14 Finest Locations In North Carolina To Go to

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 honest few gems to go to in your journey to North Carolina. 

From cities like Raleigh to Bald Head Island, there’s truthfully one thing for each kind of traveller that’s visiting North Carolina. So, to be sure you get probably the most out of your go to, I’m sharing our prime locations in North Carolina that you simply don’t need to miss.

Oh, and pop us a message anytime if you happen to want some other ideas or recommendation to 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, principally 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 principle driving route. It’s so pretty and such a scenic path to expertise on the East Coast. 

Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Charlotte

2.) Lake Santeetlah

Lake Santeetlah is unquestionably one in every of North Carolina’s most lovely lakes. It’s a part of the nationwide forest, with nearly 80 miles of protected shoreline hidden throughout the North Carolina Smoky Mountains. It’s so peaceable and serene.

After arriving within the space, you may benefit from the peacefulness and actually decelerate your journey. The entire space round Lake Santeetlah offers off these relaxed vibes, and it’s exhausting to hurry something on this area—and why would you need to?

As soon as right here, you may discover Lake Santeetlah by heading to Cheoah Level Seaside, mountain biking, crusing, paddling, or mountain climbing (round theCherohala Skyway). The native marina additionally has gear you may hire, resembling 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 can even keep in rooms with nice lake views or camp at Cheoah Level Campground if that’s extra your scene. 

Afterwards, you may drive over to Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, one of many area’s oldest forests. The timber are gigantic, and it’s completely breathtaking. 

Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Charlotte

3.) Wrightsville Seaside

Simply shy of the town of Wilmington, Wrightsville Seaside is definitely among the finest locations in North Carolina to go to if you happen to’re on the lookout for a seashore day. You see, the sandy shores are completely beautiful. 

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 liked Shark Bar and Kitchen and their grilled oysters and jumbo crabcake are so good. 

Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Charlotte

4.) Biltmore Property

Nestled within the western fringes of North Carolina, the Biltmore Property is beautiful. It’s additionally the most important privately owned home in the USA. The well-known Vanderbilt household owns the home, and now, you may 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 may see the period’s preserved décor, displaying 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

A neighborhood gem for these dwelling in North Carolina, Hammocks Seaside State Park is gorgeous to go to. Hammocks Seaside State Park, with its unspoiled shores, presents peace and quiet that’s so pretty for a morning day journey.

Now, Hammocks Seaside State Park is positioned simply shy of Swansboro, and you may head to Bear Island, a well-known spot within the park, through kayak and even ferry. Nevertheless, development on Bear Island may imply these aren’t working while you go to. For that purpose, at all times verify the Hammocks Seaside State Park web site for full particulars on schedules. 

Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Charlotte

6.) Raleigh

Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, is an ideal metropolis to go to for just a few days journey. It’s the type of metropolis that may be explored fairly properly over just a few days, however you may simply spend extra time in case your schedule permits. 

As soon as right here, make sure that to go to the North Carolina Museum of Pure Sciences. It’s big and some of the 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 can be 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 Artwork. It is a nice museum to go to to see a number of the finest (and most prestigious) artwork in all of North Carolina. 

Oh, and don’t neglect to move to the Morgan Road Meals Corridor. There are heaps of distributors promoting all the things from Empanadas to pizza. Simply make sure that to cease off at Gymnasium Tacos. They’ve a number of the finest tacos in all of Raleigh. 

Lastly, head to Jordan Lake State Park for a day journey outdoors 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 positioned across the wider Blue Ridge Mountains, and it’s nice for a day journey whereas exploring North Carolina. It’s among the finest 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 may bike trails via Pisgah Nationwide Forest, expertise a whitewater rafting journey, or decelerate time with a scenic hike in a number of the trails across the wider area. 

Alternatively, you may go to the theatre, discover the Turchin Middle for the Visible Arts, go to Arborcrest Gardens or seize a tipple on the Misplaced Province Brewing Firm.

Learn extra: Finest issues 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, make sure that to go to the Fayetteville Historical past Museum and discover the grounds of the historic railway station.

Additionally, don’t neglect to go to the Airborne and Particular Operations Museum. It’s an ideal place to be taught extra about US army historical past, and visits take round 1-2 hours. 

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9.) Atlantic Seaside

Simply off the shores of Morehead Metropolis, Atlantic Seaside is among the finest locations in North Carolina to go to for a day exploring the coast. 

After crossing Bogue Sound through the roadway, you’ll discover the broader Atlantic Seaside space, which is so lovely. Spend a day on the seashore, head to Oceanana Pier for lunch, and cease by Fort Macon State Park, which is on the perimeters of Atlantic Seaside itself.

Additionally, when you’re right here, cease on the North Carolina Maritime Museum, which is close by. Right here, you may look into a number of the well-liked ship’s relics and be taught all in regards to the historical past of the broader coastal area. 

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10.) North Carolina Smoky Mountains

Mentioned to be the USA’ most visited nationwide park, it isn’t exhausting to see why folks 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 may count on to see considerable wildlife and wonderful surroundings. Black bears, elks, foxes, deer and turkey are a number 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 right stopping level if you happen to love the nice open air. 

As soon as right here, make sure that to go to Fontana Lake and head to the Charles A Webb Overlook for a number of the finest views. Plus, you may head to the close by Deep Creek Vineyard for a tipple or two. Their Smokey Mountain Mist bottle is so good. 

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11.) Chimney Rock State Park

One lovely 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. Because the elevation is greater than 2,280 ft from sea degree, you may see for miles round. There’s a small entry price 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. 

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12.) Raven Rock State Park

Discovered on the level the place the coastal and central areas meet, Raven Rock State Park is known for its ecosystems and different topography in North Carolina.

You’ll be able to take the Raven Rock State Park Bridle Trails and go to the favored cliff, which was a navigational landmark for river pilots prior to now. It’s completely beautiful 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 gradual journey day in North Carolina. 

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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 just a few of those (individually) earlier than, however I needed to share the broader Outer Banks space because it’s an ideal vacation spot in its personal proper.

These islands have been previous pirates’ favourites, together with the Blackbeard – at the least that’s what I used to be advised. 

The Outer Banks’ northern finish is the place wild horses might be discovered. In the meantime, in case you are on the lookout for miniature golf programs, memento and reward outlets, or some eating places, you will discover them in the midst 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 Nationwide Wildlife Refuge, which is close by. 

14.) Charlotte

Final however not least, don’t neglect to go to the town of Charlotte. It’s among the finest 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, make sure that to go to the Mint Museum Uptown. It’s a shocking artwork museum that homes artwork from everywhere in the world. Plus, lots of the displays are interactive, and it’s a lot enjoyable to go to. 

Afterwards, head to the Harvey B. Gantt Middle for African-American Arts. It’s an ideal place to discover the historical past and tradition of African-American life via artwork exhibitions. 

Lastly, cease by The Market at seventh Road for a chew to eat. There are heaps of native distributors promoting all the things from doughnuts to pizza. You’ll go away stuffed. 

Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Charlotte

12 Finest Issues To Do In Charlotte, North Carolina