The 29 Essential Things to Do in Charlotte, NC

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I spent four years living in Charlotte. In this guide, I share all the city’s popular attractions, and reveal some personal favorite places and local tips that you won’t find in other guides.

With family-friendly activities, awesome restaurants, shopping, arts, culture, and sports — there’s something in Charlotte for everyone. Be sure to bookmark my guide to the best areas and hotels to stay, too. 

Let’s dive in!

Best Things to Do in Charlotte

Uptown Charlotte

Discover museums, restaurants, and entertainment in the heart of The Queen City. 

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book This Southern Charm Historical City Cart Tour on Viator

One of the first distinctions you should know when you come to the Queen City is that “downtown” is called “uptown.” This is supposedly due to the fact that Uptown is at a slightly higher elevation than the surrounding areas. Nevertheless, this is the heart of the city and where many of its biggest attractions are located. 

You’ll likely be staying in Uptown, so spend some time exploring the museums and dining out. I recommend strolling around the parks as well. First Ward Park, Romare Bearden Park, and The Green are my favorites. 

Just be aware that Uptown isn’t the best place for window shopping. Aside from museums, restaurants, and entertainment venues, it’s a lot of banks and office buildings. If you’re looking to explore local shops, check out NoDa, Plaza Midwood, South End, and other neighborhoods.

NASCAR Hall of Fame

Journey through racing history at this interactive NASCAR museum in Uptown.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (704) 654-4400 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $27 adults, $24 seniors, $20 for ages 4-12 (General Admission)

If you’re a racing enthusiast, you’re in luck. Charlotte is known as the home of NASCAR, and the impressive Hall of Fame museum is a must-stop. 

The NASCAR Hall of Fame, situated in the Uptown area of Charlotte, exhibits racing artifacts from throughout NASCAR history. Displays include championship cars, trophies, race suits, and tributes to NASCAR drivers. The museum also has interactive exhibits like racing simulators and the High Octane Theater. The Chevrolet and Glory Road exhibits are especially popular. 

The Charlotte Motor Speedway, which is where races take place, is located about a half hour northeast of Concord. Hendricks Motorsports Museum is also near here.

Carowinds

Scream, laugh, and enjoy the thrills of this Southeastern amusement park.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (704) 588-2600 | Website | Hours: Vary seasonally | Entrance: $45+ 

Carowinds is an amusement park located 20 minutes south of Uptown on the North Carolina and South Carolina border.

Carowinds is a great, family-friendly park to visit if you like rollercoasters, rides, and theme park experiences. There are over 60 rides in total, with options for all ages, from twisting roller coasters to gentle rides for kids. There’s even a waterpark! 

Some of the best and biggest roller coaster rides at Carowinds include Fury 325, the Intimidator, and Afterburn. 

🎃 Pro Tip: If you’re a big fan of Halloween, visit Carowinds between mid-September through October. The park transforms into “Scarowinds” and goes all out. There are Halloween-themed experiences and actors roam the park dressed as characters to scare you. 

U.S. National Whitewater Center

Get your outdoor adventure on at this world-class recreation center just outside the city.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (704) 391-3900 | Website | Hours: Check Activity | Entrance: Varies

Charlotte may be a city, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find outdoor attractions close by! 

The U.S. National Whitewater Center is home to the world’s largest man-made whitewater river. It’s the place to be for all things rafting, from lowkey water activities to intense rafting and kayaking on class IV rapids. 

The Whitewater Center also has activities like ropes courses, zip-lining, rock climbing, and trails for mountain biking. And in the winter, they have things like ice skating. It’s a family-friendly destination that’s suitable for all ages and abilities. Located just a half-hour west of Uptown, it’s one of the most interactive and outdoorsy activities in Charlotte.

Freedom Park

Take a walk through Charlotte’s expansive city park, perfect for families.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: Free

Visiting Freedom Park is one of Charlotte’s most budget-friendly and enjoyable activities, especially if you have kids.

This 98-acre park is located just south of Uptown. It’s made up of a 7-acre lake, sports facilities, a playground, gardens, and paved nature trails. It’s the perfect place for visitors of all ages to play, relax, and soak up some nature amidst the city. 

Freedom Park is also home to a Charlotte nature museum: Discovery Place Nature. This kids’ museum has interactive exhibits and live animal encounters. At just $8, Discovery Place Nature is one of Charlotte’s more affordable ticketed museums. 

Blumenthal Performing Arts Center

Catch Broadway shows, concerts, and other performances at this popular Charlotte theater.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (704) 372-1000 | Website | Hours: Showtimes vary | Tickets: $20-$115

Catching a show at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center is one of the best things to do in Charlotte. This world-class performance theater in the heart of North Carolina offers shows and performances for audiences of all ages.

You’ll find a lineup with everything from Broadway plays and musicals, to dance performances, to concerts and comedians. The Blumenthal has three main stages housed under one roof: the Belk Theater, Booth Playhouse, and Stage Door Theater.

NoDa

Experience a more local side of Charlotte in this quirky, artsy neighborhood.

📍 Google Maps | Website

NoDa is Charlotte’s arts district and one of my favorite neighborhoods in the city. It’s located 10-15 minutes northwest of Uptown on North Davidson Street, hence the name “NoDa.” Spending an afternoon here is one of my favorite things to do in the city. 

This neighborhood is known for its local, artsy vibe. You’ll find tons of colorful murals and unique small businesses and restaurants. Some personal favorite spots include Pura Vida, Cabo Fish Taco, and Smelly Cat Cafe. NoDa also has frequent outdoor markets selling everything from farmers market goodies to vintage clothing.

Plaza Midwood

Enjoy a diverse foodie scene and unique shops in this walkable neighborhood.

📍 Google Maps | Website

Plaza Midwood is another great Charlotte neighborhood worth visiting. It’s just south of NoDa and similarly, has a walkable main street with shops and restaurants. 

Some of the businesses you’ll find here include vintage shops, dive bars, and tons of top local restaurants. Some of my favorite spots include Cilantro Noodle, Common Market, and Midwood Smokehouse. There’s a real laid-back, low-key, and trendy vibe in this neighborhood, and it’s also one of the best places to stay in Charlotte.

Amelie’s French Bakery & Cafe

A colorful and eclectic Charlotte bakery famous for its macarons and pastries.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (704) 376-1781 | Website | Hours: Vary by location

A visit to Charlotte just isn’t complete without a stop at Amelie’s. This eclectic French bakery is a Charlotte institution and one of the most famous spots in the city. There are a few locations in the city: Uptown, NoDa, Park Road, and Carmel Commons.

Amelie’s is famous for its delicious pastries, baked goods, and drinks. But the macarons are an all-around favorite. I personally love the lavender lemon macarons and seasonal tarts. Amelie’s is super family-friendly and it’s a great place to enjoy some treats, relax, or even work. I spent one too many hours studying here during college.

Museums & Culture

Discovery Place Science

Let your kids explore, learn, and tinker away at this hands-on STEM museum.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (704) 327-2189 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm Mon-Fri, 10:30 am – 4:30 pm Sat & Sun | Entrance: $24 adults, $21 seniors, $19 children

Discovery Place Science is a hands-on science and technology museum located in Uptown Charlotte. For families interested in all things STEM, add this museum to your Charlotte bucket list. 

Discovery Place Science is filled with interactive exhibits and labs that allow kids to explore and learn on their own terms. Notable exhibits include an indoor rainforest, hands-on animal activities, and the Explore More Future lab. This museum also has an IMAX dome theater!

Mint Museum

Visit North Carolina’s first art museum and enjoy an expansive collection of historical and contemporary works.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (704) 337-2000 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 6 pm Tue, Thu, Sat; 11 am – 9 pm Wed & Fri; 1 pm – 5 pm Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: $15 adults, $10 seniors & students, Free for ages 5-17

In 1936, Charlotte’s Mint Museum opened and became North Carolina’s first art museum. Today, it continues to be a center for diverse contemporary art, craft, and design. Visiting is a must!

There are countless galleries of permanent and rotating exhibits here. Works include American, African, and European art. Additionally, there are Native American crafts and contemporary designs of today.

There are two museum locations. Mint Museum Uptown has five stories that feature more contemporary work. This location is also home to the Lewis Family Gallery—a hands-on art space for kids. Mint Museum Randolph has more ancient and historical works, including ceramics. It’s located just southeast of Uptown. 

SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord

Let your kids play, explore, and discover everything-sea-life at this nearby aquarium.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (704) 456-1955 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Mon-Sat, 11 am – 5 pm Sun | Entrance: $25 |👉 Sea Life Charlotte Concord Admission Ticket

Located inside Concord Mills Mall just north of Charlotte is the SEA LIFE aquarium. This aquarium features 10 interactive zones and is the only ocean tunnel in North Carolina. You can expect to see sea creatures like sharks, turtles, stingrays, and thousands of fish. 

This is an ideal Charlotte attraction for families. There are exhibits for the kids to learn about sea life in creative and interactive ways. They can also get up close and personal with animals. And since it’s located in the mall, there’s a little something for everyone nearby.

Bechtler Museum of Modern Art

Ponder mid-century modernism and other modern artworks.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (704) 353-9209 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Mon & Thu-Sat, 10 am – 9 pm Wed, 12 pm – 5 pm Sun, Closed Tue | Entrance: $10 adults, $7.50 seniors & students, $5 for ages 11-18 

Upon reaching the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art in Uptown, you’ll be greeted by a shimmering and reflective statue of a firebird. This sculpture is just a taste of all the interesting and thought-provoking artwork that’s inside this modern art museum. 

Expect to see works by artists like Pablo Picasso, Jean Tinguely, Andy Warhol, Joan Miró, and others. Mid-century modernism and other modern styles are the main focus here. 

👉 Pro Tip: The Bechtler Museum offers free admission every Wednesday evening between 5 and 9 pm.

Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts and Culture

A contemporary museum celebrating and displaying works from the African diaspora.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (704) 547-3700 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 6 pm Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun; 12 pm – 9 pm Wed; 10 am – 6 pm Sat; Closed Mon | Entrance: $10 adult, $7 for youth & seniors

The Harvey B. Gantt Center is an epicenter for contemporary African American art in the Charlotte community and beyond. This museum celebrates and displays artwork that reflects the African diaspora. This includes visual art, music, dance, literature, and more. 

The permanent collection of the Harvey B. Gantt Museum is the John and Vivian Hewitt Collection, with 58 works of African American art. This family-friendly museum in Uptown also features rotating exhibits, so there’s always something new to see.

Knight Theatre

Enjoy live music, dance, and more, at this mainstage Charlotte theater.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (704) 372-1000 | Website | Hours: Showtimes vary | Tickets: $20-$115

In addition to the three stages at The Blumenthal, the Knight Theatre is one of the main performance stages in Uptown Charlotte. 

Here, dance and music are the main events. Local performances by Charlotte Ballet and the Charlotte Symphony are regular, in addition to visiting artists. Seeing shows here (especially Charlotte Ballet) is one of my personal favorite things to do.

Billy Graham Library

Tour the library, home, and dairy farm of religious leader, Billy Graham.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (704) 401-3200 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 5 pm Mon-Sat, Closed Sun | Entrance: Free 

You may be interested in visiting the Billy Graham Library if you identify with Christian and evangelical beliefs. The library is located just 15 minutes southwest of Uptown. This is the former homeplace and now library of evangelist Billy Graham. 

Here, you can tour a barn building with a 40-foot glass cross, explore multimedia exhibits, and see Graham family artifacts up close. You can also stroll the garden grounds and grab an ice cream at the dairy barn.

Outdoor Attractions

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

Reconnect with nature at this scenic and tranquil botanical garden.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (704) 825-4490 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Wed-Sun, Closed Mon & Tue | Entrance: $17 adults, $15 seniors, $10 for ages 2-12

Just 30-45 minutes southwest of Charlotte’s center is Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. This nearly 400-acre garden sits close to the South Carolina border along the shores of Lake Wylie. It features lush gardens, a tropical plant and orchid conservatory, garden trails, a dozen fountains, and more. 

This garden is the perfect escape from the city if you’re in need of some peace and tranquility. It’s scenic, quiet, and filled with plants native to the Carolinas.

Lake Norman

Spend a sun-soaked summer day on Lake Norman, just outside of Charlotte.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (704) 987-3300 | Website | Entrance: Free, but activity passes may vary

Lake Norman is one of the top places to visit in North Carolina, and it’s the largest man-made lake in the state. It’s situated just north of Charlotte and makes for the perfect summer day trip outside the city. It’s a relatively warm lake, so it’s great for swimming, boating, and other water sports. 

Lake Norman State Park is one of the best places to go for easy beach access. It also has hiking trails, campgrounds, and other outdoor activities.

🛎️ Need a Place to Stay? Check out Lake Norman vacation rentals.

Crowders Mountain State Park

Take a city refresh at this nearby state park, with eleven trails and sweeping views.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (704) 853-5375 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 8 pm daily | Entrance: Free, but activity passes may vary

Crowders Mountain State Park is about one hour west of Charlotte. This state park has two mountain peaks that offer sprawling views of the surrounding piedmont. Numerous hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult can be found here. The Ridgeline Trail is a popular one and goes through two states.

This state park has spots for rock climbing, fishing, paddling, and more. It’s also a great nature area for birdwatching. 

McDowell Nature Preserve and Center

A peaceful, undeveloped nature area with paved trails for walking.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (980) 314-1128 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: Free

Head to McDowell Nature Preserve if you’re looking to get away from the chaos of the city. This largely undeveloped park sits along the tranquil waters of Lake Wylie close to the South Carolina border. It has over a thousand acres filled with easy nature trails and it’s great for families and dog owners. 

The McDowell Nature Center is located here. It has educational exhibits and programs, as well as live animals and a play area, making it a great place to check out if you have children.

Little Sugar Creek Greenway

Enjoy a peaceful stroll along Charlotte’s growing and expansive greenway.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: Free

Little Sugar Creek Greenway is a 19.5-mile urban trail. It meanders along Little Sugar Creek and through nature areas, providing a refreshing green space to walk, run, and bike. It connects major places in Charlotte like Freedom Park, Central Piedmont Community College, and Park Road Shopping Center. 

The trail extends from North Charlotte, through the main city, and down to the Carolina state border. 

Food & Drinks

7th Street Public Market

Taste food from multiple local vendors right in Uptown Charlotte.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (704) 230-4346 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 9 pm Mon-Thu, 8 am – 10 pm Fri & Sat, 9 am – 6 pm Sun

If you’re in Uptown and don’t know where to eat, head to 7th Street Public Market! This friendly, community-oriented food hall has several vendors to choose from. This includes options like pizza, dumplings, sandwiches, and more. 7th Street Public Market also has a coffee shop, wine shop, and retail shop with products by Charlotte-makers.

Optimist Hall

A lively food hall filled with mouth-watering eats by local vendors.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (980) 701-0040 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 9 pm Mon-Thu, 7 am – 10 pm Fri, 8 am – 10 pm Sat, 8 am – 9 pm Sun 

Optimist Hall is Charlotte’s largest food hall. If you’re feeding a large group or want to go somewhere where you can eat and hang out, Optimist Hall is a great, lively place to be. 

This food hall is outfitted with more than a dozen local vendors. You can find everything from sushi and barbecue to Indian street food and so much more. Coffee shops, cocktail bars, and dessert spots can be found here, too. Optimist Hall even has places for games and events, and it’s located right by the light rail!

The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery & Biergarten

Enjoy German beer and food, and “prost!” to a good time.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (704) 459-8329 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 10 pm Mon-Thu; 11 am – 11 pm Fri & Sat; 11 am – 9 pm Sun

Charlotte is named after German-born Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. However, this homage to Queen Charlotte isn’t the only German thing about this city. 

The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery & Biergarten is a Charlotte-born brewery. It’s known for its traditional, yet premium-quality German beer. They also serve German fare like pretzels and sausages. 

OMB is family-friendly and located in southwest Charlotte. It has an open, airy space and lots of patio seating. 

👉 Love Beer? Check out this original Charlotte brewery tour.

Shopping

Shopping Malls, Outlets, & More

Shop til you drop at one of Charlotte’s major shopping malls.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (704) 364-4411 | SouthPark Website | Hours: Store hours vary 

With a number of cool local businesses and a few major malls and stores, Charlotte is the perfect place to go on a shopping spree. If you’re into bigger-name brands and luxury, the SouthPark Mall is the place to go. If you want to shop trendy and staple brands, Premium Outlets and Concord Mills are where you should shop. There’s also an IKEA in northeast Charlotte.

Sleepy Poet Antique Mall

Sift through shelves and booths to find hidden antique treasures.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (704) 529-6369 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 6 pm Mon-Thu, 11 am – 7 pm Fri & Sat, 12 pm – 6 pm Sun

Sleepy Poet Antique Mall is located in South Charlotte. This antique mall is an absolute must for anyone interested in vintage items and antique furniture. The space is massive, and there are tons of shelves and booths to wander through. You can easily spend an afternoon exploring this antique mall, and there are so many unique gems to find.  

Camp North End

A former industrial plant turned thriving creative hub.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (980) 337-4600 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 9 pm daily 

Camp North End was once an old Ford assembly plant. But since it reopened to the public in 2017, it’s become and continues to grow as a repurposed urban park. It’s filled with local restaurants, shops and events, and workspaces. Camp North End is a canvas for public art. 

Here, you can wander through gardens and natural landscapes. You can also take classes, and attend events like art exhibitions, farmer’s markets, and more. Overall, Camp North End is a unique, family-friendly place to spend an afternoon in Charlotte.

👉 Read Next: Best Things to Do in Asheville

Seasonal Things to Do

Catch a Sports Game

Get tickets to see major and minor league teams play right in the Queen City.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (704) 358-7000 | Panthers Website | Hours: Game times vary | Tickets: $20-$200+ 

For a small city, Charlotte’s big on sports. Two major league teams call this city home.

The NFL’s Carolina Panthers play at Bank of America Stadium, and the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets play at Spectrum Center. The Charlotte Knights are another popular team that plays baseball at Truist Field (also known as BB&T Ballpark) in Uptown. 

No matter what sport you’re into, there’s a good chance you can catch a game while you’re in town!

Carolina Renaissance Festival

Transport yourself back to medieval times with games, re-enactments, and more!

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (704) 896-5555 | Website | Entrance: $38 for ages 13+, $24 for ages 5-12 

Planning on visiting Charlotte in the fall? Consider visiting the Carolina Renaissance Festival! This annual event will transport you into a medieval world of colorful characters, castles, and a whole lotta turkey legs. 

The Carolina Renaissance Festival is a family-friendly affair. You can expect re-enactments and shows, as well as food, drinks, and arts and crafts. Dressing up is not required, but definitely encouraged. Overall, it’s a fun and unique Charlotte attraction that’s sure to be memorable.

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I hope you enjoyed this Charlotte guide! Next up, see my article on the best things to do in North Carolina!