Places to Visit in North Carolina
For me, living in North Carolina means having access to 320 miles of barrier island beaches. And while I absolutely love beaches, I appreciate having access to mountain trails and exciting cities perfect for exploring even more. Here are my favorite spots and things to do, and I hope you love them too.
- Best Mountain Getaways in North Carolina (Western NC):
- - #1. Boone - #2. Blowing Rock - #3. Murphy - #4. Brevard - #5. Asheville - #6. Mountains-to-Sea Trail
- Best Piedmont North Carolina Vacation Spots (Central NC):
- #7. Things to Do in Monroe - #8. Charlotte - #9. Winston-Salem - #10. Durham - #11. Chapel Hill - #12. Raleigh
- Best Day Trips on the Coast of North Carolina (Eastern NC):
- #13. Wilmington - #14. Wrightsville Beach - #15. Carolina Beach - #16. Elizabeth City - #17. Atlantic Beach
Best Mountain Getaways in North Carolina (Western NC):
Looking to get away to the Blue Ridge Mountains? These are the places that captured my heart over the last 30 years.
Boone
The first time Chris and I made our way to Boone on our weekend getaway (about two hours from Charlotte) we instantly understood why it's nicknamed "The Heart of the High Country". The mountain surroundings are absolutely lovely (of course!). And on top of that, we found great food and friendly locals.
As soon as we arrived, we checked out Appalachian State University (it has around 21,000 students), then strolled along King Street right downtown.
And when you get hungry, no worries. Boone’s food scene is actually amazing for such a small destination. I couldn't resist start my morning with a hearty breakfast at Melanie’s Food Fantasy, and then a casual lunch at Stick Boy Bread Company.
For family places to visit, I recommend Grandfather Mountain ($22 adult admission). There is so much to do here: trails, a swinging bridge, and wildlife habitats.
In town, stroll through the Daniel Boone Native Gardens ($5 Donation) to learn about native Appalachian plants and flowers (I especially love this place in the spring with temperatures around 70°F in May!).
Blowing Rock
This is an amazing side trip you can take right from Boone (just 20 minutes away) if you are in the mood for a smaller North Carolina place to visit. I think Blowing Rock is one of the best romantic small-towns, perfect for a honeymoon, with just 1,300 residents!
The "Crown of the Blue Ridge", as it's nicknamed, had lots of natural streams as we walked around.
First we just strolled around Blowing Rock's lively downtown. Next, we found a quiet trail leading to dramatic cliffs (and waterfalls, my favorite!).
What I loved best:
Relaxing in downtown Blowing Rock with a hearty lunch at Bistro Roca was my personal highlight!
Local Tip: In the afternoon, we visited Banner Elk Winery and Villa, about 35 minutes from Blowing Rock. This is another cool day trip in the area. You can get artisan wines as gifts, and admire calm Blue Ridge Mountain views too (of course!)
Murphy
Ready for an Appalachian getaway with historic buildings (in this photo) that's still today off-the-beaten-path ? Murphy (Google maps pin) was such a cool hidden corner of North Carolina I loved discovering. But I have to warn you that it's about 3 hours and 30 minutes from Blowing Rock (and about 4 hours from Charlotte) so you have to be in a mood for a bit of a drive!
We loved the mountains, views of the Hiwassee River, and Murphy's beautiful downtown.
What I loved best:
A relaxed lunch at Yogi's Neighborhood Grill was my favorite highlight!
Local tip: Murphy is located at the meeting point of North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. If you base yourself here for a while, you'll have easy access to attractions in all three states.
Brevard
If you love waterfalls, drive about 2 hours 20 minutes from Charlotte to Brevard in Transylvania County. It's actually nicknamed the “Land of Waterfalls”! You'll find heaps of waterfalls and scenic overlooks, and also a hidden gem of a downtown (population around 7,900 people).
If you love mountains, you'll also enjoy the backdrop of Pisgah National Forest here.
For something unusual, don't miss visiting the quirky White Squirrel Shoppe with kids.
Asheville
Unfortunately this beautiful city with 95,000 people experienced a devastating flooding from Hurricane Helene in 2024.
It's been recovering and I think it's one of the best places to go in North Carolina. Why? First off, the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway winds just outside town, offering panoramic overlooks and trailheads. In addition, the French Broad River flows through the city, so you can stroll with river views (or rent a kayak in the summer). Finally, Asheville is a fantastic destination for foodies with lots of amazing cuisine.
We love that downtown is so walkable, a true gem. After lunch, we explored the trails at the North Carolina Arboretum (free to enter but I have to warn you that there's a $20 daily parking fee for personal vehicles).
Afterwards, I checked into Still Point Wellness for a few hours and floated in warm saltwater as a birthday vacation treat to myself.
My favorite food moment: We had an amazing dinner after at Curate, a beloved Spanish restaurant downtown locals recommended to us. I ordered tapas: garlicky shrimp that sizzled in olive oil, thin slices of jamón, and a bright tomato bread.
Mountains-to-Sea Trail
Ready for a scenic North Carolina escape? Check out the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (which we entered near Asheville)! I loved visiting in September and October for fall foliage.
Mountains-to-Sea Trail actually stretches from the Great Smoky Mountains all the way to the Outer Banks. This means that you can see a section of this famous trail all across North Carolina, no matter where you decide to start your trip.
After hiking, we stopped in Black Mountain for lunch at Blue Ridge Biscuit Company, a real standout. I ordered the fried green tomato biscuit with goat cheese and arugula, plus a glass of fresh lemonade.
What I loved best:
For me, Mountains-to-Sea Trail is one of the best things to do in North Carolina because of beautiful nature!
Best Piedmont North Carolina Vacation Spots (Central NC):
North Carolina's Piedmont region is home to some of the coolest cities like Raleigh, Durham, and Winston-Salem. If you make the trip here, you can look forward to hundreds of attractions, museums & gardens, plus outdoor escapes like Eno River State Park and Lake Wylie. Here are my absolute favorites day trips and weekend getaways in Central North Carolina.
Things to Do in Monroe
We planned a weekend getaway to Monroe, a hidden gem just southeast of Charlotte (35 minutes by car!), and honestly it already felt like an exciting underrated dream.
First thing we did was drive in early morning, noticing how affordable and calm everything felt, with small town magic mixed with vibrant local energy.
We started downtown Monroe, which was my favorite area, walking around historic streets, cool shops, and colorful murals you can see in my photos.
After that we grabbed coffee at a local cafe, one of the best experiences ever, simple but joyful and very welcoming, absolute best vibes.
Later we explored local antique stores and unusual boutiques, which felt unique and interesting, like every corner had its own little story.
We then headed to nearby parks around Union County, since Monroe is close to Charlotte but still surrounded by peaceful green spaces and fresh air.
Lunchtime was a brilliant idea because the local restaurants were amazing underrated spots, family friendly, romantic, and honestly some of the best food.
In the afternoon we slowed down, walking neighborhoods and chatting with locals, which was my favorite experience and felt authentic and warm.
We ended up at a small brewery, a cool and relaxing place, perfect for a weekend escape and one of those hidden gems.
As evening came, the town felt cozy and spectacular in a quiet way, not flashy, just genuine and kind of magical.
What I loved best:
For me, Monroe is one of the best day trips in North Carolina because it's historic, affordable, and hope you will love it too!
Lunch at Main Street Bistro was my personal highlight!
Charlotte
This city is one of my Southern city escape with my family, especially during the warmer season! The city is so green that it's lovely just walking around. In addition, I loved being close to Monroe with its waterfalls.
We spent seven blissful days in a vacation rental. I really enjoyed Mint Museum’s contemporary art collections, and the city’s craft scene. Be sure to taste small-batch kombucha at Lenny Boy Brewing Co. .
Another must-see are The CPCC Art Galleries (free admission) on the Central Piedmont Community College’s campus. You can see student and regional works at the Ross Gallery, then stroll through the gardens outside before heading into the second space, the Overcash Gallery. Afterward, I walked a few blocks and sat down at Sunflour Baking Company for a late lunch.
Reid’s Fine Foods is another great place for a quick lunch while exploring Charlotte - don't miss it!
One super cool day trip from Charlotte with my son was Good Karma Ranch (about 45 minutes) where we learned about sustainable farming.
What I loved best:
Staying at the chic 4-star Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel because of great views from its floor-to-ceiling windows.
A downside? Uptown traffic during rush hour was heavy, and navigating one-way streets slowed me down.
Winston-Salem
You'll find some of the best North Carolina tourist attractions here. In fact, this is one of my favorite places to visit in North Carolina because Winston-Salem offers heaps of everything. You'll find historic neighborhoods, arts districts, gardens, and so much more. It's conveniently close to Charlotte (about 1 hour and 15 minutes by car so it's an affordable day trip as well!). In addition, Winston-Salem is also part of the Piedmont Triad (Greensboro - Winston-Salem - High Point), which gave us access to heaps of interesting things to do!
It was once known as a tobacco and textile hub, but now North Carolina’s “Twin City” is very modern too. From the living history of Old Salem Museums & Gardens to the galleries of the Reynolda House Museum of American Art and the lively vibes of Foothills Brewing, I loved the combination of heritage and fresh energy.
What I loved best:
Little Richard’s for amazing barbecue.
A downside? Some areas of downtown felt a little too quiet after business hours.
Durham
I thought that this was one of the coolest historic cities to visit in North Carolina when we moved to the South. I enjoyed learning that it's part of the "Tri-Cities" Research Triangle (Raleigh - Durham - Chapel Hill), a major hub for biotech and research.
Anchored by Duke University and the revitalized American Tobacco Campus, for me, Durham is an urban gem in the heart of the Triangle, just 20 minutes north from Chapel Hill.
Ready for a peaceful, as well as artful morning? Check out Sarah P. Duke Gardens and the Nasher Museum Café, a true standout combination! I loved visiting in late fall when the gardens feel extra calm. In addition, it’s the perfect time to warm up afterward with a cozy lunch at the museum.
After enjoying the ambiance of American Tobacco Campus in the afternoon, we had dinner at Mellow Mushroom inside the American Tobacco Campus. I ordered a specialty pizza with caramelized onions, mushrooms, and mozzarella. The crust came crisp on the outside, chewy within, the toppings smoky and sweet.
If you have more time, explore the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, where catching a minor league baseball game is a summer tradition. Art lovers should visit the Nasher Museum of Art, while history buffs can tour the Museum of Durham History.
We based ourselves at 21c Museum Hotel for two days, which doubles as an art gallery. For me, it set the tone for an art-filled romantic weekend getaway in North Carolina with my husband.
What I loved best:
The Eno River State Park, about 15 minutes from downtown, was my personal highlight for trails and summer swimming holes just minutes from downtown.
A downside? Parking near the campus was tight, especially on weekend evenings.
Chapel Hill
Nicknamed "The Southern Part of Heaven", this city is part of the vibrant Triangle region (with Durham and Raleigh just a short drive away). Chapel Hill holds its own with its walkable downtown, thriving music scene, and food culture.
We had breakfast at Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen, a drive-thru gem recommended to us by locals. I had their famous chicken biscuit ($4.99), crispy, peppery chicken tucked into a buttery biscuit, with a side of hash browns.
My favorite things to do include the Ackland Art Museum, Morehead Planetarium (where astronauts once trained!). Music lovers should look for shows at Cat’s Cradle in nearby Carrboro, one of the Southeast’s legendary venues.
Nature is never far away either, with trails like Battle Park offering a peaceful forest escape right in town. I especially enjoyed wandering through the Coker Arboretum (free) with Chris and our son.
We checked into the 4-star historic Carolina Inn, located on campus for two care-free days - I loved its Southern hospitality with elegant touches.
What I loved best:
The Franklin Street staple Sutton’s Drug Store delivers nostalgic diner vibes, my favorite highlight.
Raleigh
Raleigh’s dining scene is one of the best I've found since moving to the South. Be sure to try the famous macaroni au grati at Poole’s Diner. Brewery Bhavana offers an unusual but fantastic combination of craft beer, dim sum (and even a flower shop - how unique!).
If you are short on time and want to experience it all, I can vouch for the Taste Carolina Food Tour, which takes you through multiple restaurants downtown for a sampling of the city’s best flavors.
Don't skip the city’s outstanding museums (we loved that so many of them are free!) including the North Carolina Museum of Art, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, and the North Carolina Museum of History.
You can also head out of town on one of my favorite day trips from Raleigh.
What I loved best:
The farmers’ market in Raleigh is my favorite highlight for local atmosphere and cheap snacks.
There are many good places to stay in Downtown Raleigh - I especially enjoy boutique hotels like Guest House Raleigh (close to the city’s food and nightlife scene) and The StateView Hotel on NC State’s campus (for a historic, academic atmosphere!).
A downside? Downtown parking filled quickly during lunch and evening hours.
Best Places to Visit on the Coast of North Carolina (Eastern NC):
Ocean beaches are my favorite for a relaxing vacation and there are some amazing beaches to choose from in North Carolina. Here are the beaches you absolutely have to go to:
Wilmington and Its Amazing Beaches
Ready for an East Coast weekend getaway just minutes from Atlantic beaches? Wilmington is a real standout! I loved the lively riverfront, historic district, and a thriving arts and dining scene here.
We drove about two hours southeast from Raleigh, and stayed an easy week in an affordable vacation rental.
I enjoyed exploring Airlie Gardens ($10) in the morning, and having a stroll along the Riverwalk in the afternoon. History lovers will appreciate the Bellamy Mansion Museum and a tour of the Battleship North Carolina, moored just across the river. The Cameron Art Museum highlights local and international works, a cool spot if you are a history buff like me.
When the sun calls, head to nearby beaches: Wrightsville Beach for surfing, Carolina Beach for boardwalk fun, or Kure Beach for a quieter coastal escape!
In addition, I loved that Wilmington is such a cool spot for foodies. Be sure to try Dockside Restaurant for a romantic evening out, right on the water.
What I loved best:
Kilwin’s where we had sweet treats right on the riverwalk was my personal highlight.
A downside? Summer weekends brought heavy crowds to the Riverwalk.
Wrightsville Beach
I think it's is one of the best day trips in North Carolina if you are in the mood for a beach day. You'll find soft sands and a vacation vibe just 10 minutes from Wilmington.
I loved the easy going pace, watching surfers, and great seafood when we got hungry.
What I loved best:
The afternoon swimming and lounging by the ocean was a standout. We ended the day with a sunset over the Harbor Island sound, followed by dinner at Bluewater Waterfront Grill which was incredible.
Elizabeth City
Elizabeth City feels like one of the most unspoiled waterfront towns in northeastern North Carolina. I think it's one of the absolute best small coastal destinations on the East Coast.
Perched along the Pasquotank River, this North Carolina’s Inner Banks city has plenty of maritime history, a walkable downtown, and easy access to the Albemarle Sound.
We drove east from Raleigh, about 3 hours on this part of our journey.
The river is at the heart of life here: docks and marinas line the waterfront, sailboats drift by, and sunsets over the Pasquotank set the evening scene.
I recommend starting with the Museum of the Albemarle, which brings the region’s history to life. Next, stroll along the waterfront and Mariners’ Wharf Park and catch a concert or community event. If you are feeling active, kayak along the Pasquotank, or take a short drive to Dismal Swamp State Park for hiking and biking along historic canals. History buffs will enjoy exploring the city’s historic districts, lined with Victorian homes and shaded streets.
Dining here highlights local seafood and Southern comfort. Cypress Creek Grill is a downtown favorite for riverside dining, while Hoppin’ Johnz serves up creative takes on Southern classics.
Need a place to stay? Check out The Culpepper Inn for two romantic days.
What I loved best:
Montero’s Restaurant for a casual meal was my personal highlight.
A downside? Some of the shops and cafés downtown closed early. I wished the waterfront stayed lively a little longer after dark.
Atlantic Beach
I loved visiting this laid-back coastal town not long after we moved to the East Coast.
Atlantic Beach had that classic beach-town vibe, a great beach, casual spots for breakfast and waterfront restaurants for dinner.
What I loved best:
For me, Atlantic Beach is one of the best places to visit in North Carolina because it's so relaxing.
Ending the day with a colorful sunset over Bogue Sound was my personal highlight!
