25 Best Things to Do in Charlotte, North Carolina

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Founded in 1927 by Elizabeth and Edwin Clarkson and later donated to the Wing Haven Foundation, the Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary is a beautiful public garden and bird sanctuary that is open year-round.

The well-kept gardens were designed to resemble a Cross of Lorraine, with shorter perpendicular paths crossing a longer central path, and are home to a wealth of ornamental trees, shrubs, and flowers as well as pools, fountains, sculptures and a beautifully preserved English sundial dating back to 1705. The gardens also feature a poem by Japanese pacifist Toyohiko Kagawa and a statue of Saint Fiacre, the patron saint of gardeners. If you are looking for fun things to do in Charlotte NC with kids, the Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary is a beautiful place to visit.

248 Ridgewood Ave, Charlotte, North Carolina 28209, Phone: 704-331-0664

© The Mint Museum

The internationally-renowned Mint Museum is at the forefront of Charlotte’s arts and culture scene, inspiring creativity through an unrivaled collection of art. The Mint is the oldest art museum in North Carolina and home to a globally significant collection of works and ground-breaking exhibitions housed in two locations in the city: Mint Museum Uptown and Mint Museum Randolph.

Mint Museum Randolph is located in the original branch of the United States Mint and has incredible collections of European and African art, ancient American art, ceramics and decorative arts, and fashion. Mint Museum Uptown features outstanding collections of American, European, and contemporary art as well as a world-renowned craft and design exhibition. The Mint Museum offers guided tours of the permanent collections in both buildings and special exhibits and presentations throughout the year. If you are wondering what to do in Charlotte, North Carolina with kids on a rainy day, this is a great place to visit.

2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28207, Phone: 704-337-2000

© NASCAR Hall of Fame

Located in Uptown Charlotte, the NASCAR Hall of Fame documents, celebrates and honors the history and heritage of NASCAR. One of the city’s most popular attractions, the 150,000-square-foot state-of-the-art venue features a variety of interactive exhibits, informative displays, and hands-on presentations about the cars, the races, and the fans.

The modern, 278-seat High Octane Theater plays an exciting informational film about the history of NASCAR. More video, innovative graphics, and rotating displays greet visitors in the Great Hall. Induction ceremonies take place in the outdoor ceremonial plaza. Glory Road is lined with historic cars while Race Week is an interactive area which provides a behind-the-scenes look at the preparation a NASCAR team goes through before race day. The Hall of Fame’s racing simulators are a popular attraction where visitors can take the driver’s seat and experience racing first-hand.

400 East Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Charlotte, North Carolina 28202, Phone: 704-654-4400

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The Carolinas Aviation Museum at Charlotte Douglas International Airport is dedicated to educating visitors about the importance of aviation to society. Founded by Floyd and Lois Wilson in 1992, the museum aims to preserve aviation heritage with a collection of more than 50 stationary aircraft and smaller historic aviation-related items. The museum also boasts an array of still-operational historic aircraft such as the B-17, B-24, B-29 and Berlin Airlift C-54.

The Carolinas Aviation Museum is home to an extensive research library - the 9,000-volume Dolph Overton Aviation Library-- and the Bat Cave Storage and Restoration Facility. The museum also presents a variety of educational exhibits, programs, and activities and resources for classroom learning. More: North Carolina destinations, beaches and lighthouses

4672 First Flight Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina 28208, Phone: 704-997-3770

© Discovery Place

Discovery Place is dedicated to promoting exploration of the natural world and is one of the top family attractions in Charlotte NC. The center’s wealth of outstanding exhibits and dynamic displays inform, challenge, and engage audiences of all ages. One of the leading hands-on science centers in the country, Discovery Place also operates the Charlotte Nature Museum next to Freedom Park.

At the Nature Museum, visitors can get close to nature by observing live animals including free-flying butterflies and other insects. Another satellite of Discovery Place is the newly-opened Discovery Place KIDS museum in Huntersville. Discovery Place KIDS provides a rich and rewarding play experience that engages children’s imaginations and inspires learning.

301 N Tryon St., Charlotte, North Carolina 28202, Phone: 704-372-6261

© ImaginOn

ImaginOn is a children’s library and theater that brings stories to life. Inspiring, encouraging, and educating children, the center is home to two state-of-the-art theaters, a multimedia production studio, a dedicated library for kids under 11, and a teen-only library. The center also features four multi-use classrooms and an interactive exhibit space.

Library services at ImaginOn and drop-in program participation are free of charge; however, tickets are required for the shows and pre-registration is required for children’s theatre classes and some library programs.

300 East Seventh St., Charlotte, North Carolina 28202, Phone: 704-416-4600

© Sea Level NC

Sea Level NC is one of Charlotte's premiere seafood restaurants, opened in 2016 within the city's Hearst Tower by noted restaurateur Paul Manley. The restaurant is North Carolina's only destination for farm-to-fork oysters on the half shell, serving up a full menu of fare focusing on non-threatened species catches from regional farms and coastal fishers. Diners can enjoy a wide variety of Southern seafood favorites, including delectable entrees such as Thai-fried grilled salmon, fried North Carolina catfish, and squid chow chow with sweet and spicy sauce or shareable platters of Maine mussels or Calabash shrimp. At lunch, diners can choose from lighter coastal fare favorites such as catfish reubens, shrimp po'boys, and classic lobster rolls. An extensive regional draft beer list is offered, along with refreshing cocktails and mocktails perfect for enjoying on the restaurant's low-key outdoor patio.

129 E 5th St, Charlotte, NC 28202, Phone: 704-412-2616

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The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, located inside the Levine Center for the Arts, is dedicated to modern art. Housed in a beautiful 36,500-square-foot space designed by Mario Botta, the museum features a collection of more than 1,400 artworks. The downtown museum is named after the family of Andreas Bechtler, who assembled the collection of works by famous artists such as Léger, Matisse, Degas, Warhol, Mirò, Picasso, and Le Corbusier.

Visitors are welcomed to the museum by the awe-inspiring, 17-foot Firebird (Le Grand Oiseau de Feu sur l’Arche) by artist Niki de Saint Phalle, made of over seven thousand mirror mosaics.

420 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202, Phone: 704-353-9200

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Blumenthal Performing Arts is the heart of Charlotte’s performing arts scene and is home to such outstanding organizations as the Charlotte Ballet and Symphony, the Community School of the Arts, and Opera Carolina. The Blumenthal has six theaters under its management.

The Booth Playhouse, the Belk Theater, and Stage Door Theater are in the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center building while the Duke Power Theater and McGlohon Theater are both in Spirit Square. The Knight Theater is also under Blumenthal management, and the company presents additional performances at the Ovens Auditorium. If you are looking for romantic date night ideas in Charlotte, look up the Blumenthal Performing Arts schedule. The Blumenthal provides performing arts courses, classes, and events throughout the year.

130 North Tryon ST., Charlotte, North Carolina 28202, Phone: 704-372-1000

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Charlotte NC Tours is a full-service tour company that offers a variety of adventures from walking, cycling and Segway tours to ghost tours, family reunion adventures and relocation tours for those new to the city. The tours are guided by friendly staff with a broad knowledge of Charlotte and its rich history.

They’re a fun way to see the city and will leave you feeling like a local by the end.Charlotte NC Tours has suitable vehicles, from vans to buses, for groups of every size. The company also offers bicycle rentals and customized tours for special events such as team building and birthday celebrations (Phone: 704-962-4548).

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UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens serve as an educational resource for the university and the public. The gardens consist of three distinct areas: the 7-acre Van Landingham Glen, the 3-acre Susie Harwood Garden, and the McMillan Greenhouse complex.

All of the areas are well-maintained and have unique varieties of plants, shrubs and trees, from native wildflowers in the Glen and ornamental plants in the Harwood Garden to lush tropical flora in the greenhouse. The Botanical Gardens offer a wealth of classes, and workshops and guided group tours, as well as plant sales, membership, volunteer opportunities, and plant society meetings. UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens are one of the best Charlotte attractions for garden lovers.

9090 Craver Rd, Charlotte, NC 28262, 704-687-0721

© The Charlotte Museum of History

The Charlotte Museum of History consists of several historic structures on a wooded eight-acre campus in east Charlotte. The oldest of these structures is the Hezekiah Alexander House, a 5,000-square-foot rock house built circa 1774. The Alexander House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the oldest surviving house in Mecklenburg County. It features a reproduction log kitchen, barn, and reconstructed two-story springhouse.

The museum’s exhibits span three galleries and document the history and heritage of Charlotte and Mecklenburg from the 18th to 20th centuries. Guided tours of the museum are held daily and special tours for groups can be arranged.

3500 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina 28215, Phone: 704-568-1774

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© Levine Museum of the New South

Charlotte’s Levine Museum of the New South aims to encourage a deeper understanding of the past: to teach visitors how history has shaped the present and how it affects the future.The museum's permanent exhibit is called "Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers: Charlotte and the Carolina Piedmont in the New South" and features excellent displays that reflect the region’s history.

Other exhibits include an authentic African-American hospital, a tenant farmer’s house, a cotton mill and millhouse, and a Civil Rights Era lunch counter. The exhibits serve to educate visitors on local history and culture.

401 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, Phone: 704-333-1887

© Sharon Square

Snuggled between Whole Foods and the SunTrust Bank’s regional headquarters, Sharon Square is a mixed-use, walkable community in Charlotte’s South Park that combines a range of residences, businesses, first-class dining, shops, cafes, and bars and is modern, attractive, and easily accessible. Some of the best Charlotte’s restaurants are located on the Sharon Square – Dogwood Southern Table, and Oak Steakhouse. There is also the Denise Antonacci Salon, the gourmet pet shop Woof Gang Bakery, Design Gaps, a drive-through Starbucks, and much more. Solis Sharon Square offers a range of upscale apartments with superb amenities such as a modern fitness center, a resort-style pool with a sundeck, a games room, and courtyards.

© Carowinds

Carowinds is a fun family destination. This huge amusement park offers almost 60 breath-taking rides, live entertainment and a brilliant Water Park, all in the same complex. The highlight of any visit is doubtlessly the thrilling Fury 325 roller coaster, but riding the Fury is just the tip of the iceberg. Once you have come back down to earth you can look forward to dozens of other rides in categories suitable for all ages. The Carolina Harbor Water Park offers hours of fun in the sun with wave pools, giant water slides and a 3-acre area for younger visitors. Combination passes are available.

300 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273, 704-588-2600

© Chef Alyssa's Kitchen

At Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen, cooking novices can learn the basics, more experienced cooks can enhance their culinary skills, and anyone can have a great time cooking, eating, drinking and making new friends. Run by Alyssa Gorelick and Andrew Wilen, Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen is located in South End and offers healthy sustainable cooking lessons for everyone.

Classes are designed to be fun and informative. Students learn how to cook based on seasonally available ingredients, and ultimately how to live a healthier life. Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen offers five levels of classes, from beginner classes to advanced courses for professional chefs looking to hone their already-mastered skills. Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen also hosts private events and functions such as team-building, corporate events, and birthday parties.

4001 Yancey Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217, Phone: 704-817-7568

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© Lenny Boy Brewing Company

Lenny Boy Brewing Company is one of Charlotte's premiere microbreweries, originally opened in 2011 as a non-alcoholic kombucha production company in the city's historic South End district. Since 2013, the company has been the American Southeast's only certified organic kombucha producer, serving up delicious variants of the health-conscious probiotic drink, including flavors such as ginger, beet, strawberry, lavenderade, and blueberry yerba mate. That same year, the company also began producing their own alcoholic brews, including now-flagship ales such as their Citraphilia IPA, Life in the South Southern Lager, Ground Up Coffee Stout, and Dat Pale American Pale Ale. A wild ale series is available on tap at the company's taproom, which showcases periodic trivia nights, community festivals, farmer's markets, film showings, fitness events, and art shows. Growler fills, pints, and flights are served up Tuesdays through Sundays at the taproom, which also showcases food from The Hunter's Wife and Poppy Handcraft Popcorn.

3000 S. Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28217, Phone: 980-585-1728

© Haymaker

Haymaker is a Southern-influenced farm-to-table offering from executive chef William Dissen, located in Uptown Charlotte near beautiful Romare Bearden Park. The LEED-certified restaurant is known for its unique seasonal fare showcasing the production bounty of Appalachia and the Piedmont region, supplied with daily farm-fresh deliveries and structuring its kitchen around a traditional brick hearth. Seasonally-changing menus are available at dinner seven days a week and brunch service on the weekends, showcasing artisanal fare such as wild-caught North Carolina grouper, crispy duck confit, and herb dumplings served with root vegetables and braised greens. House-cured charcuterie boards are also served up, along with a rotating selection of fine wines and draft beers and a carefully-curated list of unique cocktails. At brunch, diners can choose from options such as bacon fat beignets, cornmeal-fried catfish, and housemade granola and yogurt parfaits.

225 S Poplar St, Charlotte, NC 28202, Phone: 704-626-6116

© Reid’s Fine Foods

The original specialty food store for the city of Charlotte, Reid's Fine Foods also doubles up as one of the city's best restaurant locations. Offering amazing quality fresh produce, cooked meals, quality wines, gift baskets, and more, Reid's Fine Foods is the number one place to be for all your fine food needs in Charlotte.

-The marketplace at Reid's Fine Foods is where you can buy all kinds of quality foods and drinks. Some of the most popular options can be found in the prepared foods section, where shoppers can purchase all kinds of freshly made treats like mac 'n' cheese, chicken salad, twice-baked potatoes, and more. Shoppers can also find plenty of fresh meats and delicious cheeses, as well as charcuterie boards and quality wines. If you love the food found at the Reid’s Fine Foods marketplace, you’ll adore the amazing dishes served up in the restaurant and bar too. Many of the signature prepared meals you find in the marketplace can be found on the menu all year long, as well as plenty of delicious salads, sandwiches, wraps, soups, and a whole range of incredible entrees like Pan Seared Salmon and Chicken Milanese. reids.com or (800) 998-9855

© Legion Brewing Company

Legion Brewing is a popular brewery, pub, and restaurant on Commonwealth Avenue near the lake that attracts a loyal following with its great IPAs, many other styles of beer, excellent pub grub, and wonderful social atmosphere. The spacious dining room is made warm and cozy with reclaimed wood, and the back room has a balcony from which you can watch your favorite beer being made. With plenty of board games, TVs for following your favorite team, and occasional live music, Legion Brewing is a fun spot to enjoy with friends or family and even the family dog. It can get noisy, but it is worth it.

1906 Commonwealth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205, Phone: 844-467-5683

© Latin American Contemporary Art Projects

Latin American Contemporary Art (LaCa) Projects is an exciting new platform for presenting Latin American art and culture and encouraging dialogues between artists. Located in the heart of the revitalized FreeMoreWest neighborhood, LaCa Projects works to develop Latin American Contemporary Art by exhibiting influential and thought-provoking works by emerging and mid-career artists.

The museum features a permanent gallery exhibiting the work of local artists and another gallery which hosts a variety of exhibitions by established Latin American artists throughout the year. Visitors can watch artists at work in their studios and tour the galleries.

1429 Bryant Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28208, Phone: 704-837-1688

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© Growlers Pourhouse

Growlers Pourhouse is a popular neighborhood pub in Charlotte with exposed bricks, a nice and friendly atmosphere, and 14 rotating beers on tap. Most beers come from several neighborhood breweries such as NoDa Brewing and Birdsong Brewing. The large wooden bar and communal tables are often packed and the atmosphere is lively, especially on days when the big game is on one of the many large TVs. There are complimentary bowls of popcorn and one of the most popular offers on the pub’s menu is a plate of raw oysters on the half shell. There are also house-made sausages and brats and other popular pub grub.

3120 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205, Phone: 704-910-6566

© Hendrick Motorsports

Hendrick Motorsports is a NASCAR championship-winning team and race car center located in Concord, just one mile from the Charlotte Motor Speedway. NASCAR fans can visit the campus at no cost during regular hours of operation and explore the state-of-the-art facilities, which feature the Hendrick Motorsports Museum and the Team Store.

Hendrick Motorsports has earned a record 11 car owner championships in NASCAR’s premier division, the Sprint Cup Series, since 1984. The museum documents this successful history with photography exhibits. The Hendrick Motorsports extends its operating hours on race weekends, during which time visitors can watch the preparations for a big race. Public events such as autograph sessions occur regularly, and autographed merchandise can be purchased from the Team Store.

4400 Papa Joe Hendrick Blvd, Charlotte, North Carolina 28262, Phone: 704-455-3400

© Crin/stock.adobe.com

Charlotte Roller Derby is a skater-owned and operated non-profit organization involving multiple roller derby teams and programs made up of individuals of all ages and backgrounds. As well as training up and playing in bouts against other teams in the Women's Flat Track Derby Association leagues, Charlotte Roller Derby also aims to enrich and inspire the local community through various events and programs, as well as by donating profits and proceeds to local charities and good causes in Charlotte.

If you’d like to attend a roller derby bout and cheer on the teams of the Charlotte Roller Derby, it’s very easy and affordable to do so. You can check out the full bout calendar on the official site for Charlotte Roller Derby and buy tickets to individual events for you, your family, and your friends. charlotterollerderby.org