Hickory, NC

Travel Guide

An aerial view of a town with a mix of residential and commercial buildings, surrounded by greenery.
A wooden boardwalk leading to a pond surrounded by trees.
A concrete walkway with a black metal railing, overlooking a lake with boats, surrounded by trees and a residential area in the background.
A scenic overlook with a flag on a rock formation, a river in the valley below, and lush greenery.
A valley with autumn-colored trees, a winding road, and distant mountains.

Where to stay in Hickory

Find the best Hickory areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Hickory
Learn more about Hickory

Downtown Hickory

While there might not be top attractions in Downtown Hickory, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Hickory Community Theatre and Harper House.

A park with a lake, an American flag, a gazebo, and trees.

Viewmont

Though Viewmont might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Hickory Museum of Arts and Catawba Science Center.

A mountainous landscape with dense green forests and a partly cloudy sky.

Highland

While Highland isn't home to many top sights, Hickory Museum of Arts and Catawba Science Center are some notable places to visit nearby.

A scenic overlook with an American flag on a rocky cliff overlooking a lush valley and river.

North Hickory

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in North Hickory and surrounding area, you can visit Lake Hickory and Hickory Museum of Arts.

A river winding through a town surrounded by forests.

Northlakes

If you're spending some time in Northlakes, Lake Hickory and Catawba River are top sights worth seeing.

Sleep Inn Hickory South

Sleep Inn Hickory South

2.5 out of 5
1179 13th Avenue Dr Se Hickory NC
$70 nightly
The price is $79 total per night from Oct 11 to Oct 12
$79 total
Oct 11 - Oct 12
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Hickory. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,071 reviews)
"Hotel was adequate for a place to sleep. Bathtub was slippery and bathroom was very small. Breakfast was good but not great. Hotel was clean and convenient."

Reviewed on Sep 15, 2026

Sleep Inn Hickory South
Best Western Hickory

Best Western Hickory

2.5 out of 5
1520 13th Avenue Dr SE Hickory NC
$89 nightly
The price is $101 total per night from Sep 27 to Sep 28
$101 total
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Hickory. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
Best Western Hickory
Crowne Plaza Hotel Hickory by IHG

Crowne Plaza Hotel Hickory by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1385 Lenoir Rhyne Blvd Se Hickory NC
$97 nightly
The price is $110 total per night from Sep 24 to Sep 25
$110 total
Sep 24 - Sep 25
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Hickory. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
Crowne Plaza Hotel Hickory by IHG
See all 3,972 properties in Hickory
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Smoketree Lodge

Smoketree Lodge

3 out of 5
11914 Highway 105 Banner Elk NC
Stay at this aparthotel in Banner Elk. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Grandfather Mountain and Sugar Mountain Resort ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (305 reviews)
"Will absolutely be returning. Great location. The only thing I could suggest is cleaning the skylight windows regularly! Absolutely loved these additions but would’ve loved to see the stars at night and daytime lighting would be immaculate. Regardless, I will definitely be back"

Reviewed on Sep 17, 2026

Smoketree Lodge
Swiss Mountain Village

Swiss Mountain Village

3 out of 5
2324 Flat Top Rd Blowing Rock NC
Stay at this cabin in Blowing Rock. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Tweetsie Railroad and Doc's Rocks Gem Mine are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (221 reviews)
"Such a nice place for a very reasonable price!"

Reviewed on Sep 14, 2026

Swiss Mountain Village
COOL COTTAGE AT 4800 FT SLEEPS 8. GOOGLE MAP IS NOT CORRECT 10 MILES TO B ROCK

COOL COTTAGE AT 4800 FT SLEEPS 8. GOOGLE MAP IS NOT CORRECT 10 MILES TO B ROCK

Blowing Rock NC
Stay at this cottage in Blowing Rock. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Tweetsie Railroad and Benson Hollow are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (175 reviews)
"The house was very clean and the location was perfect!"

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2026

COOL COTTAGE AT 4800 FT SLEEPS 8. GOOGLE MAP IS NOT CORRECT 10 MILES TO B ROCK
See all properties in Hickory
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Hickory attractions

Lenoir-Rhyne University

8.4/10 (107 reviews)
Enjoy the collegiate vibe at Lenoir-Rhyne University as part of your travels around Hickory. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.
See properties

Frequently asked questions

Is Hickory worth visiting?
Hickory is worth visiting for its North American and Italian dining options, offering dishes like pizza and pasta. Travelers can also explore standout attractions such as Lenoir-Rhyne University and Valley Hills Mall, or discover the distinct Claremont neighborhood.
When is the best time to visit Hickory?
The best time to visit Hickory is from May through September, when the weather is warm and pleasant for outdoor activities. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of November through February are a good option, offering cooler temperatures.
Where are the best neighborhoods to explore in Hickory?
The best neighborhoods to explore in Hickory depend on what you want to see:


What is Hickory known for?
Hickory is known for its educational institution, Lenoir-Rhyne University, and shopping at Valley Hills Mall. Travelers can also catch a game at L.P. Frans Stadium. The city offers a North American food culture and features distinct areas like the Claremont neighborhood.
What is a good itinerary length for Hickory?
A good itinerary length for Hickory is one to two days to explore key highlights like Lenoir-Rhyne University, Valley Hills Mall, and L.P. Frans Stadium. An extended stay of three to four days allows more time to enjoy the Claremont neighborhood and sample the local North American, Italian, and Asian dining options.
What are the top things to do in and around Hickory?
Hickory offers travelers a mix of educational, retail, and entertainment experiences to explore:


How do I plan a trip to Hickory?
To plan your trip to Hickory, book your flights, hotels, and rental cars in advance. Consider exploring Claremont, and visiting attractions like Lenoir-Rhyne University, Valley Hills Mall, or L.P. Frans Stadium. When planning outdoor activities, always have indoor backups ready for weather flexibility. You'll find a variety of North American, Italian, and Asian cuisine options.
What cuisines can you find in Hickory?
In Hickory you can find New American cuisine, offering dishes like gourmet burgers, artisanal pizzas, and creative small plates. Travelers can also enjoy Southern soul food, Italian favorites, and various Asian options including Chinese, Japanese, and Thai. Mexican and steakhouse choices are available too.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Hickory?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Hickory by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Hickory with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Hickory trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Hickory?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Hickory can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Hickory trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Hickory trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Hickory trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Hickory trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Hickory?
If it's your first trip to Hickory, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Hickory hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Hickory hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Hickory

A calm river reflecting the sky, surrounded by dense greenery and distant buildings.

Conover

A historic building with a sign reading "History Museum of Catawba County."

Newton

A street with historic buildings, a mountain in the background, and a starry sky.

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A forest stream with rocks and trees.

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