Top 16 Things To Do In Gastonia, North Carolina

1. Enjoy a family day at Adventure Landing

Adventure Landing is one of the most well-known Gastonia attractions, so you should visit this place with your family. There’s plenty for everyone to love here! Stop in and check out the three 18-hole mini-golf courses, each one with a fun theme.

There is also fun to be had in the arcade or test your batting skills in the batting cages. You’re sure to work up an appetite while at Adventure Landing, so be sure to check out the on-site restaurant, featuring kid and adult-friendly menu options.

Adventure Landing

Address: 2600 E Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28056

Website: Adventure Landing

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 12am; Sun: 10am - 11pm

2. Plan a picnic at Rankin Lake Park

Nothing beats a day at the lake with your family, so while in Gastonia, you should definitely check out the Rankin Lake Park. Enjoy a picnic at one of numerous tables before taking a relaxing swim or trying your hand at a bit of fishing. The park also features an 18-hole golf course, a couple of horseshoe courts as well as an extensive system of hiking trails. If you’re interested in canoeing, kayaking or paddle boating, be sure to visit the park office where these boats can be rented for the day.

Rankin Lake Park

Address: 1750 Rankin Lake Rd, Gastonia, NC 28052

Website: Rankin Lake Park

3. Do a bit of hiking and rock climbing at Crowders Mountain

With a total elevation of 1,625 feet (495 meters), Crowders Mountain is one of the best places to go in Gastonia. After all, this mountain is the perfect destination for a bit of hiking or rock climbing. The peak is located in the similarly named Crowders Mountain State Park and offers fantastic views from the summit. For other hiking opportunities, be sure to also check out The Pinnacle, also located in the park.

Crowders Mountain

Address: 522 Park Office Ln, Kings Mountain, NC 28086

Website: Crowders Mountain

Opening hours: 7am - 6pm (daily)

4. Enjoy a high-speed race at Carolina Speedway

If your travels bring you to Gastonia between March and October, you’ll want to spend your Friday night at the races! Carolina Speedway is one of the oldest dirt racetracks in the South and features a total of six dirt track divisions that will keep your adrenaline pumping all night. Come check out the Late Models, as Carolina Speedway is one of the few racetracks in the country that still race this type of car. Other races include open wheel modifieds and four cylinders.

Carolina Speedway

Address: 6355 Union Rd, Gastonia, NC 28056

Website: Carolina Speedway

Opening hours: Sat: 5pm - 12am (March - October)

Price: 12 USD

5. Hit the greens at Catawba Creek Golf Course

Step up to the tee and try to stay under par at Gastonia’s Catawba Creek Golf Course. The full 18-hole course is a 70 par and features a driving range and a practice putting green. Golf carts are available for rental for guests.

Catawba Creek Golf Course

Address: 530 Niblick Dr, Gastonia, NC 28054

Website: Catawba Creek Golf Course

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 8pm; Fri: 9am - 10pm; Sat: 9am - 8pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm

Price: 18-37 USD

6. Try a local brew at the Cavendish Brewery

Cavendish Brewery is Gastonia’s only brewery and makes for a great place to spend an evening while in town. The brewery specializes in uniquely crafted old-world beers made with modern techniques, making this a special place to visit. For visitors that aren’t partial to beers, Cavendish carries a highly rated selection of both red and white wines.

Cavendish Brewery

Address: 207 N Chester St, Gastonia, NC 28052

Website: Cavendish Brewery

Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 2pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 12am; Sun: 12pm - 9pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

7. Start your morning right with a healthy breakfast at Sprouts Cafe

Sprouts Cafe is perfect for all visitors, from diners who love their traditional meat and potato meals to patrons that prefer vegetarian or vegan fare. The cafe serves both breakfast and lunch, making it a great place to fill yourself before heading out into Gastonia for the day. Enjoy the Breakfast Plate with two eggs, a meat of your choice (vegetarian options are available as well) and toast or indulge in the vegan pancakes, complete with vegan butter and organic maple syrup.

Sprouts Cafe

Address: 1012 S New Hope Rd, Gastonia, NC 28054

Website: Sprouts Cafe

Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 10am - 4pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 10am - 3pm (closed on Mon)

8. Check out the local acting talent at the Little Theater of Gastonia

Lovers of theater, this one is for you. The Little Theater of Gastonia is a non-profit theater and has been entertaining Gastonia since 1950. The theater puts on a wide variety of acts, including musicals. Performances run for short stints only, so be sure to check out the theater’s website for information during the time of your visit to Gastonia.

Little Theater of Gastonia

Address: 238 S Clay St, Gastonia, NC 28052

Website: Little Theater of Gastonia

Price: 12 USD

9. Enjoy bowling at George Pappas Liberty Lanes

Bowling is a great way to spend time with your loved ones. It just so happens that Gastonia has a great bowling alley in which to do just that. Check out George Pappas Liberty Lanes, where you can determine just who the best bowler in your party is. Discounts can be received on large groups (be sure to contact the lanes) and a snack bar is available for guests when you start to get a bit peckish. They even serve breakfast items!

George Pappas Liberty Lanes

Address: 2501 S York Rd, Gastonia, NC 28052

Website: George Pappas Liberty Lanes

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 12am; Sun: 1pm - 10pm

Price: 2.99 USD

10. Tackle the George Poston Park terrain on a mountain bike

Riding a mountain bike along Geogr Poston Park is one of the most thrilling activities in Gastonia, North Carolina.

It doesn’t matter if you ride mountain bikes frequently or are more of a beginner — the biking trails within George Poston Park have a little bit of something for everyone. Novice bikers will want to ride through the green meadows that require less riding skill while seasoned riders are sure to love the ascent of Spencer Mountain and all the challenging tree roots and rock gardens that come with it. No matter which route you take, be sure to enjoy North Carolina’s beautiful landscape.

George Poston Park

Address: 1101 Lowell Spencer Mountain Road, Gastonia, NC 28056

Website: George Poston Park

11. Go on a treasure hunt at the Sleepy Poet Antique Mall of Gastonia

Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed

If you are a lover of all things antique, the Sleepy Poet Antique Mall is an absolute must-visit attraction while in Gastonia. You never know what you might find while shopping there. Items on sale include retro furniture to all kinds of odds and ends. For the best available deals, be sure to stay on the lookout for discount booths throughout the store!

Sleepy Poet Antique Mall of Gastonia

Address: 111 W Main Ave, Gastonia, NC 28052

Website: Sleepy Poet Antique Mall of Gastonia

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 6pm; Sat: 10am - 7pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm

12. Visit animals at the R.J. Renour Farms

For an up-close and personal animal encounter, visit the Gastonia’s R.J. Rednour Farms. Your kids are sure to love the horseback rides or the hayride around the property. Afterward, check out the petting zoo. Grab some animal food and have your little ones squeal in delight while feeding the animals.

R.J. Rednour Farms

Address: 125 Horton Rd, Gastonia, North Carolina 28052

Website: R.J. Rednour Farms

13. Learn something new at the Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium

With exhibits of all kinds, everyone is sure to enjoy something at the Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium. Some of the permanent exhibits include the Stone Age Heritage Site, the Dino Safari: A Prehistoric Adventure and the Hall of North Carolina Natural History. New and exciting temporary exhibits are featured throughout the year. For more information on what will be available during your visit, be sure to check out the museum’s website. Schiele is also home to the state’s second-largest planetarium, which you’ll want to check out during your visit.

Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium

Address: 1500 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054

Website: Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm

Price: 7 USD

14. Find the best deals at Ollie's Bargain Outlet

Bargain hunters rejoice! Gastonia has Ollie’s Bargain Outlet that you simply must check out. Ollie’s features discount pricing on all kinds of items, from sporting goods to food to housewares. Most items that you find will belong to a named brand. Ollie’s purchases goods when stores buy too much and want to sell off their excess stock or the company changes its packaging.

Ollie's Bargain Outlet

Address: 1495 E Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054

Website: Ollie’s Bargain Outlet

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 9pm; Sun: 10am - 7pm

15. Awaken your artsy side by visiting the Butler Studio

Butler Studio was created by Curt Butler, a local artist who has been producing art for both the public and the private sector since 2009. The studio has both indoor and outdoor exhibits featuring some of Butler’s best work. If you are planning an extended stay in Gastonia, you might want to check out the art classes available at the studio.

Butler Studio

Address: 171 W Main Ave, Gastonia, North Carolina 28052

Website: Butler Studio

Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 8am - 5pm (closed Thu - Sun)

16. Visit the Rotary Pavilion

The Rotary Pavilion is located in the downtown area of Gastonia and is known to host fun nighttime events. During the summer months, you’ll find concerts and other events scheduled in the evenings. Usually, a lovely crowd turns up to enjoy them. Be sure to check it out while you’re in town!

Rotary Pavilion

Address: 107 N South St, Gastonia, NC 28052

Website: Rotary Pavilion

Getaway to fabulous Gastonia

Whether you’re traveling as a family or enjoying a holiday with your significant other, there are plenty of things to see and do in Gastonia. Use these listings for planning your itinerary when you visit Gastonia, North Carolina.