As one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States, North Carolina offers scenic mountains, spectacular beaches, and a rich southern charm. A diverse landscape, historic sites, and vibrant arts and culture make North Carolina an appealing tourist destination throughout the year. Aside from mountains, visitors can hike, ski, ride horseback, and surf along the Atlantic coast.

Aside from its residents’ natural beauty and warm welcome, the Tarheel State offers many things to see and do. Whenever you come to North Carolina, always count on obx oceanfront hotels for the best ever and memorable stay. From here, you can easily access the popular destinations.

North Carolina has something for everyone, whether you’re a beach bum, an outdoor enthusiast, interested in hiking, or simply enjoying exploring quaint, historic towns. Here you will get the list of places to visit and things to do in North Carolina.

Best Places To Visit In North Carolina

To make a final decision regarding your North Carolina vacation, you should understand the attractions and places worth visiting around the state. Take your time when booking, and plan your itinerary accordingly.

Great Smoky Mountains

There are many reasons to visit the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina. Among the top things to do in North Carolina, this is one of the most popular national parks in the country. The Blue Ridge Mountain subrange has lush forests, open meadows, and various native plants and animals.

It is popular for hikers, bikers, fishermen, and campers to engage in these activities here. Various trails are available, ranging from easy strolls along rivers to more difficult uphill climbs. This park has something for everyone, making it an excellent place for families. 

Outer Banks

 Outer Banks are the outermost islands of North Carolina, situated on its east coast. This area comprises 130 islands, each with its own beach and coastal town, making the Outer Banks a unique vacation destination. You can stay at comfort inn north oceanfront hotels to have a peaceful and relaxing environment.

The Outer Banks, plenty of family-friendly attractions make it a good vacation destination. There’s a lot to do at Carolina Beach for the whole family. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Cape Lookout National Seashore are great for untouched nature and adventure. The perfect Outer Banks vacation is in Nags Head, which has both.

Mount Mitchell State Park

Located 6,366 feet above sea level, Mount Mitchell is the highest spot east of the Mississippi. One of my favorite parks in the region, and it’s a perfect day trip from Asheville.

Accessible by car, the viewing platform is a short walk from the park of the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can take 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains from the platform’s top. This park is a great place to hike if you enjoy the beautiful scenery.

 Biltmore Estate

Among the top American families, the Vanderbilts owned the Biltmore Estate & Gardens, which George Vanderbilt built in the late 1800s. Its 250 rooms house a collection of antiques, artwork, and forests covering 8,000 acres.

The entry fee of approximately $75 includes a self-guided tour of the house and gardens and a winery tasting tour.  Besides dining and shopping at Antler Hill Village, you can ride a trail bike, take a carriage ride, ride horses, or raft down the river.

Chimney Rock State Park

Asheville, North Carolina’s principal vacation destination, is home to Chimney Rock State Park.

The park’s enormous, natural granite spire is a significant attraction, reaching 315 feet in height at 2,280 feet, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding area.

For those who want to avoid climbing the 500 or so steps to the top of the chimney, an elevator is available that will take you straight up the 26 stories to its peak if you’re not into walking up the 26 stories.

Hanging Rock State Park

Located just north of Winston-Salem, Hanging Rock State Park is a popular destination in the Piedmont region. It is a nature park with everything you could desire: trails, camping, picnic areas, rivers, and waterfalls. A beach is available for swimming and canoeing in this nature park.

Located near the Great Smoky Mountains but not too far from them, Hanging Rock State Park is the perfect location for a nature getaway. This 2.6-mile roundtrip trail offers panoramic views and is considered one of the most popular hikes in the area.

Charlotte

As the state’s largest city, Charlotte is one of the most populated cities in the nation. Charlotte offers a wide variety of amenities and attractions. With such a wide range of attractions, Charlotte is among the most popular tourist destinations in the state.

Dining, shopping, and entertainment are available in Uptown and the surrounding neighborhoods, such as NoDa and Plaza Midwood. Attractions such as Carowinds, the Nascar Hall of Fame, and the National Whitewater Center are nearby.

Since Charlotte is located in the Piedmont region, it is also a great place for day trips to other major cities in North Carolina.

Conclusion

There are many different vacation spots to visit in North Carolina. Most of them are fairly close to each other for a compact weekend getaway because of the state’s rich history, heritage, and culture.

This list should help narrow down your options regarding where to visit North Carolina, regardless of how long you plan to stay there.