Although Greensboro may be the third-largest city by population in North Carolina, don’t let that fool you. Wondering what to do in Greensboro, NC? It’s is a vibrant city filled with colorful gardens, tranquil parks, well-appointed museums, and kid-friendly science centers.
In this mystical land where adorable cafés and restaurants abound, all that’s left to ponder is where to stay. Don’t fret though since Greensboro has some of the best Vrbo rentals and other charming vacation rentals! Plan and start making the journey. Read on to learn about the best things to do in Greensboro, NC!
1. The Bog Garden
There’s something about the light in here. I think it might be lit by the fairies. It comes trickling through the trees in a most delicate manner, tapping you lightly on the shoulder as if to say, “Thanks for coming. Why don’t you stay awhile?”
The Bog Garden is a seven-acre (2.83 hectare) woodland that features an elevated boardwalk. Stone pathways traverse a forested hillside as you make your way to Serenity Falls. No matter what you’ve planned during your Greensboro adventures, you simply must tuck yourself away into this plush oasis just as soon as you can.
The Bog Garden
Address: 1105 Hobbs Rd, Greensboro, NC 27410
Hours of Operation: May - Aug, from 8 am - 8 pm; Sep - Oct, form 8 am - 7 pm; Nov - Feb, from 8 am - 5 pm; Mar - Apr, from 8 am - 7 pm
Website: The Bog Garden
2. The International Civil Rights Center and Museum
The International Civil Rights Center and Museum is an archival center devoted to the public’s education of the international struggle for civil and human rights.
This museum proudly celebrates the nonviolent protests of the 1960 Greensboro sit-ins that served as a catalyst for the civil rights movement. The main attraction offers you a first-hand glimpse to where the sit-in actually took place.
International Civil Rights Center and Museum
Address: 134 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27401
Hours of Operation: Mon - Sat, from 10 am - 6 pm
3. Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden
There’s another garden oasis that simply must bespeckle your time in Greensboro. Created in 1976, the Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden was built in honor of the United States’ 200th anniversary.
While that may make it worthy enough for a visit, you’ll also be pleased to stroll along a circulating stream, into a gorgeous gazebo often used for weddings, and drink in a variety of garden sculptures.
Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden
Address: 1105 Hobbs Rd, Greensboro, NC 27410
Hours of Operation: Daily, from 8 am - 7 pm
Website: Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
Urban Birdhouse Downtown Greensboro Tiny House ADU
Greensboro, North Carolina, United States
The Green Guesthouse
Greensboro, North Carolina, United States
Quiet studio apartment
Greensboro, North Carolina, United States
4. Greensboro History Museum
As we continue to soak up fanciful gardens and delightful artifacts, it’s time to stop in the Greensboro History Museum. Beautifully maintained, collections here document the many people who impacted United States history, including Native Americans, Germans, African Americans, Quakers, and Scots-Irish.
With a sweeping 17,000 square feet (1,500 square metre) full of discovery, this is the perfect ingredient to our cake batter filled with gardens and museums.
Greensboro History Museum
Address: 130 Summit Ave, Greensboro, NC 27401
Hours of Operation: Tue - Sat, from 10 am - 5 pm; Sun, from 2 pm - 5 pm
Website: Greensboro History Museum
5. The Greensboro Arboretum
It simply cannot be helped! There’s one more magical stretch of land - filled with rolling hills and swaying trees - that you can’t ignore, and that’s the Greensboro Arboretum.
Filled with fountain fancies, cascades of colorful flowers, and trees that we never even knew existed, you’ll be oh-so-glad you dipped back into yet another garden fancy.
The Greensboro Arboretum
Address: 401 Ashland Dr, Greensboro, NC 27403
Hours of Operation: May - Aug, from 8 am - 8 pm; Sep - Oct, form 8 am - 7 pm; Nov - Feb, from 8 am - 5 pm; Mar - Apr, from 8 am - 7 pm
Website: The Greensboro Arboretum
6. Greensboro Children's Museum
Although (obviously) geared toward the little tykes, you’re definitely going to have a lot of fun here, too. With educational exhibits like trips to the market for nutritional food, pizza making, a town theater, a health center, and a 1930’s Fisher Park replica, this is going to be a blast.
Greensboro Children’s Museum might be the place to make your kids fall in love with museums for the rest of their lives. Plan to stay the whole afternoon, and then savor the day over a couple scoops of ice cream.
Greensboro Children's Museum
Address: 220 North Church Street, Greensboro NC 27401
Hours of Operation: Tue - Thu, from 9 am - 5 pm; Fri, from 9 am - 8 pm; Sat, from 9 am - 5 pm; Sun, from 1 pm - 5 pm
Website: Greensboro Children’s Museum
7. Carolina History & Haunts
Alright, it’s time to explore whether or not you’re afraid of the dark. This is a historical ghost walk - guided by an eerie glow of candlelight - through Greensboro’s downtown delights and Charlotte’s uptown offerings.
Who knows which friends from the past are still wandering the streets. You probably read his or her diary in the Greensboro History Museum! While it’s fun to listen to the tales of the fantastic, this is actually quite an exciting way to learn more about the local lore. Maybe you should bring an extra flashlight, too…
Carolina History & Haunts
Address: 214 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Website: Caroling History & Haunts
8. Bur Mil Park
Fore! Shake off the spirits of last night with a nice round of golf the next day. If that’s not your fancy, then how about a bike trail through the 250 acres (101 hectares) that encompass Bur Mil Park?
Full of short, woodsy paths, sparkling sunshine, bike trails, a par three golf course, and a driving range, there’s truly something for everyone here. It’s just the perfect place to marry a Tuesday afternoon with your Greensboro itinerary.
Bur-Mil Park
Address: 5834 Bur-Mill Club Rd, Greensboro, NC 27410
Hours of Operation: Daily, from 11 am - 8 pm
Website: Bur-Mil Park
9. Antique Market Place, Inc.
Start rubbing your hands together, antiquers. One of the most unique things to do in Greensboro is visiting this Antique Market Place. A pair of spectacles from the late 1800s? A nice Tiffany-inspired lamp for your redecorated library?
Whatever you’re looking for, you’re sure to dig out some version of it in this - wait for it - 45,000 square foot (4,180 square meter) mall! With countless vendors to stumble upon, you’ll know they mean it when they say travelers are welcome. Well-behaved pets are welcome, too!
Antique Market Place, Inc.
Address: 6428 Burnt Poplar Rd, Greensboro, NC 27409
Hours of Operation: Mon - Wed, from 10 am - 6 pm; Thu - Sat, from 10 am - 8 pm; Sun, from 1 pm - 6 pm
Website: Antique Market Place, Inc.
10. Greensboro Science Center
You’ve got to see this to believe it. Another top Greensboro attraction is the pristine Greensboro Science Center houses everyone from maned wolves, to fishing cats, to moon jellies, to golden lion tamarins, and on, and on. The list is exhaustive!
With an aquarium, a museum, a zoo, and lovely little dining options, you better dress the kiddos in some bright neon colors because it’s going to be hard to keep a handle on them. There’s just so much to explore.
This activity definitely requires the entire day. Enjoy a little pancake action downtown and then head on over. With enough fun for everyone, you’ll be glad you stayed.
Greensboro Science Center
Address: 4301 Lawndale Dr, Greensboro, NC 27455
Hours of Operation: Daily, from 9 am - 5 pm
Website: Greensboro Science Center
11. Ambleside Gallery
Home to paintings, sculptures, and art installations that are well-acclaimed and valued, Ambleside Gallery has been a curator of exceptional art for nearly four decades. This fine art museum in Greensboro was first established in 1982 in Manchester, England. With a constant influx of various collections and exhibits that are consistently updated, this timeless establishment attracts both locals and tourists alike. Deeply respected by the art community, artists, collectors, and patrons are continuously drawn to Ambleside Gallery. Even renowned artists find it an honor to have their masterpieces displayed here. So when in the area, make sure to visit this celebrated museum.
Ambleside Gallery
Address: 528 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27406, United States
Website: Ambleside Gallery
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 12pm - 6pm (closed on Sun - Mon)
12. Pig Pounder Brewery
A unique micro-brewery located in the heart of Greensboro, Pig Pounder Brewery is the place to be for those who love the craft or are just looking to learn more about it. With artisanal beers that are made with the finest ingredients, Pig Pounder Brewery not only boasts top-notch, high-quality beer but also exceptional service and events - since the place is also available to be rented out privately for personal social events. They are also partnered with one of the best restaurants in the area, where their well-curated selection of flavored beers is served. So make sure to stop by this one-of-a-kind brewery when in North Carolina.
Pig Pounder Brewery
Address: 1107 Grecade St, Greensboro, NC 27408, United States
Website: Pig Pounder Brewery
Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 4pm - 9pm; Thu - Fri: 4pm - 10pm; Sat: 12pm - 11pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm (closed on Mon)
13. Crafted
Crafted is a great place to stop for tacos or burgers in Greensboro, North Carolina. Located at 220 South Elm Street, this restaurant serves up delicious tacos in large portions. Incredible melted cheese, succulent meat, and out-of-this-world fries are mainstays. Their burgers and steak meat are juicy and grilled to perfection, and they don’t skimp on the condiments, drawing visitors from far and wide to try any of their amazing menu items. The staff is courteous and they always prepare your food with care.
Crafted
Address: D220 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27401, United States
Website: Crafted
Opening hours: Tue - Thu & Sun: 11:30am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 10pm (closed Mon)
14. Wet'n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park
Beat the North Carolinian heat and cool down with your friends, family, or loved ones and splash around Wet'n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park. Have a whale of a time swimming and enjoying the fun and thrilling slides and water rides. Kids and kids at heart will surely enjoy their many rides and other park attractions. The place also offers great food and dining options for the family if you do wish to hold events in the area. They also have a shop for souvenirs to mark your memorable trip and other water-park needs in case you forget to bring something. Make sure to drop by Wet'n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park when in Greensboro - just make sure you bring your sunscreen at water gear.
Wet'n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park
Address: 3910 S Holden Rd, Greensboro, NC 27406, United States
Website: Wet'n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park
15. Greensboro Scavenger Hunt: Greensboro's Greatest! (from USD 12.0)
There are so many fun places to go in Greensboro. Up for a bit of adventure? Or fancy yourself a first-rate sleuth? Then you won’t want to pass up this opportunity to engage in an exhilarating scavenger hunt in Greensboro, North Carolina. This two-hour experience is fun for the whole gang and is handled conveniently via Let’s Roam’s mobile app. All of the hints will lead you to Greensboro’s most famous landmarks and popular local attractions, and will even teach you something about the area. If you prefer to take your time exploring, you don’t have to rush. What are you waiting for?
Greensboro Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt
Duration 2 hours
For happy feet only
It kind of calls out your name, doesn’t it? You’ve got gardens, farm-to-table restaurants, museums, arboretums, science centers, parks, and one of the largest antique shopping malls we’ll ever step our happy little feet into!
A city that basks in its history and opens its doors wide open, this family vacation will certainly be one for the books. Enjoy your time in Greensboro and safe travels!