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I first visited North Carolina back in 2019, just before the world changed. Coming from my small Ohio hometown, I was immediately struck by how the state seamlessly blends its mountain scenery with coastal charm – two completely different worlds within a day’s drive of each other.
What makes North Carolina special is how it keeps surprising you with each visit. From the quiet shores of the Outer Banks where wild horses still roam free, to the rolling hills of Asheville with its growing food scene, the busy streets of Charlotte’s urban core, and the peaceful trails winding through the Great Smoky Mountains – this state packs a lot into its borders.
Looking to explore the best of what North Carolina has to offer? I’ve combined my personal experiences from multiple road trips across the state with recommendations from local experts to create this carefully curated list of must-visit spots.
- Best tourist destination: Biltmore Estate
- Underrated hidden gem: Jockey’s Ridge State Park
- Best for families: Great Smoky Mountains
- Best for couples: Asheville River Arts District
- Best for solo travelers: Outer Banks
- Best for nature lovers: Blue Ridge Parkway
Biltmore Estate, Asheville
No trip to North Carolina feels complete without visiting America’s largest private residence, the Biltmore Estate. This 8,000-acre property in Asheville houses a massive 250-room French Renaissance château built by George Vanderbilt in 1895. The estate isn’t just about the house though – visitors can explore meticulously maintained gardens, visit the on-site winery, or stay at one of several luxurious hotels on the grounds. It’s not a budget destination by any means, but the chance to step into America’s Gilded Age and experience how one of the country’s wealthiest families lived makes it worth the splurge.
Outer Banks
The Outer Banks is where I send anyone looking for the perfect coastal escape in North Carolina. This 200-mile stretch of barrier islands off the Atlantic coast features wild horses roaming the beaches, historic lighthouses dotting the shoreline, and the very spot where the Wright brothers made their first flight. You’ll find endless miles of sandy beaches, charming fishing villages, and some of the East Coast’s best surfing spots spread across islands like Hatteras, Ocracoke, and Roanoke.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Step into nature’s playground at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where ancient mountains stretch across both North Carolina and Tennessee. You can explore over 800 miles of hiking trails that wind through dense forests and past rushing waterfalls, including the popular Laurel Falls Trail. For wildlife enthusiasts, the park is home to hundreds of black bears and white-tailed deer, making it one of the best spots in the Southeast for animal watching. Head to Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park at 6,643 feet, where the observation tower offers clear views across seven states on a good day.
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway winds through western North Carolina like a ribbon of asphalt draped across the Appalachian Mountains. Unlike typical highways built for speed, this scenic road lets you cruise at a leisurely pace through dense forests and rolling hills. Just pull over at any of the numerous overlooks, and you’ll spot endless waves of blue-tinted peaks stretching toward the horizon. The parkway’s rich history dates back to the Great Depression when it was built as a public works project, connecting Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Today, it’s a favorite among motorcyclists, road trippers, and nature lovers who come to explore its hiking trails, waterfalls, and historic sites tucked away in the mountains.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Ever watched the sun rise over America’s longest stretch of undeveloped beach? That’s what awaits at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, where 70 miles of windswept barrier islands stretch along North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The iconic black-and-white spiral striped lighthouse stands as a faithful guardian of these shores, where wild horses occasionally gallop across empty beaches and sea turtles nest in the soft sand. From spring through fall, you can catch waves at some of the East Coast’s best surfing spots, or climb to the top of the lighthouse for views that stretch across the Atlantic. The nearby village of Buxton serves as a cozy base for exploring the seashore’s hidden coves and watching fishermen reel in their daily catch.
Charlotte
Charlotte has grown from a quiet southern town into North Carolina’s largest city, and it shows in the best possible ways. This bustling metropolis blends its banking industry roots with an emerging food scene, professional sports teams, and plenty of family-friendly attractions. You’ll find yourself wandering between gleaming skyscrapers one minute and historic neighborhoods the next, stopping at craft breweries and BBQ joints along the way. It’s a city that keeps one foot planted in its traditional Southern charm while stepping confidently into the future with attractions like the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the U.S. National Whitewater Center. The city’s rapid growth hasn’t diminished its welcoming spirit – whether you’re catching a Panthers game or exploring the artsy NoDa district, you’ll quickly understand why so many people are choosing to call Charlotte home.
Grandfather Mountain
Of all the natural wonders I’ve explored in North Carolina, Grandfather Mountain holds a special place in my heart. Rising 5,946 feet above sea level, this ancient peak got its name from early settlers who thought its rocky face resembled an old man looking up at the sky. The mountain features the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge – a 228-foot suspension bridge that gives you a clear view of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s not a spot for those nervous about heights, but crossing that bridge puts you face-to-face with some of the best mountain views in the Southeast. The network of hiking trails ranges from easy walks to challenging climbs that require using cables and ladders to navigate the rocky terrain.
Wright Brothers National Memorial, Kill Devil Hills
For aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike, the Wright Brothers National Memorial stands as one of America’s most significant landmarks. Located in Kill Devil Hills, this monument marks the exact spot where Wilbur and Orville Wright achieved the first successful powered flight in 1903. The 60-foot granite memorial sits atop Kill Devil Hill, where the brothers conducted thousands of glider tests before their historic achievement. Visitors can walk the actual paths where these bicycle mechanics turned pioneers made their famous first flights, see full-scale reproductions of their aircraft, and explore a museum filled with artifacts from their experiments. It’s not just about looking at displays – the memorial lets you feel the determination and ingenuity that went into solving the mystery of human flight.
Durham
Many people visit Durham for Duke University’s striking Gothic architecture and world-class medical center, but this North Carolina city offers much more than academic excellence. The former tobacco town has evolved into a food lover’s paradise, with the American Tobacco Campus now housing trendy restaurants and breweries instead of cigarette production. The Durham Bulls Athletic Park draws baseball fans during the season, while the Nasher Museum of Art and Durham Performing Arts Center keep culture enthusiasts entertained year-round. From the lively farmers market to the peaceful Sarah P. Duke Gardens, you’ll find plenty of ways to fill your days in this dynamic college town.
Chimney Rock State Park
Get a bird’s eye view of North Carolina’s beauty at Chimney Rock State Park, where a 315-foot granite outcrop towers over the surrounding landscape. Take the elevator or climb 499 stairs to reach the main overlook, where you can see for 75 miles on a clear day. For those who love hiking, there are six different trails to explore, including the popular Hickory Nut Falls Trail that leads to one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern United States. Stop by the park’s educational center to learn about local wildlife, or pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the scenic spots along the trails.
Wilmington Historic District
Ever walked down a street where Civil War history meets modern-day charm? That’s what you’ll find in Wilmington’s Historic District, where horse-drawn carriages still clip-clop past antebellum mansions and cobblestone streets lead to busy waterfront restaurants. This 230-block district along the Cape Fear River feels like stepping into a living museum, complete with Victorian-era homes and century-old live oak trees draped in Spanish moss. You can hop aboard a riverboat cruise, explore the Cotton Exchange’s boutique shops housed in restored 19th-century buildings, or join a ghost tour to hear tales of the port city’s colorful past. Don’t miss the Bellamy Mansion Museum, where you can see what life was like for both the wealthy merchants and the enslaved people who lived there in the 1800s.
Lake Lure
Visitors flock to Lake Lure for its scenic mountain-rimmed waters, but this charming spot offers much more than just lakeside activities. Located in western North Carolina’s Hickory Nut Gorge, the lake serves as a hub for swimming, boating, and fishing during warm months. The town gained fame as a filming location for the 1987 movie “Dirty Dancing,” and fans can still visit several spots featured in the film. Throughout the year, you’ll find hiking trails winding through the surrounding Blue Ridge foothills, a sandy beach perfect for soaking up the sun, and local restaurants serving up classic Southern fare. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures or a peaceful mountain getaway, Lake Lure provides a perfect blend of recreation and relaxation in every season.
Cherokee
Cherokee stands as a living testament to the rich heritage of North Carolina’s indigenous people. This small mountain town, home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, offers visitors a genuine glimpse into Native American culture through its museums, craft shops, and the outdoor drama “Unto These Hills.” The surrounding Smoky Mountains provide a perfect backdrop for hiking and wildlife viewing, while the Oconaluftee Indian Village lets you step back in time to experience traditional Cherokee life. If you’re feeling lucky, try your hand at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, but the real draw here is connecting with a culture that has called these mountains home for thousands of years.
Winston-Salem
When friends ask me about Winston-Salem, I immediately point them to Old Salem, the city’s historic Moravian settlement. Located in the heart of downtown, this living history museum brings the 1700s back to life with restored buildings, costumed interpreters, and traditional craftspeople practicing their trades. Don’t miss the famous Moravian cookies and fresh-baked bread at Winkler Bakery – they’re still using the original 1800s wood-fired oven.
Raleigh
I always recommend exploring Raleigh to anyone visiting North Carolina. As the state capital, this city blends Southern charm with modern energy through its mix of museums, universities, and green spaces. The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and Museum of Art offer free admission, while the historic State Capitol building gives visitors a glimpse into the state’s past. Within its tree-lined streets, you’ll find local restaurants serving Carolina BBQ, craft breweries, and the charming Pullen Park – America’s fifth-oldest public park.
Mount Mitchell State Park
When nature lovers ask where to experience the best of North Carolina’s mountains, I always point them to Mount Mitchell State Park. Located in the Black Mountains, this park is home to the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, where visitors can stand 6,684 feet above sea level and see up to 85 miles away on clear days. The park offers hiking trails through spruce-fir forests, a modern museum that tells the story of the mountain’s ecology, and a restaurant with panoramic views of the surrounding ranges.
Historic Downtown New Bern
As the oldest colonial capital in North Carolina, New Bern’s historic downtown holds stories around every corner. Walking through these brick-lined streets feels like stepping into a living museum, where carefully preserved buildings from the 1700s stand alongside local shops and cafes. The town’s most famous claim to fame is being the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola, first mixed up in a local pharmacy back in 1898. But there’s more to this riverfront community than just soft drink history – from the grand Governor’s Palace to the cozy waterfront restaurants where you can watch boats drift by on the Neuse River. It’s the kind of place where you can spend hours just wandering, discovering hidden gardens and learning about the city’s role in colonial America.
Chapel Hill
For anyone looking to experience quintessential college-town charm, Chapel Hill should be at the top of your list. Home to the University of North Carolina’s flagship campus, this welcoming city blends Southern hospitality with academic energy along the tree-lined streets of Franklin Street. Between catching Tar Heels basketball games at the Dean Smith Center, exploring the Morehead Planetarium, and enjoying live music at Cat’s Cradle, you’ll quickly understand why locals call this place “The Southern Part of Heaven.”
Linville Gorge Wilderness Area
Tucked away in western North Carolina, the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area is often called the “Grand Canyon of the East.” The rugged landscape drops nearly 2,000 feet from rim to river, creating some of the steepest terrain in the eastern United States. Unlike more developed natural areas, Linville Gorge keeps things raw and untamed – you won’t find paved paths or modern amenities here. Rock climbers come for the challenging cliffs, while hikers tackle the network of primitive trails that wind through old-growth forests and along the wild Linville River. Because of its remote location and minimal development, it’s one of the few places left in the Southeast where you can truly disconnect and experience nature the way early settlers first encountered it.
