Best Things to Do in North Carolina
In addition to its fresh mountain air and postcard-worthy coastline, North Carolina is home to vibrant cities, charming small towns, and awe-inspiring natural wonders... I’m a huge fan, and from my many long road trips (and shorter weekend getaways) exploring this diverse and picturesque state, here are my favorite spots I’d love to share with you.
What are the best things to do in North Carolina? For my top three, I chose The Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh, Sarah P. Duke Gardens (and it's wonderful Nasher Museum Cafe) and Sliding Rock for its uniqueness and getting in touch with nature.
We also loved Discovery Place in Charlotte, Banner Elk, had a ton of fun digging up treasures at Elijah Mountain Gem Mine, Good Karma Ranch, The Biltmore Estate, Lexington Glassworks and Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Here is the breakdown of each so that you can plan your own activities in North Carolina.
1. The Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh felt like stepping into a place where wonder and discovery meet. My son ran towards dinosaur skeletons and we spent hours inside.
We flew about 3 hours nonstop from Austin into Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). From the airport, it was a quick 20-minute drive into downtown Raleigh. We stayed overnight at the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel. The hotel was central and we walked everywhere which I loved.
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences connects you to North Carolina’s landscapes and wildlife, but also places them within the bigger story of Earth’s history. Whether you’re traveling solo, with kids, or just curious by nature, it’s a place that leaves you with a fresh sense of wonder about the world around us. This is why it's my top pick for things to do in North Carolina!
We had lunch at the Daily Planet Cafe inside the museum. I loved how convenient it was to grab a quick lunch, look at the hotel map and then keep exploring for a while after.
NC Museum of Natural Sciences At a Glance
- Location: 11 W Jones St, Raleigh, NC 27601
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings for fewer crowds
2. Sarah P. Duke Gardens & Nasher Museum Cafe
Visiting Duke University’s campus in Durham, I was struck by how seamlessly beauty and culture meet at Sarah P. Duke Gardens. The gardens are a living work of art with acres of carefully designed landscapes that feel both grand and intimate, from tranquil koi ponds and winding trails to vibrant seasonal blooms that invite you to slow down and take them in.
From Raleigh, we drove about 30 minutes northwest to Durham.
The gardens are divided into beautifully distinct areas, each one telling a different story. I wandered from rose-covered pergolas to bamboo forests, and even found myself lost in the gentle sounds of water trickling through a mossy rock garden. It was calm, intentional, and just the right mix of manicured and wild.
Just a short walk away, the Nasher Museum Café adds a different kind of nourishment. Light-filled and modern, it’s the kind of spot where you can settle in for a thoughtfully prepared meal, surrounded by the hum of conversation and the creative energy that spills over from the museum itself. The café makes you feel like you’re part of something more...a cultural moment, not just a meal.
I had a warm roasted beet and chèvre salad on arugula, drizzled with citrus vinaigrette. The beets were tender and earthy, the goat cheese tangy, and the dressing smelled of oranges and herbs.
We stayed at The Durham Hotel, a mid-century modern gem in downtown Durham.
Sarah P. Duke Gardens At a Glance
- Location: 420 Anderson St, Durham, NC 27708
- Best Time to Visit: Spring for peak bloom, fall for quiet beauty
Together, the gardens and café capture the spirit of Durham: refined yet welcoming, rooted in tradition but always evolving. It’s an experience that leaves you refreshed, inspired, and eager to linger a little longer.
3. Sliding Rock
About 4 hours 45 minutes west of Durham, Sliding Rock in Pisgah National Forest ($5 admission, open May–Sept) was pure, unfiltered fun. It’s not a ride, it’s a 60-foot natural waterslide smoothed by time and fed by mountain runoff. I stood at the top in my swimsuit, the cold water rushing under my feet, and thought, "This is either genius or madness." Then I slid, and instantly screamed from the shock of 50-degree water.
The ride ends in an 8-foot deep pool, where everyone surfaces laughing, gasping, and ready to go again. It’s such a simple thrill, and that’s what makes it so special. Kids, teens, parents, all lining up with wet hair and wide grins.
After drying off, I drove into Brevard and grabbed lunch at The Velvet Cup, a local favorite. I ordered the turkey bacon panini with herb aioli and an iced lavender lemonade. It was warm, crunchy, and the perfect contrast to the cold, wild water.
Where I Stayed: I stayed the night at the Holiday Inn Express Brevard ($159, just outside town).
Sliding Rock At a Glance
- Location: US-276, Pisgah National Forest, near Brevard, NC
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for warm air and full flow
4. Discovery Place, Charlotte
Walking into Discovery Place in Charlotte, I could feel the buzz of energy and possibility. Kids were building bridges, shooting air rockets, and running from one glowing exhibit to the next. My son joined right in, although we didn't know anyone there.
It’s part science center, part hands-on playground, with exhibits on biology, physics, weather, and tech. The aquarium section was a calm, glowing pause, and the IMAX theater added another layer of wonder. It’s the kind of place where every turn sparks a new question, and a few laughs along the way.
Afterward, I walked to 7th Street Public Market and picked up a pulled pork biscuit from Local Loaf, plus a sweet tea from Not Just Coffee. The whole market buzzed with locals and visitors swapping stories, and I fit right in.
We stayed at Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel, just a few blocks away. Sleek design, big windows, and a rooftop bar that made me feel like Charlotte had a skyline secret. >
Discovery Place At a Glance
- Location: 301 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings for fewer school groups
5. Banner Elk, North Carolina
From Charlotte, we drove about 2 hours 30 minutes northwest (105 miles) to Banner Elk (population 1,100).
Banner Elk felt like a retreat tucked between folds of blue-green ridges. We arrived just after a rain, the roads still glistening, clouds caught in the treetops.
At Banner Elk Winery and Villa, the grounds stretched out in quiet symmetry, rows of vines, Adirondack chairs near the pond, and a villa that felt like an old-world hideaway. Even without a glass in hand, I could smell ripe fruit in the air, sun-warmed and sweet. We walked the property, pausing at the lavender field, then sat for a while with our shoes off and the breeze brushing through the valley.
What I Loved Most: Banner Elk slowed us down in the best way. Nothing pulled at us, no rush, no noise, just stillness framed by peaks and pine.
My highlights? Breakfast the next morning at a local café called The Village Café. I had French toast with cinnamon apples and a side of thick-cut bacon. The toast came dusted with powdered sugar, syrup warm, and the apples soft and spiced like pie filling. The smell hit me before the plate landed, and I didn’t speak until I finished the last bite.
6. Elijah Mountain Gem Mine
Elijah Mountain Gem Mine in Hendersonville brought out my inner kid in the best way. I grabbed a bucket, sat at a sluice, and started washing away dirt to uncover gemstones like amethyst, quartz, and even a tiny sapphire.
From Banner Elk, we drove about 2 hours south (90 miles) through winding Blue Ridge roads to Hendersonville.
The staff were friendly and quick to ID the finds, which made the whole thing feel more like a treasure hunt than a tourist stop. There were goats and a picnic area too, which added to the family-friendly charm. It was pure, simple fun, with a touch of sparkle.
Afterward, I stopped at Flat Rock Village Bakery nearby for a wood-fired pizza and a slice of berry tart.
I stayed at Echo Mountain Inn, an old-fashioned hilltop lodge with rocking chairs on the porch and mountain air that practically tucked me in. That night, I cleaned off my gem haul and smiled at how much fun I’d had just playing in the dirt.
Elijah Mountain Gem Mine At a Glance
- Location: 2120 Brevard Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28791
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall for outdoor comfort
7. Good Karma Ranch
Good Karma Ranch in Iron Station offered something I didn’t know I needed, slow moments, soft animals, and fresh air. I joined one of their guided tours and met a herd of wide-eyed alpacas, each with their own names and personalities.
From Hendersonville, we drove about 2 hours east (95 miles) to Iron Station (population 850).
We learned about sustainable farming, the benefits of alpaca fiber, and how much joy can come from simply being around gentle creatures. There was space to wander, space to breathe, and space to connect, to the animals, to the land, and honestly, to myself a little too.
After the tour, we headed into nearby Lincolnton for lunch at Fausto Coffee, a small café with big charm. I ordered a BLT with avocado on toasted sourdough and a cold brew with vanilla oat milk. It was relaxed and unfussy, exactly how I felt after a morning on the ranch.
We stayed at a charming rental cottage just outside of town, wood beams, a porch swing, and a view of rolling green hills. That night, wrapped in a blanket with a book and some alpaca socks from the farm shop, I felt very relaxed.
Good Karma Ranch At a Glance
- Location: 1041 Brevard Pl Rd, Iron Station, NC 28080
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for cool air and active animals
We found Good Karma Ranch to be both playful and peaceful, the kind of place where time stretches out and stress seems far away. It’s a visit that leaves you lighter, with a bit of alpaca magic carried home in your memory. If you are traveling with kids, this is a must-visit stop!
8. The Biltmore Estate
The Biltmore Estate in Asheville felt like stepping into another world — a blend of history, art, and mountain beauty all in one place. The sheer scale of the house is awe-inspiring, with its grand rooms, intricate details, and stories woven into every corner. Walking through the halls, you feel both the opulence of a bygone era and the quiet intimacy of a family home.
After exploring, I grabbed lunch at Biltmore’s Stable Café, fittingly set in the old horse stables. I had the Carolina pulled pork sandwich with slaw and sweet potato fries, and a glass of their in-house riesling. It was indulgent and delicious, like the whole day.
I stayed at The Inn on Biltmore Estate, where the views rolled on forever and the rooms felt as elegant as the mansion itself. That night, I sipped wine on the terrace and thought, "This is the kind of escape that feels like stepping into a story."
Biltmore Estate At a Glance
- Location: 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803
- Best Time to Visit: Spring for blooms, fall for foliage, December for holiday magic
I found Biltmore Estate to be both inspiring and grounding, a place where history meets nature in perfect harmony. Whether you’re strolling the gardens, sipping wine, or simply pausing to take in the view, it’s an experience that lingers long after you’ve left.
9. Lexington Glassworks
Walking into Lexington Glassworks in downtown Asheville, I was immediately drawn to the heat and hum of the furnace. One artist stood turning a rod with glowing glass on the end like a piece of molten honey.
The studio is both a gallery and a working space, so while one half is filled with gorgeous blown glass, vases, orbs, chandeliers , the other half is alive with clinks and flame. I stayed for nearly an hour watching the process unfold, the artists chatting with onlookers as they shaped color into form.
Afterward, I walked a couple blocks to White Duck Taco Shop and ordered the Bangkok shrimp taco and a side of watermelon with mint. The flavors were bold and fun, like the glasswork itself, and I left feeling bright and just a little inspired.
I stayed at Hotel Indigo Asheville, where industrial design meets cozy comfort.
Lexington Glassworks At a Glance
- Location: 81 S Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday afternoons for live demos and more space to browse
10. Mountains-to-Sea Trail
The Mountains to Sea Trail isn’t just a hike, it’s an idea. Stretching from the Great Smoky Mountains all the way to the Outer Banks, it weaves through towns, over ridgelines, along rivers, and past more stories than any one person could tell.
I picked up a small section near Asheville, where the trail dips into the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The views came and went with the trees, peeks at distant hills, sudden clearings with rhododendrons in bloom, a hawk circling in silence. I didn’t see many people, which made the moments feel more like whispers than exclamations. There’s a peaceful rhythm here that’s easy to fall into.
After hiking, I stopped in Black Mountain for lunch at Blue Ridge Biscuit Company. I ordered the fried green tomato biscuit with goat cheese and arugula, plus a glass of fresh lemonade.
Mountains-to-Sea Trail At a Glance
- Location: Statewide, stretches from Clingmans Dome to Jockey’s Ridge
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for clear skies and comfortable weather
Conclusion
Which North Carolina adventure will you choose? If you’re searching for the best mix of scenery, history, and outdoor fun, these activities deliver.
North Carolina's a place where adventure and stillness live side by side. And when I look back on this journey, I’ll remember not just the places I visited, but the way they made me feel: curious, grounded, and wide open to wonder.
I've also found some of the best waterfalls in North Carolina!
I recommend my article Weekend Getaways in North Carolina if you just want to base yourself in a cozy hotel, resort and inn and relax for the weekend!
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
