Looking for:
Is north carolina a good place to vacation
Click here to ENTER
Guests can also enjoy over miles of hiking trails that offer a variety of sights, including waterfalls, streams, and views as far as the eye can see.
Is north carolina a good place to vacation.10 Best Places to Visit in North Carolina
Established in , the forest was one of the first designated in the eastern US. The North Carolina forest spans over , acres and parts of it are over 6, feet tall. It is known for hiking, cool mountain towns I absolutely love Brevard , mountain biking, and much more. There are so many things to do on the secluded island, including spending the day at one of the best North Carolina beaches , discovering the old lighthouse, exploring the protected creeks and maritime forests, shopping, dining, some time at the spa, and so much more.
Visitors will be able to see the stunning views provided by the three-tiered waterfall, which is accessible via the many trails for hikers. It is an especially great destination for hikers as the area offers several different trails ranging in difficulty that you can take to access the falls. Both of the trails will still offer stunning views of the Linville Gorge and Falls no matter what the season is. Many people especially love to visit in the fall because of the beautiful colors.
Located in Linville, North Carolina, Grandfather Mountain is another popular destination for all nature-lovers. There are so many things to do during a visit to Grandfather Mountain, including taking a walk across the Mile High Swinging Bridge, walking, hiking, checking out the wildlife habitats, birdwatching, visiting the Nature Museum, and many special events offered by the state park.
Visitors must purchase tickets, which will include access to the museums, animal habitat, and everything else the mountain has to offer. Be sure to take a walk across the bridge to check out the stunning degree views of the region. Have fun with the entire family and relax on the beach. There is so much to do at Cape Hatteras , including swimming, surfing, crabbing, sightseeing, lighthouse-climbing, kiteboarding, and more.
You can even rent a bicycle and take a trip around the beach. In addition, you can check out the campgrounds, museums, and lighthouses depending on the season. Be sure to double-check the calendar for specific activities available during the season. There are also special passes for children to learn more about the history of the park, too.
Located in Watauga County, North Carolina, Boone is an adventure town that you should add to your itinerary when visiting the state. It offers everything from mountain sports and cabins to the Tweetsie Railroad Theme Park.
You could check out many different festivals and art galleries, go fishing, canoeing, zip-lining, skiing, and so much more during your visit. In addition, many people enjoy hiking the trails in the mountains. You can also take a ride on an authentic steam train on the Tweetsie Railroad.
The town has a rich history and many cultural traditions that make it a popular site to visit for tourists. There are plenty of hotels, breweries, wineries, and restaurants featuring authentic Southern cuisine in the town.
Be sure to check out the museums, self-guided tours, and other historical sites, including the very streets that the Wright brothers walked on. Located in Pitt County, North Carolina, Greenville is another spot to visit during your trip to the state.
The Greenville Museum of Art is one of the most popular spots in the town, featuring many exhibitions and programs for people of all ages. Theater and dance are widespread activities, and the town boasts many restaurants and nightclubs that offer live entertainment on the weekends.
You can also check out the Umbrella Market every Wednesday in the warmer months, which features local producers. Here, you will be able to go shelling, fishing, lighthouse climbing, camping, birding, and so much more. You can enjoy the stunning views right on the beach and camp in a tent for the night. Many visitors also enjoy touring the historic villages of the barrier islands.
Since these are remote beaches , visitors are reminded to bring food, water, and important supplies. There are also plenty of guided tours and special events that guests are encouraged to check out depending on the season. At this lighthouse, there is a long wooden boardwalk and viewing deck where you can get truly awe-inspiring views over the marshlands and the lighthouse which are particularly wonderful at sunset.
The state park is home to the largest living sand dune along the east coast of the United States. The park is free and is perfect for travelers of all ages. The park is perfect for hang gliding, flying kites, hiking, or watching the sunrise or sunset. If you have never hang glided before, no worries!
You can take lessons and try your hand at it yourself with help from experienced hang gliders. Nags Head is a fun and beautiful town along the east coast and is one of the best places to visit in North Carolina! The home was built in the late s. The home is massive and has rooms, including 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 unique fireplaces.
Given the size of this estate, you could spend hours at the estate exploring the rooms and grounds. At the estate, you can take an audio tour of the house which is included in your ticket price.
The audio tour lasts for 40 minutes. You can also explore the gardens around the home. The most popular of the three is the Walled Garden as it has something blooming year-round, depending on the season.
One of the coolest things about the Biltmore is that has a Christmas Store that is open all year long. This is a great place to get souvenirs while in North Carolina.
The Biltmore Estate also has a well-loved conservatory. The conservatory is full of exotic plants and has great views of the terrace Butterfly Garden and the Walled Garden. These are just a few of the exciting things to do at Biltmore that all add up to making the estate one of the best places to visit in North Carolina.
Blowing Rock is one of the cutest small towns in North Carolina and one of the best places to visit in North Carolina as well. Blowing Rock has amazing shopping in the historic downtown. Walking around and shopping at the shops is a lot of fun when in town.
You will find many beautiful churches in town that play an important role in the history of the area. They are great places to take pictures and learn a little about the history of the town. During non-service hours you can usually take a step inside the buildings to see the beautiful interiors. If you find yourself running on fumes, head to Bald Guy Brew for an eco-friendly and socially responsible cup of Joe!
Make sure to check out our list of the best Breweries In North Carolina to find some of your favorite local craft beer. Last, but not least, you may want to also check out the Tweetsie Railroad. You can ride the trains during regular park hours or during special events. There are holiday events each year that add extra fun to a visit to Tweetsie. Carolina Beach is a coastal town along the central portion of the North Carolina coast. The town is a popular vacation spot for those living in central North Carolina and people from visiting out of state as well.
The town is known for its boardwalk. The Carolina Beach Boardwalk has restaurants, amusement rides, and more fun waiting for its visitors.
If you are traveling with kids, a short drive to the Aquarium and Fort Fisher is a great option to add to your itinerary. For history lovers, this is one of the best places to visit near Carolina Beach. If you are looking for a place to hike in the area, picnic, or maybe just have a piece of sandy beach to yourself, then Carolina Beach State Park is the place to be! You can find small beach accesses near trails and picnic areas within the park that make for a great way to get away from any crowds that might be in the area during the summer months.
Carolina Beach is one of the best places to visit in North Carolina! Asheville is easily one of the best vacation spots in North Carolina! This town in N.
Asheville is known for many things. One of those is its art scene. That art scene is so vibrant and healthy that it is overflowing onto the streets of Asheville, make sure to check out the street art during your visit. For outdoor lovers, you will find many hiking trails in and around Asheville. The easy to moderate Craggy Pinnacle Trail is one of the most popular ones trail around Asheville. The trail typically takes about 20 minutes to hike and offers hikers degree views of the valley below.
There are also many waterfalls in Asheville that nature lovers will love. Restaurants in Asheville are plentiful and they serve a variety of palates. You can find international cuisine, fine dining, and local-focused menus in town. There are also plenty of breweries in Asheville to visit as well, like the Bhramari Brewing Co. You may also be interested in checking out some of the coffee shops in town , like the Liberty Cafe.
If you ask around about where to visit in North Carolina, you will definitely hear people recommending the beautiful waterfalls in the Tar Heel State! Of all the waterfalls you have to choose from, Crabtree Falls should be a top contender! Crabtree Falls is simply one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in North Carolina! Thanks to the cool mist that comes from the waterfall, the surrounding area is full of thriving greenery, including moss, ferns, and wildflowers galore.
The Blue Ridge Mountains are home to miles of twisting mountain roads to cruise and trails to hike. There are many reasons the Blue Ridge Mountains are placed on our list of best tourist destinations in North Carolina. History, adventure, and natural grandeur make these mountains special. Cool off with a waterfall hike, learn more about Appalachian art, bike through valley greenways, sip mountain wine, and much more in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Seeking out the gem of the Blue Ridge Mountains? Take a cruise down the Blue Ridge Parkway. This special section of highway runs from Virginia to Cherokee, N. The roadway has a rich history. It was the first planned roadway in the United States and construction began in Building the road involved blasting 26 mountain tunnels.
A drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway will be a memorable experience. Looking for even more on-road adventures? Wilmington, North Carolina is more than a little beach town. This city with Colonial beginnings is known not only for its coastline, but also for its Riverwalk, rich history, and diverse culture. In fact, the arts thrive in Wilmington.
There are also more than a dozen museums and historic areas in Wilmington, many of which are located in the downtown area. The annual Azalea Festival is also a great draw to Wilmington and features great food, home and garden tours, parties, music, and even fireworks. Science and space lovers will enjoy sitting under the stars at the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, located on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The planetarium has been open to the public since the s and has seen many upgrades and refurbishments along the way. It remains one of the largest and most advanced planetariums and observatories in the country even today. Today you can see the skies with educator-led programs and special events held at the Morehead Planetarium. The facility is also home to the annual North Carolina Science Festival. There are quite a few reasons why Raleigh ranks among the best tourist destinations in North Carolina.
The city has a broad-ranging assortment of restaurants, museums, shopping, and other cultural attractions. It is surrounded by hills and forests, which make an alluring background to the cityscape.
Activities to enjoy in Raleigh are diverse. You can tour a chocolate factory, sample and stroll on a food tour, see sculptures from Ancient Rome, and enjoy plenty of other adventures in this city,. Pristine beaches and undeveloped islands bring folks out to Cape Lookout National Seashore. These barrier islands can be accessed by a 3-mile boat ride and offer horse watching, fishing shelling, camping, birding, and other seaside activities.
You can drive on the beach, camp on the beach, and conquer lighthouse stairs at Cape Lookout. Nags Head is a destination for recreation. Tourists and locals alike love Nags Head for the water activities, art galleries, and golf.
Horses, known as nags, would have lights hung around their necks. Today the area is known as a top beach destination on the east coast. Looking for backcountry hiking with a challenge? Consider checking out Grandfather Mountain State Park.