North Carolina has a lot to offer, from high mountains to beautiful coastlines. The Tar Heel State welcomed around 43 million domestic visitors last year. This makes it one of the top spots in the U.S. for good reason. I’ve traveled its roads to find the Best Things to do in North Carolina. This guide showcases real outdoor adventures in North Carolina, highlighting the unique sights that make this state special, from urban fun to natural spots.
Best Time to Visit
| Best Month to Visit | Seasonal Occasion / Key Events |
| April | 1. Spring at Biltmore 2. Tuck Fest 3. Charlotte Wine and Food Weekend 4. North Carolina Azalea Festival |
| May | 1. Coca-Cola 600 2. Wells Fargo Championship 3. Exploring the Historic District 4. Airlie Gardens |
| September | 1. Goombay Festival 2. Chow Chow Food + Culture Festival 3. Festival in the Park 4. Yiasou Greek Festival |
| October | 1. LEAF Global Arts Festival 2. Fall Foliage Peaking 3. The Great Pumpkin Fest 4. Wilmington Riverfest |
| Travel Insurance-For peace of mind on your trip, consider getting travel insurance. It provides a safety net for unexpected events or cancellations. |
List Of 11 Things to Do in North Carolina
1. Biltmore Estate
America’s largest private home feels like a real-life storybook. The size of this mansion and its fancy rooms is fantastic. I loved walking through the gardens and finding the quiet trails. It’s a peaceful spot with great views away from the crowds. A top North Carolina attraction and considered a great thing to do in North Carolina.
- Special Feature: 250-room French Renaissance château on 8,000 acres.
- Where to Stay: 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803
- Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Daily.
- Hidden Gem: Quiet walking trails behind the Walled Garden.
2. Battleship North Carolina
Moored across the Cape Fear River, this decorated World War II battleship is a poignant memorial. Going through its nine decks gives you a real sense of naval history. I was fascinated by the crew’s stories and the 16-inch guns. This Wilmington landmark offers a unique look into sailor life. It is a must-see for history buffs on a North Carolina sightseeing trip.
- Special Feature: See nine levels of a decorated WWII battleship.
- Where to Stay: 200 N Water St, Wilmington, NC 28401
- Hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Daily.
- Hidden Gem: A special “Hidden Battleship Tour” shows off-limits areas.
3. Wright Brothers National Memorial
Standing where Wilbur and Orville Wright made their first flight is an inspiring moment. The 60-foot granite monument on Kill Devil Hill is a tribute to them. Seeing the flight markers shows just how far they flew that day. This memorial is a key part of American history. It’s a powerful stop for fun things to do in North Carolina.
- Special Feature: Site of the first successful sustained powered airplane flights.
- Where to Stay: 1701 N Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
- Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Daily.
- Hidden Gem: The monument is hollow; it was once planned as a museum.
4. NASCAR Hall of Fame
Even if you’re not a huge racing fan, this place is really interactive for you all. I liked the racing simulators and the pit crew challenge. Glory Road, with its banked ramp showing 18 historic cars, is a real highlight of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. It’s one of the most engaging Charlotte attractions NC offers. But truly, this is one of the great things to do in North Carolina for a high-energy afternoon.
- Special Feature: Interactive exhibits including iRacing simulators and a pit-stop challenge.
- Where to Stay: 401 S McDowell St, Charlotte, NC 28204
- Hours: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM Daily (Closed Tuesdays starting in Sept).
- Hidden Gem: Use the “hard card” to compete in challenges inside.
5. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
This scenic train ride through the mountains feels like a journey back in time. The 4.5-hour Nantahala Gorge trip has great views of forests and rivers. Passing by the movie set from “The Fugitive” was a fun surprise. It’s one of the best outdoor adventures in North Carolina. This is a true gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, NC.
- Special Feature: Scenic train rides through remote gorges and valleys.
- Where to Stay: 220 Main St, Bryson City, NC 28713
- Hours: Varies by trip; check the official train schedule online.
- Hidden Gem: Look for hidden caves used by the Cherokee people.
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6. The North Carolina Arboretum
After seeing the Smoky Mountains, this is the best thing to do in North colorina. Nestled in the Pisgah National Forest, this is a beautiful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The Bonsai Exhibition Garden is incredible, with many miniature trees. I also enjoyed the unique Quilt Garden, which uses flowers for patterns. It’s a peaceful spot with gardens and natural hiking trails. This makes for a perfect day of North Carolina family activities.
- Special Feature: 65 acres of cultivated gardens and 10+ miles of trails.
- Where to Stay: 290 Macon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804
- Hours: 8:00 AM–9:00 PM (Apr-Oct); 8:00 AM–7:00 PM (Nov-Mar).
- Hidden Gem: The Bent Creek Trail is a quiet, shaded path loved by locals.
7. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
This is the largest natural history museum in the Southeast, and it is free. I was amazed by the massive whale skeletons and the dinosaur exhibit. The Nature Research Center lets you watch scientists at work. It’s one of the top Raleigh things to do in North Carolina for families. A great spot for some North Carolina family activities.
- Special Feature: SECU Daily Planet, a three-story theater inside a giant globe.
- Where to Stay: 421 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27601
- Hours: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, Tuesday–Sunday.
- Hidden Gem: The Underground North Carolina exhibit with its collection of gems.
8. Elijah Mountain Gem Mine
This is a fun and hands-on activity suitable for all ages. Sifting through dirt to find rubies and sapphires is a surprisingly fun activity. You are guaranteed to find gems in every bucket you buy. They also have a goat farm and a taproom on-site. It is one of the most unique and fun things to do in North Carolina.
- Special Feature: Mine for real gemstones with a guaranteed find in every bucket.
- Where to Stay: 155 Sugarloaf Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792
- Hours: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (Sun-Thurs); 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (Fri-Sat).
- Hidden Gem: A family obstacle course and a creek to play in.
9. U.S. National Whitewater Center
This outdoor center is a dream for people who like to be active. And it is Home to the world’s largest man-made whitewater river for rafting. However, there’s more than just water sports; they also offer zip-lining and climbing. It’s one of the best outdoor adventures in North Carolina. It offers a full day of thrilling activities just outside of Charlotte.
- Special Feature: World’s largest man-made recirculating whitewater river.
- Where to Stay: 555 S McDowell St, Charlotte, NC 28204
- Hours: Varies by day/season; check the daily activity schedule online.
- Hidden Gem: A Deep Water Solo complex for climbing over a 20-foot-deep pool.
10. Chimney Rock State Park
This park offers some of the best mountain scenery in the state. Hiking to the top of the 315-foot Chimney Rock gives you 75-mile views. Don’t miss the trail to Hickory Nut Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls. It’s a perfect example of the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway scenic drive area. This hike is a must-do for some great things to do in North Carolina sightseeing.
- Best for: Moderate
- Distance: 1.4 miles
- Elevation: 370 feet
- Type of Route: Out & Back
- Length: 1 hour
Travel Basics & Tips: top things to do in NC
- Book your hotels early, especially during the peak fall foliage season.
- Use an eSIM for reliable GPS in remote mountain areas.
- The Blue Ridge Parkway scenic drive can close; check the site first.
- Parking at popular North Carolina attractions fills up fast; arrive early.
- Always pack layers, as mountain weather changes very quickly.
- Cash is useful for smaller towns and roadside farm stands.
Conclusion
North Carolina is a state that invites you to see it all. From its highest peaks to its sandy shores, every scenic drive reveals something new. Each town has a unique story. I’ll never forget the feeling of seeing wild horses on the coast. I hope this guide helps you create your own memories. There are so many great Things to do in North Carolina.
