We had the best time at Hammocks Beach State Park & Bear Island. This was the most affordable and fun way to spend our Labor Day weekend while visiting Jacksonville. We arrived to Swansboro at 1:00 p.m. on a Sunday before the holiday. Parking was simple. We purchased tickets for the Bear Island Ferry at the Visitor’s Center. The center features beautiful butterflies in their garden, a shaded porch with rocking chairs, cool facts and souvenirs inside. Tickets were affordable at $5 for seniors & children and $10 for adults Round Trip to Bear Island. The ferry ride is 15 minutes and so much fun. The staff were so kind and professional. We really enjoyed when the ferry picked up speed. The weather was gorgeous today and allowed us to catch the sea breeze. So thrilling ! Once we docked, we entered the beach trail to bear island. It’s about a 8-10 minute hike. My mom is older and suffers from hip pain and needs another hip replacement. We were lucky to catch a ride on the golf cart with park volunteer Paula. Again such pleasant staff. The park is immaculately clean and bear island was as well. Not 1 piece of trash in site. We enjoyed how peaceful the island was and how clear and clean the water was. We only wish our chihuahua could visit bear island but pets aren’t allowed on the ferry.

I look forward to spending many beach days at Bear Island and picnic days at Hammock. This is a North Carolina bucket list destination when in the eastern Carolina region.