25 Best Things to Do in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

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A group of volunteers founded Old Salem, Inc. in 1950 as a way to preserve Salem's historic charm for future residents and visitors. Employees and volunteers have since dedicated hours to restoring the buildings and garden areas within the historic district. Visitors have a wide selection of places to eat, shop, and tour while inside the Old Salem Museums & Gardens.

Entrance ticket prices vary depending on the buildings and tours you plan to visit. The Old Salem Museums & Gardens are also a popular venue for weddings, corporate events, and other large gatherings.

900 Old Salem Road, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Phone: 336-721-7300

© Reynolda House Museum of American Art

Reynolda House, Inc., established in 1964, oversees the Reynolda House Museum's extensive collection of American art. Hundreds of artifacts are displayed in the museum, and Reynolda House also displays unique exhibits throughout the year.

The home itself is a mansion set on a beautifully landscaped 20-acre lot. Reynolda Village is located a short distance from the house and has several spots for eating and shopping. The Reynolda House Museum is a great Winston-Salem attraction for couples. Additionally, the museum sells overnight packages in conjunction with local hotels and inns. Find great weekend getaways in NC

2250 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Phone: 888-663-1149

© Kaleideum Downtown

Kaleideum Downtown is filled with a variety of fun, educational activities, and its displays are aimed at developing literacy, motor skills, and social skills in children. Activities like painting, reading, drawing, and building are integrated into many of the museum's attractions, and kids will also find plenty of room to run, climb, and play. If you are wondering what to do in Winston-Salem on a rainy day with kids, this is a great idea.

A special membership offered by the museum includes benefits like free admission, invitations to members-only events, and discounts at certain retailers. The museum also has space for hosting parties and special events.

390 South Liberty Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Phone: 336-723-9111

© Kaleideum North

Kaleideum North, a nature and science facility, exists to support literacy, science, and life-long learning. Kaleideum North is one of the top Winston-Salem attractions for families and has an abundance of exhibits that teach visitors about subjects like biology, sound, physics, health, and the environment. The facility also has its own planetarium where visitors can learn about stars, planets, and space.

Nearby gardens and walking trails offer plenty of room for exploring and picnicking.

400 West Hanes Mill Road, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Phone: 336-767-6730

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Visiting Bethabara Park is like stepping back in time. The park was once a small religious village for Moravians who settled in the area more than 250 years ago. It's a popular spot for birdwatchers since the park sits on a wildlife preserve that is home to more than 120 species of birds. The park's grounds, gardens, and trails are open year-round at no cost.

The visitor's center and exhibit buildings are only open on certain days.

2147 Bethabara Road, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Phone: 336-0924-8191

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Unwind at the Reynolda Garden as you immerse yourself in its scenic and peaceful landscapes. Originally owned by Katherine and RJ Reynolds of the tobacco industry, the historical garden has been around for over a century with several original pieces still standing. The massive 130-acre garden, originally designed by Buckenham and Miller, welcomes visitors year-round where they may admire the garden’s lush greenery, colorful plants, waterfall, and picturesque walking trails. Visitors may also enjoy a picnic in the Greater Gardens. While there, be sure to view the rest of the Reynolda Estate which includes the 64-room historic house, golf course, greenhouses, and 16-acre lake. The Reynolda Garden is open to the public and admission is free.

100 Reynolda Village, Winston-Salem, NC 27106, Phone: 336-758-5593

© Frank L. Horton Museum Center

This center contains the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts, known locally as MESDA, a relatively new addition to Winston-Salem's historic area. Once a grocery store, the building underwent renovations in the mid 1990s to serve its new main purpose as a museum. The museum itself is named after Frank Horton, a prolific decorative arts researcher.

MESDA has a series of exhibits and collections and also includes auditorium space for meetings and special events. Along with MESDA, the center contains a research area and several shops. If you are wondering what to see in Winston-Salem on a rainy day, visit this unique attraction.

924 South Main Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Phone: 336-721-7360

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The West End Historic District is known for its rich history and well-preserved buildings. More than 500 structures dating back to 1897 through 1930 still stand in this portion of the town, and a few notable buildings in the district include the H.D. Poindexter houses and the Zevely House.

Architecture styles represented in the West End Historic District include Classic Revival, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and American Craftsman. The district covers about 230 acres of land.

West End Historic District, Winston-Salem, NC, 27120

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This non-profit theater seeks to showcase the talents of up-and-coming performance artists in the Winston-Salem area. Through Peppercorn's productions, theater organizers hope to urge local children to use their creativity, embrace their natural sense of adventure, and develop leadership skills.

Although the Peppercorn Theatre at Kaleideum Downtown began in 2010, it partnered with the Children's Museum of Winston-Salem in late 2014 to gain access to a broader portion of the city's youth. Peppercorn produces unique shows for families throughout the entire year.

390 South Liberty Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Phone: 336-723-9111

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Triad ECO Adventures is best-known for its Segway tours. Prior to exploring the city of Winston-Salem for 2 hours on a Segway, the staff will provide you with comprehensive safety training, which includes a special obstacle course. If Segways aren't your cup of tea, you can try one of Triad ECO's stand-up paddleboard (SUP) tours instead as SUP lessons are also available through Triad ECO.

Additionally, the company sells Segways along with Segway parts and accessories. Other environmentally friendly recreational products are sold through Triad ECO, including eBikes and eSkateboards.

176 YWCA Way, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Phone: 336-722-7777

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Built in 1958, BB&T Field at Wake Forest University can accommodate more than 30,000 people. BB& T Field is the site of numerous games between Wake Forest's Deacon Demons football team and its visiting competitors.

Over the years, BB&T field has received several upgrades, including a seven-story press box called Deacon Tower and a 90-foot-wide video board that sits near the south end zone of the field. Additional renovations take place on a routine basis to increase the stadium's capacity and upgrade its facilities.

499 Deacon Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27105

© Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art

The Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art, also known as SECCA, is home to numerous pieces of contemporary artwork. SECCA displays locally-done work as well as pieces from national and international artists. SECCA also has programs for youngsters such as the free weekly Art in the Overlook Gallery gathering.

Film @ SECCA, a venue for viewing short films and videos, is free to the public. From time to time, SECCA also hosts showings of productions by the Metropolitan Opera. A gift shop contained in the museum sells contemporary prints and posters as well as books.

750 Marguerite Drive, Winston-Salem, NC, 27106, 336-725-1904

© Ryan's Restaurant

Located minutes from downtown Winston-Salem in a beautiful forested area surrounded by large live oaks on the bank of a rolling brook, Ryan’s has been a favorite of the foodies of Winston-Salem since 1977. Relax on a plush sofa by the fireplace with a cocktail while waiting for your table and enjoy the elegant dining room or spacious outdoor deck.

Ryan’s young chef Jon Willis continues with the traditional menu that made Ryan’s such a favorite, pushing the traditional envelope with little surprises on the daily specials menu. If you are looking for date night ideas in Winston-Salem, Ryan’s steaks, lobster, and all other seafood are spectacular, and they have an award-winning wine list to match the food.

719 Coliseum Dr NW, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Phone: 336-724-6132

More weekend and day trips: Best Family Vacation Ideas in North Carolina and Romantic Weekend Getaways in North Carolina.

© Village Tavern

Village Tavern is the place where you go with the whole family without having to worry if someone will want something else. Cozy and pleasant with large high-backed booths, this large restaurant has an absolutely enormous menu. You better decide what you want to eat before you come in, or you will spend the entire evening going through all the options.

There is really something for everyone, from steaks and burgers to pizzas and tacos. The appetizer menu is also large and has so many delightful small plates that you might be tempted to stay with them, especially if you came with a bunch of friends mostly for drinks. Their drinks menu and wine selection are equally extensive. There are many wines by the glass, some of them quite good and perhaps a bit expensive, so you might want to come on Wednesday when all wines by the glass are half-price.

2000 Griffith Rd, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Phone: 336-760-8686

© Black Mountain Chocolate Factory Tour

The Black Mountain Chocolate Factory is located in downtown Winston-Salem. Visitors can take a self-guided tour or schedule a time to see how the factory works behind the scenes with a guide. The $10 hour-long guided tour covers the process of making chocolate from start to finish.

If you are craving sweets once your tour has ended, you can purchase gelato, pastries, chocolate, and an assortment of hot or cold beverages at the factory store.

Phone: 336-293-4698

© Foothills Brewing

With more than 20 local breweries, there is a nice little competition going on in Winston-Salem to the delight of all beer lovers. One of the most popular is Foothills Brewing, which has been fermenting, brewing, and bottling since 2005. With two production facilities, the main one being a 48,000 square foot converted envelope factory, they produce today almost 32,500 barrels and distribute their beers all over North Carolina and several other states. They have a lovely pub in downtown Winston Salem with great food and frequent live music.

If you want to learn more about the process of making beer, visit their main facility and tasting room where they offer Beer School and a brewery tour and let you sample all the beers they currently offer.

638 West 4th Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Phone: 336-777-3348

© Meridian

Meridian is an elegant, upscale restaurant away from the downtown crowd, spacious and bright, with light Italian touches in the décor. The Northern Mediterranean theme continues with the food, which utilizes vibrant Mediterranean flavors and seasonings. Executive Chef Mark Grohman offers intriguing surprises such as South Texas Antelope, dry-rubbed and grilled and served with goat cheese polenta, braised escarole, roasted parsnips, and Bordelaise butter.

The menu changes daily and uses seasonal, local, and organic ingredients. They make their own breads, pasta, sausages, and mozzarella. Their extensive tapas menu is perfect if you come just for cocktails and want a bite to eat. The wine list is extensive and excellent.

411 Marshall St SW, Winston-Salem, NC, Phone: 336-722-8889

© Winston Cup Museum

Fans of NASCAR will feel at home in the Winston Cup Museum & Special Event Center. Will Spencer, who has been involved in NASCAR racing and motorsports for almost 40 years, founded the museum in 2005.

The Winston Cup museum contains an extensive collection of racecars and racing artifacts from the Winston Cup Series era of NASCAR racing. Once you've finished viewing the exhibits, you can get behind the wheel of one of the museum's racing simulators to experience life in the fast lane.

1355 N. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Winston-Salem, NC, Phone: 336-724-4557

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Nestled in the heart of the Innovation Quarter, Bailey Park offers a green oasis amongst the urbanized area. Locals and visitors alike are welcome to stop by the park to unwind with nature, breathe in some fresh air, and take part in the various free events hosted within. The 1.6-acre park was designed for the community to enjoy with events such as film viewings, free yoga classes, and festivals. During lunchtime, park-goers can grab a bite to eat from one of the many locally-owned food trucks serving up mouthwatering meals.

575 N. Patterson Avenue, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, Phone: 336-716-8672

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A fun-filled afternoon awaits you at Adventure Landing Winston-Salem. Just like their other branches in Florida, North Carolina, Texas, and New York, this park hosts a variety of exciting rides and attractions for various ages. Take a swing at Adventure Golf, which hosts three 18-hole miniature golf courses. All skill levels are welcome on their playful courses, which include lush landscaping, tunnels, waterfalls, and mountains. The park also has an arcade filled with dozens of games and prizes to be won. For those looking for something more exciting, hop onto one of the bumper boats where you can splash, bump, and dodge other players in the Bumper Boat Pont. Group events, such as birthday parties and company events, are also accommodated at the park.

1600 South Stratford Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, Phone: 336-768-4730

© Sweet Potatoes

Coming for Sunday brunch at Sweet Potatoes is a local tradition. Fairly small but cozy and intimate, this restaurant has the atmosphere of your favorite aunt’s dining room. And the aroma! Chef and co-owner Stephanie Tyson cooks and serves southern -inspired down-to-earth home cooking, and that means starting with a basket of fried green tomatoes and okra.

The menu is extensive, but don’t miss treats such as Drunken Pork Chops, Barbecued Duck, or Smothered Yard Bird. Delicious sweet potato buns come with everything, and it is not easy to resist the temptation to stuff a few into your bag for tomorrow. The restaurant is located in downtown Winston Salem, so it is very popular and crowded with the business lunch crowds. Evenings bring families. Sweet Potatoes has a small but select wine list with vintages from all over the world.

607 Trade St NW, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, Phone: 336-727-4844

© Wake Forest University

Celebrating the various cultures and histories of the world, the Lam Museum of Anthropology curates a number of immersive exhibits featuring both ancient and modern artifacts from around the globe. For the past 80 years, the museum has been collecting and featuring various archeological artifacts, ethnographic objects, and visual arts from cultures of the past and present. The exhibits are continuously rotated throughout the year and are curated by museum staff together with the help of students from Wake Forest University. Virtual exhibits are also available, along with hands-on activities for visitors of all ages. Entrance is by donation.

1834 Wake Forest Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27109, Phone: 336-758-5282

© Dewey's Bakery

Dewey's Bakery is a charming Winston-Salem bakery that has been in operation since 1930 and has recently been acclaimed by O: The Oprah Magazine for its world-renowned Moravian cookies. The bakery, which is currently owned and operated by Scott and Michelle Livengood, is a certified-B Corporation and is committed to community activism, donating more than $1.7 million to regional nonprofit organizations since 2012. Traditional Czech Republic-style delicacies such as Moravian lovefeast buns and grandma-and-grandpa coffee cakes are served alongside classic baked goods such as eclairs, turnovers, and Southern-style cheese straws. Custom cakes are also available, including wedding cakes and party-style cake squares served in flavors such as carrot cake, strawberry, and pink lemonade.

262 South Stratford Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, Phone: 336-725-8321

© Piedmont Craftsmen Gallery

See what great craftsmanship the nation has to offer at Piedmont Craftsmen Gallery. The gallery has rotating exhibits which celebrate a wide selection of high caliber, handcrafted products such as designed textiles, pottery, glass, and wooden bowls, sculpted metal, jewelry, and more. Those looking to improve their own craft or pick up a new hobby may also partake in the gallery’s various educational workshops. The gallery also hosts a gift shop where visitors may also pick up functional, decorative, and one-of-a-kind pieces. Managed by Piedmont Craftsmen, Inc., visitors will see work representing some of the most talented artisans in the country.

601 North Trade Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, Phone: 336-725-1516

© Mozelle's Fresh Southern Bistro

Delicious food isn’t all that makes this bistro special. Locally-owned and beloved by many within the community, Mozelle’s Fresh Southern Bistro passionately supports fellow local businesses by sourcing their ingredients from neighboring family-run businesses whenever possible. On top of that, they make it a point to work with suppliers who carry the same values of environmental stewardship and humane treatment of animals. The small restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining as well as curbside takeout. Mozelle’s serves different brunch, lunch, and dinner menus—all with their specialties. Some of their brunch highlights include rolled omelets, Mozelle’s Benedict, and huevos rancheros, while the lunch menu offers entrees such as shrimp and grits, gourmet meatloaf, and tomato pie. Their dinner menu is equally enticing with entrees like duck breast, Atlantic salmon, and a Brasstown beef double cheeseburger.

878 W 4th Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, Phone: 336-703-5400