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- Asheville. Featuring some of the best scenery in North Carolina, Asheville has become one of the most attractive towns in the state. The popular tourist destination has undergone a population boom as people try to better balance big city amenities with access to nature and small city life.
- Charlotte. Queen City, the largest metropolis in North Carolina, has a population of over 850,000 people. Like the population suggests, Charlotte has all the offerings of a major city with a vibrant hospitality scene along with excellent arts, culture and nearby nature.
- Wilmington. Along Cape Fear River, Wilmington is a historic port city that continues to grow in stature and popularity. Home to UNC-Wilmington, the city has a strong student population, with many sticking around to begin their careers among the beautiful scenery.
- Raleigh. The last of the Research Triangle cities on this list, Raleigh is a highly rated place to live. Some may even suggest it’s the best city in the state.
- Asheville. A quirky and artsy mountain city with outdoor attractions galore. 🏠 Population: 94,067 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | Where to Stay in Asheville | 👉 Browse Hotels in Asheville on Booking.
- Charlotte. North Carolina’s largest city offers rich arts, entertainment, and sports scenes. 🏠 Population: 879,709 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | Where to Stay in Charlotte | 👉 Browse Hotels in Charlotte on Booking.
- Raleigh. The capital city of North Carolina is full of museums and close to major universities. 🏠 Population: 469,124 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Raleigh on Booking.
- Greensboro. A Central Piedmont city with historical sites and family-friendly attractions. 🏠 Population: 298,263 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Greensboro on Booking.
Sep 13, 2023 · Outer Banks. #4 in Best Places to Visit in North Carolina. The barrier islands that form the Outer Banks retain their laid-back feel with locally owned shops and a family-friendly atmosphere. Here ...
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- Best Places to Visit in North Carolina Guide
- Best North Carolina Cities & Towns
- North Carolina Forests & National Parks
- North Carolina State Parks & Forests to Visit
- North Carolina Historic Sites
AshevilleBlowing RockBrevardBryson City1. Asheville NC
36 Montford Ave, Asheville NC • (828)258-6129 • Official Website Over the last 15 years, Asheville has become nationally recognized as a desirable North Carolina vacation spot. But in reality, it’s been one of the coolest places to visitin NC for more than a century. This rapidly growing city has first-class historical attractions like the Biltmore Estate and The Grove Park Inn, as well as the nearby Cradle of Forestry. The diverse array of excellent Asheville Breweries has earned it the nick...
2. Blowing Rock
132 Park Ave, Blowing Rock NC • (828)295-4636 • Official Website If you’re looking for fun places in North Carolina for families to visit, check out the tourist town of Blowing Rock, which is located near Boonein the NC High Country. Downtown Blowing Rock has charming, walkable streets dotted with art galleries, chic boutiques, foodie-friendly restaurants, and gift shops. The scenic geological attraction for which the town was named is one of the most famous places in North Carolina, and has...
3. Brevard
175 E Main St., Brevard NC • (800)648-4523 • Official Website The seat of Transylvania County (a.k.a. “Land of Waterfalls”), Brevard NC is beloved as a comfortable Blue Ridge mountain townwith a primo location. Transylvania County has approximately 250 named waterfallswithin its boundaries, many of which are located within 15 minutes of Downtown Brevard. Brevard has a tiny downtown area with a few blocks of boutiques, galleries, gift shops, and excellent restaurantsin any direction. You’ll al...
9. Appalachian National Scenic Trail
No NC Address • (304)535-6278 • Official Website There are nearly 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina, which also shares an additional 220 miles of it with the bordering state of Tennessee. So there’s a host of wonderful things to see on the AT in NC, whether you’re on a day hike or trying to complete the 2,194-mile trek from North Georgiato Maine. Among the major points of interest in North Carolina is Clingmans Dome, the highest mountain in the Smoky Mountains, as well as s...
10. Blue Ridge Parkway
199 Hemphill Knob Rd, Asheville NC • (828)348-3400 • Official Website Technically, the Blue Ridge Parkway is the most visited National Park System unitin the United States, with nearly 16 million visitors in 2021. The world-renowned scenic route stretches 469 miles in North Carolina and Virginia, stretching from Shenandoah National Park in VA to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in NC. There are also great opportunities for Blue Ridge Parkway hikes and exploring nearby waterfalls. Northeast...
11. Cape Hatteras National Seashore
1401 National Park Dr, Manteo NC • (252)473-2111 • Official Website One of our favorite fun places to go in North Carolinais Cape Hatteras National Seashore in the Outer Banks, a slip of coastal islands that follow the NC mainland. Cape Hatteras NS protects three islands– Bodie, Hatteras, and Ocracoke. Due to its currents, shoals, and unpredictable weather, the area is known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic.” Each island has its own visitor center and lighthouse to visit, and there are numer...
15. Carolina Beach State Park
1010 State Park Rd, Carolina Beach NC • (910)458-8206 • Official Website Moving towards the most southern section of the North Carolinacoastline, Carolina Beach State Park is located due south of Wilmington on the protected Cape Fear side of the shoreline. This small NC State Park has 9 miles of hiking trails, a fitness trail that allows cyclists, several ponds, and three campsites as well as a rustic rental cabin. Other fun things to doat Carolina Beach State Park include boating, fishing, a...
16. Dupont State Recreational Forest
89 Buck Forest Rd, Cedar Mountain NC • (828) 877-6527 Official Website Located in Transylvania County, the “Land of Waterfalls”, Dupont State Recreational Foresthas what many believe to be some of the most beautiful cascades in the country. It’s possible to take a long day hike that encompasses 5 marquee waterfalls in the forest, including Hooker Falls, Triple Falls (my personal favorite), High Falls, Grassy Creek Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. Besides these impressive Western North Carolina w...
17. Grandfather Mountain State Park
9872 N.C. 105 S Suite 6, Banner Elk NC • (828) 963-9522 • Official Website Though it isn’t the highest mountain in North Carolina (Mt Mitchell in Burnsvilleis the tallest), Grandfather Mountain gets its due respect as an iconic behemoth. This is the highest point in Caldwell and Watauga Counties, and the tallest peak on the eastern edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Grandfather Mountain State Parkhas rugged, no-nonsense hiking trails that are absolutely splattered with beauty and unwaveringly...
21. Old Salem Museums & Gardens
900 Old Salem Rd, Winston-Salem NC • 336-721-7350 • Official Website Long before the town of Winston-Salem was founded, there was Salem, a Moravian settlement established in the mid-1700s. Many of the original structures remain, despite the fact that they’re older than the United States of America. The neighborhood is still inhabited and has a thriving community, including a university. Some of the important buildings function as living history museums, complete with guides and demonstrations...
22. Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
1401 National Park Dr, Manteo NC • 252-473-2111 • Official Website This National Historic Sitepreserves the location of the first English settlement in what is now the United States of America. The Roanoke Colony was established way back in 1587. Initially supported by Sir Walter Raleigh, the colony mysteriously failed sometime before 1590. By the time it was visited again, the settlement was empty, without a single person to be found. The site is on the north end of Roanoke Island, about 3 m...
23. International Civil Rights Center & Museum
134 S. Elm St, Greensboro NC • 336-274-9199 • Official Website North Carolina has some major sites for the Civil Rights Movement, including the Woolworth’s lunch counter where the famous sit-in took place. Amazingly, the exact counter can still be seen when you visit Greensboro NC. So the International Civil Rights Center & Museum being located in Greensboro makes perfect sense, and visiting this important museumis an emotional experience. There are guided tours led by very knowledgeable guid...
- Jonathon Engels
- Raleigh. North Carolina’s capital city is home to some of the state’s biggest cultural institutions as well as a lot of its nightlife. Check out some live music at one of the city’s major venues, like the Red Hat Amphitheater, or catch a local band in a much smaller venue like Lorraine's Coffee House and Music.
- Chapel Hill. This charming college town, located in the Research Triangle, is considered one of the best college towns in the country due to its vibrant food and nightlife scenes.
- Charlotte. The largest city in the state, Charlotte truly has something for everyone. It’s both a major destination for sports as the home of the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Hornets and a great launching place for outdoor adventures, with Lake Norman and Lake Wylie located a short drive from the heart of the city.
- Outer Banks. Get a taste of island living on this barrier island chain off the coast of North Carolina. Visit the Outer Banks to spend some time on the beach, explore a host of water sports, or take a tour around the area’s lighthouses and other historic sites.
Apr 24, 2024 · Winston-Salem is was once two separate cities in North Carolina (hence the hyphen) and the largest in North Carolina. Many folks visit Old Salem first for a look at early America, the Moravians, some pretty delicious food, and more! Old Salem, along with Reynolda House, and two of our favorite museums in Winston-Salem.
Sep 25, 2023 · Durham. Population: 527,000. One of the biggest cities in North Carolina is Durham, and although it may not sound like the most exciting place, Durham has quite a bit going for it. Durham’s recent renaissance has made it an attractive destination for Carolina travelers.
