Discover Onslow
57 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Seaview Pier
Located on the northern end of Topsail Island, Seaview Pier offers stunning views of the ocean and is a popular spot for photography. Photographers can capture beautiful sunrises, sunsets, and portraits under or beside the pier.
Hammocks Beach State Park
Accessible by kayak, this park offers a pristine beach and marshland ideal for nature photography. It’s a great spot to capture wildlife, especially birds and sea turtles.
North Topsail Beach
North Topsail Beach offers a classic beach sunrise with rolling waves and soft golden light. It provides an unobstructed view of the horizon as the sun rises over the Atlantic Ocean. Low tide can create shimmering tide pools for added depth in photos.
New River Inlet
New River Inlet is a picturesque spot where the sky meets the water, offering dramatic sunrises and sunsets. It’s ideal for landscape and waterscape photography, with the river’s tranquil environment providing a serene backdrop.
The Point at North Topsail Beach
Located at the northern end of Topsail Island, this area offers expansive views and is suitable for picnic set-ups and family gatherings. It is a great spot for capturing scenic landscapes and peaceful moments.
Topsail Sound
A scenic area with beautiful views of the sound and surrounding marshes. It's ideal for capturing landscapes and nature photography, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Gull Wing
A scenic spot with unique rock formations and coastal views. Ideal for capturing dramatic seascapes and landscapes.
Rainbow Project Frame
A unique spot for creative photography, featuring colorful frames that make for vibrant and playful portraits. Ideal for family and engagement photos with a fun twist.
Bug Island
A small island with diverse wildlife and scenic views. Great for capturing wildlife and intimate natural moments.
Marine Corps Air Station New River
The Marine Corps Air Station New River offers unique opportunities for aerial photography, especially during airshows or military exercises. It's also a great spot for capturing aircraft and military structures.
Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival Area
This area comes alive during the Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival, offering vibrant street photography opportunities. Capture the energy of the festival, the local food, and the lively atmosphere.
Camp Lejeune Arch
A symbolic arch marking the entrance to Camp Lejeune. Offers strong architectural photography opportunities with a military theme.
Veterans Memorial
A solemn and moving memorial dedicated to the service of veterans. Offers strong architectural and symbolic photography opportunities.
Mid-Century Home Studios
Mid-Century Home Studios in Jacksonville offer unique indoor settings for photography. These studios are ideal for capturing lifestyle, portrait, and fashion photography in a controlled environment.
Stump Sound Park
Stump Sound Park offers a serene natural setting with paths for walking and scenic views of the surrounding waters. It is suitable for nature and wildlife photography, especially during the early morning hours.
Wilson Bay Park
A scenic park with waterfront views, ideal for landscapes and sunsets.
Sneads Ferry Docks
The docks in Sneads Ferry offer a picturesque setting with fishing boats and a lovely waterfront view. It is ideal for capturing daily life scenes, fishing activities, and the natural beauty of the area.
Memosa Flower Beds
Beautifully arranged flower beds with a variety of blooms. Perfect for capturing vibrant floral close-ups.
Memosa Nature Trail
The Memosa Nature Trail offers a serene environment with diverse flora and fauna. It's perfect for nature photography, allowing close-ups of flowers and wildlife. The trail is also great for capturing dawn or dusk scenes when the light is soft.
Thurston Art Gallery
Built in 1939, this gallery is a historical site in Sneads Ferry that offers a unique architectural setting. It is ideal for capturing the local art scene and historic architecture.
Lejeune Memorial Gardens
A serene and beautifully landscaped garden dedicated to the memory of fallen Marines. Offers a peaceful backdrop for portraits and nature photography.
Catalyst Church
A modern church with unique architectural features. Ideal for capturing interesting building designs and urban scenes.
Onslow County Beach
This beach offers serene landscapes and opportunities to capture wildlife such as turtles. It's ideal for nature photography and portraits with a natural, coastal backdrop.
Coastal Onslow County
Coastal areas of Onslow County offer diverse landscapes and natural settings. From beaches to marshlands, these areas are perfect for capturing a variety of natural scenes. The coastal scenery can be dramatic, especially during storms or at sunrise/sunset.
Holly Ridge Fishing Area
A spot for fishing and wildlife photography near the water's edge.
Richlands Creek
Richlands Creek is a scenic waterway offering tranquil natural settings. It's ideal for nature and landscape photography, especially during early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft.
Roses Express
A local shop in Sneads Ferry that offers a quaint and colorful setting for capturing street photography. It is a great spot for lifestyle and local culture photography.
Camp Lejeune Marina
A picturesque marina with a variety of boats and tranquil waterfront views. Ideal for capturing coastal scenes and the beauty of the water.
Sneads Ferry Beach
Located near the mouth of the New River, Sneads Ferry Beach offers a mix of scenic coastal views and potential wildlife photography opportunities. It's ideal for capturing the natural beauty of the area.
Walton's Distillery
A craft distillery offering a rustic, rural backdrop for photography. It features equipment and barrels that can add an industrial feel to your shots.
Jacksonville City Hall
A notable building with architectural interest, offering opportunities for urban and street photography.
Turtles Ocean Onslowcounty Beach
A quieter beach spot ideal for capturing serene landscapes and natural beauty. It's less crowded than popular beaches, offering photographers a peaceful environment.
Aberdeen Creek Wetlands
A wetland area with diverse wildlife, offering opportunities for nature and wildlife photography. It's a great spot for capturing bird species and aquatic life.
Lynwood Park Zoo
A small zoo where visitors can interact with animals, offering opportunities for wildlife photography.
Master's Touch
A local art and craft spot in Sneads Ferry, offering a unique setting for capturing local art and architecture. It is ideal for lifestyle and culture photography.
Carteret County Line
The boundary between Onslow and Carteret counties offers a mix of coastal and rural landscapes. This area is good for capturing roadside attractions and scenic drives, providing a variety of subjects for photography.
Veterans Memorial Jacksonville NC
A memorial dedicated to veterans, featuring several monuments and plaques. It is a great spot for capturing moments of reflection and tribute.
Memosa Bog Nature Preserve
A unique nature preserve with a variety of plant species, offering opportunities for nature and landscape photography.
Hampton Inn Jacksonville-Camp Lejeune
A modern hotel with a sleek design, providing opportunities for urban and architectural photography.
Emergence Wellness Center
Located near the water, this wellness center offers a serene environment suitable for capturing peaceful moments and architecture. It is ideal for lifestyle and wellness photography.
Holly Ridge Municipal Park
A scenic park with green spaces and walking trails, suitable for nature and family portraits.
Carteret Woods Trail
A nature trail with diverse flora and fauna, offering opportunities for nature and landscape photography.
Piney Green Road
Piney Green Road offers a scenic drive with views of the surrounding countryside. It's great for capturing roadside attractions and rural landscapes, providing a variety of subjects for photography.
Lynnwood Park
Lynnwood Park is a community park with playgrounds and walking trails. It's suitable for capturing lifestyle and street photography, offering a relaxed atmosphere for candid shots.
Zing Zumm Children's Museum of Jacksonville
A colorful and interactive museum, ideal for capturing candid moments and creative playscapes.
Aloha Massage & Bodyworks
A serene wellness center located near the water in Sneads Ferry. It offers a peaceful environment suitable for capturing lifestyle and wellness photography.
Bug Memorial Park
Bug Memorial Park is a community park with green spaces and walking trails. It's suitable for capturing candid moments of family and friends, offering a relaxed atmosphere for lifestyle photography.
Sneads Ferry Historic District
This historic district offers a glimpse into the past with its old buildings and charming streets. It's ideal for architectural photography and capturing the local culture.
Brady
A natural location with scenic views suitable for capturing landscapes and wildlife.
Blue Creek Farm
A rural farm setting with rolling hills and pastures, suitable for landscape and nature photography.
Carteret Woods
A nature preserve with diverse wildlife, suitable for nature and wildlife photography. It offers a variety of flora and fauna.
Sneads Ferry Marina
The marina offers scenic views of boats and water activities, making it a great spot for capturing maritime life and landscapes.
The Float Spa Sneads Ferry
A wellness center featuring flotation therapy and massage, offering a unique and serene environment. Ideal for capturing peaceful moments and wellness photography.
Jacksonville Commons Recreation Center
The Jacksonville Commons Recreation Center is a community hub with outdoor spaces and a children's playground. It's suitable for capturing candid street photography and lifestyle scenes.
O'Neil Park
A community park with playgrounds and sports fields, offering opportunities for candid street photography.
Jacksonville Commons
A community area with a mix of urban and natural elements, offering opportunities for street and landscape photography.
Gulf Club Park
A community park with playgrounds and sports fields, offering opportunities for candid street photography.