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 the very best locations in North Carolina dotted throughout the state. This all signifies that you’re certain 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 kind 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 need to miss.
Oh, and pop us a message anytime in case you want every other ideas or recommendation to your journey. Have the very 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 in case 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 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 pretty and such a scenic path to expertise on the East Coast.
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2.) Lake Santeetlah
Lake Santeetlah is certainly certainly one of North Carolina’s most stunning lakes. It’s a part of the nationwide forest, with virtually 80 miles of protected shoreline hidden inside the North Carolina Smoky Mountains. It’s so peaceable and serene.
After arriving within the space, you may 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 need to?
As soon as right here, you may 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 may 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. You may also keep in rooms with nice lake views or camp at Cheoah Level Campground if that’s extra your scene.
Afterwards, you may drive over to Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, one of many area’s oldest forests. The bushes are gigantic, and it’s completely breathtaking.
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3.) Wrightsville Seaside
Simply shy of the town of Wilmington, Wrightsville Seaside is definitely probably the greatest locations in North Carolina to go to in case you’re searching 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 automotive.
Plus, there are heaps of parking spots and some tasty eating places for a chunk to eat or a tipple. We cherished Shark Bar and Kitchen and their grilled oysters and jumbo crabcake are so good.
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4.) Biltmore Property
Nestled within the western fringes of North Carolina, the Biltmore Property is beautiful. It’s additionally the biggest privately owned home in america. The well-known Vanderbilt household owns the home, and now, you may 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 may 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, gives 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’ll 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 operating once you go to. For that purpose, all the time verify 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 sort of metropolis that may be explored fairly properly over a couple of days, however you may simply spend extra time in case your schedule permits.
As soon as right here, be certain 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 in case you’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 unimaginable.
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 overlook to move to the Morgan Road Meals Corridor. There are heaps of distributors promoting every part from Empanadas to pizza. Simply be certain 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 exterior of Raleigh. It’s round a 40-minute drive from the centre of Raleigh and effectively value it in case you’re searching 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 in case you’re searching 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 outside across the Blue Ridge Mountains.
As an example, you may bike trails via 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 may 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.
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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, be certain to go to the Fayetteville Historical past Museum and discover the grounds of the historic railway station.
Additionally, don’t overlook to go to the Airborne and Particular Operations Museum. It’s an excellent place to be taught extra about US navy historical past, and visits take round 1-2 hours.
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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 stunning. Spend a day on the seaside, head to Oceanana Pier for lunch, and cease by Fort Macon State Park, which is on the sides of Atlantic Seaside itself.
Additionally, when you’re right here, cease on the North Carolina Maritime Museum, which is close by. Right here, you may look into among the standard ship’s relics and be taught all in regards to the historical past of the broader coastal area.
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10.) North Carolina Smoky Mountains
Stated 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 may anticipate to see plentiful 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 right stopping level in case you love the good outside.
As soon as right here, be certain to go to Fontana Lake and head to the Charles A Webb Overlook for among the greatest views. Plus, you may head to the close by Deep Creek Vineyard for a tipple or two. Their Smokey Mountain Mist bottle is so good.
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11.) Chimney Rock State Park
One stunning and wonderful place to go to in North Carolina is Chimney Rock State Park. It’s a few two-hour drive west of Charlotte and effectively value stopping in case 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. Because the elevation is greater than 2,280 ft from sea stage, you may see for miles round. There’s a small entry price 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 obtainable in Chimney Rock State Park. It’s a good way to stretch your legs.
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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’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 up to now. It’s completely beautiful within the space.
Additionally, don’t overlook in regards to the trails round Lanier Falls. It’s so peaceable and tranquil and the surroundings is simply good in case you’re searching for a gradual journey day in North Carolina.
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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 excellent vacation spot in its personal proper.
These islands have been previous pirates’ favourites, together with the Blackbeard – at the least that’s what I used to be informed.
The Outer Banks’ northern finish is the place wild horses may be discovered. In the meantime, in case you are searching for 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 overlook to discover Cape Hatteras Nationwide Seashore and Bald Seaside itself. I like this space a lot, and you’ll 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 overlook to go to the town of Charlotte. It’s probably the greatest locations in North Carolina to go to for a citybreak, and you’ll simply spend 3-days having fun with the excitement of the town.
As soon as you’re right here, be certain to go to the Mint Museum Uptown. It’s a surprising 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 Middle for African-American Arts. It’s an excellent place to discover the historical past and tradition of African-American life via artwork exhibitions.
Lastly, cease by The Market at seventh Road for a chunk to eat. There are heaps of native distributors promoting every part from doughnuts to pizza. You’ll depart stuffed.
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