The 35 Essential Places to Visit in North Carolina

I grew up in Western North Carolina, and spent my childhood exploring small towns, parks, and new places across the state. Now as an adult, I’ll tell you that North Carolina is one of the most underrated yet diverse states in the country. And it’s well worth exploring! 

From the mountains in the west to the central Piedmont cities and the Outer Banks beaches in the east, North Carolina quite literally has it all – there are just so many cool things to do across the state.

Below, I share 35 of the best places in North Carolina, ranging from nature escapes and popular cities to lesser-known destinations.

35 Best Places to Visit in North Carolina

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

America’s most visited national park, perfect for the whole family.

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Starting off strong at the top of the list is Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s America’s most visited national park, and a popular one for families. This subrange of the Blue Ridge Mountains is filled with lush forests, open meadows, and a variety of native plant and animal life. 

Hiking, biking, fishing, and camping are all popular activities in the Great Smoky Mountains. There are diverse trails ranging from easy walking trails along rivers to more challenging uphill climbs.

Whether you stay for a weekend or a week, be sure to add the Great Smoky Mountains to your itinerary and experience the peace and tranquility of this magical place!

Outer Banks

Laid back beaches with charming coastal towns.

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The Outer Banks are the outermost islands that create a barrier formation on the east coast of North Carolina. In total, 130 islands make up the Outer Banks, all with relaxing beaches and coastal towns. The wide variety of family-friendly attractions makes the Outer Banks one of the top vacation destinations in North Carolina.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Cape Lookout National Seashore are great choices for more untouched nature and adventure. And for a classic Outer Banks vacation with a mix of nature and attractions, head to Nags Head.

Don’t stop there though, the Outer Banks have so many other amazing islands and towns worth checking out — many of which are mentioned throughout this article, so keep reading!

Blue Ridge Parkway

A stunning drive with mountain scenery as far as the eye can see.

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A trip to North Carolina just isn’t complete without a drive through the Blue Ridge Parkway. So be sure to add this to your North Carolina itinerary! You’ll soon see why this parkway is known as “America’s favorite drive.”

Nearly 500 miles of meandering mountain roads weave through North Carolina and part of Virginia, providing visitors with stunning mountain scenery. Discover an infinite number of hiking trails, camping spots, rivers, and waterfalls.

There are access points all across the Western side of the state, many near Asheville and other small mountain towns.

Mount Mitchell State Park

Soar above the clouds on the highest mountain peak east of the Mississippi River.

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Mount Mitchell is the highest peak east of the Mississippi River at 6,366 feet above sea level. It’s the perfect day trip from Asheville and surrounding areas, and one of my all-time favorite places in the region. 

The state park is located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, accessible by car and a short walk to the viewing platform.

At the top of the platform, you’ll be greeted with 360-degree views of the surrounding mountain landscape. If you’re looking to hike, the park has many scenic trails to hit up.

The park also has a gift shop, museum, and restaurant. With so many things to do and ways to enjoy this park, Mount Mitchell makes for a fantastic family destination. Just note that, while Mount Mitchell is open year round, expect some closures during the winter.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

A peaceful beach escape with ever-changing islands, shaped by nature.

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Cape Hatteras National Seashore is the easternmost point of North Carolina. It’s located north of Cape Lookout. This is the place to go if you’re looking for natural Outer Banks beauty and tons of opportunities for adventure. 

Cape Hatteras is actually one of the largest sections of the Outer Banks, so there’s no shortage of things to do. Think kayaking, swimming, and even horseback riding through the woods and beach. Witness wildlife at the local wildlife refuge, or see sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach. 

Overall, Cape Hatteras National Seashore is the perfect place to go for that mix of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and classic beach fun for all ages.

📚 Related Reading: Beach Packing List

Cape Lookout National Seashore

An undeveloped seashore full of history and wild horses.

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Just off the North Carolina mainland are the barrier islands that make up Cape Lookout National Seashore. This area has pristine beaches that stretch for 56 miles and the area remains largely undeveloped. To reach Cape Lookout, you’ll need to take a ferry. 

The main appeal of Cape Lookout is its untouched natural beauty. Visitors can stay in rustic cabins or even camp on the beach. Another must-see attraction, though, are the wild horses that can be seen on Cape Lookout’s southernmost edge, Shackleford Bank.

Other attractions include Cape Lookout Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters, and Portsmouth Village. 

Hanging Rock State Park

A nature haven just north of the Piedmont.

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Hanging Rock State Park is just north of Winston-Salem in the Piedmont. Hanging Rock offers everything you could ask for in a nature park: trails, camping, picnicking spots, rivers, and waterfalls. It even has a beach for swimming and places to canoe. 

With nearly 8,000 acres of land, Hanging Rock State Park makes for the perfect nature getaway if you’re staying in Charlotte or Greensboro and the Great Smoky Mountains are too far. One of the most popular, must-do hikes is Hanging Rock Trail, which is a semi-challenging 2.6-mile roundtrip trail that rewards you with panoramic views. 

Asheville

An artsy, eclectic city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

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Asheville is located in the heart of Western North Carolina amongst the Blue Ridge Mountains. This artsy city is full of character and boasts a lot of the region’s best attractions in terms of food, art, culture, and beer. 

Asheville’s proximity to nature and accessibility to outdoor activities is one of its biggest draws. This includes infinite opportunities for hiking, seeing waterfalls, mountain biking, river kayaking, camping, rock climbing, and so much more — all accessible locally and via day trips from the city. The famous Biltmore Estate is also located here. 

At its core, Asheville is a nature lovers paradise while still providing the culture and convenience of a major North Carolina city. As someone who grew up right outside of Asheville, I’m confident you’ll love it.

Charlotte

A fun city full of art, amenities, and attractions.

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Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina. You’ll find a variety of amenities and attractions here. It’s also one of the fastest-growing cities in America. 

Uptown and surrounding neighborhoods like NoDa and Plaza Midwood offer incredible dining, shopping, and entertainment. Meanwhile, bigger attractions like Carowinds, the U.S. National Whitewater Center, and the Nascar Hall of Fame are all located here. 

And with Charlotte being located centrally, it’s the perfect destination for taking day trips to other places throughout North Carolina.

👉 Read Next: Asheville vs Charlotte – Which is Better?

Wilmington

Close to nearby beaches and a downtown full of history and charm.

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Wilmington, North Carolina is a great vacation destination for all ages. Visitors will love Wilmington’s historic, waterfront downtown area and access to Cape Fear beaches like Carolina Beach, Wrightsville Beach, and Kure Beach. 

Enjoy a variety of activities in Wilmington. The area has tons of history and hands-on museums, as well as a WWII-era battleship that can be toured. Wilmington is home to Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park, which is one of the best waterparks in North Carolina. 

For slower-paced activities, the downtown has tons of historic sights, local shops, and plenty of tasty restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries.  

Chapel Hill

Visit North Carolina’s most famous college town for quintessential Carolina charm.

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You don’t have to be a student or sports fanatic to enjoy a trip to Chapel Hill. This small town located adjacent to UNC’s campus is steeped in classic Carolina charm.

UNC’s teams are known as the Carolina Tar Heels, reflective of the state’s nickname, “The Tar Heel state.” Franklin Street is the center of the action in Chapel Hill. The street buzzes with college students. You’ll find tons of local restaurants, cafes, pubs, and shops.

A trip to visit Chapel Hill isn’t complete without a walk through the campus. You should also be sure to visit the Morehead Planetarium. While you’re in the area, check out nearby Carrboro for its cute shops and cafes.

Raleigh

A city known for its higher education, museums, and growing food scene.

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Raleigh is the state capital, and known as the “the City of Oaks.” It’s one part of North Carolina’s Research Triangle, which is an area where three major universities are located. 

Some of the best museums in North Carolina are located here, including the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and North Carolina Museum of History. There are also parks, gardens, and greenways galore. And William B. Umstead State Park and Falls Lake State Recreation Area are nearby.

Lastly, Raleigh has become a booming North Carolina foodie hotspot, so be sure to try out local restaurants and breweries!

Elizabeth City

An inviting small town known as the Harbor of Hospitality.

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Elizabeth City is a small, charming town located on the northern inland coast of North Carolina. The tranquil waters of the Pasquotank River snake through the town, giving it a relaxing waterfront atmosphere.

The town is full of history and Southern charm, making it ideal for a quiet getaway. Popular things to do include exploring the historic downtown, sitting by the waterfront, and visiting the Museum of Albemarle where you can learn all about local history. Elizabeth City is also home to the largest U.S. Coast Guard base in the country.

Durham

This small, industrious city has history and attractions worth checking out.

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Durham — also known as the “Bull City” — is a small, growing city located near Raleigh and Chapel Hill, and within North Carolina’s Research Triangle. In recent decades, Durham’s cityscape has undergone major transformations. 

Check out the American Tobacco Historic District. What was once an industrial area with warehouses is now the city’s premier district for shopping, restaurants, taphouses, and entertainment. 

The prestigious Duke University is located in Durham and definitely worth checking out. The historic campus features open green spaces and Gothic-style architecture.

The Duke University Chapel and the Sarah P. Duke Gardens are also worth a visit. Overall, Durham is a destination becoming increasingly popular for its artsy vibe and food scene.

Emerald Isle

Relaxing beaches and tiny towns perfect for a quaint summer vacation.

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Emerald Isle is a relaxing vacation hotspot in the center of the Outer Banks barrier islands. Small communities and tiny beach towns line the coast. Each town has a unique flair, yet each remains connected by the waters of the Crystal Coast.

The beaches of Emerald Isle offer tons of family fun from fishing to watersports. The area purposely lacks high rises to prevent overdevelopment, in order to maintain the natural beauty.

Lastly, if you visit in the late summer or early fall, you may catch a glimpse of nesting sea turtles.

Pisgah National Forest

A camping and hiking paradise with over 250 waterfalls.

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Pisgah National Forest is situated between Asheville, Brevard, and Waynesville. This beautiful park has over 500,000 acres of wilderness, waterfalls, and trails, making it one of the state’s best places for outdoor recreation.

Popular things to do include driving through the Blue Ridge Parkway, hiking, mountain biking, camping, and picnicking. There are also tons of cool attractions like Sliding Rock, Cradle of Forestry, Looking Glass Falls, and Looking Glass Rock.

👉 Pro Tip: In the winter, some of the roads close on the Blue Ridge Parkway and you can actually walk these closed-off areas!

Lake Lure

Water sports and outdoor attractions galore, perfect for families.

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Lake Lure is an idyllic and adventure-filled destination in the foothills of North Carolina.

Most of Lake Lure is surrounded by private homes, but a section of the beach is open to the public in the summertime for a small fee. It’s the perfect place to come on a hot summer day, and there’s even a waterpark.

Chimney Rock State Park is another must-see attraction close by. This park has a natural “Chimney Rock” monolith with incredible views of the mountains and lake. On a clear day, you can see as far as 75 miles. At just under an hour from Asheville, Lake Lure makes for a fantastic day trip. 

👉 Did You Know? The 1987 movie Dirty Dancing was actually filmed at Lake Lure!

Ocracoke

An Outer Banks island with a sleepy, yet charming village and miles of pristine beaches.

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Ocracoke Island is a sleepy beach town known for its pristine and uncrowded beaches that stretch on for miles. It’s located between Portsmouth Island and Hatteras Island in the Outer Banks. 

Ocracoke Island may be off the beaten path, but it’s the kind of beach town you visit to escape the crowds and get back to the simple things. A vacation here is best spent soaking up the sun and sea and indulging in the slow island pace.

Carolina Beach

The perfect, family-friendly beach getaway for sun, fun, and attractions galore.

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Carolina Beach is your destination if you’re looking for family fun. Located just outside of Wilmington, this beach town has enough attractions and beach activities to keep your family entertained for the entire duration of your stay. 

The Carolina Beach Boardwalk is considered one of America’s best and has amusement rides, an arcade, biking, and water sports since it’s right on the water. For adults, Carolina Beach has tiki bars and beer gardens for some nightlife fun. 

Lastly, this town has some unfiltered nature to explore, at Carolina Beach State Park or along the Cape Fear River inlet. 

Kitty Hawk

A beach town with cool history and tons of laid-back outdoor activities.

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If you know anything about North Carolina, you probably know that it’s dubbed as the birthplace of aviation (don’t remind Ohioans of this, it’s a touchy subject). This is because the Wright Brothers accomplished their first successful flight in North Carolina — right near Kitty Hawk at Kill Devil Hills. 

Today, Kitty Hawk offers a bit more than being the birthplace of this historic accomplishment. The town boasts beautiful beaches and coastal activities like kayaking and surfing. The area is also home to full-time Outer Banks residents, giving the town a low-key and residential feel, perfect for a laid-back beach vacation.  

To learn more about the Wright Brothers’ historic flight, be sure to visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial. 

Bald Head Island

Enjoy a slow-paced vacation on this car-free island.

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Bald Head Island is the perfect place for anyone to go for a vacation reset — families, friends, and couples alike.

Located on Cape Fear just south of Wilmington, it is the southernmost island of the Outer Banks. The car-free island can be reached by taking a ferry from Southport. 

Once on the island, visitors can enjoy the island’s untouched natural beauty in a variety of ways. The long stretches of pristine coastline make it a perfect place to paddleboard and even surf.

Besides the beach, the island also has beautiful marsh and forest areas, ideal for more outdoor exploration. 

Old Salem

Step back in time and experience important stories and cultural history.

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Old Salem is a historic district that is technically a part of the city of Winston-Salem. However, this unique area is worth checking out if you happen to be nearby.

Step back in time and get a taste of living history in Old Salem. This North Carolina museum and its gardens tell the stories of Black, Moravian, and Indigenous people of the American South. 

A fine collection of artifacts and arts from life in early the South are featured here. This includes furniture, artwork, metalwork, and more. Overall, this is a fantastic cultural and educational landmark. 

Grandfather Mountain

An iconic nature park with a mile high swinging bridge and tons of outdoor exploration.

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Grandfather Mountain is a nature park located an hour and a half northeast of Asheville and just south of Boone.

This park is often photographed for its iconic mile-high swinging bridge which is the highest suspension footbridge in America. At 5,946 feet above sea level, you’ll tower over the surrounding mountains for spectacular views.

The park also has walking trails and plenty of educational exhibits and programs at its nature museum, making it a great family destination. If you plan on having lunch here, they have tons of areas for picnicking, or you can eat at Mildred’s Grill. 

Lake Toxaway

The perfect luxury mountain retreat.

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Lake Toxaway is a quaint, yet luxurious, mountain town nestled in the southwestern corner of North Carolina, not far from the South Carolina border. This mountain retreat has the largest private lake in the state and is one of the more hidden places in North Carolina.

Visitors can rent vacation cottages along or near the lake. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating are popular activities here, and many waterfall trails dot the area.

Downtown Lake Toxaway has charming shops and restaurants as well. This is an ideal destination for those seeking a more private, luxury mountain experience.

Blue Ridge National Heritage Area

A designated area that celebrates southern Appalachian culture and tradition.

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The Appalachian Mountains have a rich history — one of arts, crafts, culture, and music tradition, as well as natural beauty that’s worth protecting.

The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area is the place to be if you’re seeking local culture and an authentic side of Southern Appalachia. It’s a federally designated historic area in North Carolina.

Throughout the 25 most western counties in North Carolina, you’ll find everything that makes this region unique. Think farmers markets and gem mines, Appalachian art and folklore, and unique mountain towns.

And of course, you can’t forget about the obvious natural beauty and outdoor attractions that make this region so special. 

Linville Gorge and Falls

Visit “the Grand Canyon of the East” within Pisgah National Forest.

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Linville Gorge and Falls is captivating, and it’s one of the most well-known and photographed areas in the state. The gorge itself is 12 miles long and Linville Falls has a 90-foot drop. 

This Linville Gorge area is especially fantastic if you’re an experienced hiker. Tons of challenging hiking trails offer rewarding views and there are plenty of places for camping and backpacking.

If you’re looking for easier hikes, five viewing areas can be reached by two trails near the Visitors Center.

Merchant’s Millpond State Park

An enchanting park full of trails, swamps, and Spanish moss.

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Merchant’s Millpond State Park is an enchanting nature area full of walking trails surrounded by hardwood forests and swamps with Spanish moss. It’s located just 45 minutes west of Elizabeth City, making it a great day trip from the coast. 

Merchant’s Millpond has remained seemingly unchanged throughout time and still maintains its unique environment of plant life and wildlife. Popular activities include canoeing through the swamp, picnicking on the grounds, and even fishing.

Little Switzerland

A small, local gem nestled high in the mountains, perfect for couples.

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Little Switzerland is located a bit off the beaten path of the Blue Ridge Parkway. This tiny community is quaint, cute, and meant to be a relaxing getaway. It’s especially ideal for couples looking to escape into the relaxing mountain atmosphere. 

Only a few inns and shops make up Little Switzerland, making nature the real star of the show. Still, visitors can enjoy a nice meal with mountain views at Switzerland Inn, or go casual with a barbecue at Switzerland Cafe & General Store.

Little Switzerland also has a great little coffee shop and bookstore called Books and Beans. And of course, there are tons of trails and outdoor activities nearby.

Nags Head

A slice of Outer Banks heaven known for its gigantic living sand dunes.

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Nags Head is an iconic Outer Banks town you’re sure to fall in love with. Located in the northern section of the Outer Banks islands, it has beautiful, sunny beaches with windblown dunes and grasses and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Nags Head is the kind of place where you can settle in for an extended vacation and let the hours pass by without a care. 

One of the top attractions on Nags Head is Jockey’s Ridge State Park, which has the tallest living sand dunes on the east coast. Whether you plan on taking part in water sports and activities or just enjoying slow-paced coastal life, Nags Head is the perfect Carolina beach town. 

Boone

A mountain town with endless opportunities to adventure and explore.

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Boone is an adventure lover’s dream in North Carolina’s high country. This college mountain town is nestled amid the Blue Ridge Mountains and has tons of outdoor attractions and activities.

Boone’s proximity to Appalachian State University gives it a college vibe, but the area is still family-friendly. Just like other mountain towns in North Carolina, Boone offers plenty of hiking trails and mountain scenery.

Places like Grandfather Mountain and Blowing Rock are nearby, offering more opportunities for outdoor adventure. For those with kids, check out Tweetsie Railroad. And if you’re visiting in the winter, Boone is home to a ton of ski resorts.

Lake Norman

A huge, man-made lake just outside Charlotte, perfect for swimming and boating.

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Lake Norman is the perfect summer day trip from Charlotte if you’re looking to spend a day on the water! It’s the largest man-made freshwater lake in North Carolina, and it’s ideal for swimming, boating, and other water activities. 

The water in Lake Norman is warm compared to other North Carolina lakes, but still refreshing.

Two of the best and most easily accessible beaches are Lake Norman State Park and Ramsey Creek Park. The edges of Lake Norman are also dotted by some unique towns like Mooresville and Davidson.

Beech Mountain

North Carolina’s go-to ski resort town.

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Beech Mountain is the place to go in North Carolina for skiing and winter sports. It’s located just 45 minutes from Boone in the northwestern part of North Carolina, and it’s a great destination for those who are active. 

Beech Mountain is best known for Beech Mountain Resort, which offers year-round outdoor activities. The winter brings snowy slopes for skiing, snowboarding, and sledding.

The warmer months offer mountain biking, hiking, and even scenic lift rides. No matter what time of year you visit, Beech Mountain has infinite trails and activities to enjoy.

New Bern

A charming riverfront town on North Carolina’s coast that’s steeped in history.

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New Bern is a small, but historical city nestled along the intersection of two rivers on North Carolina’s coast. History buffs and young families will especially like it here. 

There are a variety of things to do in New Bern, and it’s a place you can explore by land and sea. Wander its charming and peaceful downtown, and enjoy boating, paddleboarding, and kayaking, too. 

Many historical sites from early American history and the Civil War are also located here. And, New Bern is the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola! 

Cherohala Skyway

A mile-high scenic byway that meanders through the mountains between North Carolina and Tennessee.

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The Cherohala Skyway is a scenic byway that crosses the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. It passes through both Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests, hence the name “Cherohala.”  

The Cherohala Skyway traverses for 43 miles through endless mountain ridges and scenic overlooks. It’s pretty rural here, so you can expect to see vistas with little civilization in sight. 

The entire byway can be driven in under two hours. But Cherohala Skyway has numerous trails and picnic areas to stop at, so feel free to take your time. Popular trails along the skyway include Huckleberry Knob and Hooper Bald.

The Tail of the Dragon

A thrilling bucket list drive for sports car and motorcycle enthusiasts.

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Deal’s Gap, also known as “The Tail of the Dragon,” is a mountain pass that draws motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts from around the world.

It’s an 11-mile stretch of road with 318 hair-raising switchbacks and curves, located on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. 

It’s a dream ride for thrill-seekers, but it’s certainly not for the faint of heart! Proceed with caution if you decide to visit. 

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That’s a wrap on the best places in North Carolina! I hope this guide has helped you narrow down your choices on where to go in the Tar Heel state. Be sure to read my North Carolina packing list to make sure you come prepared!

🖨️ Get a free, printable version of our NC packing list here!