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Local guide · Jacksonville

Carolina Museum of the Marine

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Exterior of the Carolina Museum of the Marine
Carolina Museum of the Marine

The Carolina Museum of the Marine opened in June 2026 just outside the gates of Camp Lejeune, which has trained Marines since 1941. Its galleries cover Marine Corps history, from amphibious landings to aviation, and it sits inside the free Lejeune Memorial Gardens.

  • Jacksonville
  • New in 2026
  • History
  • Rainy day

Why families go

This is the newest major attraction in the region, built for the community where so many Marine families live. Galleries such as Marines Come From the Sea put full-size equipment, including an amphibious tractor, in front of visitors. The grounds hold a huge Eagle, Globe and Anchor, an eternal flame, and oak trees grown from acorns gathered at Belleau Wood in France. It’s too new to have much of a review record yet. Plan to pair it with a respectful walk through the memorial gardens outside.

Don’t miss

  • Marines Come From the SeaThe amphibious story, with an LVT amphibious tractor on display.
  • The aviation galleryMarine aviation from early aircraft onward.
  • The outdoor groundsThe Eagle, Globe and Anchor sculpture, the eternal flame and the Belleau Wood oaks.
  • Lejeune Memorial GardensThe free memorials surround the museum; see the gardens’ own page.

Before you go

  • It’s off base, so you don’t need a base pass.
  • Use NC 210 and US 17. NC 172 through Camp Lejeune is closed to civilians without base credentials, even if your GPS suggests it.
  • There’s a café and gift shop, and the museum is fully accessible. Wagons aren’t allowed inside.

Plan your visit

  • Where: 109 Montford Landing Rd., Building 1775, Jacksonville, NC 28542
  • From Topsail: About 40 minutes from central Surf City (35 from North Topsail Beach) via NC 210 and US 17.
  • Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last ticket 4:30 p.m.); closed Monday.
  • Admission: Paid, with veteran, active-duty, senior and youth rates; children 3 and under free.
  • Tickets: Plan your visit
  • Official site: museumofthemarine.org
  • More nearby: more family fun in Jacksonville

A short drive from the island. Browse our Topsail Island vacation rentals, all cared for by our local team.

Based on official information from the attraction and the agencies that run it; checked October 2026. Hours, seasons and schedules change, so confirm before you go.