30 Best Things To Do In North Carolina, USA - Updated 2024

Ruth Alexis
Ruth Alexis 
Updated
| 13 min read

North Carolina is a state located in the eastern region of the United States of America. It is known for its majestic and rugged natural sites such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you can hike, fish, and camp out, Cades Cove for bird-watching and Mount Le Come for a cosy weekend getaway in a wooden cabin. At the same time, you can enjoy immersing yourself in North Carolina’s rich history in sites such as Southern History and Art Museum. Then, there’s the exciting food scene just waiting for you to sample. Whether you are interested in nature or culture, there’s always something to check out in this great state. Keep reading to learn more about the best things to do in North Carolina, USA for your next trip.

1. Have a look inside Battleship North Carolina


Battleship North Carolina is moored across the river from downtown Wilmington, teeming with history and culture for you to explore. On board the ship, you can immerse yourself in the daily life of the battleship’s crew during World War II. Follow them through their nautical journey as they faced the hardships and have a glimpse into their uplifting moments on board. Guests are welcome to view all the parts of the ship and browse through the archives kept on the ship as well.

Battleship North Carolina

Address: 1 Battleship Rd NE, Wilmington, NC 28401, USA

Website: Battleship North Carolina

Opening hours: 8am – 5pm (daily)

Price: 14 USD

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2. Check out a vast collection of fossils at North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh

Posted by North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences on Thursday, 19 January 2017

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is the largest institution focused on the natural sciences in the South Eastern region of the United States. Some key highlights of the museum include the Beyond Curie exhibit, a permanent fixture at the the museum which focuses on the life of Marie Curie and is also a celebration of women in the sciences. There are many other temporary exhibitions that change with the seasons, ensuring that you will get to see something new and fresh every time you visit!

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

Address: 11 W Jones St, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA

Website: North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am – 5pm; Sun: 12pm – 5pm

Price: Free

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3. Take a spooky stroll through the streets of downtown Asheville (from USD 26.0)

Take a hair-raising stroll through the spooky streets of downtown Asheville on this thrilling tour that is perfect for Halloween. It is led by an expert local guide, who will share all the insider stories about the mysterious, hair-raising events that happen in the area. You will even get to use some of the special ghost-hunting equipment provided by the guide for an extra spook-tacular night out in North Carolina! If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind tour that you won’t forget, be sure to check out this ghost walking tour around Asheville, with a visit to Asheville Masonic Temple’s basement which houses the equally spooky Asheville Mystery Museum.

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Asheville Ghost Walking Tour with Mystery Museum Admission

Duration: 2 hours

1704 reviews

4. Tour Asheville's craft breweries on an electric bike (from USD 79.0)

If you are a beer lover, you might want to go on this interesting brewery crawl on an electric bike on your next trip to Asheville in North Carolina. You will get to drop by five of Asheville’s most popular microbreweries, enjoying great drinks and food at each location. Best thing is, you will get to enjoy some great scenery and an easy ride through the town on an e-bike, making the tour convenient and fun.

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Electric Bike Brewery Crawl of Asheville

Duration: 4 hours

170 reviews

5. Paddle-board through the famous Biltmore Estate

Do you want the chance to paddle a whopping 7 miles (11 kilometres) through the picturesque French Broad River? You will be able to admire Asheville’s massive Biltmore Estate and hear more about its rich history from an experienced local tour guide. Remember to keep a close eye out for native species of wildlife such as turtles, herons, osprey, and otters. This half-say stand-up paddle board tour through Biltmore Estate includes in its package all necessary equipment plus a round-trip shuttle bus ride from Asheville so you will be able to enjoy the fresh air and amazing views during the trip without a worry in the world.

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Biltmore Estate Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

22 reviews

6. Discover more than 5,000 creatures at SEA LIFE Charlotte–Concord Aquarium (from USD 25.0)

This admission ticket to the SEA LIFE Aquarium in Charlotte Concord, North Carolina is the perfect item to purchase Viator if you are looking to spend the day with more than 5,000 aquarium animals, listening to informative talks about them, and bonding with friends and family at the same time. Many species of jellyfish, stingrays, seahorses and sea turtles are present in the majestic SEA LIFE Aquarium, and you can observe feedings at select times throughout the day to complete your experience.

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Sea Life Charlotte-Concord Aquarium Admission

Duration: 2 hours

97 reviews

7. Cover more than 300 years of Winston-Salem historical highlights (from USD 26.0)

On this Winston-Salem historical ghost tour, you will get to follow your experienced local guide through the West End Historic District of Winston-Salem as you learn about the dark details of the history of the Revolutionary War as well as some hair-raising ghost stories that make the area one of the most popular destinations in North Carolina. While listening to spooky stories of the area, you will also get to learn more about the 300 years of Winston-Salem history in a fun and interesting manner. Do not worry if you have kids keen on going on the tour - the Winston-Salem Historical Ghost Tour is a tad eerie at times but generally not too frightening for young children.

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Carolina History & Haunts Winston-Salem Historical Ghost Tour

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

76 reviews

8. Check out the interesting exhibits at Museum of the Cherokee (from USD 12.0)

With this Museum of the Cherokee admission ticket, visit one of the rare museums dedicated to the Cherokee tribe in North Carolina and learn more about Cherokee culture and history through a wide range of interactive exhibits. This activity has been touted by many travel reviews as a great family-friendly activity which is also perfect for families traveling with kids.

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Skip the Line: Museum of the Cherokee Indian Admission Ticket

Duration: 1 day

84 reviews

9. Visit Linville Caverns in Marion

Awesome experience! The caverns are so neat and our tour guide was knowledgeable and fun :) thanks for taking extra precautions for the bats?

Posted by Bree Turbeville on Saturday, 7 September 2019

Enter the mysterious and fascinating Linville Caverns in Marion for an affordable price of 9 USD. These caves are active limestone caverns in northern McDowell County, North Carolina. They are privately owned but open to the public for guided tours. You will get to see the beautiful limestone caves for yourself and even catch a bat or two flitting around the cave if you are lucky!

Linville Caverns

Address: 19929 US-221, Marion, NC 28752, USA

Website: Linville Caverns

Opening hours: 9am – 5pm (daily)

Price: 9 USD

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10. Have lots of fun at Bowlero Matthews Bowling Centre

Posted by Sharla Hudson on Sunday, 17 April 2016

Bowlero Matthews Bowling Centre is a great place for you to bond with your friends and family while having a fun time bowling. If you enjoy the sport, or simply want to be like the locals and hang out at a popular weekend haunt for those living around Matthews, North Carolina, this is the perfect place to go. You can also throw a party or hold a special event at Bowlero Matthews Bowling Centre.

Bowlero Matthews

Address: 11210 Brigman Rd, Matthews, NC 28105, USA

Website: Bowlero Matthews

Opening hours: 9am – 11pm (daily)

Price: 20 USD

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11. Pay a visit to the Wright Brothers National Memorial


The Wright Brothers National Memorial is located in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, and was built to commemorate the very first successful, powered flight in an aircraft in the world. At the National Memorial, visit the Flight Line, otherwise known as the spot where the Wright brothers first took flight and subsequently landed the aircraft. You can also visit the Reconstructed 1903 Camp Buildings, where you will be able to get a glimpse of what camp life was like for the Wright brothers.

Wright Brothers National Memorial

Address: 1000 N Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948, USA

Opening hours: 9am – 5pm (daily)

Price: 10 USD

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12. Relish delicious burgers and sandwiches at Brigs at the Park Restaurant


Brigs at the Park Restaurant is known for its casual North Carolina comfort food, including all-day breakfasts, hearty burgers, and other authentic staples that you can see on every local North Carolinian table. If you are looking for some delicious and authentic local fare and a menu that sticks to the classics, this is the place for you to go.

Brigs at the Park Restaurant

Address: 4900 NC-55, Durham, NC 27713, USA

Website: Brigs at the Park Restaurant

Opening hours: 7am – 2:30pm (daily)

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13. See the glassblowing process at Lexington Glassworks

It's pumpkin season! Check out our online selection of pumpkins or stop by our concert series next Friday and grab a pumpkin!

Posted by Lexington Glassworks on Friday, 1 September 2017

Lexington Glassworks is located in the city centre of Asheville, North Carolina. A wide range of innovative and intricate hand-blown glass items are sold here, with each piece skillfully crafted using established and time-tested techniques. You will be able to view the entire glassblowing process from start to end and view the lovely pieces on display in the gallery free of charge. You can also watch the artists while they are at work and browse leisurely through the gallery of art pieces for the perfect one that suits your home or office.

Lexington Glassworks

Address: 81 S Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, USA

Website: Lexington Glassworks

Opening hours: 10am – 6pm (daily)

Price: Free

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14. Drink beer while playing foosball at The Fat Pelican

Posted by The Fat Pelican on Tuesday, 2 October 2018

The Fat Pelican is a sunny and vibrant bar located on Carolina Beach’s Lake Park Boulevard. With its laid-back and cheery atmosphere, The Fat Pelican is the perfect place for you to chill with friends and family. The bar serves up a wide range of delicious beers complete with a self-serve cooler. Foosball tables and a sandy patio are also available for you to have fun and relax while enjoying your ice-cold beer.

The Fat Pelican

Address: 8 S Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC 28428, USA

Website: The Fat Pelican

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am – 2am; Sun: 12pm - 2am

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15. Enjoy live craft demonstrations at Southern Highland Craft Guild Folk Art Center

Posted by Southern Highland Craft Guild, Folk Art Center on Wednesday, 21 December 2016

Southern Highland Craft Guild Folk Art Center is a museum containing a collection of Appalachian art and crafts items in Asheville, North Carolina. It also houses offices for three separate Parkway partners: the Southern Highland Craft Guild, the National Park Service, and Eastern National. You can browse through a great selection of high-quality crafts and purchase as many as you like to decorate your home or office. You can also watch the craftspeople demonstrate their work live for an authentic and engaging experience.

Southern Highland Craft Guild Folk Art Center

Address: 382 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Asheville, NC 28805, USA

Website: Southern Highland Craft Guild Folk Art Center

Opening hours: 9am – 6pm (daily)

Price: Free

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16. Put on your dancing shoes for a night out at Aqua Night Club

Posted by AQUA Night Club on Tuesday, 16 October 2018

Aqua Night Club is a great place to have a blast with some funky Latino dance music and a couple of delicious drinks. The club has two stories, each dedicated to a different style of music and dance each night. If you want to loosen up and let your hair down with your friends and family while on vacation to North Carolina, this is the place to go.

Aqua Night Club

Address: 3041 N Main St, Hope Mills, NC 28348, USA

Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 10pm – 2am (closed from Sun - Thu)

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17. Have a close encounter with more than 250 species of animals at North Carolina Zoo

Treehouse Trek is a new adventure for guests of all abilities that offers easy and accessible fun around whimsical...

Posted by North Carolina Zoo on Saturday, 24 August 2019

North Carolina Zoo features a wide range of local animals unique to the North Carolinian mountains and its surrounding forests. If you are an animal lover or are looking for a fun family activity to engage in during your holiday to North Carolina, this is the perfect place to go. For instance, you will be able to take a look at the American red wolf, a critically endangered wolf species that typically lives near the Alligator River National Wildlife Reserve on Albemarle Sound in North Carolina. Besides the American red wolf, you will be able to have a close encounter with more than 250 other species of animals at North Carolina Zoo, which is an amazing number unparalleled at many other zoos around the region.

North Carolina Zoo

Address: 4401 Zoo Pkwy, Asheboro, NC 27205, USA

Website: North Carolina Zoo

Opening hours: 9am – 5pm (daily)

Price: 15 USD

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18. Shop till you drop at Carolina Premium Outlets

Sweater weather made easy. #GetFallReady when you shop our newest women’s sweaters, denim, and more at PacSun!

Posted by Carolina Premium Outlets on Monday, 9 September 2019

Looking for some fantastic souvenirs to bring home from your vacation for your friends and family? Well, look no further than Carolina Premium Outlets for your weekend shopping trip. From an Adidas Factory Store, a Banana Republic Factory Store, to a Kate Spade New York outlet, Carolina Premium Outlets has all the designer brands and premium good stores located in one single outlet mall for your convenience. There are also quite a few cafes and restaurants located around the outlet mall for you to sit back and relax after a long day of shopping.

Carolina Premium Outlets

Address: 1025 Outlet Center Dr, Smithfield, NC 27577, USA

Website: Carolina Premium Outlets

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am – 9pm; Sun: 11am - 7pm

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19. Have a look inside Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site

Posted by Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site on Tuesday, 24 April 2012

The idyllic picture above says it all for Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site. This spacious bungalow was the home of renowned Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and author Carl Sandburg. If you are a fan of his works or simply want to find out more about the life of this distinguished writer, you can enter the past place of his residence for just 8 USD. The price includes a free walking tour around the house, and the knowledgeable guide will be more than willing to entertain any questions about his life.

Carl Sandburg Home

Address: 1800 Little River Rd, Flat Rock, NC 28731, USA

Website: Carl Sandburg Home

Opening hours: 9am – 5pm (daily)

Price: 8 USD

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20. Tee off on a sunny day at Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club


Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club is a spacious, open, and verdant country club in the Southern Pines region of North Carolina. The club is famous for hosting the United States Women’s Open Golf Championships in 1996, 2001, and 2007. If you want to play where experts and champions have played, you can sign up for golfing lessons at Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club, or book the golf safari for a day to try your hand at the sport.

Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club

Address: 1005 Midland Rd, Southern Pines, NC 28387, USA

Website: Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club

Price: 185 USD

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21. Learn about how the Outer Banks became the home for wild horses (from USD 57.0)

The Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour is a two-hour tour that will allow you to learn more about how the Outer Banks became the primary home for wild horses in North Carolina’s rugged outskirts. With the guidance of an experienced local tour guide, you will ride over the sand dunes next to the ocean on a Corolla four-wheel-drive, visit the Wild Horse Conservation Area, and hear more about the history, geography, and ecology of the region along the way.

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Outer Banks Wild Horse 2-Hour Tour By 4WD in Corolla

Duration: 2 hours

1657 reviews

22. Float through the French Broad River and enjoy the views of Southern Appalachian Mountains (from USD 79.0)

On this whitewater paddle tour, you will get to float down the French Broad River in an inflatable kayak while enjoying the scenic views of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. A knowledgeable local guide, you will guide you deftly as you hit a few Class II rapids and enjoy the spray of mist and the rush of wind. After your thrilling French Broad River adventure, sit back and relax with some hearty local beer and food, all included in the price of the tour.

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Scenic French Broad Whitewater Paddle

Duration: 3 hours

107 reviews

23. Stop by Carolina’s only glass house at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden (from USD 15.0)

With this Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden General daytime admission pass, you will be able to visit North Carolina’s only glass house, admire a wide range of beautiful gardens and fountains, and take a stroll through the ‘Garden for All Seasons’. You can also visit the Garden Store to purchase some souvenirs and discover more about the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden at the Visitor Pavilion. All nature lovers should definitely check the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden out.

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Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden General Daytime (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) Admission Pass

Duration: 2 to 3 hours

24. Watch a live performance at Oconaluftee Indian Village (from USD 16.0)

Oconaluftee Indian Village is steeped in Cherokee culture and history. Watch a live dance performance, war reenactment, or a short lecture on the culture of the Cherokees. You can also get a tour of the village by an experienced local guide, where you will get to see and enter replicas of Cherokee homes and community structures. This experience is a full-day one.

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Oconaluftee Indian Village Admission Including Guided Tour

Duration: 1 to 3 hours

25. Choose from over 60 rides at Carowinds (from USD 50.0)

choose from over 60 rides at carowinds
Source: www.viator.com

Spend a whole day at the family-friendly, sprawling 407-acre (164.7 ha) Carowinds amusement park–and for an affordable price! You can ride the thrilling Fury 325 giga-coaster, play at Camp Snoopy, or head down to the Carolina Harbor Waterpark to cool off after a sweltering day under the sun. There are over 60 rides to choose from so you can be assured that you will never have a dull moment at Carowinds amusement park. There’s adrenaline-pumping fun for the whole family!

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Carowinds General Admission Ticket

26. Solve puzzles and physical challenges to escape from King Tut's tomb (from USD 27.0)

solve puzzles and physical challenges to escape from king tut's tomb
Source: www.viator.com

King Tut’s Curse Escape Room in Charlotte, North Carolina is a unique escape room experience that is fun, challenging and will surely test your group’s problem-solving skills. Enjoy looking for clues and overcoming physical obstacles in a thoughtfully designed escape room complete with sophisticated props that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. If you are looking for an amazing group bonding activity, simply grab your friends and family for a thrilling escape from King Tut’s tomb.

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King Tut's Curse Escape Room

27. Escape to Apple Hill Farm for a fun, interactive day with the farm animals (from USD 12.0)

escape to apple hill farm for a fun, interactive day with the farm animals
Source: www.viator.com

On this fun farm tour at Apple Hill Farm, you will get to interact with many adorable alpacas, angora goats, llamas, guardian donkeys, farm dogs, and other animals, too, on a 45-minute walk. This is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and a great way to spend a day with the entire family. Children, especially, will enjoy getting up close with the alpacas at this mountaintop alpaca farm.

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Alpaca Farm Tour at Apple Hill Farm

28. Do some yoga and meditate in the mountains (from USD 69.0)

do some yoga and meditate in the mountains
Source: www.viator.com

This fun yoga hike near Asheville allows you to get the calm vibes flowing as you meditate next to a majestic and ancient waterfall known as the Catawba Falls. You will first take a leisurely walk to the Catawba Falls, where you will engage in your deep meditation session. You will then do some guided yoga in the forest, where you can immerse yourself in the tranquil sounds and light breeze. This entire experience will take three hours.

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Epic Waterfall Yoga Hike near Asheville

29. Be an old-time miner for a day in Hendersonville (from USD 12.0)

The Elijah Mountain Gem Mine Mining Experience is not one activity to be missed. If you want to find something fun, unique and different for the entire family to do while in the Asheville area, this is for you. You will get to pick up your mining bucket and explore Hendersonville’s Elijah Mountain Gem Mine with an experienced local tour guide and get a glimpse into a day in the life of old-time miners.

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Elijah Mountain Gem Mine plus On-Site Goat Farm

Duration: 1 to 2 hours

30. Cruise along Blue Ridge Parkway (from USD 79.0)

On this half-day electric bike tour from Asheville to Elk Mountain, you will get to enjoy fantastic views of the Appalachian mountains while you take a leisurely ride on your bike through a North Asheville suburb, the Blue Ridge Parkway and the edges of the Elk Mountain. You will then get to fuel up at a local artisan brewery, where you will get to enjoy some local craft beers, all for an affordable price.

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Scenic E-Bike Tour in the Mountains

Duration: 3 hours

228 reviews

Many great things to do in North Carolina

North Carolina is a beautiful state teeming with nature, rich history, and diverse culture. Whether you are a culture vulture looking to pay a visit to the Wright Brothers National Memorial or a sports enthusiast looking forward to playing a game of golf on a sunny day at Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club, there is definitely something out there for you in North Carolina. If you are planning to take your next trip to North Carolina, USA, be sure to check out the above most amazing things to do there before your next trip.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Ruth is a freelance writer and novelist who loves snuggling, skating, and all things matcha.

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