Local area

MCAS Cherry Point's mission is to provide the highest quality operating environment for all using activities; operate and maintain facilities and assigned aircraft; furnish a full range of vital support services; nurture the quality of life; protect the natural environment; conduct proactive community relations; and to provide America with the best trained, best led, best supported armed forces capable of operating anytime, anywhere - to fight, win and survive.

From the mountains to the sea … feel the spray of a mountain waterfall. Watch river otters play. Touch a stingray. Look a shark in the eye. Explore shipwrecks — without getting wet. See a rare white sea turtle. Thousands of aquatic animals take you on a journey from the state’s grand peaks to the open Atlantic, much like a raindrop makes its way to the ocean.

Fort Macon State Park has multiple personalities as the site of a perfectly restored Civil War-era fort, a museum-quality coastal education center and an unspoiled shoreline for swimming, surf fishing and beachcombing. Cannon and musket demonstrations and guided tours are regular features, complementing extensive exhibits indoors and out. A bathhouse and handicapped-accessible beachside areas complete the recreational fare.

Tryon Palace is known for being North Carolina's first permanent state capitol. Walk in the footsteps of colonial governors, stroll through more than 14 acres of beautifully-sculpted gardens, or travel back in time for an interactive experience that blends the 1830s with 21st century technologies.

The Croatan National Forest, located in east-central North Carolina on the Atlantic coast, is comprised of 159,591 acres. There are three developed campgrounds, two of which meet the selection criteria.The Croatan is one of four National Forests in NC and the only true coastal forest east of the Mississippi. A combination of pocosins, Longleaf and Loblolly pine, bottomland and upland hardwood ecosystems give this little Forest a diversity in appearance.

Climb the Cape Lookout Lighthouse or take a boat trip three miles off-shore to the islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore. Here you can enjoy remote beaches, watch wild horses and other wildlife, or visit one of the historic districts. Be sure to bring a picnic lunch for the day. Going camping takes a little more planning.

The Havelock Tourist & Event Center is a unique multi-purpose facility that combines state-of-the-art meeting rooms with a Visitor Information Center and USMC Aviation Exhibit. The 16,000 square foot Tourist Center features a 7,200 square foot main hall able to accommodate groups of up to 700 for theater style events and serve banquets for 500. This flexible space can also host 44 exhibit booths. The main hall can be divided in half to handle two simultaneous events.

The 18-hole "Cherry Point" course at the Sound of Freedom Golf Course facility in Cherry Point, North Carolina features 6,599 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72 . The course rating is 70.8 and it has a slope rating of 120. Designed by George W. Cobb, ASGCA/(R)Clyde Johnston, ASGCA, the Cherry Point golf course opened in 2003. James Ferree manages the course as the General Manager.

New Bern is scattered with historic districts, including downtown, Riverside, and Ghent. Many of the homes from these districts were built around the turn of the century through World War II, and many of the Victorian mansions, Georgian and bungalow homes, Federal-style buildings, Greek revival homes, and more have been restored to their original splendor. These beautiful districts are not to be missed.

Atlantic Beach is situated on a beautiful barrier island bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Bogue Sound. Known for our abundance of public beaches and friendly people, our town balances the needs of our citizens, visitors, businesses, and the delicate coastal environment. Welcome, enjoy your stay, and help us keep Atlantic Beach beautiful!

North Carolina’s third oldest town, Beaufort lies on the coast bordering the southern tip of the Outer Banks. Originally a fishing village and port of safety dating from the late 1600’s, Beaufort has been visited by patriots, privateers, merchants, and skilled craftsmen who built Bahamian and West Indian style homes and public buildings. Approximately 150 of these restored historic homes proudly bear plaques noting names of earliest known owners and dates of original construction.

Brandywine Bay Golf Club in Morehead City, North Carolina was originally designed in 1977 by Bruce Devlin and later redesigned and reshaped by Ellis Maples. At just over 6500 yards from the Championship tees, the course is a rewarding challenge for golfers of any skill level. Voted the most outstanding course in 2010 by the Readers of Coaster Magazine