North Carolina

Travel Guide
Billy Graham Library featuring heritage architecture and autumn leaves
Soaring mountain peaks, atmospheric islands and a fascinating colonial past make North Carolina an exciting state with trendy, welcoming cities.

Visit North Carolina for a trip that combines wilderness escapes in dramatic mountains, city breaks exploring museums and relaxation by the Atlantic coast. The “Tar Heel State” offers such a diverse array of attractions that it is a consistently surprising and exhilarating destination.

Visit the mysterious island of Roanoke to learn about North Carolina’s colonial past. This barrier island was the landing and settling point of more than 100 colonists in 1587 who disappeared without a trace. Follow in the footsteps of the infamous Lost Colony in the town of Manteo and at the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site.

Explore North Carolina’s creative, colorful cities. Asheville is located in the mountains in the west of the state and features a combination of historical and artistic sites. Roam the expansive grounds of Biltmore, one of the largest stately homes in America. The River Arts District has several independent galleries and stores.

Families will enjoy the thriving city of Charlotte, which features several all-ages attractions. Engage with science at the Discovery Place or plunge down rides at Carowinds. The city also has botanic gardens, pleasant parks and museums dedicated to NASCAR and aviation.

Drive along the spectacular Blue Ridge Parkway into the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Bring your binoculars to spot black bears roaming through the landscape in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you can hike along miles of trails.

Relax on the state’s coastline and explore scenic barrier islands. Learn to surf at Wrightsville Beach or escape to the solitude of quiet Hatteras Island or undeveloped Cape Lookout. The Wright Brothers National Memorial, located in the Kill Devil Hills, commemorates humankind’s first powered flight.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is one of the busiest transport hubs in America, offering several flights to destinations around the U.S. and beyond.

The best time of year to visit North Carolina depends on what you want to do. Head to the southern coastal areas in spring or fall for warm but mild days by the ocean. Explore the northern mountains in summer for the clearest weather.

Where to stay in North Carolina

Charlotte Center City showing outdoor art and modern architecture

Uptown Charlotte

4.5/5(2,123 area reviews)

Boasting a bustling business district, Uptown Charlotte offers over 245 restaurants, 50 nightspots, and attractions like the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Easily accessible via the Lynx Blue Line, it's perfect for sports enthusiasts and foodies alike.

Uptown Charlotte
Default Image

Downtown Raleigh

4.5/5(65 area reviews)

While visiting Downtown Raleigh, you might make a stop by sights like Marbles Kids Museums and North Carolina Museum of History.

Downtown Raleigh
On a recent trip to Charlotte, we were turned on to this delicious spot by a member of our film crew.

Though almost every upscale sushi restaurant strives to be innovative, Baku really pulls it off. Unusual and exciting favors can be discovered in their unique signature rolls. The tuna tartare was a tasty surprise. 

Great selection of cocktails and sakes. Very professional, upscale service, cozy modern atmosphere. Highly recommended.

#Food #Delicious

SouthPark

4.5/5(219 area reviews)

Experience upscale shopping at SouthPark Mall, featuring high-end designers like Louis Vuitton and Gucci, or explore nearby complexes like The Village at SouthPark. Easily accessible via CATS buses and I-77, the area also offers a popular route for runners along the SouthPark Corridor.

SouthPark
Yummy fried egg!

Ballantyne

4.5/5(199 area reviews)

Explore Ballantyne Village's diverse restaurants and outdoor spaces, or marvel at the 30-foot monuments symbolizing Charlotte's spirit at Johnston Road and Ballantyne Commons intersection. Enjoy rooftop dining in the Panorama Tower.

Ballantyne
Asheville

Downtown Asheville

4.5/5(969 area reviews)

Travelers to Downtown Asheville praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Grove Arcade and Pack Square.

Downtown Asheville
Outer Banks showing fishing, general coastal views and a sandy beach

South Nags Head

4.5/5(43 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in South Nags Head, Bodie Island Lighthouse and Oregon Inlet Fishing Center are top sights worth seeing.

South Nags Head
Quality Inn & Suites Airport
Quality Inn & Suites Airport
2.5 out of 5
3100 Queen City Drive, Charlotte, NC
The price is $74 per night from Nov 20 to Nov 21
$74
includes taxes & fees
$64 per night
Nov 20 - Nov 21
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Charlotte. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,568 reviews)
"Good for the price! Shuttle great."

Reviewed on Oct 31, 2024

Quality Inn & Suites Airport
Sheraton Charlotte Hotel
Sheraton Charlotte Hotel
4 out of 5
555 South McDowell Street, South Tower, Charlotte, NC
The price is $205 per night from Nov 10 to Nov 11
$205
includes taxes & fees
$178 per night
Nov 10 - Nov 11
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Charlotte. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,334 reviews)
"Had a great experience. Staff was very kind, especially Ron Shuler the night manager."

Reviewed on Oct 30, 2024

Sheraton Charlotte Hotel
Omni Charlotte Hotel
Omni Charlotte Hotel
4 out of 5
132 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC
The price is $220 per night from Nov 17 to Nov 18
$220
includes taxes & fees
$191 per night
Nov 17 - Nov 18
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Charlotte. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a health club, and WiFi (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,054 reviews)
"Clean property with a very warm and friendly staff. Chris at the valet was fantastic. The bar food was great. Location is close to everything. Having a Walgreens and Starbucks in the lower lobby was super convenient."

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2024

Omni Charlotte Hotel
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.
Long Cove Resort & Marina
Long Cove Resort & Marina
3 out of 5
14629 Rainbarrel Rd, Charlotte, NC
Stay at this 3-star beach cabin in Charlotte. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Carowinds Theme Park and Oakton are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (96 reviews)
"Loved the room view of the lake porch to set on will gladly stay there again"

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2024

Long Cove Resort & Marina
Kasa FreeMoreWest Charlotte
Kasa FreeMoreWest Charlotte
4 out of 5
2109 Morton St, Charlotte, NC
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Charlotte. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (417 reviews)
"The only thing the apt needs is a good paint job. Too many dirty walls and straches. But apt was clean and had everything we needed."

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2024

Kasa FreeMoreWest Charlotte
Oceanside luxury in Pine Island with private pool, hot tub, and game room
Oceanside luxury in Pine Island with private pool, hot tub, and game room
Corolla
Stay at this vacation home in Corolla. Enjoy private pools, a water park, and tennis courts. Popular attractions Currituck Banks and Tar Cove Marsh are located ...
6/10 (3 reviews)
Not very clean
"We checked in on Thursday, September 26; called that night to report 2 tvs not working (and it wasn't wifi), texted about the tvs again on the 27th...never heard from anyone about the tvs. One toilet would not flush, someone finally came about 13 hours before check out. There were ants in the kitchen ..."

Reviewed on Sep 30, 2024

Oceanside luxury in Pine Island with private pool, hot tub, and game room
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.

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