A Trip to Remember: Top Five Popular Attractions between Calypso and Jacksonville, North Carolina

Welcome to an exciting trip between Calypso and Jacksonville, North Carolina. This area is loaded with natural beauty, rich history, and culture. The route from Calypso to Jacksonville provides the perfect opportunity for an adventurous road trip. From state parks to pristine beaches, you will have access to a myriad of interesting attractions. Here are the top five attractions that you should visit on your trip.

Exploring the Route

Starting your trip from Calypso, it will take about an hour to reach Beulaville, NC, which is perfectly located halfway between Calypso and Jacksonville. The little town of Beulaville is worth a visit with its friendly people, excellent restaurants, and many attractions. Stretching your legs around the downtown Main Street, you'll find some antique shops and learning about the history of Beulaville at the Depot Museum. Taking pictures at the Veterans Memorial Park to honor veterans of all branches of service is an excellent tribute to our country.

Top Five Places to See

1. Hammocks Beach State Park: Hammocks Beach State Park is nestled along the western bank of the White Oak River. At Hammocks Beach State Park, the 30-minute boat ride makes an already amazing experience even better. You can kayak in saltwater marshes, go swimming at the beach, or bring a fishing pole to catch some fish. You may even see a wild dolphin swimming alongside your boat. This park features picnic areas, campgrounds, pristine beaches, and some beautiful pine forests, a great place to relax.
2. Mike's Farm: Mike's Farm is an excellent place to have an authentic farm experience. This rural farm provides the opportunity to explore life on a farm and learn about the history of farming in North Carolina. A day here includes delicious Southern cuisine, a petting zoo, live music, carriage rides, and entertaining demonstrations, making it an extraordinary day out.
3. Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge: Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge is a must-visit place with 14 miles of deserted beaches, which are ideal for seashell hunting. It’s one of the few undeveloped barrier islands that guard the state, and the place where you can breathe in captivating nature at its best. The birdwatcher can enjoy a hike around the lagoons, numerous waterfowls, and shorebirds.
4. Tryon Palace: This historic place is situated near downtown New Bern and is North Carolina's first permanent State Capitol Building. It has a deep-rooted history dating back to the 18th century. You will see the unique skyline of New Bern from the Daves House and fully understand North Carolina's impressive craftsmanship. You may also encounter gardens with Southern charm-plus a fascinating glimpse of pre-Revolutionary War history.
5. Swansboro Historic District: The historic district of Swansboro provides the opportunity to view the beautiful area, filled with buildings representing 18th and 19th centuries architecture. Some buildings date back from the 1730s and 1740s, revealing a fascinating story of the seafaring era.

Conclusion

Traveling between Calypso and Jacksonville, North Carolina, is a journey you will remember forever. This drive takes you through picturesque small towns, charming downtown streets, wetland forests, and numerous unspoiled miles of the coast. There are plenty of places to stop and explore on the way. You can plan a different route or opt for a more leisurely road trip, depending on your preference. We recommend extending your trip by adding another night to get the most out of your journey. Whatever you decide, it’s an experience that you won’t regret.