Jacksonville is a city in and county seat of Onslow County, North Carolina, United States. It demographically termed the youngest city in the country. While it has its share of historic buildings, stunning architecture and other assorted attractions, its biggest draw is that it is located at less than a 30 minute ride to Topsail Island's great beaches. During your Jacksonville vacations, you would also find that the city’s intriguing ambience imbibes several marching bands and parades. It is so because Jacksonville is home of the United States Marine Corps' Camp Lejeune and New River Air Station. It is advisable to book your Jacksonville travel packages to make your vacations cheaper, affordable and hassle-free.
The peak season to visit Jacksonville is the summer season from May to August. It would be hot and sunny at 80-90 deg F with extended hours of sunlight. Best of all, you can use this time to enjoy July 4 celebrations.
Places of Interest in Jacksonville
Onslow Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The Onslow Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Jacksonville is dedicated to the servicemen of the US Armed Forces who had served during the Vietnam War, the longest war in the history of America. It is one of the largest memorials of its kind in the country and it is hallmarked by an entry wall, a French design bridge and a glass wall that enlists the names of fallen soldiers. Also of note here is a fountain that spews five differently colored jets to signify five different branches of US Armed Forces.
The Beirut Memorial
On an early morning dated 23 October 1983, a suicide bomber rammed his truck, full of explosives, into the US Marines headquarters in Beirut (Lebanon), thereby killing 241 American peacekeepers. Jackson’s Beirut Memorial stands as a symbol in the memory of those who lost fallen heroes. Central to this memorial is a bronze statue of a soldier and the inscription ‘They came in peace’ that is followed by a mention of the fallen soldiers of the mishap.
Lynnwood Park Zoo
Lynnwood Park Zoo is the only animal exhibiting facility in Onslow County and Camp Jejune area in North Carolina. Established in 1990, this zoo is built on a 10 acre parcel and has a 0.5 acre pond next to its picnic area. It is home to over 80 exhibits of several species of reptiles, birds and mammals. A star attraction here is a touch-station that offers you a chance to interact with smaller animals and reptiles safely.