Nestled on the japanese seaboard of the US, North Carolina is an unbelievable state to go to for a highway journey. Not solely that, there are heaps of the perfect locations in North Carolina dotted throughout the state. This all signifies that you’re sure to discover a truthful few gems to go to in your journey to North Carolina.
From cities like Raleigh to Bald Head Island, there’s actually one thing for each sort 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 just don’t wish to miss.
Oh, and pop us a message anytime if you happen to want another suggestions or recommendation on your journey. Have the perfect time visiting North Carolina.
1.) Blue Ridge Parkway
Operating for over 400 miles and crossing a number of states, driving the Blue Ridge Parkway is an effective way to expertise North Carolina if you happen to’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 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 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: Greatest 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 possibly can benefit from the peacefulness and actually decelerate your journey. The entire space round Lake Santeetlah offers 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 possibly can 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 possibly can lease, corresponding 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. You may also keep in rooms with nice lake views or camp at Cheoah Level Campground if that’s extra your scene.
Afterwards, you possibly can drive over to Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, one of many area’s oldest forests. The bushes are gigantic, and it’s completely breathtaking.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Charlotte
3.) Wrightsville Seaside
Simply shy of the town of Wilmington, Wrightsville Seaside is well the most effective locations in North Carolina to go to if you happen to’re searching for a seaside day. You see, the sandy shores are completely gorgeous.
The entire stretch, from South Finish to Shell Island, is one huge spit of sandy shores. It’s completely pristine and inside simple attain by automobile.
Plus, there are heaps of parking spots and some tasty eating places for a chew to eat or a tipple. We beloved Shark Bar and Kitchen and their grilled oysters and jumbo crabcake are so good.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Charlotte
4.) Biltmore Property
Nestled within the western fringes of North Carolina, the Biltmore Property is gorgeous. It’s additionally the most important privately owned home in the US. The well-known Vanderbilt household owns the home, and now, you possibly can 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 possibly can 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 situated simply shy of Swansboro, and you may head to Bear Island, a well-known spot within the park, by way of kayak and even ferry. Nevertheless, development on Bear Island would possibly imply these aren’t working while you go to. For that cause, all the time test the Hammocks Seaside State Park web site for full particulars on schedules.
Learn extra: Greatest 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 type of metropolis that may be explored fairly properly over a couple of days, however you possibly can simply spend extra time in case your schedule permits.
As soon as right here, ensure 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. This can be a nice museum to go to to see among 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 pieces from Empanadas to pizza. Simply ensure that to cease off at Fitness center Tacos. They’ve among the greatest 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 nicely value it if you happen to’re searching for a extra chilled day within the wider area.
7.) Boone
The small city of Boone is situated across the wider Blue Ridge Mountains, and it’s nice for a day journey whereas exploring North Carolina. It’s the most effective locations in North Carolina to go to if you happen to’re searching 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 good outside across the Blue Ridge Mountains.
As an example, you possibly can bike trails by way of Pisgah Nationwide Forest, expertise a whitewater rafting journey, or decelerate time with a scenic hike in among the trails across the wider area.
Alternatively, you possibly can 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: Greatest 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, ensure 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 study extra about US navy historical past, and visits take round 1-2 hours.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Charlotte
9.) Atlantic Seaside
Simply off the shores of Morehead Metropolis, Atlantic Seaside is likely one of the greatest locations in North Carolina to go to for a day exploring the coast.
After crossing Bogue Sound by way of 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, whilst you’re right here, cease on the North Carolina Maritime Museum, which is close by. Right here, you possibly can look into among the fashionable ship’s relics and study all in regards to the historical past of the broader coastal area.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Charlotte
10.) North Carolina Smoky Mountains
Mentioned to be the US’ 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 possibly can count on to see considerable wildlife and wonderful surroundings. Black bears, elks, foxes, deer and turkey are among 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 if you happen to love the good outside.
As soon as right here, ensure that to go to Fontana Lake and head to the Charles A Webb Overlook for among the greatest views. Plus, you possibly can head to the close by Deep Creek Vineyard for a tipple or two. Their Smokey Mountain Mist bottle is so good.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Charlotte
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 nicely value stopping if you happen to’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 stage, you possibly can see for miles round. There’s a small entry price for the day, but it surely’s value it for the views and the broader space.
Fancy a trek? The Hickory Nut Falls Path can also be out there in Chimney Rock State Park. It’s an effective way to stretch your legs.
Learn extra: Greatest 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 known for its ecosystems and assorted topography in North Carolina.
You possibly can take the Raven Rock State Park Bridle Trails and go to the favored cliff, which was a navigational landmark for river pilots up to now. It’s completely gorgeous 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 searching for a sluggish journey day in North Carolina.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Charlotte
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 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 had been previous pirates’ favourites, together with the Blackbeard – at the very least that’s what I used to be instructed.
The Outer Banks’ northern finish is the place wild horses might be discovered. In the meantime, in case you are searching for miniature golf programs, memento and reward retailers, or some eating places, you could find 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 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 the most effective 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, ensure that to go to the Mint Museum Uptown. It’s a surprising 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 Middle for African-American Arts. It’s an ideal place to discover the historical past and tradition of African-American life by way of artwork exhibitions.
Lastly, cease by The Market at seventh Avenue for a chew to eat. There are heaps of native distributors promoting all the pieces from doughnuts to pizza. You’ll go away stuffed.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Charlotte
