Nestled on Onslow County in North Carolina, Jacksonville is a charming city on the banks of the New River. It is known for its gorgeous cityscape that showcases a balance of nature and modern innovations. Jacksonville is a delightful destination for families and couples who are planning an exciting holiday, as it has wonderful park, remarkable landmarks, and excellent vacation rentals. While in the city, be sure to book the best Vrbo vacation rentals and spend quality time with your loved ones at Lynwood Park Zoo, home to fascinating animals. Also, Lejeune Memorial Gardens is another must-visit attraction in the city. For a more in-depth guide, here is a list of the top romantic things to do in Jacksonville, NC that couples on a romantic getaway must not miss. Feel free to browse below.
1. Montford Point Marine Museum
Are you and your significant other military geeks and looking to pay respect to the troops on your next romantic outing? Check out Montford Point Marine Museum. The museum features artifacts that honor the Montford Point Marines, the first African-American recruits that trained at Montford Point that halted the racial segregation policy of the military. The museum is proud to have the biggest collection of unique artifacts from 1942 to 1949 and continues to collect items of value to help educate the public about this historic period.
Montford Point Marine Museum
Address: Jacksonville, NC 28543, United States
Website: Montford Point Marine Museum
Opening hours: Tue: 11am - 4pm; Thu: 11am - 4pm (closed on Mon, Wed, Fri - Sun)
2. Pet some friendly animals at Lynnwood Park Zoo
A lovely little zoo that is popular among families and couples on a romantic date, Lynnwood Park Zoo is home to diverse animals. There are mammals, reptiles, birds, and amphibians that are housed in this sanctuary. Aside from admiring their beauty and uniqueness while you roam around the zoo, you can also experience interacting with them up close and personal through feeding activities. Note that when you visit the zoo, be sure to bring your own snacks, as there is no cafe or restaurant on-site. Wear some bug spray as well, since mosquitoes dwell in some areas during the rainy season.
Lynnwood Park Zoo
Address: 1071 Wells Rd, Jacksonville, NC 28540, United States
Website: Lynnwood Park Zoo
Opening hours: Fri - Mon: 10am - 5pm (closed from Tue - Thu)
Price: 8 - 10 USD
3. Marvel at the beauty of New River while on a cruise
Jacksonville is home to the enchanting and lengthy New River. Locals and tourists alike can’t help but admire the beauty of this stunning natural wonder. The exquisite restaurants and chic cafes by the riverfront are a testament to its popularity. If you want a wonderful and unforgettable experience with your partner while in Jacksonville, book an exciting cruise package, where you and your loved one can sail the river, admire the views from the water, and indulge in a delicious meal. There are several companies that offer cruise packages. Make your date night in Jacksonville, NC extra special and treat your partner to a scenic cruise.
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4. Make lasting memories through a horseback riding adventure
Another delightful activity to do with your partner while in the captivating city of Jacksonville is horseback riding. Jacksonville is home to several stables that offer horseback riding activities in a serene, vast, and beautiful environment. In and near the city, you will never run out of options where you can do this activity, including Equine Country on McAllister Road, Desperado Trail Rides along North Carolina Highway, Fast First Farm on Cedar Fork Road, and a lot more.
Equine Country
Address: 1259 McAllister Rd, Jacksonville, North Carolina
Website: Equine Country
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
5. Go on a romantic picnic date at Richard Ray All American Park
If you consider yourself an old soul and you like enjoying old-school dating activities with the person you love with all your heart, then you can plan a day of picnicking under the shady trees at Richard Ray All American Park. This pleasant park is located in Commons Drive North. It is a gorgeous green space with lots of trees and delightful amenities. It has a playground where you can relive your childhood memories, benches to sit and relax, and designated restrooms. More importantly, it has a lovely picnic area that you can take advantage of when the weather starts to turn.
Richard Ray All American Park
Address: 1200 Commons Dr N, Jacksonville, NC 28546, United States
Opening hours: 7am - 9pm (daily)
6. Have a romantic outing at New River Waterfront Park
Situated downtown, New River Waterfront Park is another captivating public park and one of the romantic places to go in Jacksonville, NC. It is a gorgeous place that overlooks the enchanting river. Plus, it is well-preserved and has delightful amenities perfect for romantic dates and even regular cardio activities. It has a lovely bridge where people can admire nature, especially the cotton candy skies in the afternoon. There is a nice boardwalk, parking areas, benches, and picnic tables that visitors are free to use.
New River Waterfront Park
Address: 100-198 Riverview St, Jacksonville, NC 28540, United States
Opening hours: 4am - 10pm (daily)
7. Book a couples massage at Coastal Massage Wellness
Days of sightseeing and nature activities in Jacksonville might take a toll on your body. Why not treat yourself and your special someone a delightful spa day? If you like the idea, book a couples’ appointment with Coastal Massage Wellness. This is an excellent spa business in Jacksonville that offers a number of services. You can enjoy various massage styles, state-of-the-art body wrapping treatments, facials, body scrubs, and a lot more. A day spent here will make you and your partner feel relaxed and rejuvenated.
Coastal Massage Wellness
Address: 411-B Western Blvd, Jacksonville, NC 28546, USA
Website: Coastal Massage Wellness
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 6pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm
Nearby options
8. Enjoy a pleasant visit to Hammocks Beach State Park
A majestic state park in North Carolina, Hammocks State Park is an enchanting paradise that is home to a number of islands. Most of the park consists of Bear Island. This paradise on earth boasts breathtaking beaches, forested areas that are ideal for nature adventures, and an abundance of wildlife. For tourists on a romantic getaway, you will never run out of things to do on this side of North Carolina. You can make memories at the beach, go on a bird-watching adventure, explore the exhibits at the visitor’s center, or set up camp and marvel at the beauty of nature.
Hammocks Beach State Park
Address: 1572 Hammock Beach Rd, Swansboro, NC 28584, United States
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
9. Plan a trip to Topsail Island
Are you and your partner both lovers of nature and self-declared adventure seekers? Do you like outdoor escapades where you can play under the sun and make lasting memories? If so, you have to go on a trip to Topsail Island, where you can go swimming at breathtaking beaches. This island is situated south of Jacksonville and is easy to go to. You wouldn’t need a boat ride, but take note that it is a six-hour road trip. The travel time will all be worth it once you get to the island and swim in the refreshing waters in one of the three beaches here. Plus, the island is urbanized, which means there are accommodations and excellent businesses in the area for tourists.
Topsail Island
Address: Surf City, Topsail Island, NC
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
10. Catch a comedy show at Dead Crow Comedy Room
If you are thinking of all the fun things that you can do on your upcoming Jacksonville getaway with your romantic partner, be sure to add Dead Crow Comedy Room in your itinerary. What’s more delightful than an experience where you get to laugh all night long? This iconic entertainment venue is a laidback theater in North Front Street. You get to watch performances by skilled comedians and enjoy premium drinks and delicious eats. After a show here, you and your special someone will surely leave with smiles on your faces. Witnessing a lively show at Dead Crow Comedy Room is one of the best couple’s activities near Jacksonville, NC.
Dead Crow Comedy Room
Address: 265 N Front St, Wilmington, NC 28401, United States
Website: Dead Crow Comedy Room
Opening hours: Thu: 7pm - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 6pm - 12am (closed from Sun - Wed)
Make the most of your romantic escapade in Jacksonville
Jacksonville is a charming city that is known for its pleasant cityscape. It offers a combination of nature and modern innovations and is home to lovely public parks and the gorgeous New River, making it an ideal destination for all types of tourists, especially couples. It also offers Extended Stay hotels and vacation rentals to accommodate travelers of all kinds. If you are planning an exciting getaway for you and your special someone on this side of North Carolina, use this list as your guide in organizing an excellent itinerary.