I’ve Lived in the South for 20+ Years and This Is Its Most Underrated City—With Small-town Charm and Easy Beach Access

I’ve Lived in the South for 20+ Years and This Is Its Most Underrated City—With Small-town Charm and Easy Beach Access

There’s plenty to like about J-Ville.A view of waterfront houses in Jacksonville, North Carolina.Credit: Visit NCKey PointsJacksonville’s access to quiet beaches and coastal estuaries provides travelers with a laid-back alternative to North Carolina’s busier resort towns.A unique mix of local storytelling, outdoor recreation, and community spirit—along with a deep connection to the U.S. Marine Corps—defines this welcoming coastal city.A global c…