Nestled on the jap seaboard of america, North Carolina is an unimaginable state to go to for a street journey. Not solely that, there are heaps of one of the best locations in North Carolina dotted throughout the state. This all signifies 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 be sure you get probably the most out of your go to, I’m sharing our prime locations in North Carolina that you simply don’t need to miss.
Oh, and pop us a message anytime if you happen to want every other ideas or recommendation in your journey. Have one of the best 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 street 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 obtainable close to the primary driving route. It’s so beautiful 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 certainly one of North Carolina’s most lovely lakes. It’s a part of the nationwide forest, with virtually 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 exhausting to hurry something on this area—and why would you need 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 mountain climbing (round theCherohala Skyway). The native marina additionally has tools you’ll be able to hire, reminiscent of 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 can even 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 town of Wilmington, Wrightsville Seaside is definitely probably the greatest locations in North Carolina to go to if you happen to’re in search of a seashore 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 straightforward attain by automotive.
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 gorgeous. 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
An area 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 beautiful 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, through kayak and even ferry. Nevertheless, development on Bear Island may imply these aren’t working while you go to. For that cause, at all times verify 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 number of days journey. It’s the type of metropolis that may be explored fairly properly over a number of days, however you’ll be able to simply spend extra time in case your schedule permits.
As soon as right here, ensure to go to the North Carolina Museum of Pure Sciences. It’s enormous and probably the most 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 are nice if you happen to’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. This can be a nice museum to go to to see a few of the finest (and most prestigious) artwork in all of North Carolina.
Oh, and don’t neglect to move to the Morgan Road Meals Corridor. There are heaps of distributors promoting every thing from Empanadas to pizza. Simply ensure to cease off at Health club Tacos. They’ve a few of the finest 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 nicely price it if you happen to’re in search of 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 probably the greatest locations in North Carolina to go to if you happen to’re in search of 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 open air across the Blue Ridge Mountains.
For example, you’ll be able to bike trails by way 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 good place to go to for a day journey.
As soon as right here, ensure 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 a fantastic place to study 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 likely one of the finest 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 seashore, head to Oceanana Pier for lunch, and cease by Fort Macon State Park, which is on the sides of Atlantic Seaside itself.
Additionally, whilst 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 well-liked ship’s relics and study 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
Stated to be america’ most visited nationwide park, it’s not exhausting 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 count on 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 right stopping level if you happen to love the good open air.
As soon as right here, ensure to go to Fontana Lake and head to the Charles A Webb Overlook for a few of the finest 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 few two-hour drive west of Charlotte and nicely price stopping if you happen to’re on a wider North Carolina street journey.
Present in southeast Asheville, Chimney Rock State Park is understood for its views of Chimney Rock. Because the elevation is greater than 2,280 ft from sea stage, you’ll be able to see for miles round. There’s a small entry payment for the day, however it’s price it for the views and the broader space.
Fancy a trek? The Hickory Nut Falls Path can be obtainable in Chimney Rock State Park. It’s an effective 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 known for its ecosystems and different 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 in search of a gradual journey day in North Carolina.
Learn extra: Finest 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 number of of those (individually) earlier than, however I needed to share the broader Outer Banks space because it’s a fantastic vacation spot in its personal proper.
These islands had been previous pirates’ favourites, together with the Blackbeard – a minimum of that’s what I used to be informed.
The Outer Banks’ northern finish is the place wild horses will be discovered. In the meantime, if you’re in search of miniature golf programs, memento and present 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 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 thrill of town.
As soon as you’re right here, ensure to go to the Mint Museum Uptown. It’s a shocking artwork museum that homes artwork from all around the world. Plus, lots 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 a fantastic place to discover the historical past and tradition of African-American life by way of artwork exhibitions.
Lastly, cease by The Market at seventh Road for a chunk to eat. There are heaps of native distributors promoting every thing from doughnuts to pizza. You’ll go away stuffed.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Charlotte