uncrowded beaches for surf casting and offshore fishing by boat. Each of the coastal towns hosts a King Mackerel tournament during the year.

ONSLOW COUNTY MUSEUM - the pathway to the past:

DISCOVER...a pathway to the history of Onslow County, one of the oldest & most diverse maritime counties in North Carolina
SEE..the longest Native American dugout canoe found in North Carolina
LEARN...about the Museum's growing artifact collection and research room