Looking for a fun time for yourself or your family, but don’t want to travel too far from home? I get it the airports can be crazy this time of year! Luckily there is plenty of fun to be had in our own backyard. One of the many things that make North Carolina so special is that we have both the mountains and the ocean in the same state. Something I know I personally take for granted! That gives such a variety of things to do either on a weekend getaway or a quick day trip. You can easily leave in the morning from Charlotte, spend the day in the mountains, and be home to sleep in your own bed. There are also plenty of things to do here in Queen City and the other metro areas of the state. But what are the best North Carolina attractions?
Well, AttractionsOfAmerica.com ranked the top 25 North Carolina attractions. And while I could agree with the top 25 in general, the order has me scratching my head a little. Mainly with where Carowinds came in, as well as the high rankings of several state parks. But even if you don’t agree with the rankings, it’s still a good cohesive list of things to do in the state of North Carolina! Here’s the top 25:
25. Carowinds
Distance From Charlotte: 20 minutes
It’s a little surprising that the theme park, which sits on the border of North and South Carolina, ranks this low on the list. Since being taken over by Cedar Fair the park has become one of the best in the country for roller coaster fans. Combined with an expanded water park, new year-round operations, and a commitment to new attractions the park is better than ever. And with events such as Scarowinds and WinterFest there is always something new to do!
24. North Carolina State Capitol
Distance From Charlotte: 3 hours
I know what you’re thinking, really? But the North Carolina State Capitol in Raleigh is a National Historic Landmark. It’s been open since June of 1840 and has been home to offices of Governors, the NC Supreme Court, the General Assembly, and other offices. It’s one of the best-preserved examples of a major civic building in the Greek Revival style of architecture. And admission is free for self-guided tours.
23. Pisgah National Forest
Distance From Charlotte: 2 hours 45 minutes
The Pisgah National Forest is a hardwood forest made up of over 500,000 acres. It’s home to mile-high peaks, cascading waterfalls, whitewater rivers, and miles of hiking trails. The national forest consists of the first tract of land purchased under the Weeks Act of 1911 which led to the creation of the national forests in the eastern United States. It is also home to the first school of forestry in the United States, now preserved at the Cradle of Forestry in America historic site. Visitors will find unlimited opportunities for outdoor recreation and taking in the scenic beauty of the mountains.
22. Billy Graham Library
Distance From Charlotte: 5 minutes
The Billy Graham Library chronicles Billy Graham’s journey from a humble farm boy to an international ambassador of God’s love. Visitors can take a “Journey of Faith”, visit the Graham Family homeplace, shop at Ruth’s Attic Book Store, grab a bite to eat at the Dairy Bar, and reflect in the Prayer Garden.
21. Grandfather Mountain
Distance From Charlotte: 2 hrs 20 minutes
Grandfather Mountain is home to a world’s unique biodiversity. The mountain is known for it’s distinct shape and of course the mile-high swinging bridge. There are also hiking trails, and my favorite as a child was the animals! I have fond memories of throwing dried apple slices into the bear habitat. But bears, while maybe the highlight, aren’t the only animals you’ll see. There are also bald eagles, river otters, and elk. Kids will love the Nature Discovery Center or take your experience to the next level you can do special VIP tours.
20. Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Distance From Charlotte: 5.5 hours
You’ll find the Cape Hatteras National Seashore on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The seashore is full of plants and wildlife. Visitors enjoy the beach, kayaking the sound, or climbing the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. There’s of course favorite coastal activities like fishing, camping, and watching for sea turtles.
19. Dead Broke Farm
Distance From Charlotte: 2.5 hours
Dead Broke Farms is a horse farm located on 110 rolling wooded acres in the Raleigh Durham area. , Here you can experience North Carolina’s beauty in the most natural way – by horseback! Ride along winding trails through a shady forest with rolling hills on a guided or private ride.18. Marbles Kids Museum
Distance From Charlotte: 3 hours
Marbles is a kids’ “play museum” in downtown Raleigh. It features multiple floors of interactive exhibits perfect for hands-on learning and exploration as well as an IMAX theater.
17. Pullen Park
Distance From Charlotte: 3 hours
Pullen Park is a 66-acre park in Raleigh adjacent to the NC State University Campus. The park dates back to 1887 and was the first public park in North Carolina. It’s also the 5th oldest operating amusement park in the U.S. and the 16th oldest in the world. At Pullen Park, you can rent a pedal boat, ride a carousel, take a swim, sign up for an art class, see a play, play your favorite sport, and more.
16. William B. Umstead State Park
Distance From Charlotte: 2 hours 2o minutes
Umstead Park is just 10 miles northwest of downtown Raleigh and is a cherished retreat from bustling urban life. The park features an extensive network of hiking and multi-use trails. Additionally, there are three manmade lakes perfect for fishing. There are two entrances to the park which both feature picnic shelters. There are also camping areas at the historic Maple Hill Lodge.
15. Outer Banks
Distance From Charlotte: 6 hours
There are no cities on the Outer Banks, just 100+ miles of wide-open shoreline including charming seaside village towns. The area is full of personality and history and offers a more calm and relaxing beach vacation than the more populated areas.
14. North Carolina Aquariums
Distance From Charlotte: Varies (locations at Roanoke Island, Fort Fisher, and Pine Knolls Shores)
There are three locations in the North Carolina Aquariums family. All are dedicated to the conservation and research of animals within the care of their facilities and in the wild. Visitors can observe and get up close and personal with a variety of marine life.
13. Carolina Beach State Park
Distance From Charlotte: 3 hours 40 minutes
Carolina Beach State Park is in New Hanover County near the Wilmington area. One notable species found in the park is the Venus flytrap, a unique carnivorous plant. The area is known for habitats like Sugarloaf Dune which is a 50-foot dune that served as a navigational marker for river pilots. There are also three limesink ponds that each feature a unique plant community. Another highlight of the park is its access to the Cape Fear River and the Intracoastal Waterway for boaters.
12. Linville Gorge and Falls
Distance From Charlotte: 2 hrs 15 minutes
Linville Gorge is nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the East. It’s the deepest and perhaps most rugged gorge in the eastern United States and is protected by the 12,000-acre Linville Gorge Wilderness Area. The Gorge encloses the Linville River which begins at Grandfather Mountain, enters the gorge at the spectacular Linville Falls then descends over 2,000 feet before breaking into the Catawba Valley on its way to Lake James.
11. Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
Distance From Charlotte: 2 hrs 15 minutes
The Morehead Planetarium features interactive exhibits and experiences for all ages. Visitors can explore and discover a full-dome planetarium with a rotating variety of shows, 5000+ square feet of exhibits, a STEM lab with hands-on projects, and live science shows.
10. Discovery Place
Distance From Charlotte: 0 minutes (in Uptown Charlotte)
Discovery Place Science is an innovative, hands-on science museum in Uptown Charlotte. It features diverse aquariums, state-of-the-art lab spaces and an indoor rainforest where you can experience the sights and sounds of the jungle up close.
9. NASCAR Hall of Fame
Distance From Charlotte: 0 minutes (In Uptown Charlotte)
The NASCAR Hall of Fame is an interactive experience honoring the history and heritage of NASCAR. It includes artifacts, hands-on exhibits, a 278-person state-of-the-art theater, Hall of Honor, NASCAR Hall of Fame Gear Shop, and NASCAR Productions-operated broadcast studio.
8. Chimney Rock State Park
Distance From Charlotte: 2 hrs
Chimney Rock State Park is about 25 miles southeast of Asheville. The area features stunning mountain scenery, overlooking Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. There is the recognizable Chimney Rock attraction a 315-foot freestanding rock spire. There is also plenty of hiking, riverside areas, interpretive exhibits, and gift shops.
7. Wright Brothers National Memorial
Distance From Charlotte: 5 hrs 40 minutes
First in flight. Wilbur and Orville Wright made history on December 17, 1903 by piloting four successful flights with their flying machine. The Wright Brothers National Memorial encompasses the spot where Wilbur and Orville made their world-changing first flights, the historic sand dune where they did most of their gliding, and the location they lived while they were experimenting in the Outer Banks.
6. Blue Ridge Parkway
Distance From Charlotte: Varies but about 2hrs depending on the entry point
The Blue Ridge Parkway spans from Cherokee and the Great Smokey Mountains all the way up the Blue Ridge Mountains to the North Carolina border and beyond. Whether you simply drive the parkway, get out and hike or picnic you’ll enjoy the gorgeous scenery in every season.
5. North Carolina Zoo
Distance From Charlotte: 1.5 hours
The North Carolina Zoo is the world’s largest natural habitat zoo. It’s made up of roughly 5 miles of walking trails and features countless animals including lions, elephants, polar bears, endangered red wolves, flamingos, and more.
4. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Distance From Charlotte: 2.5 hours
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is the largest museum of its kind in the Southeast. Visitors have the opportunity to get up close and personal with nature and science through exhibits, programs, and field experiences.
3. USS North Carolina Battleship
Distance From Charlotte: 3 hours 15 minutes
Nestled right across the river from downtown Wilmington is the USS North Carolina Battleship. The docked ship is now a museum that tells the story of what life was like for sailors who served the US. History comes alive as you explore the ships living quarters, offices, common spaces, and walk the deck.
2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Distance From Charlotte: 2 hours 45 minutes
I bet you didn’t know that America’s most visited National Park is in North Carolina. That’s right, it’s the Great Smoky Mountain National Park which sits on the Tennessee North Carolina border. The park is world-renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, natural beauty, and the Southern Appalachian mountain culture.
1. Biltmore Estate
Distance From Charlotte: 2 hours
Biltmore Estate in Asheville is America’s Largest Private Home. This sprawling estate is still owned by the descendants of the Vanderbilts and is now the most popular tourist attraction in North Carolina. Visitors can explore the home, shopping and dining, outdoor activities, a winery, and multiple hotel on the property.
