Explore Things to do in North Carolina
North Carolina reflects the warm hospitality and rich history of the south. In the Blue Ridge and Smokey Mountains, known for its wide range of outdoor activities. Venture into the big cities like Charlotte and Raleigh and you’ll have a chance to explore the historic neighborhoods.
Along the coast and the secluded barrier islands. Enjoy kite surfing, fishing, and excellent beaches. Among North Carolina’s other popular attractions are the Outer Banks.
Biltmore Estate
One of the most popular tourist attractions is the Biltmore Estate. At the center of an 8,000-acre compound, the Vanderbilt Mansion is the largest private home in the United States. The mansion has 250 rooms with impressive artwork, antiques, and architecture.
As well as collections of vintage clothing and accessories. The house is also noted for its stunning French Renaissance architecture. Beautiful English landscaping.
Biltmore Gardens will have several gardens to stroll through. The estate’s gardens are expansive, including the Italian Garden, with its ornate pools and sculpture, and the Rose Garden, which features more than 250 varieties.
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park is an international outdoor destination in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western NC. Highlights include a 75-mile panoramic views overlooking Lake Lure waterfall. One of the highest of its kind east of the Mississippi River.
Explore geologic formations, 198-foot tunnel & elevator inside the mountain. Six scenic hiking trails, guided rock climbing & more.
North Carolina Zoo
As the world’s largest natural habitat zoo, the North Carolina Zoo and its staff of experts provide expansive spaces and world-class care. Home to 1,600 animals and 52,000 plants. The zoo’s animals include elephants, rhinos, lions, chimps, zebras, and giraffes. Cougars, alligators, bobcats, roadrunners, and grizzly and black bears.
Feeding times are some of the most exciting moments in the zoo. Groups can also tour the Zoo and get up close and personal with species from all over the world. Other Zoo amenities include hiking trails, butterfly garden, and more.
Outer Banks
The Outer Banks is a span of barrier islands along the North Carolina coastline and part of Virginia. The area is a major tourist destination, known for a mild climate and welcoming beachfront. With miles of sandy beaches and loads of off-shore fun, the Outer Banks offers a wide variety of activities for all ages.
These islands are home to several small towns and communities. State parks, and other sites of historic interest. A popular destination in the Outer Banks is the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, and Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
Pisgah National Forest
Pisgah National Forest, located in the Appalachian Mountains. It’s one of North Carolina’s popular outdoor recreation hot spots. Popular activities at the forest include hiking and camping. A wide variety of recreational opportunities exist including climbing, horseback riding, water sports, and participating in ranger-led programs.
Linville Gorge is the deepest and one of the most scenic gorges in the eastern United States. Located in the Pisgah National Forest. The Linville River enters the gorge at Linville Falls and drops 90 feet, continuing for 12 miles within the steep rock walls.
North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is well-known for its large aquatic animal’s native to the North Carolina waters. At the aquarium is the 306,000-gallon living shipwreck. Which features a replica of the U-352 German submarine.
The habitat at the Aquarium hosts many fish, sharks, and a green sea turtle. Sandbar sharks, a sand tiger shark and a nurse shark, Atlantic spadefish, tarpon, and others can be found in this habitat. It is one of three replica wreck habitats at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores.
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences has two buildings. The Nature Exploration Center and the Nature Research Center, both of which are filled with exhibits, interactive learning opportunities, and educational presentations.
This impressive museum is situated in Downtown Raleigh. It offers a huge selection of exhibits and is one of the south east United States largest natural history museums. Nature Research Center exhibits cover everything from the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean to the exploration of deep space.
Wright Brothers National Memorial
In Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina is the Wright Brothers National Memorial to celebrate the first successful sustained powered flight by a machine. Accomplished by the legendary Wright Brothers.
At the national memorial visitors can see the field where the four flights were made and view markers of the starting and finishing points. Also in the fields are recreations of the sheds in which the brothers stayed during their time in North Carolina.
Mount Mitchell State Park
Mount Mitchell’s State Park dramatic summit is the highest point east of the Mississippi. At 6,684 feet and was the inspiration for one of the nation’s first state parks. It’s observation deck provides breathtaking mountain views on a clear day.
Easy trails at the summit explore the Fraser fir forest, while a vast network of challenging trails including the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail. There are nine campsites located inside Mount Mitchell State Park. These campsites are open from May 1 through October 31. Each site can accommodate up to 6 people only.
Discovery Place
Discovery Place is a science and technology museum for visitors located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Thrilling activities and experiments, an IMAX Dome Theatre, and boundless other educational opportunities and programs.
This destination offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages, making it a top choice for things to do in Charlotte. Explore a wealth of interactive exhibits, awe-inspiring experiments and fascinating displays that bring science to life.
Things to Do in North Carolina
A trip to North Carolina is a chance to explore the best of the New South and old Dixie. Whether you’re interested in visiting the quickly growing cosmopolitan cities, the historic Civil War era towns. Or you just want to get out of the city and explore the great outdoors, North Carolina has a variety of tourist attractions for every type of traveler.