Nestled on the jap seaboard of america, North Carolina is an unimaginable state to go to for a highway journey. Not solely that, there are heaps of one of the best locations in North Carolina dotted throughout the state. This all implies 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 sort of traveller that’s visiting North Carolina. So, to ensure you get essentially the most out of your go to, I’m sharing our prime locations in North Carolina that you simply don’t wish to miss.
Oh, and pop us a message anytime should you want another ideas or recommendation to your journey. Have one of the 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 should you’re on a highway 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 way in which, 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 out there 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 all 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’ll be able to benefit from the peacefulness and actually decelerate your journey. The entire space round Lake Santeetlah provides off these relaxed vibes, and it’s laborious to hurry something on this area—and why would you wish to?
As soon as right here, you’ll be able to discover Lake Santeetlah by heading to Cheoah Level Seaside, mountain biking, crusing, paddling, or mountaineering (round theCherohala Skyway). The native marina additionally has tools you’ll be able to lease, akin to 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. It’s also possible to keep in rooms with nice lake views or camp at Cheoah Level Campground if that’s extra your scene.
Afterwards, you’ll be able to 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 well probably the greatest locations in North Carolina to go to should you’re on the lookout for a seaside 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 automobile.
Plus, there are heaps of parking spots and some tasty eating places for a chunk to eat or a tipple. We beloved 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 america. The well-known Vanderbilt household owns the home, and now, you’ll be able to enter and discover the mansion and its grounds, that are so attractive.
Not solely that, the Biltmore Property can be listed on the US Nationwide Register of Historic Locations. As soon as inside, you’ll be able to see the period’s preserved décor, exhibiting 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 unimaginable.
5.) Hammocks Seaside State Park
A neighborhood gem for these residing 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 would possibly imply these aren’t operating if you go to. For that cause, at all times examine 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 a couple of days journey. It’s the sort of metropolis that may be explored fairly properly over a couple of days, however you’ll be able to 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 one of the prestigious museums in all of North Carolina.
The museum has two buildings: the Nature Analysis Heart and the Nature Exploration Heart. Whatever the constructing, each have a number of interactive alternatives and exhibitions which might be nice should you’re visiting with the broader household. Now, the Nature Exploration Heart focuses a bit on the habitats of the rainforest and tropics, even tackling North Carolina’s coastal areas. It’s unimaginable.
Afterwards, head to the North Carolina Museum of Artwork. It is a nice museum to go to to see a few of the greatest (and most prestigious) artwork in all of North Carolina.
Oh, and don’t neglect to move to the Morgan Avenue Meals Corridor. There are heaps of distributors promoting all the things from Empanadas to pizza. Simply make sure that to cease off at Fitness center Tacos. They’ve a few of the greatest tacos in all of Raleigh.
Lastly, head to Jordan Lake State Park for a day journey exterior of Raleigh. It’s round a 40-minute drive from the centre of Raleigh and effectively value it should you’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 probably the greatest locations in North Carolina to go to should you’re on the lookout for a brief cease as a part of a wider roadtrip.
As soon as right here, you’ll be capable to discover the city of Boone itself and use it as a base to discover the good open air across the Blue Ridge Mountains.
For example, you’ll be able to bike trails by means of Pisgah Nationwide Forest, expertise a whitewater rafting journey, or decelerate time with a scenic hike in a few of the trails across the wider area.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to go to the theatre, discover the Turchin Heart 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 superb 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.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Charlotte
9.) Atlantic Seaside
Simply off the shores of Morehead Metropolis, Atlantic Seaside is without doubt one of the greatest 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 seaside, 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’ll be able to look into a few of the common ship’s relics and be taught all in regards to the historical past of the broader coastal area.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Charlotte
10.) North Carolina Smoky Mountains
Mentioned to be america’ most visited nationwide park, it isn’t laborious to see why individuals 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’ll be able to anticipate to see ample wildlife and superb surroundings. Black bears, elks, foxes, deer and turkey are a few 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 proper stopping level should you love the good 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 few of the greatest views. Plus, you’ll be able to head to the close by Deep Creek Vineyard for a tipple or two. Their Smokey Mountain Mist bottle is so good.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Charlotte
11.) Chimney Rock State Park
One lovely and superb place to go to in North Carolina is Chimney Rock State Park. It’s a couple of two-hour drive west of Charlotte and effectively value stopping should you’re on a wider North Carolina highway journey.
Present in southeast Asheville, Chimney Rock State Park is thought for its views of Chimney Rock. For the reason that elevation is greater than 2,280 ft from sea degree, you’ll be able to see for miles round. There’s a small entry payment for the day, nevertheless it’s value it for the views and the broader space.
Fancy a trek? The Hickory Nut Falls Path can be out there in Chimney Rock State Park. It’s a good way to stretch your legs.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Charlotte
12.) Raven Rock State Park
Discovered on the level the place the coastal and central areas meet, Raven Rock State Park is legendary 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 previously. 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 excellent should you’re on the lookout for a sluggish journey day in North Carolina.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Charlotte
13.) Outer Banks
Additionally known 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 a couple of 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 – not less than that’s what I used to be informed.
The Outer Banks’ northern finish is the place wild horses might be discovered. In the meantime, if you’re on the lookout for miniature golf programs, memento and present 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 probably the greatest locations in North Carolina to go to for a citybreak, and you may simply spend 3-days having fun with the excitement 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 all around the world. Plus, most of the reveals are interactive, and it’s a lot enjoyable to go to.
Afterwards, head to the Harvey B. Gantt Heart for African-American Arts. It’s an ideal place to discover the historical past and tradition of African-American life by means of artwork exhibitions.
Lastly, cease by The Market at seventh Avenue for a chunk to eat. There are heaps of native distributors promoting all the things from doughnuts to pizza. You’ll depart stuffed.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Charlotte
