Between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean lies Winston-Salem, North Carolina, a modern city founded in 1766. Today, this city of 240,000 people has eight institutions of higher learning, 80 parks, numerous art galleries and museums, 40 wineries, 450 restaurants, coffee shops, 12 golf courses, and Salem College, the oldest women’s college in the country. Scroll down to find out more about the best things to do in the area!
1. SciWorks
Posted by SciWorks on Tuesday, 25 July 2017
The SciWorks nature and science facility, also known as Kaleideum North, exists to support literacy, science, and life-long learning. Located just 10 mi (16 km) away from downtown Winston-Salem, SciWorks is one of the top attractions for families and has a wide selection of exhibits that teach visitors about such things as biology, physics, health, and the environment. The facility also has its own planetarium, where visitors can learn about stars, planets, and space. Nearby gardens and walking trails offer plenty of room for exploring and picnicking. Admission is $9 for kids and seniors and $11 for adults. Entrance to the planetarium is generally free.
SciWorks
Address: 400 W Hanes Mill Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27105, USA
Website: SciWorks
2. Black Mountain Chocolate Factory
Posted by Black Mountain Chocolate on Saturday, 24 January 2015
If you’ve ever wanted to visit a real-life chocolate factory, then North Carolina’s Black Mountain Chocolate Factory on Trade St NW is the place. Conveniently located in downtown Winston-Salem, the factory is open to the public and allows guests to take either a guided or self-guided tour of the facility and its chocolate making. Guests can also buy a range of the factory’s products onsite, making this the perfect stop for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Black Mountain Chocolate Factory
Address: 732 Trade St NW, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
Website: Black Mountain Chocolate Factory
3. Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art
Also known as SECCA, the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art is the best place to visit for some insight into Winston-Salem’s emerging art scene. The center showcases the work of various local artists with rotating exhibits throughout the year, as well as exhibits by national and international artists. In addition to the artwork, SECCA also hosts film nights as part of the Film @ SECCA program, and the center also periodically teams up with The Metropolitan Opera to deliver musical evenings throughout the year.
Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art
Address: 50 Marguerite Dr, Winston-Salem, NC 27106, USA
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4. Old Salem Museums and Gardens
Posted by Old Salem Museums & Gardens on Tuesday, 25 July 2017
Very much a community-run project, the Old Salem Museums and Gardens were first restored by local volunteers way back in the 1950s. This tradition has endured over the years and today a variety of historic buildings and gardens have been preserved as a result. The Old Salem Museums and Gardens are found within the Historic District, allowing visitors to explore the area while learning about the cultural significance of Winston-Salem. Enjoy a guided tour with a friendly docent or choose to stroll around at your leisure and take in the sights with a self-guided walking tour.
Old Salem Museums and Gardens
Address: 600 S Main St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
Website: Old Salem Museums and Gardens
5. Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem
Join The Children's Museum of Winston-Salem for Truck & Treat Sunday, October 30 from 1 to 5 p.m. and explore more than...
Posted by Brenner Children's Hospital on Thursday, 20 October 2016
Parents of younger visitors might want to consider a trip to the Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem, where you will find a range of engaging exhibits aimed at young minds. The displays here are dedicated to developing key skills such as literacy, coordination, and social awareness. Visitors can expect numerous fun-filled galleries, as well as play areas where children can burn off some energy.
Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem
Address: 390 S Liberty St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
Website: Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem
6. Historic Bethabara Park

Go back to a different time and see how Winston-Salem would have been in the days of old. Bethabara Park was once a religious village that was used by the Moravian community, who came to the region over 250 years ago. Much of that historic beauty and original buildings are still preserved today. Located on Bethabara Road just around 10 minutes from downtown Winston-Salem, the park is known for its gorgeous indigenous species of birds and bird watching is a popular pastime here. As well as admiring the local avian life, there are flower gardens and hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. If you want to learn more about the rich history of the park or the early Moravian settlers, there is a visitor’s center and some restored buildings that are open to the public.
Historic Bethabara Park
Address: 2147 Bethabara Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27106, USA
Website: Historic Bethabara Park
7. Triad ECO Adventures
We discovered a terrific new location to hold our SUP "speed-paddle" training sessions (in Gatesville, NC)...... 🏄 #myPaddleFit #VisitNC #NCstateParks #LakeLife www.TriadECOadventures.com
Posted by Triad ECO Adventures on Saturday, 22 July 2017
If you want to get out and explore Winston-Salem in style, there’s no better way to do so than with a fun and exhilarating Segway tour of the city. The tours provided by Triad ECO Adventures take two hours, or, if a Segway isn’t for you, other exciting options are available, such as stand-up paddleboarding.
Triad ECO Adventures
Address: 176 Ywca Way, Winston-Salem, NC 27127, USA
Website: Triad ECO Adventures
8. Peppercorn Theatre
Look who made it into town! The Steppup Family is back, and sillier than ever. Get ready for their concert this Saturday...
Posted by Peppercorn Theatre at Kaleideum on Tuesday, 21 March 2017
Part of the Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem, The Peppercorn Theatre aims to showcase the best of the local theatrical talent with a series of performances throughout the year. The theater is dedicated to helping youngsters unleash their creative potential, and guests can support the arts in Winston-Salem by visiting one of the family-friendly shows that have been running since the theater opened in 2010.
Peppercorn Theatre
Address: 610 Coliseum Dr NW, Winston-Salem, NC 27106, USA
Website: Peppercorn Theater
9. Foothills Brewing
Tonight the food truck rolls into Foothills Brewing. Serving tasty eats from 5:30 to 8:30. Cold beer and Tacos what more could you ask for.
Posted by Goodtimes Bar-b-cue on Saturday, 8 July 2017
First opened in 2015, Foothills Brewing has made a name for itself thanks to its delicious craft beers. The beer that is produced here is famous throughout North Carolina and if you’re interested in how beer is brewed, you can certainly find out here. Brewery tours are available and guests can also visit the tasting room to sample some of the latest offerings.
Foothills Brewing
Address: 638 W 4th St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
Website: Foothills Brewing
10. BB&T Field
Comment below before 6:30 and tell us what your favorite Guns N' Roses song is for a chance to WIN two tickets to see them LIVE at BB&T Field in Winston-Salem on August 11th!
Posted by MIX Doug Miller on Friday, 14 July 2017
Built in 1958, BB&T Field at Wake Forest University can accommodate more than 30,000 people. BB& T Field is the site of numerous games between Wake Forest’s Deacon Demons football team and its visiting competitors. Over the years, BB&T field at Wake Forest University has received several upgrades, including a seven-story press box called Deacon Tower and a 90-foot-wide (27 meter) video screen that sits at the south end of the field. Additional renovations take place on a routine basis to increase the stadium’s capacity and upgrade its facilities.
BB&T Field
Address: 99 Deacon Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27105, USA
Website: BB&T Field
Fun is always in season here
The city of Winston-Salem is the product of neighboring towns Winston and Salem merging. Today, Winston-Salem has grown into a city that is known for its diversity, community, and rich history. With a strong and unwavering commitment to the arts, as well as opportunities for specialized and advanced education, Winston-Salem truly is the City of Arts and Innovation.
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
1. What are the top attractions to visit in Winston Salem?
If you only have limited time for sightseeing, then you should only visit its top attractions, such as the Old Salem Museums and Gardens, Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem, and Bethabara Park.
2. What are the best outdoor activities in Winston Salem?
Some of the best outdoor activities here in Winston Salem are hiking or bird watching at the Bethabara Park, paddleboarding at Triad ECO Adventures, and watching a game of football at BB&T Field.
3. What are the best day trips from Winston Salem?
Winston-Salem is a good jump-off point if you want to explore other cities. Some of the best day trips you can take from Winston-Salem are Chimney Rock State Park, Yadkin Valley, Carowinds, Greenville, and Elk Country.
4. What are the most popular things to do in Winston Salem with kids?
If you’re traveling with your kids during your holiday in Winston-Salem, then you better bring them to SciWorks, where they can learn about biology, planets, physics, and the like. You can also have a picnic here with the whole family.
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