When planning your next trip to North Carolina you’ll be delighted to see that this state has a diverse range of things to do and see. Specifically, the different landscapes in the state are seriously impressive. You can head to the Outer Banks to spend the day on the sandy Atlantic beaches or in the tranquil mountain forests. The choice is yours.
To help you make the most of your next trip, this list has 18 of the best places to visit in North Carolina. This way you’ll be able to plan your itinerary, picking from North Carolina’s best vacation spots.
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
At the top of the best places to visit in North Carolina is the spectacular Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The park covers land in both North Carolina and Tennessee. But coming from the NC side, there’s so much to do and see.
Your itinerary will be packed with things like hiking, biking, and driving the scenic Newfound Gap Road. Clingmans Dome and the Oconaluftee Visitor Center are must-visits in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Read our full list of the best things to do in GSMNP
The Great Smoky Mountains provide adventure in the outdoors along with historic sites and beautiful scenic drives
2. Blue Ridge Parkway
Running from Virginia into North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway is an absolute treat. A drive along this scenic road will take you through the glorious mountain range with spectacular views.
There are plenty of places to pull off to get a better look and even get further in the natural beauty by hiking. You’ll love stopping at towns along the parkway like Boone and Elkin.
No wonder it’s one of the best places to visit in North Carolina, and it’s also on our list of the best road trips in the USA!
Try to visit in October when the fall foliage is at its best. I drove the Blue Ridge Parkway from October 10-15 in 2022, and the fall leaves were beautiful shades of yellow, orange, and red with the evergreen trees interspersed. So pretty!
For the perfect North Carolina road trip drive the Blue Ridge Parkway especially beautiful in autumn
3. Outer Banks
In the summertime there’s no better place to be than the Outer Banks.
The world-class sandy beaches along the Atlantic are ideal for everyone and anyone, making it one of North Carolina’s best vacation spots.
In fact, it’s one of the best summer vacation spots on the East Coast.
Off the beach, you’ll find plenty to do, including strolling the quaint towns, looking for Corolla Wild Horses, visiting Jockey’s Ridge State Park, and learning about the first flight at the Wright Brothers’ Memorial.
Summer on the East Coast? How about Outer Bank North Carolina for sun and sand
4. Asheville
The gem in the Blue Ridge Mountains is the great city of Asheville. This unique place is a perfect balance between urban and outdoors. I loved that I could hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway for a scenic drive to gorgeous hiking trails as a day trip from Asheville.
Creative minds in Asheville have contributed to both a vibrant art scene and foodie-approved restaurant offerings.
While walking around downtown Asheville you’ll spot some cool art murals in the alleys and in between the shops, bars, and eateries. I stayed downtown and really enjoyed exploring downtown and found amazing murals on my daily walks.
It’s easy to fill your Asheville itinerary with things like hiking the Pisgah National Forest, visiting the Biltmore Estate, strolling the River Arts District, and sipping local craft beer.
No wonder it’s one of North Carolina’s best vacation spots.
You can’t miss the Chicken Alley mural in Asheville NC!
5. Hanging Rock State Park
Hanging Rock is a stellar state park in North Carolina. The 18 miles of trails will take you through the beautiful forest, past waterfalls, and over peaks.
Hanging Rock has places to rock climb and even a beach to swim. If you’re looking to extend your time in the park, consider setting up camp.
Hanging Rock has a campsite that’s perfect. It goes without saying that the must-do is hiking up to Hanging Rock itself. The view is breathtaking.
6. Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Cape Hatteras National Seashore is one of the best places to visit in North Carolina for beachgoers.
Located on the barrier island, it’s North Carolina’s furthest point east.
The wide beaches are filled with soft sand and crashing waves of the Atlantic. You’ll love to spend the day playing in the sand and cooling off in the water.
The national seashore is also a great place to kayak and spot wildlife in the refuge.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore is one of the top vacation spots in the southeast.
Cape Hatteras is one of the best spots for a vacation on the East Coast
7. Chimney Rock State Park
Located about 40 minutes away from Asheville is the wonderful Chimney Rock State Park.
Yet another example of the beautiful North Carolina landscape that is inviting to anyone who wants to explore the great outdoors.
Varied hiking trails allow folks to choose their appropriate level of difficulty.
For an alternative to hiking at Chimney Rock State Park, you can play mini golf and mine for gems at Chimney Rock Gemstone Mine.
8. Charlotte
Charlotte’s popularity has grown over the past few decades, and it’s clear why.
This fabulous city has something for just about anyone, solidifying its presence on this list of the best places to visit in North Carolina.
As a bustling urban center, it has everything from great shopping to restaurants and culture.
Nature is at arm’s reach in the city too. Just hop on Charlotte’s Greenway on foot or bike to get a dose of green.
Charlotte is the biggest city in North Carolina
9. Grandfather Mountain
Grandfather Mountain is known far and wide as being the one with the awesome swinging suspension bridge.
All the way up at a mile high, it’s actually the highest in America; that’s one of the reasons it’s one of the coolest places to visit in North Carolina.
Once you’ve experienced walking the bridge, there are so many other things at Grandfather Mountain that you’ll love to do. Head out on the hiking trails or to the Nature Museum.
10. Raleigh
Intellectual thinking is the theme in Raleigh, North Carolina’s capital. Beyond being the home to the state government, it’s also where you’ll find 10 universities, including NC State.
There are also tons of museums to visit, like the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and the NC Museum of Art.
You can also get out into nature in Raleigh at the Umstead State Park or the Historic Yates Mill County Park with a lakeside trail, a beautiful boardwalk, and of course the historic mill.
With so much to do, it’s clear that Raleigh is one of the best places to visit in North Carolina.
Spend some time exploring the Historic Yates Mill County Park in Raleigh NC
11. Pisgah National Forest
The Pisgah National Forest is such an important feature of the North Carolina landscape that so many of the great things to do in the state are found within its borders.
For example, the Biltmore Estate is located in the forest, and the Blue Ridge Parkway passes right through it.
Pisgah is the best place for outdoor fun.
You can hike, bike, fish, and swim in the forest. A favorite is climbing Mt. Mitchell, the tallest mountain on the east coast.
12. Old Salem
Step back in time at Old Salem. This living history museum showcases the development of this area and the lives of the people within it.
Here you’ll explore several historic buildings, including individual homes, the Boys’ School, Single Brothers’ House, and gunsmith.
Don’t miss a stop at the Winkler Bakery, the oldest continuously run bakery in the country.
If you really want to get into it, consider staying at the bed and breakfast in Old Salem.
Visit Winkler Bakery in Old Salem – one of the best attractions in North Carolina
13. Lake Lure
A huge claim to fame for Lake Lure is that it’s where the movie Dirty Dancing was filmed.
That’s right, you’ll recognize the lake from the scene where Baby and Johnny practice the lift move in the water.
If you’re really a big fan, you can take a Dirty Dancing guided tour of Lake Lure.
Okay, so Lake Lure is actually one of the best places to visit in North Carolina besides being the site of this iconic film.
You’ll love spending a day on the sandy beach and going for a dip in the crisp lake water. Definitely check out the Flowering Bridge.
14. Wilmington
Wilmington is a great combination of bustling city, historic sites, and vacation-ready beaches.
So it’s a no-brainer that Wilmington is one of North Carolina’s best vacation spots.
Its proximity to the Atlantic makes the journey to the beach a breeze. With Wrightsville Beach so close, you can spend a whole day on the beach or just part of it.
Access to water is the reason Wilmington has such a long history. You’ll love strolling the historic district and Riverwalk.
Taking a stroll along the Riverwalk in Wilmington is one of the best things to do in North Carolina
15. Boone
Follow in the steps of the great explorer Daniel Boone in the town of Boone, NC.
It’s said he cherished this beautiful area of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and it’s no wonder why.
The beautiful landscape is rich with natural beauty, making it one of the best places to visit in North Carolina.
Today, it’s easy to enjoy the landscape as Boone did along the Hebron Falls Trail and Cascades Trail. Head into town for great restaurants, bars, and shops.
Boone North Carolina is named in honor of Daniel Boone
16. Linville Falls
If you’re interested in seeing one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina, set your sights on Linville Falls.
Located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 316, it’s one of the great stops for anyone enjoying this scenic drive and one of the best places to visit in North Carolina. If you’re staying in Asheville, you can get to Linville Falls in about an hour.
To reach the falls, hiking is required. Depending on your comfort level, choose from two trails. On each, you’ll be rewarded by seeing the beautiful falls.
At milepost 316 you will find Linville Falls (after a hike) on the Blue Ridge Parkway
17. Little Switzerland
Chances are you’ve heard of this fabulous little community in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
Perfectly positioned along the Blue Ridge Parkway (milepost 334), it’s like you’ve left the US and been transported to the Swiss Alps (hence the name).
Mimicking the beautiful landscape buildings in this area look like they’re straight out of Europe.
You’ll absolutely love visiting the shops, restaurants, and Little Switzerland Inn, all of which make it one of the best places to visit in North Carolina.
18. Chapel Hill
Part of the “Research Triangle”, one of Chapel Hill’s defining features is the presence of UNC Chapel Hill.
You’ll love strolling through the beautiful campus even if you’re not headed to classes.
The village of Chapel Hill is delightfully abuzz with energy. You’ll love the quaint town with all of the places to eat, grab a coffee, and window shop.
Definitely make a visit to both the Ackland Museum of Art and Morehead Planetarium and Science Center.
You’ll find this neoclassical rotunda at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus
Summary
It’s clear that North Carolina has so many different things to see and do. Your days in the Tar Heel State will be filled with everything from bustling cities to escaping into the wilderness. No matter what you’re looking to do, this bucket list of the best places to visit in North Carolina has it.
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