Best things to do in Jacksonville

A full production facility, Walton's Distillery offers activities related to fermentation, mashing, distillation, and bottling of spirits. Tours provide a great way to understand the production process, while free tastings ensure you get to try the finished product. The gift shop sells souvenirs and antiques. Open house events during the seasonable months include food tastings, live music, and more. Check the website for details.

A long stretch of clean, soft sand, sits in a small town just east of Wilmington. You can explore the waters lapping this golden beach by kayak or paddle board, or watch the sun setting over the ocean during an evening harbor cruise. The beach hosts a variety of family-friendly activities including treasure hunts, swimming and surfing lessons, and eco tours designed to introduce you to North Carolina's rich marine life. You can also visit a small history museum here, housed inside a restored beach cottage originally built in 1907. Once the sun goes down, explore the many beachfront restaurants and taverns, serving signature cocktails and local seafood specialties.

The peaceful stretches of sand on Topsail Island attract beach lovers and nesting sea turtles. Only two bridges offer access to the island, so you can enjoy the quiet here. According to legend, pirates used the island as a place to hide and then attack passing cargo ships. Some claim that Blackbeard buried treasure here. If you go searching for gold, you might find loggerhead turtle eggs instead. These precious eggs are protected by the island's Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. At North Topsail Beach, Topsail Beach, and Surf City you'll find activity rentals, restaurants, and lodging options.

The historical fortification at Fort Macon State Park is surrounded by unspoiled nature and wonderful beaches. The fort was built in 1826 and is now fully restored, from the outer defenses to the inner chambers. Explore the fort on your own, then visit the museum room to learn about its history. You also can opt for a guided tour. Outside the fort, the park sets the stage for swimming, hiking, fishing, and picnicking. A bathhouse and concession stand are open during warmer months, while the picnic area and restrooms are accessible year-round.

Explore the decks and hear stories about the most decorated U.S. Battleship of World War II. Battleship North Carolina was built using the latest shipbuilding technology of the time and participated in every major naval offensive of the Pacific Theater. A self-guided tour will take you to nine decks, gun turrets, living quarters, and a surgical clinic. Learn about individuals who served on the ship from oral histories, photographs, and mementoes. Read the Roll of Honor to see names of North Carolinians who died serving in World War II. The ship is not air-conditioned, and you will be walking a lot, so bring a bottle of water.

North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores features local water species, such as moray eels, sand tiger and nurse sharks, and goliath grouper. Visit the enormous Living Shipwreck tank, which houses most of the larger species. At the tidal touch pool, you can get up close to the creatures. The aquarium features free parking, fast food, and free educational programs.

Embark on a self-guided walking tour of the sculpted formal gardens at Airlie Gardens. More than 100,000 azaleas and numerous camellias bloom along the walking trails that weave throughout this garden by the sea. Along the way, you'll get glimpses of Bradley Creek and many freshwater lakes. Look for the ancient, 467-year-old Airlie oak tree. At the butterfly house, watch 11 species of native butterflies as you learn about their life cycle and which plants allow them to thrive. Other features include the Bottle Chapel, Lebanon Chapel, and Mystery Grave, which supposedly belongs to one of Napoleon's marshals.