25 Best Places to Visit in North Carolina

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Easily the most popular destination in North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park features miles of hiking trails through forests, over hills, and past stunning waterfalls. Visitors can also take on a section of the East Coast-spanning Appalachian Trail, the popular 7.5-mile hike from Newfound Gap to Clingmans Dome. One of the best areas to visit in the North Carolina section of the national park is Deep Creek, a beautiful patch of forest made even more enchanting by a bevy of streams and waterfalls.

Shackleford Banks

Part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore, Shackleford Banks is one of the only places on the East Coast where wild horses still roam freely. How they got to this remote island, accessible only by boat, centuries ago is still a mystery—a common theory is that their ancestors survived a Spanish shipwreck 400 years ago. Today, you can visit these majestic creatures on a guided shelling and safari tour or reach the underrated car-free island on your own by catching the passenger ferry from Harkers Island or Beaufort. Camping is allowed on the beach, too, if you’d like to stick around and be fully immersed in nature on North Carolina’s scenic Crystal Coast.

Outer Banks

Families can find plenty of room to roam throughout this chain of barrier islands just off the North Carolina coast. The Outer Banks are home to some of the best beach towns in the state. Here, you can spend some time relaxing on wide stretches of sand, try your hand at water sports, or take a tour of the area’s lighthouses and other historic sites. It’s a great camping destination, but for something swankier, try the Edgecamp Pamlico Station on Hatteras Island, a delightful boutique design hotel offering three beachfront villas and 14 luxury lodge suites.

Pisgah National Forest

Covering more than 500,000 acres, Pisgah National Forest is home to America’s first forestry school, founded here in 1898. The Cradle of Forestry in America site, about an hour’s drive from Asheville, is open to visitors interested in learning more about the history of forest conservation in the U.S. To cool off after a scenic hike, head to Sliding Rock, a natural waterslide and one of the country’s best swimming holes. Couples can book a romantic cabin getaway to the Pisgah Highlands complex and escape to one of its chic, remote cabins.

Asheville

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is known for its quirky, artistic vibe and gorgeous mountain views. The city is also a foodie hot spot, where chefs embrace Appalachia’s diverse traditions. There’s also a thriving craft beer scene. Spend some time admiring the historic architecture, perusing art galleries, and visiting working artists’ studios throughout several art districts. The city is also known for New Age shops and events, like the Friday night sunset drum circle, held at Pritchard Park from April through November. Some even call it the Sedona of the South. Solo travelers can certainly count on a lively scene here at any time of year.

Biltmore Estate in Asheville

One of the most beautiful and iconic homes in the U.S., the Biltmore Estate was built in 1895 by the Vanderbilt family. Today, this castle-like property is open to visitors, who can stroll its 8,000 acres of grounds, tour the luxurious residence, or visit nearby Antler Hill Village for its additional exhibits, shops, restaurants, playground, farmyard, and winery. While the estate receives millions of visitors each year, it’s worth braving the crowds to marvel and fantasize about the lifestyle and history of one of America’s most influential families.

Brevard

In Transylvania County, also known as the “Land of Waterfalls,” Brevard is a little town with access to 250 waterfalls within its immediate Appalachian landscape. A trip here also offers an opportunity to try some of the luxurious glamping tents and cabins that are available at alternative accommodation resorts like Pilot Cove and DuPont Yurts. You’ll find tons of fun river activities in the area, like kayaking and paddling, as well as scenic hikes to top sites like Looking Glass Falls, Cove Creek Falls, and Moore Cove Falls.

Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk

In the coastal town of Kitty Hawk, the Wright Brothers National Memorial marks the spot where Wilbur and Orville Wright took off on the first-ever powered flight in 1903. Today, you can view the monument to this accomplishment and explore the reconstructed camp buildings and interactive exhibitions at the visitors’ center. Afterward, relax on the beach, explore the dunes, or take a kayak out for a paddle on the Currituck Sound.

North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh

Editor’s Note: As of October 2024, the museum is closed for two to three years due to ongoing renovations .

Home to more than 150,000 artifacts, the Smithsonian Affiliate North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh is a great place to go to learn more about the heritage of the Tar Heel State. Rotating exhibits highlight everything from North Carolina’s intriguing pirate history to 1920s soda shop decor and the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame.

Charlotte

The largest city in the state, Charlotte is popular among business travelers thanks to its great selection of hotels, including the luxurious Ballantyne and the historic Duke Mansion. The city is also a major sports destination as the home of the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Hornets, and makes a good launching pad for outdoor adventures at nearby Lake Norman and Lake Wylie. You don’t have to leave the city for an adrenaline rush, though, since Charlotte is where you’ll find the world’s largest human-made whitewater river.

Levine Museum of the New South in Charlotte

Since the early 1990s, the Levine Museum of the New South has been telling the entire story of the history of the South. Dedicated to creating a space that focuses on the diverse communities of Charlotte, it presents rotating exhibits on difficult topics, such as incarceration and lynching, and highlights the many influential men and women who helped shape the present-day city. The museum also hosts musical events, author talks, and themed family days.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Winding its way through the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a favorite of photographers, fall foliage seekers, and nature lovers alike. Visitors can take a day’s drive to explore the area’s unique flora and fauna or make it a multiday road trip. While the whole parkway runs for roughly 600 miles between Mount Oglethorpe in Georgia and Carlisle, Pennsylvania, the North Carolina stretch is its most popular segment. Check the schedule at the Blue Ridge Music Center, a venue at milepost 213 that celebrates the region’s Appalachian folk music traditions with seasonal performances.

Linville Falls in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Editor’s Note: The roads leading to Linville Falls are currently closed as a result of Hurricane Helene. Please check the park’s website for updates.

A moderate hike will bring you to one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the state. Linville Falls is a multi-tiered cascade located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 316. Five different vantage points allow you to view each tier of the falls, depending on how adventurous a hiker you are. The easiest hike is only a 20-minute walk from the parking lot. There’s also a campground we recommend staying in if you want to take more time to explore the rest of the trails.

Grandfather Mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Though it takes a little prior planning (timed ticket entry reservations must be made in advance), there’s a lot to do at this park, located about a 90-minute drive from Asheville. In addition to stunning scenery, Grandfather Mountain is home to the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, the founder’s photo gallery, and a conservation campus featuring wildlife habitat enclosures where visitors can get up close to animals like black bears and river otters.

Winston-Salem

While Winston-Salem may be best known for its role in the tobacco industry, this historic city has a lot more to offer visitors. Explore lovely Salem Lake by kayak or bike along the seven-mile loop path. In town, visit the Old Salem Museums and Gardens, where you can learn more about what the area was like during the 18th and 19th centuries. Take time to check out the historic buildings, museums, craft demonstrations, and expansive grounds.

Winkler Bakery in Winston-Salem

In 1807, a Swiss-born baker named Christian Winkler bought a bakery from the local Moravian Church, which had built the original site in 1799. The Winkler Bakery remained in the family until 1926 and is now the oldest continually operating bakery in the U.S. to this day. Don’t leave without trying some of the decadent sugar cake and super-thin Moravian sugar cookies.

Cherokee

A visit to Cherokee, the capital of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ nation, provides a chance for a deeper connection and understanding of the state’s Indigenous heritage. Purchase a ticket for “Unto These Hills,” an outdoor theater show put on by the Cherokee Historical Association. Performed in the 2,100-seat Mountainside Theatre, it provides a great introduction to the destination and the people who call this state home. Because of Cherokee’s location at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains, there are also lots of ways to play in nature, including mountain bike trails, waterfall hikes, fishing, and river tubing.

Durham

Home to Duke University, one of the country’s premier research institutions, the city of Durham is a major center for technology and innovation. Its up-and-coming foodie scene offers everything from classic Carolina barbecue and seafood at Saltbox Seafood Joint to modern Ethiopian cuisine at Goorsha. Wander around Main Street for some window shopping or head to the campus to explore the botanical landscapes and visit the teahouse at Sarah P. Duke Gardens.

Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham

Hidden away on the Duke University campus is a stunning 55-acre garden with more than five miles of trails and year-round free admission. Founded in 1939 thanks to the support of Sarah P. Duke, the widow of one of the university’s founders, the popular gardens house four distinct sections featuring flora from around the world.

Wilmington

In coastal Wilmington, you can enjoy a laid-back beach vacation with a dash of history. Founded in 1739, the downtown area is worth exploring for its Revolutionary-era architecture, which you can also admire by horse-drawn carriage. For those interested in learning more about the area’s local Black history by shuttle, WilmingtoNColor shares the stories of some of the city’s most influential residents, including the world-famous basketball player Michael Jordan, who grew up here. Set aside some time in the evening for a stroll along the wooden walkway for beautiful views of the Cape Fear River.

International Civil Rights Center and Museum in Greensboro

Located inside the former F.W. Woolworth’s store in Greensboro, where four Black students staged a sit-in to protest segregated lunch counter laws in 1960, the International Civil Rights Center & Museum explores the history of the Civil Rights Movement through a series of interactive exhibits. Spend some time learning about the significance of the peaceful Sit-In Movement, viewing original artifacts, and hearing the stories of those who were there making a difference.

Chimney Rock State Park

Twenty-six miles southeast of Asheville, Chimney Rock State Park is home to some of the most beautiful views in western North Carolina and has been recognized for its unique geological features and biodiversity. It’s been the filming location for several popular movies as well, including “The Last of the Mohicans.” Its namesake rock is a 315-foot perch that is surprisingly accessible by elevator.

Merchants Millpond State Park

Showcasing North Carolina’s ecological diversity, a visit to Merchants Millpond State Park will make you feel like you’re in bayous typically found in the American South. This unique ecosystem combines hardwood forests with swampland, allowing visitors to hike and paddle amid the enchanting landscape. Located near Gatesville, the park is only 15 minutes below the Virginia state line, offering 15 miles of hiking and biking trails as well as opportunities to take a boat out on the pond and do some fishing.