North Carolina is considered one of the first Thirteen Colonies and is said to be the initial state to achieve independence from Britain in 1775. Eventually, it became the twelfth state in the Union. Tourists come to North Carolina every year to engage in exciting outdoor activities such as rafting, climbing, and hiking.
It is also renowned for its varied landscapes, which encompass rocky mountains and sandy beaches found on coastal islands.
26. Cape Hatteras National Seashore
The Outer Banks has a variety of habitats for you to explore, including sand dunes, grasslands, shrub thickets, maritime forests, beaches, and salt marshes. There are four campgrounds on the island where you can stay and it’s recommended to spend more than just a day there. You can easily access the island by car or by boat.
Having a car can be convenient as you can also drive off-road in certain areas. Sea kayaking and fishing are popular activities. Don’t forget to climb up to the top of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse for amazing views. Keep an eye out for wildlife, such as seals and birds.
If you visit at the right time, you might even witness turtles hatching, which is a unique and unforgettable experience!.
25. North Carolina Museum of Art
If you find yourself in Raleigh, North Carolina, make sure you don’t miss a trip to the North Carolina Museum of Art. The museum has been collecting art since 1947 when it received $1 million in funding, allowing them to purchase unique pieces for display.
Today, the museum boasts a permanent collection spanning 5,000 years of history through various forms of art such as sculptures, paintings, and period furniture. You’ll even get to see famous pieces like Volaire by the French artist Pierre Jacque.
After exploring the museum, take a stroll through the Museum Park, a beautiful garden maintained by the museum to bring together both nature and art.
24. Mingo Falls
Mingo Falls, which means Big Bear Falls in Cherokee, is a beautiful waterfall located near the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is situated along Big Cove Road, close to the town of Cherokee. The waterfall stands at a height of 120 feet and is surrounded by lush vegetation.
To reach the waterfall, you will need to hike along the 0.4-mile Pigeon Creek Trail, which can be a bit challenging due to the 161 steps you have to climb. The trail starts at Mingo Falls Campground, and the effort is worth it once you reach the top.
At the bottom of the waterfall, there is a viewing bridge that offers the best views of Mingo Falls.
23. Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a beautiful road that goes through the Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina and Virginia. Along the way, you can see stunning places like the New River, Mount Mitchell, Whitewater Falls, and Linville Gorge. There are lots of incredible views to enjoy.
This drive is not a quick one, it would take about 10-12 hours if you drive without stopping. It is recommended to plan for 3-5 days on the road so that you have time to stop and explore. The route is 469.1 miles long, starting from Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive and ending at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is famous for its beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife, so be on the lookout for animals during your drive!.
22. Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach is a charming and small beach town in southern North Carolina. Despite its size, it attracts a lot of tourists, making it a lively place. It is conveniently located just a 30-minute drive from Wilminton, the nearest city, so you can easily visit it for a day trip.
The main attraction of Wrightsville Beach is its beautiful beach with soft white sand and rolling waves. It’s a perfect spot for relaxation, so bringing a book and spending the day sunbathing is highly recommended.
If you feel like doing something, you can grab a coffee at Cafe del Mar, take a walk on the scenic Loop trail, or go shopping at Mayfair Town Center.
21. North Carolina Aquariums
The North Carolina Aquariums in Kure Beach, Roanoke Island, and Pine Knoll Shores are great places to visit when the weather is bad. Both tourists and locals enjoy these aquariums. You can see a variety of aquatic species from freshwater and saltwater habitats.
There are lively and colorful fish, relaxed turtles, and playful marine mammals that will entertain you for hours. For those who are brave, there are also sharks to see! They have big teeth and long tails that are sure to keep you alert.
It’s a good idea to book your tickets online ahead of time because they often sell out, especially during peak season.
20. Sarah P. Duke Gardens
In the 1930s, Dr. Hanes had the idea to transform a neglected area of land into a public garden, with his favorite flower, irises, as the main attraction. Sara P. Duke provided the funding to bring this idea to life. Even today, Sarah P. Duke Gardens remains a captivating place to visit.
On a sunny day, you can take a leisurely walk through the gardens, admiring the colorful irises, daffodils, and countless other plant treasures. As you explore, you’ll be charmed by enchanting tree tunnels that change their colors with each season. Don’t miss the delightful wooden bridge that crosses over a gentle river below. It’s a place where you can forget your worries and simply enjoy the unique features and lovely landmarks.
19. Chimney Rock State Park
If you want to visit the famous 500-million-year-old monolith, you’ll have to climb up 500 stairs. Fortunately, the car park is conveniently located next to the stairs, and it’s only a short three-mile drive from Chimney Rock, the closest village.
Once you reach the top of the rock, you’ll be able to enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge in the distance. Take a leisurely walk through the wooded landscape to fully immerse yourself in the surroundings. There are also easy hiking trails available, such as the Hickory Nut Falls Trail, which leads to the impressive 404-ft.
Hickory Nut Falls waterfall. This is a fantastic adventure for nature and geography enthusiasts who are visiting North Carolina, and the park is just 25 miles away from Asheville.
18. Jockey’s Ridge State Park
The park has the tallest sand dune on the Atlantic coast. Besides the sand and sea, you can enjoy a 360 foot boardwalk and have amazing views of the ocean and Roanoke Sound. It can be windy, so don’t forget to bring a kite. If you’re going as a couple, sunset is a great time to visit because it’s romantic.
There’s also a chance to try hang gliding at the dunes, which is exciting for families and friends who want an adrenaline rush on their vacation. The park offers sun, sand, sea, and adventure – why wouldn’t you want to go?.
17. Biltmore Estate
This beautiful manor is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville. It looks like it came straight out of a fairytale story. The gardens and front lawn are impeccably maintained and appear surreal. It used to be owned by George and Edith Vanderbilt, but now it is open to the public.
The interior of the property is just as remarkable as the outside. It is filled with vintage furniture and antiques, making you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. To fully experience this elegant, grand, and luxurious 35-bedroom property, set aside a whole afternoon to explore it.
16. Carowinds
This amusement park in Charlotte offers over 60 rides for you to enjoy. In addition, there is a waterpark and live entertainment such as seasonal shows and many costumed animators. No matter when you visit, there will be plenty to look forward to.
You can hear the children’s delight as they are thrown up in the air and spun in all directions on some of the most thrilling roller coasters. Afterward, you can relax with a cold beer in the sun before moving on to the next ride. Carowinds caters to people of all ages.
If you wish to stay overnight, they also have a campground and hotel available, and it’s just a 20-minute drive from Charlotte.
15. Wright Brothers National Memorial
Did you know that the Wright Brothers made the first successful flight in North Carolina? They designed and tested the plane themselves, and thankfully it was safe enough for them to land without any issues. The Wright Brothers National Memorial was created to honor their intelligence and courage when they flew on December 17th, 1903.
You won’t miss the monument as it stands tall over the Kill Devil Hills town. It is an impressive 60 feet tall and constructed entirely of solid granite.
14. Linville Gorge
Linville Gorge is a stunning, rugged gorge in America that was created by the Linville River. It took centuries for the river to shape the gorge into its present form. The gorge boasts an average depth of around 1,400 feet and can be reached within a 40-minute drive from Linville.
The surrounding landscape is mountainous and covered in dense forests that display beautiful colors during the autumn season. Visitors can enjoy golden sunsets throughout the year and find perfect camping spots in the area. Experienced climbers like Joey Henson often visit the gorge for thrilling rock climbing adventures.
Additionally, there are numerous hiking trails available in Linville Gorge. AllTrails, a reliable resource, has mapped 58 hiking trails in the area, ranging from short 0.9 mile walks to longer multi-day hikes stretching up to 29 miles.
13. Outer Banks Beaches
The Outer Banks Beaches are a group of beaches found on a chain of islands in North Carolina. You can drive onto the islands and visit different beaches. Whether you want to build sandcastles in a busy beach town or take a peaceful walk in a secluded spot, there is a beach for everyone.
Popular beachside villages in the area include Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo, which are all close to each other. However, if you have a pet with you, you may want to consider visiting Duck, as it is pet-friendly. If you enjoy surfing and have brought your surfboard, you should visit Kitty Hawk or Kill Devil Hills to ride the Atlantic waves. Another adventurous option is Frisco beach, which has campgrounds and allows 4×4 driving.
12. Airborne and Special Operations Museum
The Airborne and Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville displays objects used by the US Army Airborne and Special Operations Forces. The museum explores the history of this department of the US Army from the 1940s until now.
You can discover fascinating stories about important battles like D-Day and the Vietnam War, as well as current issues like the war on terrorism and hate crimes. The museum honors the courageous paratroopers who bravely jump from the sky into combat. They even highlight Lieutenant Bill Ryder, who in 1940 performed a test jump for the first U.S.
airborne unit. By showcasing uniforms, weapons, and army vehicles, the museum transports you to the battlefield.
11. Billy Graham Library
The ministry, named after Billy Graham, is located only 15 minutes away from Charlotte on Blue Ridge Road. The library aims to introduce visitors to Billy Graham’s life and share the message of God. The building is designed to resemble a dairy farm in honor of Billy Graham’s rural North Carolina roots.
As soon as you enter through the cross-shaped door, you can tell that this is a religious place. Inside the library, there are numerous interactive exhibits and artifacts that celebrate Billy Graham’s life and accomplishments.
10. Grandfather Mountain
If you enjoy hiking and watching wildlife, a great place to visit is Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina. Besides hiking, there are also other attractions to explore, like the Nature Museum, which you can find halfway up the trail to the mountain’s peak.
Don’t miss the chance to stroll across the Mile High Swinging Bridge, the highest suspension footbridge in America. It was constructed in 1952 and stretches 228 feet long. The panoramic views of the surrounding forests and mountains from the bridge are truly stunning! For a more challenging hike, you can try the Macrae’s Peak trail.
While exploring Grandfather Mountain, make sure to keep an eye out for various fascinating animals, such as cougars, bears, bald eagles, river otters, and elk. They may be lurking nearby. The mountain is conveniently located just a short 15-minute drive from the town of Linville.
9. USS North Carolina Battleship
This World War II battleship, which actually participated in the war, has been restored to its original state and is now open to the public since 1961. It is located just across the river from downtown Wilmington.
The ship has nine levels with exhibits that share the stories and challenges of the crew who sailed across the Atlantic on the USS North Carolina Battleship to fight for peace during the war. If you have an interest in history and ships, this is a great place to visit.
You can even pretend to be the captain and take some time to honor the memory of the 11,000 North Carolinians who lost their lives during World War II.
8. NASCAR Hall of Fame
If you’re a fan of NASCAR or enjoy sports and racing in general, you’ll have a great time visiting the NASCAR Hall of Fame. They have exhibits that feature some of the greatest legends of NASCAR, such as Bill France, also known as Big Bill, who founded and managed the sport.
Additionally, you can see iconic race cars that have participated in the competition. The exhibits are always changing, so there will always be something new to see each time you visit. If you want a thorough understanding of the place, you can take their two-hour guided tour.
Located in the heart of Charlotte’s city center, you can easily combine your visit with other activities. It’s the perfect destination to spend an hour or two on a cloudy afternoon.
7. U.S. National Whitewater Center
During your visit, you have the option to go whitewater rafting or try kayaking. After that, you can also engage in bouldering above a swimming pool, just be careful not to get soaked! Additionally, there are various zipline routes available to keep younger children entertained for hours. With so many exciting activities, what could possibly go wrong at such a place?.
6. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Smoky Mountains National Park offers a range of activities such as fishing, hiking, swimming, and the chance to observe amazing wildlife. It is a popular park in the US because of its breathtaking beauty and abundant nature.
The park is inhabited by a variety of native animals including salamanders, coyotes, deer, black bears, bobcats, and elk. There are numerous walking trails available in the Great Smoky Mountains, but if you have limited time, you can opt for a short 1-mile hike to the highest point called Clingmans Dome.
From the observation tower, you can enjoy incredible views and even see the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. If you have more time, you can explore the quaint mountain towns around the national park, such as Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
5. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
The Museum of Natural Sciences is located in the heart of Raleigh, North Carolina. It offers a great option for families to visit on a rainy day or for individuals to explore during their free time. The museum houses captivating exhibits that explore life on Earth from the time of the Dinosaurs to the present day.
With its huge dinosaur skeletons and numerous interesting amphibians on display, it never fails to astonish even the most inquisitive individuals. Once you’re done exploring, you can visit their charming gift shop to purchase animal-themed souvenirs to bring home.
4. Old Salem
Winston-Salem has a beautiful district that has been around since 1766. It was originally settled by people known as Moravians. The district is full of old buildings that have a lot of charm, just like the neighborhood itself. On a nice sunny day, it’s a great idea to take a leisurely walk through the district.
You can see old churches, houses, and shops that have been a part of the community for many years. Make sure you don’t pass up the chance to have a cold beer at the Salem Tavern, which has been around for a long time. Once you’re done exploring the district, head over to the Old Salem Museum and Gardens.
There, you can learn about the different communities that used to live in the area and hear their interesting stories. The staff at the museum dress up in clothes from that time period and engage in traditional crafts, which really makes the past come alive.
3. Pisgah National Forest
The Pisgah National Forest is known for its beautiful plants, thick trees, and rushing waterfalls. It has the highest mountains east of the Mississippi river and is located near Asheville.
It only takes less than 10 minutes to get there by car from the city! It is famous in the field of forestry because it had the first forestry school and the first two officially protected wilderness areas in the Eastern United States. You can explore the forest by car, on foot, or on wheels.
If you prefer driving, you can enjoy the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Alternatively, you can go mountain biking in Bent Creek Experimental Forest or hike on one of the many trails spread throughout the forest.
2. North Carolina Zoo
The North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro is different from other zoos because it prioritizes ethical considerations. It is the largest natural habitat zoo globally, allowing animals to have ample space to move around freely. The zoo also actively supports numerous conservation programs.
It is a great place for a family outing, as children will be amazed by the opportunity to get up close to around 1,800 animals. It is recommended to allocate a whole afternoon to fully explore the zoo.
They have impressive species such as African lions and enormous elephants, but they also showcase native wildlife like American alligators and bulky bison. Additionally, they have lesser-known species like the Arctic fox and blue-tongued Skink.
1. International Civil Rights Center & Museum
In 1960, Greensboro became known for its involvement in the Civil Rights movement. Four black students attending N.C. Agricultural & Technical College protested against the whites-only lunch counter in Greensboro. They sat at the lunch counter on February 1st and decided not to leave, even after being denied service.
This brave and non-violent act aimed to challenge racial segregation, which was still legal at the time. Their protest lasted six months and eventually led to the desegregation of the Woolworth lunch counter. Now, you have the opportunity to visit the museum and witness a part of the F.W.
Woolworth’s Lunch Counter that was present during this historic event. At the museum, you can also learn about the Civil Rights movement by reading about the inspiring human rights activists and exploring their struggles for equality through various artifacts and interactive exhibits.
