If you are looking for a great place to relax and take a break from your busy life, then North Carolina would be the perfect place for you to go. The state is known for its unique combination of bustling, modern, urban areas, to very relaxing rural landscapes composed of mountains, beaches, lakes, and islands. North Carolina is also home to the majestic Grandfather Mountain, some of the United States’ greatest and well-preserved museums, and historic Civil War sites. Interested in traveling to the Tar Heel State? Here are just some of the best places to visit in North Carolina, USA.
1. Charlotte (from USD 39.0)
Known to be the Queen City in honor of Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, a Queen of England who was enthroned just years before the city was established, the city of Charlotte offers a unique mix of history and fun as you get to visit it. It is home to the world-famous NASCAR Hall of Fame, which exhibits the best of auto racing through films, photographs, and exhibits. Witness some of the world’s best talents as you watch it from the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center and the Visulite Theater. Go outdoors by walking through the trails of Little Sugar Creek Greenway, Freedom Park, and Lake Norman.
Charlotte Historical City Small-Group Cart Tour
Duration: 85 to 90 minutes
2. Hickory
Hickory in North Carolina is known to be the “Furniture Manufacturing Capital of the World.” In fact, almost all of the world’s finest home furnishings are made in Hickory. It is also home to North Carolina’s second-oldest brewery, the Olde Hickory Brewery, and North Carolina’s first Bourbon, the 1712 Spirits. Kids will surely be amazed as they visit the Science Center and Planetarium, watching a baseball game, or walk through their picturesque hiking and mountain biking trails. Plus, the people in Hickory are known for their unique southern hospitality to every visitor of their humble city.
Website: Hickory
3. Bald Head Island
Formerly known as Smith Island, Bald Head Island is a quaint town that can be found on Cape Fear River’s east side in Brunswick County, North Carolina. You will surely not run out of things to do while you are on the amazing island. Old Baldy, North Carolina’s oldest standing lighthouse, can be found on the island. Spend the day with your family and friends as you swim and get your tan on their endless stretches of beaches. You can also immerse yourself through the beauty of nature in their palm-laden forests. There’s also a golf course on the island if you are in the mood to swing some golf clubs.
Website: Bald Head Island
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4. New Bern
The quaint, riverfront town of New Bern might just be a small town compared to the other places in North Carolina. But it has a very rich culture and history and it is even home to one of the world’s greatest beverages. New Bern is the second oldest town of North Carolina and it was even the capital of North Carolina during the colonial times. Believe it or not, but Pepsi Cola was also first concocted in this very town. You will surely be amazed at this history-filled town as you explore its every corner.
Website: New Bern
5. Kitty Hawk
The town of Kitty Hawk in North Carolina has played a very important role in the world of aviation. The southern part of this town is where the Wright brothers tested their first airplanes. Aside from its very historic past, Kitty Hawk’s bay features a very serene and picturesque view that will surely make you fall in love. There’s also a protected sanctuary for waterbirds and other wildlife, a water sports area for adrenaline-rushed adventurers, and a great place for people to swim and have a tan.
Website: Kitty Hawk
6. Davidson
Davidson is a university town that is found just 20 miles (32.19 kilometers) north of Charlotte. The town got its name when the prestigious Davidson College was also established at the same time as the town in 1837. Being a university town, there is this youthly vibe all over the town, especially as the university is closely knit to the town center itself. The Main Street is always crowded with students and scholars looking for nice reads at one of Main Street Books’ aisles. You must also try the amazing food of Kindred Restaurant.
Website: Davidson
7. The American Tobacco Historic District
The American Tobacco Historic District in Durhan, North Carolina, boasts a very rich history that has been in existence since the 1800s. It is when Washington Duke established his very own successful company that is known today as the American Tobacco Company. Today, the place where the old American Tobacco Company can be found is now a very large area where a lot of restaurants, homes, commercial buildings, several businesses, and art exhibits can be found.
The American Tobacco Historic District
Address: The American Tobacco Historic District, North Carolina, USA
8. Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill is another university town in North Carolina, where the University of North Carolina can be found. The friendly and quaint town surely has something to offer for tourists of all ages. The majority of these attractions can be found within the university campus, such as the Ackland Art Museum and Carolina Basketball Museum. Franklin Street is also a historic and fun place where it is lined up with coffee shops, restaurants, and boutiques. Your kids will also have fun as they explore the Morehead Planetarium & Science Center and the Kidz Children’s Museum.
Website: Chapel Hill
9. Winston-Salem (from USD 26.0)
Winston-Salem in North Carolina has this small, quiet town vibe that is enclosed in a large city. The town was once popular for its booming tobacco and textile industry. But today, the city is now known to be the center of art, culture and culinary scene in North Carolina. There’s certainly a lot of things for you to do while in Winston-Salem, like shopping, viewing street art, visiting history museums, and having some talks with the locals. The city is also home to Salem College, the oldest women’s college in the whole of the United States.
Carolina History & Haunts Winston-Salem Historical Ghost Tour
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
10. Southport
Southport is a charming coastal town in North Carolina that has everything you need to have a very enjoyable vacation. Enjoy breathing the fresh air from the waterfront breeze as you shop, dine, learn, and just enjoy the wonders of the town. There are also a lot of inland creeks for you to discover, shop on the best antiques at a shop located along the coastline, and swim at its amazing beaches as you get to visit Southport. Get to know the deep history of this amazing coastal town as you get a glimpse of Fort Johnston Museum and Vistors Center, and the Old Brunswick County Jail.
Southport Cemetery Paranormal Activity Tour QUEENSLAND
Duration: 2 hours
11. Boone
Nestled right at the top of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, the chilly town of Boone is indeed a haven for everyone who loves winter sports. But during the other seasons, the town transforms into a picturesque place that offers all kinds of fun activities for everyone to have fun and enjoy. From fly fishing and rafting to rock climbing and hiking, you will surely have something to do while in Boone. Get rid of your fear of heights by walking through the Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain, or by trying to ride one of the country’s longest zip lines at Hawksnest. You can also explore the innermost parts of the Linville Caverns or ski all you want at Beech Mountain Resort.
12. Bakersville
You will surely fall in love with the charming town of Bakersville in Mitchell County in North Carolina. Despite just having a population of 465 people, the town is teeming with amazing things to do and places of interest. It is located just near Spruce Pine, Roan Mountain and the famous Penland School of Craft. When you are in Bakersville, make sure to stop by Mica Gallery. Named after the town’s prized mineral, this co-op gallery features ceramics, pottery, glass, metal, fiber, paintings and other artworks made by 16 local artists. You should also visit the nearby Bakersville Emporium which sells handmade crafts, locally-made preserves, grits, honey, and so much more.
13. Elizabeth City
Colloquially known as the “Harbor of Hospitality,” Elizabeth City in North Carolina is a bustling waterfront town in northeastern North Carolina. The city itself is laden with waterways which include the Pasquotank river and its offshoots. Because of its unique balance of land and water, the culture and activities available in the city are also based on it. Elizabeth City is also full of antique and historic buildings that give you a very vintage feel. The city is also rich in history and it has a very diverse culture and heritage that is very interesting to learn from one of its museums and attractions.
Website: Elizabeth City
14. High Point
High Point is a very industrialized town in North Carolina that is known to be the “Furniture Capital of the World.” Some of their top industries include furniture, textiles and bus manufacturing. Part of the popular Piedmont Triad, the town is located right at the foot of the mountains and is surrounded by breathtaking natural sceneries and landscapes. High Point also has a very rich past and it is laden with interesting places for you to visit like parks, vineyards, museums, outdoor activities, galleries and of course, furniture shops. It is also where you will find the largest chest of drawers in the whole world.
Website: High Point
15. Asheville (from USD 70.5)
Ashville is a small city that can be found in the Smoky Mountains. Because of the breathtaking view of the mountains, the city is now becoming a top tourist destination. The artisan community, food scenes, and great outdoor activities are also thriving in this city. Architectural wonders and historic buildings will also greet you as you explore the city. The best time to visit Asheville is during summer and fall, where tourists flock to the city to experience their one-of-a-kind outdoor festivals and witness the leaves falling, marking the start of the change of season.
Asheville: 3-Hour City Electric Bike Tour with Views
Duration: 3 hour
16. Outer Banks (from USD 103.0)
Outer Banks in North Carolina is primarily famous for its 200-mile (321.87-kilometer) long stretch of barrier islands along the Atlantic Coast, making it one of the best beach destinations in the whole United States. These barrier islands are then connected by a series of bridges and towns that are also popular vacation places, adding up to the overall beauty of the town. A lot of tourists to the Outer Banks usually visit Duck, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Rodanthe and Hatteras. You will surely have fun as you lie and sunbathe in the sun and swim in its nice waters, or have a picture taken at one of their amazing lighthouses.
Outer Banks Private Surf Lesson
Duration: 2 hours
17. Raleigh (from USD 149.0)
Raleigh is the capital of the state of North Carolina. Known for its lively and bustling music scene, you surely can’t stop yourself from tapping your toes and grooving to the music of emerging singers and bands in the city. You will also have fun in their vibrant bluegrass festivals and many more. Spend the night trying the diverse flavors of their artisan craft beers and cocktails. There’s also a lot of art exhibitions that you can visit if you want to see pleasing and amazing art. You will surely not run out of things for you to do while in Raleigh.
Raleigh Airplane Adventure
18. Wilmington (from USD 51.0)
Spend your weekend by exploring the town of Wilmington in North Carolina. It is considered as one of the most beautiful coastal destinations in the whole state. Walk along the edge of the Riverwalk, take a look at their museums, be amazed by the natural beauty of their gardens, and know more about the town’s history in one of their historic attractions such as the USS North Carolina. Your kids will also love to check out the Wilmington Railroad Museum, Children’s Museum of Wilmington, and the Cape Fear Serpentarium.
Wilmington's NC Coastal Craft Brewery Tour
Explore the best places in North Carolina
North Carolina indeed is blessed with a myriad of towns and cities that are beautiful and amazing enough for you and your family or friends to spend your vacation. Make sure to consider these places in North Carolina for your next vacation. Enjoy and have fun!
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