Nestled on the eastern seaboard of the United States, North Carolina is an incredible state to visit for a road trip. Not only that, there are heaps of the best places in North Carolina dotted all around the state. This all means that you’re bound to find a fair few gems to visit on your trip to North Carolina.
From cities like Raleigh to Bald Head Island, there’s honestly something for every type of traveller that’s visiting North Carolina. So, to make sure you get the most out of your visit, I’m sharing our top places in North Carolina that you don’t want to miss.
Oh, and pop us a message anytime if you need any other tips or advice for your trip. Have the best time visiting North Carolina.
1.) Blue Ridge Parkway
Running for over 400 miles and crossing multiple states, driving the Blue Ridge Parkway is a great way to experience North Carolina if you’re on a road trip.
You see, Blue Ridge Parkway connects with numerous national parks and even the Great Smoky Mountains since it runs across several states, mostly in North Carolina and Virginia.
Along the way, you’ll get to stop off at places like the Linn Cove Viaduct, Brinegar Cabin and the hills around Jumpinoff Rock. Not only that, there are heaps of campsites and lodgings available near the main driving route. It’s so lovely and such a scenic route to experience on the East Coast.
Read more: Best things to do in Charlotte
2.) Lake Santeetlah
Lake Santeetlah is definitely one of North Carolina’s most beautiful lakes. It is part of the national forest, with almost 80 miles of protected shoreline hidden within the North Carolina Smoky Mountains. It’s so peaceful and serene.
After arriving in the area, you can enjoy the peacefulness and really slow down your travel. The whole area around Lake Santeetlah gives off these relaxed vibes, and it’s hard to rush anything in this region—and why would you want to?
Once here, you can explore Lake Santeetlah by heading to Cheoah Point Beach, mountain biking, sailing, paddling, or hiking (around theCherohala Skyway). The local marina also has equipment you can rent, such as pontoon, kneeboard, and canoe rentals.
After a day of physical activities, chillout at the Blue Waters Mountain Lodge’s lakeside bar with a tipple or two. You can also stay in rooms with great lake views or camp at Cheoah Point Campground if that’s more your scene.
Afterwards, you can drive over to Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, one of the region’s oldest forests. The trees are gigantic, and it’s absolutely breathtaking.
Read more: Best things to do in Charlotte
3.) Wrightsville Beach
Just shy of the city of Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach is easily one of the best places in North Carolina to visit if you’re looking for a beach day. You see, the sandy shores are absolutely stunning.
The whole stretch, from South End to Shell Island, is one vast spit of sandy shores. It’s absolutely pristine and within easy reach by car.
Plus, there are heaps of parking spots and a few tasty restaurants for a bite to eat or a tipple. We loved Shark Bar and Kitchen and their grilled oysters and jumbo crabcake are so good.
Read more: Best things to do in Charlotte
4.) Biltmore Estate
Nestled in the western fringes of North Carolina, the Biltmore Estate is stunning. It’s also the largest privately owned house in the United States. The famous Vanderbilt family owns the house, and now, you can enter and explore the mansion and its grounds, which are so gorgeous.
Not only that, the Biltmore Estate is also listed on the US National Register of Historic Places. Once inside, you can see the era’s preserved décor, showing the wealth of the Vanderbilt family, as you tour the history of this grand family house.
Give yourself around 2-3 hours to explore the grounds. It’s incredible.
5.) Hammocks Beach State Park
A local gem for those living in North Carolina, Hammocks Beach State Park is beautiful to visit. Hammocks Beach State Park, with its unspoiled shores, offers peace and quiet that’s so lovely for a morning day trip.
Now, Hammocks Beach State Park is located just shy of Swansboro, and you can head to Bear Island, a famous spot in the park, via kayak or even ferry. However, construction on Bear Island might mean these aren’t running when you visit. For that reason, always check the Hammocks Beach State Park website for full details on schedules.
Read more: Best things to do in Charlotte
6.) Raleigh
Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, is a perfect city to visit for a few days trip. It’s the kind of city that can be explored quite nicely over a few days, but you can easily spend more time if your schedule allows.
Once here, make sure to visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. It’s huge and one of the most prestigious museums in all of North Carolina.
The museum has two buildings: the Nature Research Center and the Nature Exploration Center. Regardless of the building, both have several interactive opportunities and exhibitions that are great if you’re visiting with the wider family. Now, the Nature Exploration Center focuses a bit on the habitats of the rainforest and tropics, even tackling North Carolina’s coastal regions. It’s incredible.
Afterwards, head to the North Carolina Museum of Art. This is a great museum to visit to see some of the best (and most prestigious) art in all of North Carolina.
Oh, and don’t forget to head to the Morgan Street Food Hall. There are heaps of vendors selling everything from Empanadas to pizza. Just make sure to stop off at Gym Tacos. They have some of the best tacos in all of Raleigh.
Finally, head to Jordan Lake State Park for a day trip outside of Raleigh. It’s around a 40-minute drive from the centre of Raleigh and well worth it if you’re looking for a more chilled day in the wider region.
7.) Boone
The small town of Boone is located around the wider Blue Ridge Mountains, and it is great for a day trip while exploring North Carolina. It’s one of the best places in North Carolina to visit if you’re looking for a short stop as part of a wider roadtrip.
Once here, you’ll be able to explore the town of Boone itself and use it as a base to explore the great outdoors around the Blue Ridge Mountains.
For instance, you can bike trails through Pisgah National Forest, experience a whitewater rafting trip, or slow down time with a scenic hike in some of the trails around the wider region.
Alternatively, you can visit the theatre, explore the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, visit Arborcrest Gardens or grab a tipple at the Lost Province Brewing Company.
Read more: Best things to do in Charlotte
8.) Fayetteville
About halfway between Charlotte and the North Carolina coastline, Fayetteville is a great place to visit for a day trip.
Once here, make sure to visit the Fayetteville History Museum and explore the grounds of the historic railway station.
Also, don’t forget to visit the Airborne and Special Operations Museum. It’s a great place to learn more about US military history, and visits take around 1-2 hours.
Read more: Best things to do in Charlotte
9.) Atlantic Beach
Just off the shores of Morehead City, Atlantic Beach is one of the best places in North Carolina to visit for a day exploring the coast.
After crossing Bogue Sound via the roadway, you’ll explore the wider Atlantic Beach area, which is so beautiful. Spend a day at the beach, head to Oceanana Pier for lunch, and stop by Fort Macon State Park, which is on the edges of Atlantic Beach itself.
Also, while you’re here, stop at the North Carolina Maritime Museum, which is nearby. Here, you can look into some of the popular ship’s relics and learn all about the history of the wider coastal region.
Read more: Best things to do in Charlotte
10.) North Carolina Smoky Mountains
Said to be the United States’ most visited national park, it is not hard to see why people choose to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina.
The park is huge, and once you arrive in the wider area, there are heaps of things to see and do. Plus, you can expect to see abundant wildlife and amazing scenery. Black bears, elks, foxes, deer and turkey are some of the wildlife sighted in the area. Not only that, but there are over 800 miles of trails across the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This all makes it the perfect stopping point if you love the great outdoors.
Once here, make sure to visit Fontana Lake and head to the Charles A Webb Overlook for some of the best views. Plus, you can head to the nearby Deep Creek Winery for a tipple or two. Their Smokey Mountain Mist bottle is so good.
Read more: Best things to do in Charlotte
11.) Chimney Rock State Park
One beautiful and amazing place to visit in North Carolina is Chimney Rock State Park. It’s about a two-hour drive west of Charlotte and well worth stopping if you’re on a wider North Carolina road trip.
Found in southeast Asheville, Chimney Rock State Park is known for its views of Chimney Rock. Since the elevation is more than 2,280 ft from sea level, you can see for miles around. There’s a small entry fee for the day, but it’s worth it for the views and the wider area.
Fancy a trek? The Hickory Nut Falls Trail is also available in Chimney Rock State Park. It’s a great way to stretch your legs.
Read more: Best things to do in Charlotte
12.) Raven Rock State Park
Found at the point where the coastal and central regions meet, Raven Rock State Park is famous for its ecosystems and varied topography in North Carolina.
You can take the Raven Rock State Park Bridle Trails and visit the popular cliff, which was a navigational landmark for river pilots in the past. It’s absolutely stunning in the area.
Also, don’t forget about the trails around Lanier Falls. It’s so peaceful and tranquil and the scenery is just perfect if you’re looking for a slow travel day in North Carolina.
Read more: Best things to do in Charlotte
13.) Outer Banks
Also called OBX by some, the Outer Banks area is a line of barrier islands around the North Carolina coastline. I know I have mentioned a few of these (individually) before, but I had to share the wider Outer Banks area as it’s a great destination in its own right.
These islands were past pirates’ favourites, including the Blackbeard – at least that’s what I was told.
The Outer Banks’ northern end is where wild horses can be found. Meanwhile, if you are looking for miniature golf courses, souvenir and gift shops, or some restaurants, you can find them in the middle of the Outer Banks, specifically in the Bodie Island’s towns of Nags Head and Kitty Hawk.
Finally, don’t forget to explore Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Bald Beach itself. I love this area so much, and you can easily combine it with a visit to Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, which is nearby.
14.) Charlotte
Last but not least, don’t forget to visit the city of Charlotte. It’s one of the best places in North Carolina to visit for a citybreak, and you can easily spend 3-days enjoying the buzz of the city.
Once you’re here, make sure to visit the Mint Museum Uptown. It’s a stunning art museum that houses art from all over the world. Plus, many of the exhibits are interactive, and it’s so much fun to visit.
Afterwards, head to the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts. It’s a great place to explore the history and culture of African-American life through art exhibitions.
Finally, stop by The Market at 7th Street for a bite to eat. There are heaps of local vendors selling everything from doughnuts to pizza. You’ll leave stuffed.
Read more: Best things to do in Charlotte
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