North Carolina is a great place to unwind and explore no matter where your interests lie. The geography of the state ranges from busy, bustling cities to towering mountains to the beaches, lakes, lighthouses and Outer Banks islands.
Visitors can immerse themselves in some of the best museums in the country, admire the beauty of nature from the top of Grandfather Mountain or take a trip to the past by visiting some of the many Civil War sites. Here are the best things to do in North Carolina.
1. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh was the first museum to ever be established in North Carolina, and it is the largest natural science museum on the Southeast.
The museum is made up of four components: the Nature Exploration Center (also known as NEC), the Nature Research Center, the Prairie Ridge Ecostation, and the North Carolina Museum of Forestry.
The Exploration Center and the Research Center are the most popular with visitors; together, they offer seven floors of interactive exhibits that the whole family can enjoy.
General admission is free, but donations are gladly accepted.
11 W Jones St, Raleigh, NC 27601, Phone: 919-707-9800
2. Sarah P. Duke Gardens, North Carolina
Located on the grounds of Duke University in Durham, the Sarah P. Duke Gardens are made up of roughly 55 acres of landscaped gardens divided into four distinct areas.
There are more than 5 miles of pathways throughout the gardens, and guided tours are offered both by foot and by trolley.
Tours take between 60 and 90 minutes. There is no admission charge for those wishing to enjoy a self-guided tour.
Groups consisting of more than 15 people are asked to register with the garden in advance for scheduling purposes.
420 Anderson St, Durham, NC 27708, Phone: 919-684-3698
3. Sliding Rock, North Carolina
Located in the Pisgah National Forest, Sliding Rock is a 60-foot-tall natural rock water slide.
Depending on the time of year, the pool at the bottom of the slide is 6-7 feet deep and between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pay parking is available, and there is a small admission fee. There are two observation decks.
The slide is open from the end of May until Labor Day, and lifeguards are on duty during certain hours.
This attraction can be very crowded and sometimes fills up. Parking along the roadside is prohibited. Best Campgrounds in North Carolina
US-276, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768, Phone: 828-877-3265
4. Discovery Place, North Carolina
Established in 1981, Discovery Place in Charlotte is a non-profit organization that is an integral part of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) education in the Carolinas.
Discovery Place actually consists of four components: Discovery Place Science and Discovery Place Nature in Charlotte, and two Discovery Place Kids locations in Huntersville and Rockingham.
The science center offers a number of hands-in exhibits, science experiments, and an IMAX Dome Theater, while the nature museum has interactive exhibits, live animal displays, and a beautiful butterfly pavilion.
The children’s museums are designed to foster learning through play.
301 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, Phone: 704-372-6261
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5. Battleship North Carolina
Moored just across the river from downtown Wilmington, the Battleship North Carolina dates back to the beginning of World War II.
With 15 battle stars, the ship is the most decorated American battleship from World War II.
Today, the boat has been transformed into a sort of museum, and it has the honor of being a National Historic Landmark. Many parts of the ship are open to visitors, including the main deck, two gun turrets, and a number of interior compartments.
Visitors must pay an admission fee, and self-guided tours of the ship typically take around two hours.
1 Battleship Rd NE, Wilmington, NC 28401, Phone: 910-251-5797
6. Elijah Mountain Gem Mine, North Carolina
At Elijah Mountain Gem Mine in Hendersonville, visitors have the opportunity to mine gemstones and gold that they can then bring home.
The mine offers both indoor and outdoor flumes, so it is a great destination no matter what the weather.
General admission is free, and visitors can choose from a variety of mining packages.
Other attractions at the mine include a baby goat petting zoo, the world's largest gem mine bucket, a rock shop, and a number of picnic tables. Special rates and packages are offered for groups, families, and birthday parties. The mine is open 7 days a week all throughout the year. More Romantic Weekend Getaways in NC
2120 Brevard Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28739, Phone: 828-692-6560
7. Wright Brothers National Memorial, North Carolina
The Wright Brothers were the first people to successfully fly an airplane, and the Wright Brothers National Memorial pays homage to this feat.
The memorial showcases the exact places where the brothers' first airplanes took off and landed, and there are also several reconstructed buildings designed to show what their working conditions were like.
There is also a Visitors Center, which features several educational displays about the Wright brothers as well as exact replicas of two flying machines that date back to 1902 and 1903.
Visitors must purchase an to view the memorial; children under the age of 15 enter for free. Beaches Near Jacksonville, NC
N Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948, Phone: 252-473-2111
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8. Biltmore Estate and Biltmore Gardens, North Carolina
Dating back to the 1890s, the Biltmore Estate in Asheville is an 8,000-acre property that includes a winery, a small village, and a historic 250-room chateau filled with an incredible array of priceless objects.
Admission to the estate includes a free wine tasting at the winery as well as access to all the sites of interest on the property.
Guests are invited to enjoy self-guided tours of the chateau as well as the beautifully maintained gardens and grounds, and special guided tours can be arranged for an additional fee.
The estate is open every day of the year, but hours vary according to the season.
1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803, Phone: 800-411-3812
9. Lexington Glassworks, North Carolina
Lexington Glassworks is a renowned glassblowing gallery and working studio. The owners encourage an open door atmosphere, and visitors are invited to watch the glassblowing process from start to finish.
Demonstrations typically take around 30 minutes, and groups of more than 10 people are required to pay a small fee and to arrange a demonstration time in advance.
There are many pieces of art for sale in the gallery, and the studio's two owners Bill and Geoff designed and handcrafted each piece. The gallery is open 7 days a week, but there are no glassblowing demonstrations on Tuesdays.
81 S Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, Phone: 828-348-8427
More ideas: Best Beaches Near Charlotte, North Carolina
10. The Mountains-to-Sea Trail, North Carolina
The Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Mountains-to-Sea Trail is the official state hiking trail of North Carolina, spanning more than 1,100 miles between the Outer Banks and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Approximately 680 miles of hiking and biking trails are offered, along with 500 miles of connecting roads linking segments together, though when completed, the trail will be completely accessible on foot or on bike.
Along the way, visitors can trek past majestic mountain vistas, historic colonial towns and tobacco barns, hardwood and pine forest areas, and miles and miles of expansive seashore and coastal terrain. 18 individual trail segments span the state's mountain, piedmont, and coastal plains areas, including an optional paddling trail along the Neuse River. More Day Trips in NC
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11. Museum of Life and Science, North Carolina
Located on an 84-acre property, the Museum of Life and Science is a natural science museum primarily aimed at children.
The museum's main building is home to two stories of interactive displays, including a well-known aerospace exhibit.
The museum is home to more than 60 species of live animals, and it also contains one of the largest butterfly conservatories on the East Coast.
Other highlights include an outdoor dinosaur exhibit, a small train visitors can ride around the museum grounds, and a treehouse village. There is an admission fee, but members can enter the museum free of charge.
433 W Murray Ave, Durham, NC 27704, Phone: 919-220-5429
12. Good Karma Ranch, North Carolina
Good Karma Ranch is a sustainability-focused alpaca ranch in Iron Station, North Carolina, originally established in 2009 as a solution for environmentally-friendly livestock farming.
The ranch focuses on scientifically-forward methods for breeding Huacaya alpacas from championship bloodlines, bred and raised for their high-quality light-colored fur.
High-quality alpaca products are crafted from some of the world's finest natural fibers, with mentor and training services for new alpaca farmers throughout the nation also available upon request. Ranch guests can purchase a variety of luxury goods, ranging from jewelry, scarves, and attire to the finest possible crafting yarn stocked in a variety of colors and textures.
Special events are open to families throughout the year, including weekend farm tours, crafting and yoga classes, adult and children's camps, and holiday events. More North Carolina Beaches
1041 Brevard Place Rd, Iron Station, NC 28080, Phone: 704-649-5849
13. Airborne and Special Operations Museum
The Airborne and Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville is part of the United States Army Museum System, and it has been open to the public since 2000. The main gallery is arranged in chronological order, with exhibits dating from the 1940s to the present.
There is also a temporary exhibit that changes regularly. Other features of the museum include a motion simulator ride and a large theater that is four stories tall.
The museum is handicap accessible, and there is plenty of parking for cars, RVs, and buses. Admission is free of charge, but there is a charge for the motion simulator ride.
100 Bragg Blvd, Fayetteville, NC 28301, Phone: 910-643-2778
14. Things to Do in North Carolina: Eating Asheville Tours
Eating Asheville Tours celebrate the delicious local culinary scene throughout Western North Carolina, taking small groups to some of Asheville's most vibrant dining destinations.
The company, which was founded in 2011 by Stephen Steidle, has partnered with 30 of Asheville's best restaurants for private dining experiences and meet-and-greets with restaurant owners and chefs. Diners can enjoy specially-crafted dishes at top area restaurants like Chai Pani, Rhubarb, Table, and the French Broad Chocolate Lounge, sampling elegant dishes such as pulled pork platters with hand-cut chips and locally-produced chocolate bars and truffles.
Tasting experiences typically last three hours and are limited to no more than six or seven participants, ensuring personalized attention and one-on-one conversation time. Phone: (828) 489-3266
15. Things to Do in North Carolina: Marbles Kids Museum
Opened in 2007, the Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh is an interactive, hands-on museum aimed at children between the ages of 0 and 10.
Exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including water science, music, and electricity. There is also an IMAX theater and an outdoor gardening space, which boasts a 22-foot tall flower in addition to several garden beds.
The museum holds daily activities and a wide range of special events, including story times, science workshops, and family friendly holiday celebrations.
The museum is open 7 days a week, and yearly membership passes are available.
201 East Hargett Street, Raleigh, NC 27601, Phone: 919-834-4040
16. Wheels Through Time Museum, North Carolina
The Wheels Through Time Museum contains one of the world's best collections of rare or unique motorcycles and automobiles. The 40,000 square foot museum is home to more than 350 machines that have been arranged into a sort of timeline of American history.
Regular events are hosted on-site, including antique car rallies, holiday celebrations, and an annual motorcycle raffle. Visitors often enjoy the special atmosphere of the museum, which is created by large quantities of relevant artwork and memorabilia. Museum hours vary according to the season, and discounted rates are offered for children and seniors. Things to Do in the Great Smoky Mountains
62 Vintage Ln, Maggie Valley, NC 28751, Phone: 828-926-6266
17. Things to Do in NC: Banner Elk Winery and Villa
Banner Elk Winery is a highly acclaimed and award-winning High Country winery set in the majestic landscape of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
Known for setting the standard for High Country wines since 2005, the winery invites wine aficionados to come and enjoy wine tasting in this spectacular environment, while relaxing and spending some time surrounded by ripe grape vines and warm hospitality.
The Winery Villa offers luxury accommodation for those looking for a retreat from the daily grind in an idyllic setting.
Banner Elk wines reflect the rugged landscape of high mountains, capturing the subtle and delicate nuances of the fruit and producing unique wines recognizable as coming from the Blue Ridge Mountains.
60 Deer Run, Banner Elk, NC 28604, 828-898-9090
18. Southern Highland Craft Guild Folk Art Center
The Southern Highland Craft Guild is composed of more than 900 members who have all been carefully selected for their outstanding artistic ability, and the Southern Highland Craft Guild Folk Art Center is where their best work is showcased.
The center focuses on the crafts of the Southern Appalachians, both traditional and contemporary.
In addition to three galleries, the center features a library, a bookstore, an information desk, and a craft shop.
Hours vary depending on the season, and live craft demonstrations take place during the summer. Plenty of free parking is available, and there is no admission charge.
Folk Art Center: Milepost, 382 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Asheville, NC 28805, Phone: 828-298-7928
19. Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, North Carolina
Located on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center opened in 1949.
Originally, the planetarium was used to train NASA astronauts. Today, it is open to the public, and the center is home to several educational exhibits.
Visitors can enjoy the exhibits free of charge, but an admission fee is required to view shows in the planetarium.
Special pricing is available for groups larger than 10 if booked in advance, and members get free admission for all regularly scheduled shows. Hours vary according to the season.
250 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, Phone: 919-918-1155
20. Nasher Museum Cafe, Duke University, Durham
The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University in Durham is focused on the world's contemporary art from artists who have been unrepresented.
You will certainly enjoy the museum's 13,000 works of art, but you do not have to visit the museum to enjoy the Nasher Museum Café, a sleek, modern café very popular with students for its superbly prepared food.
The menu relies on local, seasonal, and organic produce and is light and healthy, with great sandwiches and salads.
The best deal are the platters, such as the Southern Accent Platter with Mississippi remoulade, pickled okra, celery sticks, spicy tomato jam and three of fried green tomatoes, deviled egg, local corn succotash, smoked Gouda macaroni bites, or NC pimento cheese toasts. The café also has a respectable wine list.
2001 Campus Dr, Durham, NC 27701, Phone: 919-684-6032
21. Things to Do Near Me: CPCC Art Galleries - Student Art in Charlotte
The mission of the CPCC Art Galleries is to inspire, educate, and engage both students and community members by providing tools, resources, platforms, and exhibition spaces for all to enjoy. To that end, the CPCC Art Galleries provide a very warm and welcoming space and environment for every guest to enjoy, free of pretension.
Everyone can feel at ease here, able to enjoy and admire the art on display, discussing its meanings and interpretations with their fellow visitors or simply enjoying solitary reflection.
While some galleries are dedicated to one specific medium, the CPCC Art Galleries give students, faculty members, and the local community access to a wide range of media and a whole spectrum of creative possibilities.
Photographs, drawings, paintings, sculptures, metalwork, and more are explored throughout these gallery spaces, with a lot of variety for all to enjoy, and the students and faculty members are always keep to experiment with new materials and ideas, so you never know what you might see next.
As well as featuring a wide array of wonderful artworks, the CPCC Art Galleries also play host to various shows, contests, and special events throughout the year. http://blogs.cpcc.edu/cpccartgalleries/
22. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Located on an island in the Outer Banks, the 210-foot Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was erected in 1870.
It was situated a safe distance of 1,500 feet away from the water when it was first built, but the shoreline gradually eroded, and by 1999 the lighthouse was only 15 feet away from the shore.
The city was forced to move the structure to preserve it, and it exceeded expectations by remaining in great condition.
There is a Visitors Center and Museum located right next to the lighthouse, which showcase a number of exhibits about the history of the area. More North Carolina Islands
46368 Lighthouse Rd, Buxton, NC 27920, Phone: 252-475-9000
23. NC Things to Do: Carolina Meat and Fish Co
The Carolina Meat and Fish Co is a meat and seafood market located in South Charlotte. Offering an amazing range of freshly caught seafood like fresh Carolina shrimp, Louisiana crawfish, Scottish salmon, and more, as well as serving up some of the best lobster rolls you could ever hope to taste, plus a fine selection of high quality meats and more, this is one of the best fresh food markets on the East Coast.
Carolina is commonly associated with dishes like crab, gumbo, and bisque, and if you’re looking to enjoy and cook up these classic NC meals for yourself and your own family and friends, the Carolina Meat and Fish Co market is the place to be.
You’ll find plenty of freshly caught NC seafood here including shrimps, oysters, and fish, as well as plenty of other seafood sourced elsewhere. As well as world class seafood treats, the Carolina Meat and Fish Co market is the perfect place to stock up on poultry, beef, pork, and plenty of exotic meats too like venison, elk, and wild board. Just like with the seafood, the meats at this Charlotte market are all sourced from the finest farms in order to guarantee the best standards of quality and flavor.
16709 Orchard Stone Run, Charlotte, NC 28277, Phone: 704)-458-1011
24. Things to Do: North Carolina Maritime Museum
The North Carolina Maritime Museum has three locations: one in Hatteras, one in Southport, and one in Beaufort. All three museums are dedicated to preserving and protecting the coastal history of North Carolina, although each is unique. The museum in Hatteras tells the story of the many shipwrecks in the region, while the one in Southport focuses on the maritime history of the Lower Cape Fear area.
The Beaufort museum covers topics such as lighthouses and marine life, and it also offers boat building courses. All three of the museums offer free admission, although donations are gladly accepted.
315 Front St, Beaufort, NC 28516, Phone: 252-728-7317
The top attractions to visit in North Carolina near me today according to local experts are:
- 1. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
- 2. Sarah P. Duke Gardens, North Carolina
- 3. Sliding Rock, North Carolina
- 4. Discovery Place, North Carolina
- 5. Battleship North Carolina
- 6. Elijah Mountain Gem Mine, North Carolina
- 7. Wright Brothers National Memorial, North Carolina
- 8. Biltmore Estate and Biltmore Gardens, North Carolina
- 9. Lexington Glassworks, North Carolina
- 10. The Mountains-to-Sea Trail, North Carolina
- 11. Museum of Life and Science, North Carolina
- 12. Good Karma Ranch, North Carolina
- 13. Airborne and Special Operations Museum
- 14. Things to Do in North Carolina: Eating Asheville Tours
- 15. Things to Do in North Carolina: Marbles Kids Museum
- 16. Wheels Through Time Museum, North Carolina
- 17. Things to Do in NC: Banner Elk Winery and Villa
- 18. Southern Highland Craft Guild Folk Art Center
- 19. Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, North Carolina
- 20. Nasher Museum Cafe, Duke University, Durham
- 21. Things to Do Near Me: CPCC Art Galleries - Student Art in Charlotte
- 22. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
- 23. NC Things to Do: Carolina Meat and Fish Co
- 24. Things to Do: North Carolina Maritime Museum
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North Carolina Attractions: Carl Sandburg Home
Also known as "Connemara," this attraction is the former home of the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Carl Sandburg. The interior of the home has been designed to resemble its appearance the way it was during Sandburg's lifetime, and guided tours are available. Other highlights of the property include 5 miles of hiking trails, two small lakes, and an apple orchard.
Many visitors will also enjoy visiting the goat farm, which is home to three different breeds of goats. The home is open to visitors every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, and self-guided tours of the grounds take approximately two hours.
81 Carl Sandburg Ln, Flat Rock, NC 28731, Phone: 828-693-4178
Things to See Near Me: Moores Creek National Battlefield
The Moores Creek National Battlefield commemorates the Patriot's victory in the 1776 Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge. At the Visitor Center, visitors can learn about the battle through a number of exhibits and an audio-visual program.
The park also features a picnic area, a campsite that visitors can use at no charge, and a short but pleasant colonial forest walk. Special events held at the battlefield include candlelight tours, a weekend-long anniversary celebration, and regular living history programs. Hours vary according to the season, so visitors are advised to check the website before planning a visit. There is no admission fee.
40 Patriots Hall Dr., Currie, NC 28435, Phone: 910-283-5591
The Atkinson Mill
The original Atkinson Mill was built in 1757, and the current mill was built on the same site in 1950. It is the only water-powered gristmill in the area, and it produces a wide variety of cornmeal and flour products. These products can all be purchased from the on-site gift shop or from the company's website.
The site is handicap accessible and offers free parking for both cars and RVs. Free guided tours of the site are available.
95 Atkinson Mill Rd, Selma, NC 27576, Phone: 919-965-3547
Guilford Courthouse
Guilford Courthouse in Greensboro was the site of a bloody battle in 1781 during the Revolutionary War, and today, the courthouse and the battlefield have become a National Military Park. The site includes a number of markers and monuments, and guided tours of the battlefield are offered every Sunday afternoon.
A museum in the Visitors Center offers exhibits about the battle, the people involved, and the American Revolution in general. A bicycle path links the courthouse to nearby Greensboro Country Park, and it offers a pleasant extension to any visit. Free parking is available at the Visitor Center, and admission to the site is free.
2332 New Garden Rd, Greensboro, NC 27410, Phone: 336-288-1776
Mile High Swinging Bridge
The Mile High Swinging Bridge is a suspension bridge that was originally constructed in 1952 and rebuilt using the original towers in 1999. Today, it provides visitors to Grandfather Mountain with stunning panoramic views from the Linville Peak. The bridge spans an 80-foot chasm, and it is 228 feet long.
It sits at exactly one mile above sea level, which is how it got its name. The trail borders on Grandfather Mountain State Park, and visitors can access the State Park trail system via the bridge. From the parking area, the bridge can be reached by either an elevator or a flight of 50 stairs.
US 221 and Blue Ridge Parkway, Linville, NC 28646
Charlotte Motor Speedway
Built in 1959, the Charlotte Motor Speedway hosted the first World 600 NASCAR race in 1960. Today, it regularly hosts a variety of NASCAR events on its 1.5-mile (2.4 km) quad oval track, and it is commonly considered the home track for NASCAR.
The speedway is located on a 2,000-acre property, which is also home to a dirt racing track as well as the only all-concrete, four-lane drag strip in America. Visitors wishing to spend plenty of time at the speedway can stay at the onsite campground, which offers tent and RV sites as well as RV rentals.
5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC 28027, Phone: 704-455-3200
North Carolina Museum of Art
Opened in 1956, the North Carolina Museum of Art was the first large museum collection in America to be funded by the state. In addition to more than 40 galleries, the museum is home to a 164-acre park dotted with various pieces of art. Admission to the permanent collection and to the park is free, but visitors must pay a fee to participate in special events and to view any temporary exhibits.
The park is open 365 days a year from dawn until dusk, but the museum itself has more limited hours that vary according to the season.
2110 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607, Phone: 919-839-6262
North Carolina Vacation: North Carolina Zoo
Situated on a 2,200-acre property, the North Carolina Zoo is the largest walk-through zoo in the world. Instead of cages, the animals are given enclosures designed to recreate their natural habitats. These habitats are divided into three categories: African, North America, and tropical forest.
The zoo is home to more than 1,600 animals that represent over 250 species. Other attractions include a carousel, a ropes course, and a giraffe viewing deck where visitors can see eye-to-eye with the animals. The zoo is also home to a large collection.
4401 Zoo Pkwy, Asheboro, NC 27205, Phone: 800-488-0444
