From the Scenic Parkway, Buzzy Cities, to the Most-visited National Park, North Carolina offers impressive diversity for tourists. Plan your next tour of North Carolina.
North Carolina is a well-assorted state, whether you want to enjoy beach or dense forest hikes, or adventurous sports, this has something for everyone. From exciting city nightlife to a slow historic town from the 18th or 19th centuries, the diversity of this state is immense. So, if you are willing to witness all of these then you can plan your next trip to this state. In this article, you will find almost 20+ exciting tourist sites from this state that you can enjoy on your trip to North Carolina.
- Raleigh
This is the capital of North Carolina; this is also the cultural hub of this beautiful country. Apart from its charming traditions, the nightlife of this place can be extremely enticing for tourists. You experience some exquisite live music and various other major venues across the city. You can visit the Red Hat Amphitheater. Apart from this, you can enjoy your time in smaller venues like Lorraine’s Coffee House and Music and enjoy local bands performing live.
- Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill is one of the best college towns in this country, located in the Research Triangle. This college town offers some vibrant food alongside brilliant nightlife experiences. The town offers a wide range of additional educational facilities, like museums, botanical gardens, and planetariums.
- Charlotte
Charlotte is the largest city in this state; this city offers something for everyone. The city can be a major sports destination as this is the home of the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Hornets. Apart from that, it has various places for outdoor adventures. You can also enjoy your time in and around Lake Norman and Lake Wylie. A short drive is what will make you reach this destination.
- Outer Banks
If you are willing to have a taste of how it feels to live on an Island then this should in your list. North Carolina’s barrier island chain off the coast offers an exquisite time on the beach. You can experience some enjoyable water sports here. And you can also take a tour around the lighthouse area. Apart from that, there are many historic sites on this island.
- Asheville
Asheville is located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This place is known for its quirky and artistic traits and brilliant mountain views. In this city, you can find several arts districts packed with historic architecture and galleries. You can also observe the studios of working artists as well. And if you are willing to explore the Biltmore or Pisgah National Forest then this can be your home base.
- Blue Ridge Parkway
If exploring the woods is what you are looking for then the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains is what you shouldn’t miss. Especially if you are a photographer then the Blue Ridge Parkway should be your heaven. Every visitor can take a quick drive to explore the exceptional flora and fauna in this area. You can also make a multiday trip to explore this wonderful land of beauty of nature.
- Old Salem
If you are willing to live the history then Old Salem should be on your list. This place is a living history museum; this town helps you to educate yourself on how this area was in the 18th or 19th centuries. Apart from that, the place offers some fascinating museums, reenactments, and extensive historical gardens to live the history vividly.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
This is the most popular tourist destination in this state. This is also the most visited national park in the United States. This gorgeous park features miles-long hiking trails through the forest, over hills, and some stunning waterfalls. The entire trail is quite long, but there are options for smaller hike sections ideal for small hikes, one of the most popular small hikes is Appalachian Trail.
- Durham
This is the home of Duke University. This has been one of the most popular and premier research institutes. So, if you are into science and technology aspects then this should be a great option for you. Apart from this huge educational aspect, this place also offers an impressive food scene for visitors. You can enjoy classic Carolina barbecue and authentic Ethiopian food in Durham.
- Wilmington Riverwalk
In Downtown Wilmington you can enjoy a mile-long stroll along the banks of the Cape Fear River. This long wooden walkway offers some impressive views of the river. There are also some historic downtown sites where you can enjoy these features of this place. This is another popular site for visitors to enjoy the brilliant ambiance of this place.
- International Civil Rights Center & Museum in Greensboro
International Civil Rights Center & Museum in Greensboro is located inside the F.W. Woolworth. Here you will find a sit-in to protest segregated lunch counter laws staged by four Black Students. This place is full of interactive exhibits that attract tourists from across the world.
- The Biltmore Estate
This is considered one of the most iconic country homes of this state. In 1895 the Vanderbilt family built this estate, this was built in on 8,000 acres of ground. Today this estate is open for the public who can visit this grandeur estate and take a stroll on the huge grounds of Biltmore Estate. People can enjoy the magnificent architecture of this place you can also visit the nearby Antler Hill Village for dining, shopping, and more additional exhibits. You can also visit the local winery and taste locally brewed liquor.
- Winkler Bakery
Swiss-born baker Christian Winkler bought a bakery from the local Moravian church in 1807. The bakery was originally built in 1799 by the Church but when Winkler took over it became a historic place for this state. For over a hundred years till 1926, this bakery remained in the Winkler family. With this, it became the oldest continually operating bakery not just in North Carolina but in the United States to this date. If you are around then you must try their decadent sugar cake and exclusive super-thin Moravian sugar cookies.
- “Unto These Hills” Outdoor Drama
If you visit North Carolina then you must experience the magnetic outdoor drama show performed by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who shares their story in a very compelling way. The show is performed in the 2,100-seat Mountainside Theater. This show is not only entertaining but also educational, you can learn about Cherokee and Indigenous people native to that place.
- More places to visit if you love nature:
- Wild Horses on Shackleford Banks – You can visit this place only by boat. This place is located on the Cape Lookout National Seashore, Shackleford Banks. You can find wild horses roaming in this area.
- Chimney Rock State Park – this is one of the most beautiful views in western North Carolina. You can witness some unique geological features and exemplary biodiversity.
- Pisgah National Forest – In 1896 the first American forestry school was founded and since then the preservation of this forest started.
- Linville Falls – After a moderate hike in the Blue Ridge Parkway you will get to experience the breathtaking view of this waterfall.
- Merchants Millpond State Park – Here you can experience the diversity of the ecosystem.
- Grandfather Mountain – If you are planning to add this to your tour list then you need to make the reservations first. This is the home of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery and a special wildlife habitat enclosure that has enticed many visitors.
- Sarah P. Duke Gardens – Hidden in the Duke University campus, there is a spectacular 55-acre garden that has over five miles of trail founded in 1935 with the support of Sarah P. Duke.
- Places you must visit if you are willing to enjoy eccentric city life:
- High Point Furniture Shopping – Since 1890, you can find top-quality furniture in this place.
- Wright Brothers National Memorial – This is that historic spot where Wilbur and Orville Wright completed their first aviation in 1903.
- Levine Museum of the New South – this museum will share the complete story of this state.
- North Carolina Museum of History – This is the home of 350,000+ historical artefacts.
Now that you have everything interesting to do in North Carolina then you should plan your trip there as soon as possible. Whether you are willing to experience severe slow life or you want to experience everything in a bit then this is where you must visit next. From hikes to musical pubs and furniture town, the assorted experiences of this state surely allure many tourists to visit this place.
