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Itinerary
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Atlantis Lodge
The word “Atlantis” conjures the image of a paradise fit for royalty, and the view at Atlantis Lodge in Atlantic Beach fits the bill. Yet, the vintage beach lodge itself is a playground for families, thanks to pools, hot tubs and lots of on-site activities like kayaks, beach toys and more. Bonus: Many rooms have kitchens, which can help you save a little dough and opt for leisurely mornings over home-cooked pancakes and omelets on your balcony overlooking the Crystal Coast.
Hammocks Beach State Park
Then, head to Paddle NC’s Hammocks Beach State Park tour rendezvous point to spend time on Emerald Isle’s water — just be sure to book a reservation.
Amos Mosquito’s Restaurant & Bar
Wrap up your first day with dinner at Amos Mosquito’s Restaurant & Bar, a family favorite with a fun atmosphere and hands-on s’mores you make right at your table.
Sugarloaf Island Bakery
Gear up for a fun-filled day with a quick stop at Sugarloaf Island Bakery, where you can find a pastry, croissant, cinnamon roll or other breakfast sweet to satisfy any palet.
North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
Make your pick and take it to go so you can get to the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Experiences at the aquarium include Loggerhead Odyssey, Little Minnows Play Area, Living Shipwreck with diver interaction, Queen Anne’s Revenge Feeding Program, Creature Connection, outdoor programs such as marsh exploration and canoeing, and much more.
Fort Macon State Park
Today is not the day for a leisurely lunch — there’s just too much to do and see. And since a family vacation isn’t complete without a pizza pit stop, hit Venice Italian Kitchen on your way to Fort Macon State Park; an impeccably restored pre-Civil War fort is the centerpiece of this park that’s surrounded by water and natural beauty.
Crystal Coast Ecotours
Spend the rest of the afternoon on a customized ecotour or boat tour with Crystal Coast Ecotours’ Captain Hawkins, whose fun-meets-smart educational trips have earned him a five-star reputation.
Social Q Smokehouse
Dinner means a chance to experience North Carolina’s thriving barbecue tradition at Social Q Smokehouse. Choose from pork, ribs, brisket, chicken and turkey — all smoked all night.
The Island Grille
Ease into the morning with brunch at The Island Grille where you can enjoy bacon twists, brioche French toast and a must-try key lime pie.
Lynnwood Park Zoo
After breakfast, start at the Lynnwood Park Zoo in Jacksonville for more up-close animal encounters that will delight visitors of all ages. The 10-acre zoo has more than 50 animal exhibits focused on mammals, reptiles, birds and more.
Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center
Next, make your way to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Surf City, a nonprofit staffed by volunteers who take care of about 40 sick or injured sea turtles at a time. It's a great educational opportunity during your time at the beach.
River View Cafe
Later, squeeze in one more meal at River View Cafe (hush puppies, fried scallops, catfish) or Lo-Re-Lei's Pub & Grill (crab balls, deviled crab) before saying “goodbye for now.”
Snapshot Module
Your trip at a glance
Stop 1
Atlantis Lodge
Stop 2
Hammocks Beach State Park
Stop 3
Amos Mosquito’s Restaurant & Bar
Stop 4
Sugarloaf Island Bakery
Stop 5
North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
Stop 6
Fort Macon State Park
Stop 7
Crystal Coast Ecotours
Stop 8
Social Q Smokehouse
Stop 9
The Island Grille
Stop 10
Lynnwood Park Zoo
Stop 11
Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center
Stop 12