Interested in military history, Southern charm, and outdoor adventure? Head to Fayetteville, North Carolina! Known for its connection to Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg), Fayetteville offers museums, scenic trails, and a diverse dining scene. It’s a welcoming city rich in patriotism and community spirit.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Fayetteville is in spring and fall (March–May and September–November), when the weather is mild and perfect for exploring parks, trails, and festivals. Summer is hot and lively, while winters are generally short and cool.
How to Get There
- By Car: Fayetteville sits off I-95 and US-401, about 1.5 hours from Raleigh and 2 hours from Wilmington or Charlotte.
- By Air: Fly into Fayetteville Regional Airport (FAY) with connections to major East Coast hubs.
- By Train: Amtrak provides service to downtown Fayetteville on its Silver Service route between New York and Miami.
Where to Stay
- DoubleTree by Hilton Fayetteville – Comfortable hotel with Southern hospitality, a full-service restaurant, and convenient location off I-95.
- Fairfield Inn & Suites Fayetteville North – Modern, reliable hotel close to shopping and dining.
- Historic Downtown Inns & B&Bs – Quaint, locally-owned accommodations offering character and walkability to downtown attractions.
Top Attractions
1. Airborne and Special Operations Museum
Rating: ★★★★★
The Airborne and Special Operations Museum is a small military museum dedicated to “preserving the memory of the sacrifice” of those who served an airborne troops and special operations forces. Visitors will find a variety of period artifacts, along with an array of dioramas and visual and audio exhibits that stimulate the senses. The museum even features a motion simulator in which gives guests the feeling of being an All American Airborne soldier.
100 Bragg Blvd, Fayetteville, NC 28301, Phone: 910-643-2778
2. Cape Fear River Trail
The Cape Fear River Trail is made up of a paved path stretching ten feet wide, able to be used for biking, cycling, jogging, or walking. The walking trail spans more than five miles, taking people on a journey past wildlife, beautiful wildflowers, majestic trees, and more. The Cape Fear River Trail winds along the river, allowing for those who travel down it to take in plenty of beautiful views of the water. Along with the paved part of the trail, there is also a 700-foot boardwalk that takes people over lush wetlands and wooden bridges. Deer and turtles may also be spotted.
Fayetteville, NC 28301
Attractions for Couples
3. Cape Fear Botanical Garden
Encompassing a spectacular seventy-seven acres, the Cape Fear Botanical Garden boasts amazing views over the Cape Fear River and the Cross Creek River. The grounds are covered by a variety of themed gardens, as well as educational and interesting exhibits like the “water-wise” garden display. The Cape Fear Botanical Garden features native plants of North Carolina, centuries-old oak trees, and abundant colorful wildflowers.
The garden is also home to a restored farmhouse where visitors can see period farming tools and live demonstrations, such as how to harvest cotton, tobacco, and other crops typically grown in the southern United States.
536 N. Eastern Blvd, Fayetteville, NC 28301, Phone: 910-486-0221
4. 1897 Poe House
The 1897 Poe House in Fayetteville, as the name suggests, was built by Edgar Allan Poe back in the year 1897. Poe lived at the house as prominent businessman with Josephine, his wife. Tours are offered at certain times. The 1897 Poe House still looks much of how it did during the early 20th century and is full of memorabilia and period antiques.
206 Bradford Ave, Fayetteville, NC 28301, Phone: 910-500-4244
5. Gillis Hill Farm
The Gillis Hill Farm is a family-owned and operated farm in Fayetteville, North Carolina that has been around for eight generations. The family farm raises pastured poultry and beef cattle with plenty of space to roam and grows hay, wheat, soybeans, and corn. In addition to raising animals and farming crops, the Gillis Hill Farm also offers school tours and runs an on-site ice cream shop. The farm is open to visitors between the months of April and October, and guests get a free walking tour of the farm when they purchase ice cream from the shop.
2701 Gillis Hill Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28306, Phone: 910-867-2350
6. Veterans Park
Located within the historic downtown area, the North Carolina Veterans Park os the first park in the state dedicated to veterans, both deceased and living. From all of the Armed Services branches, including the Coast Guard, the Air Force, the Marines, the Navy, and the Army. Known as the “First Sanctuary Community for the Military,” Fayetteville is a perfect place to be the home of the state’s Veterans Park. The park is situated adjacent to the Airborne and Special Operations Museum and features a chandelier made out of 33,500 service member identification tags, or “dog tags,” measuring 3,500 square feet.
300 Bragg Blvd, Fayetteville, NC 28301, Phone: 910-433-1457
Recommended Activities for Families
7. Segra Stadium
The Segra Stadium is now the home of the minor league Fayetteville Woodpeckers baseball team, the city’s home team that plays in the Carolina League. This ballpark is able to accommodate up to around 5,290 guests for baseball games during the season, as well as other special events that the Segra Stadium may host throughout the year. Along with the spectator stands and the baseball field, there is also a Kids Zone for entertaining young children during the games, as well as the RF Grill and the Bleacher Bar. Concession area can also be found throughout the stadium’s concourse.
460 Hay St, Fayetteville, NC 28301, Phone: 910-339-1989
8. Fascinate-U Children's Museum
Established in 1994, the Fascinate-U Children's Museum is a non-profit organization in the historic downtown district of Fayetteville. The hands-on, interactive museum is a place where kids are encouraged to explore the world around them through creative and fun role-playing, interaction, and manipulation. Fascinate-U features a variety of interactive and safe exhibits, classroom space, and static displays. Hands-on exhibits are designed to represent a miniature city, in which children can practice dentistry, dress up as soldiers, be on television, run a store, and more. The Fascinate-U Children's Museum is open every day of the week but Mondays and major holidays.
116 Green St, Fayetteville, NC 28301, Phone: 910-829-9171
9. Lake Rim Park
The Lake Rim Park is a popular Fayetteville park and a great place to relax or take part in outdoor recreation activities for both local residents and visitors alike, whether they’re looking to have a picnic with family or friends, play a game or two of soccer, or take a walk along the one-mile nature trail to Bones Creek through wetlands. All of the park facilities on open on a first-come, first-served basis, with the exception of those that are reserved. Pets are allowed at Lake Rim Park as well, provided they remained leashed at all times and under control.
2214 Tar Kiln Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28304, Phone: 910-433-1018
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