Sneads Ferry, a small town in Onslow County, North Carolina, was once a rustic fishing village. The town is located right by the basin where the New River flows into the Atlantic Ocean, giving the local community easy access to the ocean. This was such an advantage for them because they were able to adopt fishing as their livelihood. This gave birth to the renowned Shrimp Festival, an annual three-day event held in August where locals and tourists gather to celebrate the local fishing industry. An increase in the local population and tourism over the years also reshaped the once rural town into a bustling one. Sneads Ferry is now such an interesting spot, with lots of different sights to offer. Check out this list of things to do in Sneads Ferry, North Carolina.
1. Visit Thurston Art Gallery
For those who love and appreciate art, Thurston Art Gallery is the best place to visit in Sneads Ferry. This picturesque house was first built in 1939 by a preacher named Harry Potter until Sherry Thurston, a renowned artist and art teacher, took over the gallery in 1980. When you go inside, you get to see the fishing village from Sherry’s point of view. Her artworks are mostly inspired by local scenes, architecture, and wildlife. Aside from her beautiful paintings, you can also find merchandise such as books and t-shirts that make for great gifts and souvenirs.
Thurston Art Gallery
Address: 328 Peru Rd, Sneads Ferry, NC 28460, United States
Website: Thurston Art Gallery
Opening hours: Tue: 2pm - 7pm; Thu, Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon, Wed, Fri and Sun)
2. Jet ski with Makin Waves
This might just be the best summer activity you can experience at Sneads Ferry. Captain Mike, the man behind Makin Waves has been renting jet skis for over 30 years, and they also provide guided jet ski tours. You can either go freestyle or join their dolphin excursion and enjoy your time out in the sea while admiring the dolphins in their natural habitat. Mike and his helpful crew will ensure you an amazing time even if you do not have any experience jet skiing. This is definitely a fun activity fit for everyone.
Makin Waves
Address: 1343 NC-210, Sneads Ferry, NC, United States
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 8pm; Sun: 9am - 7pm
3. Revive your senses at Aloha Massage & Bodyworks
If your muscles are tired after all the water sports and activities, you can opt for a restorative massage session at Aloha Massage & Bodyworks. Even if you are just dropping by Sneads Ferry for a short vacation, you can indulge in a wellness session to recharge your fatigued mind and body. Their massages are tailored to different needs, so you can be assured that professional therapists are going to provide you with the best treatments. You will be walking out of the spa feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. It is good to know that they go by appointment only. So, plan in advance and enjoy your session.
Aloha Massage & Bodyworks
Address: 284 Ennett Ln, Sneads Ferry, NC 28460, United States
Website: Aloha Massage and Bodyworks
4. Enjoy family bonding time at the Turtle Factory
Looking for fun activities to do with your kids? The Turtle Factory is definitely the right place for you. They organise a variety of craft lessons such as painting and beading that anyone can join. Unleash that creative mind of yours and have lots of fun with your kids. Also, if you are on the lookout for a venue to celebrate the birthday of a loved one, this is a great place to host a memorable birthday party. You can even shop for unique gifts because they have a wide collection of exclusive, turtle-related products and accessories to choose from.
The Turtle Factory
Address: 1072 NC-210, Sneads Ferry, NC 28460, United States
Website: The Turtle Factory
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
5. Try charter fishing with Bad Habit Sportsfishing
Since Sneads Ferry is a renowned fishing village, one should definitely give fishing a try! Bad Habit Sportsfishing has over 20 years of experience in charter fishing, and they serve areas all over Topsail Beach. It is also a great activity for amateurs because you don’t even have to worry about fishing licenses or researching the kinds of fishing equipment to bring - they are going to make all the necessary arrangements for you. You just have to be present on that day, hop onto the boat, and enjoy the wholesome fishing experience. If you can’t find a package on their website that works for you, they offer customised trips as well. Just be sure to contact, communicate, and schedule your plans with them in advance before you embark on your trip.
Bad Habit Sportsfishing
Address: 461 Bent Tree Ln, Sneads Ferry, NC 28460, United States
Website: Bad Habit Sportsfishing
Opening hours: 7am - 8pm (daily)
6. Have a picnic and barbecue at Stump Sound Park
Stump Sound Park is a 52-acre (21-hectare) park located in Sneads Ferry. Small as it might be, it is actually filled with lots of facilities like a volleyball court and tennis and football fields. It is also a great place for friends and family to have a relaxing picnic in the greenery. You don’t have to worry much, because there is also a picnic pavilion with restrooms, picnic tables, and grills - basically, everything you need to host a picnic or a barbecue party is already here. The children will be delighted to find a play area, as well.
Stump Sound Park
Address: 1771 NC-172, Sneads Ferry, NC 28460, United States
Opening hours: 10am - 4:45pm (daily)
7. Enjoy a meal by the water at Riverview Cafe
Riverview Cafe is a family-owned restaurant that was founded in 1946. They serve fresh, locally caught seafood. This cosy place is a favourite among locals in Sneads Ferry. They don’t have a permanent menu because the dishes are subject to change depending on the season and catch of the day, so you’ll be in for a surprise! One great thing about dining here is that you get to enjoy a lovely meal right by New River - it is definitely something you’d want to experience while vacationing here.
Riverview Cafe
Address: 119 Hall Point Rd, Sneads Ferry, NC 28460, United States
Website: Riverview Cafe
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 8:30pm; Fri: 11am - 9pm; Sat: 11am - 9:30pm
8. Get your ice cream fix at Cafe Frutta Fresca Gelato
Cafe Frutta Fresca Gelato is a speciality ice-cream shop that serves delicious, Italian-style gelato freshly made from scratch. Their gelato comes in an array of different flavours, with offerings that change throughout the year. Aside from ice cream, they also serve a variety of desserts like macarons and handmade chocolates. If you are looking for a decent savoury meal, try their freshly made quiches, pizzas, and panini sandwiches.
Cafe Frutta Fresca Gelato
Address: 322 Sneads Ferry Rd, Sneads Ferry, NC 28460, United States
Website: Cafe Frutta Fresca Gelato
9. Go fishing and enjoy pretty ocean views at Surf City Ocean Pier
Surf City Ocean Pier is a 25-minute drive from Sneads Ferry and it is the first fishing pier on Topsail Island. They have all the fishing equipment that you’ll need for a great fishing experience. For those who are not into fishing, you can also stroll along the pier and enjoy scenic views by the ocean. This is truly a great place for everyone. If you are hungry, fret not. They have a grill that serves up affordable fresh food and snacks.
Surf City Ocean Pier
Address: 112 S Shore Dr, Surf City, NC 28445, United States
Website: Surf City Ocean Pier
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
10. Savour old-fashioned American fast food at Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries
Fancy some burgers and fries but also sick of the usual McDonalds? Give Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries a try! It is an all-American diner that started way back in 1991. The interior of the restaurant is a laidback, nostalgic, old-American vibe with black & white tiles and contrasting red chairs. Like most American diners, you have to give their burgers a go. They are prepared right in front of you on their open grill. You’ll be biting into a delicious, decadent burger because the meat patties they use are always fresh - never frozen. You should also save room for dessert because you don’t want to miss the frozen custard that comes with a variety of toppings. It’s definitely a great treat for both adults and kids.
Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries
Address: 979 NC-210, Sneads Ferry, NC 28460, United States
Website: Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries
Opening hours: 11am - 9pm (daily)
Explore Sneads Ferry
Sneads Ferry might be a very small town, but it has got so much to offer. With activities ranging from arts and crafts to extreme water sports, this small fishing village knows how to make the most out of what they have. Visit the town in August and you might be able to catch their annual Shrimp Festival. It is going to be so fun because you get to taste lots of fresh seafood, enjoy live band performances, and have fun with the locals. With so many things to do and see, Sneads Ferry is definitely a great choice for a getaway with your loved ones.