30 Things to Do in North Carolina
North Carolina unfolds across diverse landscapes, from misty mountains in the west to sandy shores along the Atlantic coast, offering travelers a remarkable range of experiences. The state blends natural beauty with rich history and vibrant cities, providing endless opportunities for exploration, including many wonderful free things to do in North Carolina like hiking scenic trails or wandering historic downtowns. Whether you seek outdoor adventure, cultural immersion, or relaxed coastal vibes, the Tar Heel State delivers.
This guide highlights 30 distinct ways to discover North Carolina’s charm. From iconic drives and historic estates to bustling urban centers and serene natural escapes, these activities showcase the state’s unique character. Get ready to explore charming towns, taste local flavors, and create lasting memories across this dynamic Southern state.
Majestic Mountain Escapes
Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway: Experience “America’s Favorite Drive,” winding through the Appalachian Highlands with stunning overlooks, hiking trails, and access to charming mountain towns. Plan for leisurely stops to soak in the breathtaking mountain scenery.
Explore Asheville: Wander this vibrant mountain city known for its thriving arts scene, craft breweries, and eclectic shops set against a backdrop of beautiful peaks. Don’t miss the chance to explore the unique River Arts District.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Discover America’s most visited national park, straddling the border with Tennessee, offering hiking, wildlife viewing, and historic structures. Explore Cades Cove or hike to Clingmans Dome for incredible natural beauty.
Grandfather Mountain: Walk across the Mile High Swinging Bridge for thrilling panoramic views or explore hiking trails through rugged terrain. This iconic peak offers challenging hikes and stunning vistas.
Visit Chimney Rock State Park: Hike to the top of the iconic Chimney Rock monolith for rewarding views of Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge. The park also features waterfalls and additional scenic trails.
Explore Blowing Rock: Visit the town and its namesake attraction, “The Blowing Rock,” where the wind defies gravity. Enjoy quaint shops and restaurants in this charming mountain village.
Coastal Charm & Outer Banks Wonders
Outer Banks Beaches: Relax on the miles of pristine beaches stretching along this barrier island chain, known for its natural beauty and charming seaside villages. Find your perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, or searching for seashells.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore: Explore the nation’s first national seashore, featuring iconic lighthouses like Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, wild beaches, and opportunities for fishing and watersports. Climb a lighthouse for unforgettable coastal views.
Wright Brothers National Memorial: Visit the site in Kill Devil Hills where Orville and Wilbur Wright achieved the first successful airplane flights. Explore the visitor center and monuments celebrating this historic achievement.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park: Climb the tallest active sand dune system on the Atlantic coast in Nags Head. Enjoy hang gliding, kite flying, or simply watch the sunset over Roanoke Sound from this unique natural landscape.
Visit Bodie Island Lighthouse: Admire this picturesque black-and-white horizontally striped lighthouse near Nags Head. Climb to the top seasonally for great views of the surrounding marsh and sound.
Explore Wilmington’s Riverwalk: Stroll along the scenic Riverwalk bordering the Cape Fear River in historic downtown Wilmington. Enjoy shops, restaurants, and views of the Battleship North Carolina across the river.
Battleship North Carolina: Tour this authentically restored WWII battleship moored in Wilmington. Explore the decks and interiors to learn about the ship’s history and the lives of sailors during the war.
Vibrant Cities & Piedmont Discoveries
Explore Uptown Charlotte: Discover the heart of North Carolina’s largest city, featuring museums like the Mint Museum and Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, parks, and dining. Catch a game or enjoy the bustling cityscape.
NASCAR Hall of Fame: Immerse yourself in the history and excitement of stock car racing at this interactive museum in Charlotte. Experience racing simulators and see legendary race cars up close.
Discover Raleigh: Explore North Carolina’s capital city, visiting the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and the North Carolina Museum of Art (both offering free general admission). Stroll through the historic Oakwood neighborhood.
Visit Durham: Experience this dynamic city known for Duke University, a thriving food scene, and the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Explore the historic American Tobacco Campus for dining and entertainment.
Old Salem Museums & Gardens: Step back in time in Winston-Salem at this living history museum recreating the life of the early Moravian settlement. Watch artisans at work and explore historic buildings and gardens.
North Carolina Zoo: Visit one of the largest zoos in the United States, located in Asheboro, featuring animals from North America and Africa in expansive natural habitats. It offers a full day of wildlife exploration.
Sarah P. Duke Gardens: Wander through these stunning public gardens on the Duke University campus in Durham. Enjoy diverse plant collections, themed gardens, and peaceful walking paths.
History, Culture & Unique Stops
Biltmore Estate: Tour America’s largest private home, George Vanderbilt’s magnificent Gilded Age mansion in Asheville. Explore the stunning house, beautiful gardens, and winery for a grand historical experience.
Tryon Palace: Visit North Carolina’s first permanent state capitol building, beautifully reconstructed in New Bern. Explore the palace, gardens, and enjoy costumed interpreters depicting colonial life.
International Civil Rights Center & Museum: Sit at the original lunch counter where the Greensboro sit-ins began, located within this powerful museum. Learn about the American Civil Rights Movement through impactful exhibits.
Hanging Rock State Park: Hike to stunning rock outcrops, swim in the lake, or admire waterfalls in this Piedmont park near Winston-Salem. It offers excellent hiking and scenic views.
U.S. National Whitewater Center: Experience outdoor adventure near Charlotte with activities like whitewater rafting, kayaking, zip-lining, and rock climbing. It’s a premier destination for thrill-seekers.
North Carolina Museum of History: Explore the state’s rich past through diverse exhibits in Raleigh. Discover stories from Native American life to the 20th century (general admission is free).
Taste NC Barbecue: Sample North Carolina’s famous barbecue, typically featuring pulled or chopped pork with distinct regional sauces (vinegar-based Eastern style or tomato-based Lexington style). Trying both is a delicious debate.
Explore Seagrove Pottery: Visit the historic pottery region around Seagrove, where hundreds of potters craft traditional and contemporary wares. Browse studios and galleries for unique handmade pieces.
Linville Gorge Wilderness Area: Hike challenging trails into the “Grand Canyon of the East,” known for its rugged terrain and spectacular views. It offers a true wilderness experience for seasoned hikers.
Linville Caverns: Take a guided tour through North Carolina’s only show caverns, located at the base of Humpback Mountain. See fascinating limestone formations inside this cool underground world.
