The best things to do in Jacksonville

7 things to do we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Entertainment · 7 places · showing the latest additions first

When you want real-deal coastal Carolina golf without the hurry, Rock Creek Golf & Country Club delivers a walkable 18 with Sunday Ultra…

308 Country Club Blvd

When you want real-deal coastal Carolina golf without the hurry, Rock Creek Golf & Country Club delivers a walkable 18 with Sunday Ultra Dwarf greens, 419 Bermuda fairways, and five sets of tees. Family-owned since 1974, it’s quietly demanding, refreshingly friendly, and perfect for clearing the week from your head.

From the Jacksonville newsletter, September 3, 2026

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J-Vegas Retro Arcade is a free play hangout where you pay for time, then go unlimited on classics like Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga, Tetris and…

415 Western Blvd

J-Vegas Retro Arcade is a free play hangout where you pay for time, then go unlimited on classics like Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga, Tetris and Space Invaders plus racers like Mario Kart and Cruis'n World, with snacks and sodas for the victory laps. Grab friends this week and turn back the clock, no quarters required.

From the Jacksonville newsletter, September 6, 2026

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Swingin' Things

Entertainment

Mini golf with friendly chaos, a driving range to dial in your shot, and batting cages to settle that itch to smash something, Swingin'…

133 Batting Cage Trail

Mini golf with friendly chaos, a driving range to dial in your shot, and batting cages to settle that itch to smash something, Swingin' Things is an easy win for weeknights or kid-energy emergencies. Grab a putter, take a few hacks, leave mysteriously more cheerful.

From the Jacksonville newsletter, September 12, 2026

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Round up the crew this week and let Glo-Mania Lazer Tag LLC handle the chaos with pulse-raising laser missions and a lively arcade. Their…

375 Western Blvd

Round up the crew this week and let Glo-Mania Lazer Tag LLC handle the chaos with pulse-raising laser missions and a lively arcade.

From the Jacksonville newsletter, September 16, 2026

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The only private club in Onslow County, Jacksonville Country Club blends a clubhouse rebuilt in April 2002 with golf, a Pro-Shop, and Jacks…

2201 Country Club Rd

The only private club in Onslow County, Jacksonville Country Club blends a clubhouse rebuilt in April 2002 with golf, a Pro-Shop, and Jacks Bar for the post-round debrief. If membership or an event is on your mind, take this as your friendly nudge to check it out.

From the Jacksonville newsletter, September 19, 2026

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Crack your midweek rut at Cracked It Escape Games, the local, family-owned spot serving private, never-play-with-strangers rooms since…

559 Freedom Way Ste a (Midway Park)

Crack your midweek rut at Cracked It Escape Games, the local, family-owned spot serving private, never-play-with-strangers rooms since 2016. Smart puzzles, fun storylines, and staff who actually cheer for you make it perfect for friends or coworkers, and it’s been voted a top fun activity eight years running.

From the Jacksonville newsletter, September 7, 2026

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MEGAPLAY

Entertainment

Megaplay is a colorful indoor children's playground and party spot packed with play equipment and new toys, and parents get to join the…

1233 Hargett St

Megaplay is a colorful indoor children's playground and party spot packed with play equipment and new toys, and parents get to join the fun. Two locations including Jacksonville means easy kid joy, shared laughs, and a sneaky mind and body workout that resets the whole crew.

From the Jacksonville newsletter, September 10, 2026

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