13 top destinations to explore in North Carolina, from the Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks

From the majestic mountains in the west to the pristine beaches along the protected coast, North Carolina offers a rich variety of experiences.

This state is known as the site of the Wright Brothers' historic first flight and the birthplace of the iconic soda brand Pepsi. It has also produced legendary musicians like Earl Scruggs, Nina Simone, and John Coltrane. Traveling across North Carolina is easy, thanks to its well-connected airport and rail systems.

1. Experience the Gilded Age in Asheville

Begin your journey in Asheville at the Biltmore Estate, America's largest privately owned residence. This mansion, designed in the style of a French chateau for the Vanderbilt family, features on-site dining, accommodations, and even a winery.

The estate's sprawling 8,000 acres were designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted to highlight nature's beauty year-round. With six gardens and over 20 miles of nature trails, plus a conservatory filled with tropical plants, Olmsted's vision is evident at every corner.

2. Explore Charlotte’s famous attractions

While many cities have a central area called downtown, Charlotte's core is referred to as Uptown. Here, you'll discover key landmarks such as the Mint Museum of Art (with a second location in a historic US Mint), the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, and the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture. The artist Romare Bearden, a native of the city, is commemorated with a nearby public park.

Charlotte is a dream destination for sports enthusiasts, featuring the Carolina Panthers football team. The NASCAR Hall of Fame serves as a vast, interactive museum dedicated to racing history, complete with driver trophies and car simulators.

The US National Whitewater Center spans 1,300 acres and offers ziplines, trails, and artificial rapids that host the Olympic Trials.

Top day trips from Charlotte

3. Discover lemurs in Durham

Often associated with Raleigh, Durham has its own unique vibe. Home to the renowned Duke University, it offers numerous attractions both on and off campus. The Duke Lemur Center, featuring the largest collection of lemurs outside Madagascar, is available for guided tours by appointment.

Explore the Nasher Museum of Art, showcasing Mesoamerican artifacts alongside contemporary works by artists like Kehinde Wiley, known for painting President Obama’s portrait. The Sarah P. Duke Gardens, established in 1934, boasts native North Carolina flora, including the Venus flytrap.

4. Embrace creativity in Greensboro

Greensboro has a rich history in textile manufacturing, serving as the headquarters for Lee and Wrangler jeans. Remnants of this industrial past were previously sold in a downtown shop, now transformed into the quirky Elsewhere Museum, where artists innovate using the materials already present in the space.

The city played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement when local students staged a sit-in at Woolworth’s lunch counter. The original stools are preserved at the International Civil Rights Center & Museum, which features exhibits on the Middle Passage and voting rights.

5. Immerse yourself in history in the North Carolina Smokies

Great Smoky Mountains National Park stretches across Tennessee and North Carolina, with the latter area being more tranquil. As one of North Carolina's top national parks, the Smokies offer a rich combination of history, culture, and outdoor activities. Visitors in Bryson City can experience the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, which runs alongside the Tuckasegee River. The Nantahala Outdoor Center, the town's original rafting outfitter, has expanded to include a restaurant, cabins, and ziplining.

Cherokee honors the Native American communities displaced during the Trail of Tears. The tribe shares its 11,000-year heritage at the Museum of the Cherokee People and through the seasonal outdoor drama Unto These Hills.

6. Dive into the adventures of the Outer Banks

The Outer Banks consists of a 175-mile stretch of islands dotted with charming towns and fishing villages. This is where Europeans first set foot in America, including the enigmatic Roanoke colony that vanished in 1587.

The waters have been frequented by pirates, including Blackbeard, who met his end on Ocracoke Island. Known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic, this area is littered with shipwrecks that now provide fantastic diving opportunities.

Summer vacations in the Outer Banks are rich in history, excitement, and natural beauty. At Kitty Hawk, you can visit the site of the Wright Brothers' inaugural flight. You can also try gliding at the nearby sand dunes of Jockey’s Ridge State Park. The coastal lighthouses, including Cape Hatteras, Currituck Beach, and Bodie Island, offer stunning views.

7. Enjoy dining in Raleigh

The capital city buzzes with an artistic vibe that appeals to art enthusiasts. The North Carolina Museum of Art showcases both local talent and globally acclaimed artists. The Pour House, established in 1997, hosts various touring musical acts.

Raleigh is home to several James Beard-nominated eateries. Among the pioneers is Ashley Christensen, whose culinary empire includes notable spots like Poole’s Diner. For a taste of authentic Louisiana cuisine, check out St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar, featuring dishes like gumbo and barbecue shrimp. You can also find Cheetie Kumar’s Ajja and Oscar Diaz’s The Cortez, both acclaimed chefs, in Downtown Raleigh.

8. Discover mini Hollywood in Wilmington

Wilmington, located on the Cape River and just inland from the Atlantic, has gained a reputation as a mini Hollywood due to its proximity to a film studio.

Relive your favorite memories by exploring the filming sites of Dawson’s Creek, One Tree Hill, and Eastbound & Down, using brochures from the visitor center as your guide.

Wilmington was once home to a young athlete named Michael Jordan. The renowned basketball star has a display at the Cape Fear Museum of History, showcasing his jerseys and memorabilia. The museum also features a replica skeleton of a giant sloth from the prehistoric era.

9. Visit a living museum in Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem was founded by the Moravian community escaping from present-day Czechia in search of religious freedom. Their restored homes and buildings now form Old Salem, a living history museum.

This area gained prominence through its tobacco industry, which remains influential today. RJ Reynolds started his company here and resided in a magnificent home near Wake Forest University called Reynolda. It now serves as an art museum with extensive grounds. His former Art Deco office, which inspired the Empire State Building, has been transformed into the chic Kimpton Cardinal Hotel.

10. Enjoy local wine in Yadkin Valley

Nestled between the western mountain views and the rolling Piedmont landscape, Yadkin Valley is North Carolina’s wine region. Designated as an American Viticultural Area, this region boasts specific climate and geographic traits akin to some of Europe’s finest wine-producing areas. With over 40 wineries, breweries, and distilleries to explore, each venue offers a distinctive taste of the local experience.

From Hamptonville to Mount Airy, you'll discover expansive vineyards featuring tastings, tours, live music, and events. Shelton Vineyards is one of the largest vineyards on the East Coast, offering daily tours and tastings along with a farm-to-table restaurant. Raffaldini Vineyards brings a touch of Tuscan elegance to the Carolinas, crafting traditionally dry Italian-style wines in a breathtaking setting.

11. Observe the wild horses at Shackleford Banks

On North Carolina's coastline, wild horses roam the unspoiled beaches of Shackleford Banks. This area, part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore, is home to herds that peacefully graze and play on the barrier island, which can only be accessed by private boat or ferry. The National Park Service offers guided tours for those wishing to learn more about these magnificent creatures.

Shackleford Banks is also an exceptional spot for stargazing. Recognized as an International Dark Sky Park in 2021, it provides seasonal cabins and year-round primitive camping for overnight guests, offering a unique chance to experience some of the best stargazing on the Atlantic coast.

12. Walk along the Carolina Beach boardwalk

Located just south of Wilmington, Carolina Beach features a nostalgic boardwalk filled with classic family entertainment. The famous boardwalk offers carnival games, an arcade, amusement rides, and free live music and fireworks every week during the summer. With a variety of food options, including pizza, ice cream, and fresh seafood, visitors can also enjoy bars and restaurants. Don’t miss the 1950s-themed Pop’s Diner or Britt’s Donut Shop, which has been serving treats since 1939.

Venture into the heart of Carolina Beach State Park, where you can discover 9 miles of scenic nature trails, including the half-mile Flytrap Loop that showcases the natural habitat of carnivorous plants like the Venus flytrap.

13. Enjoy a picturesque drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Blue Ridge Parkway stretches nearly 500 miles of untouched beauty between North Carolina and Virginia. This winding route through the western mountains highlights some of the state’s most stunning spots, including historic Blowing Rock, Grandfather Mountain, and the Biltmore Estate.

Recognized as one of the best road trips in North Carolina—and arguably in the entire country—the Blue Ridge Parkway offers breathtaking views year-round. However, for a few weeks in October, the mountains burst into vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, marking the peak of “leaf-peeping season,” arguably the best time to experience North Carolina.

From Black Balsam Knob to Looking Glass Rock, the Blue Ridge Parkway leads you to some of the best hiking trails in North Carolina. A slight detour will take you to Pisgah National Forest, featuring the area's most popular hiking spots, a 60-foot natural water slide, and Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River.

Travel tips for exploring North Carolina

What is the most beautiful location in North Carolina?

North Carolina is brimming with natural beauty and stunning landscapes. From the Outer Banks to the Smoky Mountains, there are countless gorgeous spots to discover. Notable favorites include Shackleford Banks, Chimney Rock, and the Biltmore Estate. Additionally, the views along the Blue Ridge Parkway in October are some of the most picturesque in the state.

Which cities are essential to visit in North Carolina?

Raleigh, Asheville, Winston-Salem, Wilmington, and Charlotte each provide a unique glimpse into the vibrant and diverse culture of North Carolina. The state boasts everything from lively urban centers to historic towns and mountain retreats, offering something for everyone.

What are the premier outdoor attractions in North Carolina?

The best outdoor experiences in North Carolina also rank among the top free activities: hiking and enjoying the beaches. The Outer Banks offer stunning sights like lighthouses, wild horses, and breathtaking night skies. Popular spots in the state and national parks include Clingmans Dome, Sliding Rock, Grandfather Mountain, Chimney Rock, and Mount Mitchell.

Which city in North Carolina is the most entertaining?

Raleigh, the state capital, offers an abundance of attractions—outstanding dining, vibrant arts, intriguing museums, live music, sports, and outdoor fun. This energetic city is among the most entertaining in North Carolina, with Asheville and Wilmington close behind.

When is the ideal time to visit North Carolina?

Whether you're enjoying sunny beach days or snowy escapades, North Carolina is a fantastic destination all year long. The ideal time to visit hinges on your planned activities. For hiking, biking, and other outdoor pursuits, spring and fall showcase the region's natural beauty with mild temperatures. October is particularly stunning for witnessing the vibrant fall foliage. If you're a beach lover, the peak season spans from June to August along the coast.

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