My first visit to Greensboro was on a day trip with friends from Winston-Salem. I've been back multiple times since I'm a garden lover and this amazing city is just full of gardens (with FREE admission).
I recommend getting started at one of the following three museums (art, science or historical). If it's a sunny day, I would head to one of the gardens first thing in the morning because it's lovely then with nature just waking up.
If you are flying in, Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) is just 20 minutes from downtown Greensboro.
If you are driving, Greensboro is located at the junction of I-40, I-85, and I-73. The drive is about 1.5 hours from Raleigh or Charlotte.
If you prefer train travel, Amtrak provides service via the Crescent and Carolinian lines. There is a station in downtown Greensboro.
As for where to stay, take a look at Grandover Resort & Spa if you want many activities like golf, spa and pools. Right downtown, you'll find The Biltmore Greensboro Hotel. If you are looking for affordability, Drury Inn & Suites Greensboro is very comfortable.
Best Things to Do in Greensboro, NC
1. For art lovers: Admire art at the Weatherspoon Art Museum
Rating: ★★★★★
If you decide to start at the Weatherspoon Art Museum, head to the University of North Carolina where you'll find one of the largest collections of modern and contemporary art in the Southeast.
Admire over 6,000 works and objects representing all the main art movements from the beginning of the 20th century to the present.
I spent the most time viewing the Andy Warhol pieces.
Best of all, admission is completely free.
500 Tate St, Greensboro, NC, Phone: 336-334-5770
2. For curious kids: Dive into exhibits at the Greensboro Science Center
If you are traveling with kids, you'll want to head to the Greensboro Science Center first. There is so much to do here! You'll have to choose whether you want to visit the aquarium, museum, or the zoo (or all three).
I personally didn't want to miss seeing the Carolina SciQuarium, the only inland aquarium in North Carolina. I liked the sharks, stingrays, eels, otters, an anaconda, and a plethora of fish species.
If you have time, see a show at OmniSphere Theater, which has a 40-foot dome ceiling with a 3D screen.
3. For history buffs: Learn about history at the Greensboro Historical Museum
If you are a history buff like me, head to the Greensboro Historical Museum to learn about the city’s local heritage and culture.
You'll find a range of exhibitions and displays that document the lives of the people who played an important role in the history of the city, from the Quakers and Scots-Irish to the Native Americans.
The museum covers more than 17,000 square feet so be sure to wear comfortable shoes!
130 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, North Carolina, Phone: 336-373-2043
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
4. For garden lovers: Stroll along flower-lined paths at the Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden
My favorite time to visit the Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden is on a warm spring morning.
In addition to flowers, you get to see magnificent bronze sculptures at this 7.5-acre garden.
I loved the man-made re-circulating stream that adds a tranquil element to the gardens!
Take the kids to the Sensory Garden, which offers an interactive landscape experience.
If you are planning to get married, the wedding gazebo would be the perfect spot for me personally.
Best of all, the garden is open year-round, and admission is FREE.
1105 Hobbs Rd, Greensboro, NC, Phone: 336-373-2199
5. For young kids: Dive into hands-on exhibits at Miriam P. Brenner Children's Museum
If you have little kids who need a fun place to learn, pop by the Miriam P. Brenner Children's Museum (formerly The Greensboro Children’s Museum).
It's designed to inspire children up to 10 years of age to look, touch, feel, and explore in a fun, lively, and safe environment.
Your kids get to choose from 20 permanent hands-on displays, including Our Town, The Health Center, and Edible Schoolyard.
220 North Church Street, Greensboro, North Carolina, Phone: 336-574-2898
Attractions for Couples
6. For photographers: Walk through themed gardens at The Greensboro Arboretum
Just 2 miles from the Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden you'll find The Greensboro Arboretum which features over 14 plant collections.
You get to admire both local and foreign flora varieties and species, exquisite display gardens, and distinctive structural features such as bridges, pathways, a gazebo, and wind chimes.
Don't miss the tranquil viewpoint that provides stunning panoramic views of the gardens.
You'll be happy to know that the garden is open year-round, and admission is free.
401 Ashland Dr, Greensboro, NC, Phone: 336-373-2199
7. For community-minded travelers; Look at creative landscaping at Gateway Gardens
You'll find Gateway Gardens at the entrance to the city where they provide a tranquil green space and cultivated garden in which visitors can relax.
Stroll through 11 acres of individual gardens and collections, including the Heritage Garden, the Rain Garden, the Great Lawn, and the Michel Family Children's Garden.
The garden is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, and admission to the garden is free.
2800 E Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27401, Phone: 336-373-2199
8. Admire hundreds of works at Elsewhere
Visit Elsewhere, an artist residency program and museum in Greensboro that was founded in 2005 by George Scheer, Stephanie Sherman, Josh Fox, and Matt Merfert, preserving the unique collections of Scheer's grandmother, Sylvia Gray.
This unique "thinking playground" museum and nonprofit organization strives to create new works of art out of pieces within the collection as part of an artist residency program. You can see 600+ works detailing cultural narratives about consumption, production, and repurposing.
606 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27406, Phone: 336-907-3271
9. For casual hangout seekers: Taste creative brews at Pig Pounder Brewery
Taste authentic British beers at Pig Pounder Brewery including varieties like an English Dark Mild, an Extra Special Bitter, and a classic Milk Stout, for local venues around the city.
Go on a guided tour and learn about the history of the facility and the production of craft beer along the way.
1107 Grecade St., Greensboro, North Carolina, Phone: 336-553-1290
10. For Revolutionary War enthusiasts: Visit Guilford Courthouse National Military Park
Step back in time at the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park which commemorates the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, which took place in 1781.
You can explore the area home to a variety of natural ecosystems and landscapes on foot or bicycle. Or check out the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park Museum, which features a range of outstanding exhibits and displays regarding the history and background of the battle.
2332 New Garden Rd, Greensboro, North Carolina, Phone: 336-288-1776
I find Greensboro always a pleasure to visit with new and interesting gardens, attractions and restaurants to explore.
If you are looking for a nice day trip, I recommend Burlington, NC which is just 30 minutes by car from Greensboro.
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