Looking to find the best places to visit in North Carolina? Here's an updated travel guide for 2020 with interesting and beautiful destinations to include on your North Carolina itinerary.
North Carolina, known as the birthplace of flights, is one of the 10 most visited states in America. It impresses travelers with many unique experiences at every turn.
Home to legendary mountains, uniquely beautiful landmarks, enchanting islands on the Atlantic coast and charming small towns with artsy vibes, North Carolina has something to offer every traveler.
The state of the state is one of the wettest in the country, with numerous lakes and endless swamps in the coastal zone. North Carolina, teeming with many historical sites, is where the country's first documented gold discovery took place and where you can find the largest private home in America.
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| 15 Best Places to Visit in North Carolina |
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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| Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
The Great Smoky Mountains, which are visited by over ten million people annually, is America's most visited national park. Stretching across Tennessee and North Carolina, beyond the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountain ranges, it reaches heights of nearly 7,000 feet.
What makes this area even more special is its magical smoky haze. Visitors to Great Smoky National Park can admire beautiful waterfalls, mountain rivers, abundant vegetation and wildlife, including nearly 1,500 black bears, with 150 official trails, scenic rides, and intense climbs.
All this together constitutes 500,000 acres of paradise for true lovers of nature. If you're looking for outdoor adventure, the Great Smoky Mountains is one of the most beautiful spots in North Carolina.
Hanging Rock State Park
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| Hanging Rock State Park |
Nestled in the Sauratown Mountains, Hanging Rock State Park has been offering traditional outdoor activities since its inception in 1930.
It features tranquil forests, cascading waterfalls, a 73-person camping site, a bathing lake, nearly 20 miles of hiking trails with breathtaking views, including the Piedmont Plateau, which stretches for miles.
On hot summer days, what attracts people to the park the most is the lake, which is an ideal swimming area and weekend getaway.
Asheville
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| Asheville |
The mountainous city of Asheville, with almost always perfect weather, offers countless activities, including some of the state's must-see spots.
This frozen city with a unique bohemian vibe is an interesting blend of hipster coffee shops, award-winning restaurants, outdoor adventure and the busiest brewery in any city in the country.
One of the famous landmarks here is the Biltmore Estate, which is the largest private home in America. It was built by Railroad Baron George Vanderbilt in the late 19th century. Today it is almost always full of visitors, despite the relatively expensive entrance fees.
Chimney Rock State Park
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| Chimney Rock State Park |
Nearly 25 miles from downtown Asheville, you can find one of North Carolina's best outdoor locations - Chimney Rock State Park. The zest of the park is the 535 millionth monolithic rock, in honor of which the park got its name.
The park offers some of the best trekking activities in North Carolina. Other attractions in the park are the 75-mile panoramic view of Lake Lure and the nearly 400-foot waterfall, which is one of the highest east of the Mississippi River.
Blue Ridge Parkway
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| Blue Ridge Parkway |
This 469-mile parkland avenue stretches along the stunning views of the Appalachians and, with its scenic views, offers an unforgettable experience like no other. Bordered by both the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Park, it is known as America's favorite mode of transportation.
Stanley Abbott, the famous road designer, was inspired by the design of New York's Central Park and set out to create a park-like atmosphere that could be admired while driving lazily. Today it is recognized as a national park and an all-American road.
Wilmington
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Wilmington |
A beautiful part of southeastern North Carolina, Wilmington is a port city and destination with something for everyone. This vibrant waterfront city is the state's most accessible coastal area.
Historic Wilmington is known for its beautiful 19th-century architecture, brick-faced streets, annual festivals such as Riverfest and the famous North Carolina Azalea Festival.
However, crowds of tourists come here every year. Popular excursions around Wilmington include beaches, a Civil War site, an award-winning aquarium, and more.
Outer Banks
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| Outer Banks |
This 130-mile stretch of barrier islands is not only home to many pristine beaches and quaint cities, but also home to America's first colony, the country's first seashore, and where Brother Wright first flew.
Yes, it was here, after many years of experimentation, that the first successful plane flight took place in 1903.
Today tourism is the leading industry here, and every year more than 5 million visitors are received by the Outer Banks. Notable landmarks include the Cape Hatteras coastline, the Lost Colony, and coastal lighthouses.
Linville Falls
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| Linville Falls |
With its epic views of impressive waterfalls and jagged gorge, Linville Falls is perhaps the most famous waterfall in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This attraction is under the 12,000 acre Linville Gorge Wildlife Refuge.
The stunning three-tiered waterfalls above the gorge can be reached on foot along the trails next to the Linville Falls Visitor Center. Linville Gorge is also the deepest rugged gorge in the eastern United States.
New Bern
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| New Bern |
New Bern was the first capital of North Carolina, which also houses the famous Tryon Palace, a historic site where American independence was colonized and the state of North Carolina was born.
This coastal town is also famous for its picturesque waterfront promenades in all directions, as well as a wide variety of historic buildings, museums and parks. Another notable fact about New Bern is that this is the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola!
Bald Head Island
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| Bald Head Island |
Laid by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and south and the Cape Fear River to the west, Bald Head Island is a secluded island with a limited population and one of the cleanest beaches in North Carolina.
Despite the fact that the island is a destination for exclusive and elite travel, it has a beautifully developed marine forest and many other natural attractions.
It also has an interesting history, as it was home to a small British fort during the Revolutionary War, as well as a Confederate base for dispatching daily necessities during the blockade during the Civil War.
There are very few cars on the island and most people travel around the island by golf carts, bicycles or on foot. Bald Head Island is one of the best places to visit in North Carolina for a relaxing break.
Battleship North Carolina
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| Battleship North Carolina |
The Battleship North Carolina, moored across the river from downtown Wilmington, is a historic ship from World War II. This is the first ship of this type built for the US Navy.
A guided tour in this heroic self-guided ship is a historical adventure and includes the stories of the crews that make you feel like a part of their daily life during the great war.
The battleship also serves as a memorial to the 11,000 North Carolians who died during World War II. It is open daily to visitors and offers an experience you won't want to miss. If you want to learn more about military history from World War II, this is one of the best places to visit in North Carolina.
Charlotte
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| Charlotte |
The Pearl of the South - Charlotte is North Carolina's largest city and is replete with many attractions such as historic landmarks, famous churches and religious sites, museums, a one-of-a-kind motorsport hall of fame and more.
The city is also named Queen City and is always full of tourists, especially those in need of speed, due to the famous Charlotte Expressway and the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Charlotte City has a unique southern charm and energy and is also a great place to travel with family and kids as there are many attractions for kids like amusement parks, animal sanctuaries and more.
Grandfather Mountain
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| Grandfather Mountain |
A little off the Blue Ridge Park Path is Dedushkin Mountain, which is 5,946 feet high and is the highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
It is a private non-profit conservation area and one of North Carolina's top natural attractions. Climbing the rocky peak of the mountain is a great opportunity to admire the spectacular views.
The famous Mile High Swing Bridge is located on Grandfather Mountain. Here, you can also get an up-close look at the diverse wildlife and nature of the area.
Lake Lure
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| Lake Lure |
Nearly 27 miles from downtown Ascheville is one of North Carolina's treasures, Lake Lure, which is also just 18 minutes' drive from the famous Chimney Rock.
The lake is most likely well known to many from the Dirty Dancing movie. It is a great place for relaxation and serenity with its magnificent waterslide and wide sandy beach. The lake is surrounded by vast views and offers its visitors many types of multisport adventures.
Wrightsville Beach
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| Wrightsville Beach |
Wrightsville Beach has been a renowned North Carolina holiday destination for generations. It is known for its crystal blue waters, world class water sports and very active island lifestyle.
The beach stretches for five miles and has stunning views surrounding the island. Its history spans nearly 100 years, which can be explored with exhibits and guided walking tours.