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 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 actually 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 just don’t need to miss.
Oh, and pop us a message anytime in the event you want every other suggestions or recommendation in your journey. Have the very 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 in the event 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, largely in North Carolina and Virginia.
Alongside the way in which, 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 accessible 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 one in every 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 onerous 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 Seashore, mountain biking, crusing, paddling, or mountain climbing (round theCherohala Skyway). The native marina additionally has tools you’ll be able to 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 can too 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 bushes are gigantic, and it’s completely breathtaking.
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3.) Wrightsville Seashore
Simply shy of the town of Wilmington, Wrightsville Seashore is definitely the most effective locations in North Carolina to go to in the event you’re on the lookout for a seashore 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 simple attain by automobile.
Plus, there are heaps of parking spots and some tasty eating places for a chunk to eat or a tipple. We liked 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 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, 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 unimaginable.
5.) Hammocks Seashore State Park
A neighborhood gem for these dwelling in North Carolina, Hammocks Seashore State Park is gorgeous to go to. Hammocks Seashore State Park, with its unspoiled shores, gives peace and quiet that’s so pretty for a morning day journey.
Now, Hammocks Seashore 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 would possibly imply these aren’t working whenever you go to. For that cause, at all times test the Hammocks Seashore State Park web site for full particulars on schedules.
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6.) Raleigh
Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, is an ideal metropolis to go to for a number of days journey. It’s the form 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 large and probably the most 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 the event 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. It is a nice museum to go to to see among the finest (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 thing from Empanadas to pizza. Simply ensure to cease off at Gymnasium Tacos. They’ve among the finest 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 effectively value it in the event you’re on the lookout 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 the most effective locations in North Carolina to go to in the event you’re on the lookout 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 illustration, you’ll be able to bike trails by means 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’ll be able to 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, ensure 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 Seashore
Simply off the shores of Morehead Metropolis, Atlantic Seashore is among 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 Seashore 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 perimeters of Atlantic Seashore itself.
Additionally, when you’re right here, cease on the North Carolina Maritime Museum, which is close by. Right here, you’ll be able to look into among the well-liked 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’s not onerous 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 large, 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 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 the event you love the good outside.
As soon as right here, ensure to go to Fontana Lake and head to the Charles A Webb Overlook for among 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.
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11.) Chimney Rock State Park
One lovely 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 the event you’re on a wider North Carolina highway 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 degree, you’ll be able to see for miles round. There’s a small entry payment 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 be accessible in Chimney Rock State Park. It’s an effective 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 legendary 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 prior 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 excellent in the event you’re on the lookout for a sluggish journey day in North Carolina.
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13.) Outer Banks
Additionally known 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 an excellent 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 advised.
The Outer Banks’ northern finish is the place wild horses will be discovered. In the meantime, if you’re on the lookout for miniature golf programs, memento and present outlets, or some eating places, you’ll 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 Seashore 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 the most effective locations in North Carolina to go to for a citybreak, and you’ll simply spend 3-days having fun with the thrill of the 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 Middle for African-American Arts. It’s an excellent place to discover the historical past and tradition of African-American life by means 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 depart stuffed.
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