Nestled on the jap seaboard of the USA, North Carolina is an unbelievable state to go to for a street journey. Not solely that, there are heaps of the very best locations in North Carolina dotted throughout the state. This all signifies that you’re sure to discover a truthful few gems to go to in your journey to North Carolina.
From cities like Raleigh to Bald Head Island, there’s actually one thing for each sort of traveller that’s visiting North Carolina. So, to be sure you get essentially the most out of your go to, I’m sharing our prime locations in North Carolina that you just don’t wish to miss.
Oh, and pop us a message anytime if you happen to want another ideas or recommendation in your journey. Have the very best time visiting North Carolina.
1.) Blue Ridge Parkway
Working for over 400 miles and crossing a number of states, driving the Blue Ridge Parkway is a good way to expertise North Carolina if you happen to’re on a street journey.
You see, Blue Ridge Parkway connects with quite a few nationwide parks and even the Nice Smoky Mountains because it runs throughout a number of states, largely in North Carolina and Virginia.
Alongside the best way, you’ll get to cease off at locations just like the Linn Cove Viaduct, Brinegar Cabin and the hills round Jumpinoff Rock. Not solely that, there are heaps of campsites and lodgings accessible close to the primary driving route. It’s so beautiful and such a scenic path to expertise on the East Coast.
Read more: Best things to do in Charlotte
2.) Lake Santeetlah
Lake Santeetlah is unquestionably considered one of North Carolina’s most stunning lakes. It’s a part of the nationwide forest, with nearly 80 miles of protected shoreline hidden inside the North Carolina Smoky Mountains. It’s so peaceable and serene.
After arriving within the space, you possibly can benefit from the peacefulness and actually decelerate your journey. The entire space round Lake Santeetlah provides off these relaxed vibes, and it’s laborious to hurry something on this area—and why would you wish to?
As soon as right here, you possibly can discover Lake Santeetlah by heading to Cheoah Point Beach, mountain biking, crusing, paddling, or climbing (round theCherohala Skyway). The native marina additionally has tools you possibly can hire, reminiscent of pontoon, kneeboard, and canoe leases.
After a day of bodily actions, chillout on the Blue Waters Mountain Lodge’s lakeside bar with a tipple or two. You too can keep in rooms with nice lake views or camp at Cheoah Level Campground if that’s extra your scene.
Afterwards, you possibly can drive over to Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, one of many area’s oldest forests. The bushes are gigantic, and it’s completely breathtaking.
Read more: Best things to do in Charlotte
3.) Wrightsville Seaside
Simply shy of the town of Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach is well the most effective locations in North Carolina to go to if you happen to’re on the lookout for a seaside day. You see, the sandy shores are completely gorgeous.
The entire stretch, from South Finish to Shell Island, is one huge spit of sandy shores. It’s completely pristine and inside straightforward attain by automotive.
Plus, there are heaps of parking spots and some tasty eating places for a chew to eat or a tipple. We beloved Shark Bar and Kitchen and their grilled oysters and jumbo crabcake are so good.
Read more: Best things to do in Charlotte
4.) Biltmore Property
Nestled within the western fringes of North Carolina, the Biltmore Estate is gorgeous. It’s additionally the biggest privately owned home in the USA. The well-known Vanderbilt household owns the home, and now, you possibly can enter and discover the mansion and its grounds, that are so attractive.
Not solely that, the Biltmore Property can also be listed on the US Nationwide Register of Historic Locations. As soon as inside, you possibly can see the period’s preserved décor, exhibiting the wealth of the Vanderbilt household, as you tour the historical past of this grand household home.
Give your self round 2-3 hours to discover the grounds. It’s unbelievable.
5.) Hammocks Seaside State Park
An area gem for these residing in North Carolina, Hammocks Seaside State Park is gorgeous to go to. Hammocks Seaside State Park, with its unspoiled shores, gives peace and quiet that’s so beautiful for a morning day journey.
Now, Hammocks Seaside State Park is situated simply shy of Swansboro, and you may head to Bear Island, a well-known spot within the park, by way of kayak and even ferry. Nonetheless, building on Bear Island would possibly imply these aren’t working whenever you go to. For that motive, all the time verify the Hammocks Beach State Park website for full particulars on schedules.
Read more: Best things to do in Charlotte
6.) Raleigh
Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, is an ideal metropolis to go to for a number of days journey. It’s the form of metropolis that may be explored fairly properly over a number of days, however you possibly can simply spend extra time in case your schedule permits.
As soon as right here, ensure to go to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. It’s big and one of the vital prestigious museums in all of North Carolina.
The museum has two buildings: the Nature Analysis Middle and the Nature Exploration Middle. Whatever the constructing, each have a number of interactive alternatives and exhibitions which are nice if you happen to’re visiting with the broader household. Now, the Nature Exploration Middle focuses a bit on the habitats of the rainforest and tropics, even tackling North Carolina’s coastal areas. It’s unbelievable.
Afterwards, head to the North Carolina Museum of Art. It is a nice museum to go to to see a few of the finest (and most prestigious) artwork in all of North Carolina.
Oh, and don’t neglect to move to the Morgan Street Food Hall. There are heaps of distributors promoting every part from Empanadas to pizza. Simply ensure to cease off at Gymnasium Tacos. They’ve a few of the finest tacos in all of Raleigh.
Lastly, head to Jordan Lake State Park for a day journey exterior of Raleigh. It’s round a 40-minute drive from the centre of Raleigh and properly price it if you happen to’re on the lookout for a extra chilled day within the wider area.
7.) Boone
The small city of Boone is situated across the wider Blue Ridge Mountains, and it’s nice for a day journey whereas exploring North Carolina. It’s the most effective locations in North Carolina to go to if you happen to’re on the lookout for a brief cease as a part of a wider roadtrip.
As soon as right here, you’ll have the ability to discover the city of Boone itself and use it as a base to discover the nice open air across the Blue Ridge Mountains.
For example, you possibly can bike trails by means of Pisgah Nationwide Forest, expertise a whitewater rafting journey, or decelerate time with a scenic hike in a few of the trails across the wider area.
Alternatively, you possibly can go to the theatre, discover the Turchin Middle for the Visible Arts, go to Arborcrest Gardens or seize a tipple on the Lost Province Brewing Company.
Read more: Best things to do in Charlotte
8.) Fayetteville
About midway between Charlotte and the North Carolina shoreline, Fayetteville is a good place to go to for a day journey.
As soon as right here, ensure to go to the Fayetteville History Museum and discover the grounds of the historic railway station.
Additionally, don’t neglect to go to the Airborne and Special Operations Museum. It’s an important place to be taught extra about US navy historical past, and visits take round 1-2 hours.
Read more: Best things to do in Charlotte
9.) Atlantic Seaside
Simply off the shores of Morehead Metropolis, Atlantic Beach is among the finest locations in North Carolina to go to for a day exploring the coast.
After crossing Bogue Sound by way of the roadway, you’ll discover the broader Atlantic Seaside space, which is so stunning. Spend a day on the seaside, head to Oceanana Pier for lunch, and cease by Fort Macon State Park, which is on the sides of Atlantic Seaside itself.
Additionally, when you’re right here, cease on the North Carolina Maritime Museum, which is close by. Right here, you possibly can look into a few of the common ship’s relics and be taught all in regards to the historical past of the broader coastal area.
Read more: Best things to do in Charlotte
10.) North Carolina Smoky Mountains
Stated to be the USA’ most visited nationwide park, it’s not laborious to see why individuals select to go to the Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina.
The park is big, and when you arrive within the wider space, there are heaps of issues to see and do. Plus, you possibly can anticipate to see ample wildlife and wonderful surroundings. Black bears, elks, foxes, deer and turkey are a few of the wildlife sighted within the space. Not solely that, however there are over 800 miles of trails throughout the Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park. This all makes it the proper stopping level if you happen to love the nice open air.
As soon as right here, ensure to go to Fontana Lake and head to the Charles A Webb Overlook for a few of the finest views. Plus, you possibly can head to the close by Deep Creek Winery for a tipple or two. Their Smokey Mountain Mist bottle is so good.
Read more: Best things to do in Charlotte
11.) Chimney Rock State Park
One stunning and wonderful place to go to in North Carolina is Chimney Rock State Park. It’s a couple of two-hour drive west of Charlotte and properly price stopping if you happen to’re on a wider North Carolina street journey.
Present in southeast Asheville, Chimney Rock State Park is thought for its views of Chimney Rock. For the reason that elevation is greater than 2,280 ft from sea stage, you possibly can see for miles round. There’s a small entry charge for the day, nevertheless it’s price it for the views and the broader space.
Fancy a trek? The Hickory Nut Falls Path can also be accessible in Chimney Rock State Park. It’s a good way to stretch your legs.
Read more: Best things to do in Charlotte
12.) Raven Rock State Park
Discovered on the level the place the coastal and central areas meet, Raven Rock State Park is legendary for its ecosystems and diversified topography in North Carolina.
You possibly can take the Raven Rock State Park Bridle Trails and go to the favored cliff, which was a navigational landmark for river pilots up to now. It’s completely gorgeous within the space.
Additionally, don’t neglect in regards to the trails round Lanier Falls. It’s so peaceable and tranquil and the surroundings is simply good if you happen to’re on the lookout for a sluggish journey day in North Carolina.
Read more: Best things to do in Charlotte
13.) Outer Banks
Additionally referred to as OBX by some, the Outer Banks space is a line of barrier islands across the North Carolina shoreline. I do know I’ve talked about a number of of those (individually) earlier than, however I needed to share the broader Outer Banks space because it’s an important vacation spot in its personal proper.
These islands had been previous pirates’ favourites, together with the Blackbeard – no less than that’s what I used to be advised.
The Outer Banks’ northern finish is the place wild horses may be discovered. In the meantime, in case you are on the lookout for miniature golf programs, memento and present outlets, or some eating places, you will discover them in the course of the Outer Banks, particularly within the Bodie Island’s cities of Nags Head and Kitty Hawk.
Lastly, don’t neglect to discover Cape Hatteras Nationwide Seashore and Bald Seaside itself. I really like this space a lot, and you may simply mix it with a go to to Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, which is close by.
14.) Charlotte
Final however not least, don’t neglect to visit the city of Charlotte. It’s the most effective locations in North Carolina to go to for a citybreak, and you may simply spend 3-days having fun with the thrill of the town.
As soon as you’re right here, ensure to go to the Mint Museum Uptown. It’s a surprising artwork museum that homes artwork from all around the world. Plus, most of the reveals are interactive, and it’s a lot enjoyable to go to.
Afterwards, head to the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts. It’s an important place to discover the historical past and tradition of African-American life by means of artwork exhibitions.
Lastly, cease by The Market at 7th Street for a chew to eat. There are heaps of native distributors promoting every part from doughnuts to pizza. You’ll go away stuffed.
Read more: Best things to do in Charlotte
