What can we say about North Carolina? Here are the words that come to mind: beauty, good food, southern hospitality, beaches, mountains, sports, hiking, and home. Our home state is known for its amazing landscapes, delicious food, and offers a wide array of attractions for travelers. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or a foodie, there’s something for everyone in the state we love. Let us be your North Carolina travel guides. Looking for the top destinations? You have come to the right place for the top 10 ultimate must visit destinations in North Carolina.
1. Biltmore Estate
We have to start our list with one of the most popular spot in NC, which is the Biltmore Estate in Asheville. The Biltmore Estate is America’s largest privately-owned home. Make sure to at least plan a full day here because there’s so much to do on the grounds. First, tour the mansion. Make sure to do a little shopping in the gift shop for some NC staples. Next, stroll through stunning gardens. Lastly, for all my wine lovers, taste some of their delicious wines produced on the estate.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway
You can’t go to the NC mountains and not take a slow drive through the Blue Ridge Parkway. Known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway is a beautiful path through the mountains. We recommend driving the parkway to Craggy Mountain, which is only about 30 minutes outside of Asheville. You can take a short hike to the Craggy Pinnacle, all for free. This is a great way to experience the parkway and see the great views at the top of the mountain.
3. Outer Banks
Looking for the perfect beach getaway while in NC? The Outer Banks is located on the outermost coast of the Carolinas and is known as the birthplace of aviation with the Wright Bros. This quaint area is loved for its undeveloped coastline and for its quiet and calm living. If you want to get away from the crowds and just want to be by the beach, this is the place to go.
4. Charlotte
The largest city and one of the fastest growing cities in the US, Charlotte has it all – entertainment, food, and so much more. Named after Queen Charlotte, the “Queen City” is a vibe in itself. It is the home of NASCAR, so make sure to take a tour at the NASCAR museum. Next, make sure to check out the art district with the Mint Museum and Harvey B. Gantt Museum. Look for fun with the family? Check out Discovery Place and our Whitewater Center. Looking for some great nightlife, look no further than South End, full of restaurants and bars. Bonus point, Charlotte is only miles from the mountains, so take a quick trip to Crowders Mountain State Park.
5. Downtown Asheville
Downtown Asheville is full of charming stores, restaurants, and has a fun night life with blocks full of breweries. We recommend visiting restaurant like Tupelo Honey, founded right downtown and is known for it’s Southern food. Also, make sure to drop into one of those breweries like Wicked Weeds or Bold Rock Ciderworks for a quick bite to eat and a delicious local brew. Make sure to look at what’s happening in the city during to time of your visit for cheap concerts, events, and shows.
6. The Triangle Area: Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill
If you follow college basketball, you are well aware of the NC Triangle area, comprising Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. This tri-city area is full of history, sports rivalries, and has some of the best food in the state (Shari is a little biased growing up in this area). Make sure to check out a Carolina/State/Duke game, take a walk down the historic Franklin St., take a hike in Pullen Park, and visit Durham’s Museum of Arts and Science. Also, this area makes up our famous Research Triangle Park, which holds various research institutions and tech companies like IBM, Cisco, and more.
7. Greensboro
Historically known to be one of the major transportation hubs of the southeast, Greensboro aka “Gate City” is a great stop if you are driving through the state. The 3rd largest city in the state, Greensboro is full of history, culture, and knowledge. Greensboro is special to us because this is where we met. Make sure to check out the historic city, starting with the International Civil Rights Center & Museum, which memorializes the start of the sit-ins for the Civil Rights Movement. Hungry? Stop at the Yum Yums for their legendary hotdogs and ice cream, a local favorite. Then head over to the Tanger Center to watch a show and afterwards, take a walk through the beautiful Greensboro Arboretum. There is some much to do in the home of Lee and Wrangler Jeans, as well as the home of the countries largest Historically Black College & University (HBCU) NC A&T State University (where Sam is a proud alumni).
8. Wilmington:
From the river to the beach, Wilmington is the place to go if you are taking a trip to NC. Start out by exploring the riverfront, aka Downtown Wilmington for some shopping, great eats, and the nightlife. We love the different festivals and outdoor events throughout the year. Make sure to also check out the USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial, then relax in the sun at Wrightsville Beach.
As you can see, our home state is a must visit. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, cultural enrichment, or simply a taste of Southern hospitality, North Carolina has it all. We hope you enjoy our top 10 ultimate must visit destinations in North Carolina.
Looking to travel soon? Check out HOW TO PLAN THE PERFECT TRIP ON A STRICT BUDGET.
