18 Best Things To Do In Boone, North Carolina

The Daniel Boone Native Gardens in Boone is a 3.4-acre park with over 200 native plant species. Established in 1963 and managed by the Garden Club of North Carolina, Inc., visitors can stroll through the gardens, attend educational programs, and enjoy family-friendly events.

Additionally, situated on Horn in the West Drive, the gardens offer scenic views and activities for all ages, making it a serene and must-visit spot for nature enthusiasts and those on budget-friendly vacations.

Brookshire Park has a 2.8-mile loop trail, known for being easy and taking about 1 hour and 5 minutes to finish. It's ideal for hiking, offering tranquility with minimal encounters, making it one of the Boone North Carolina attractions.

Situated by the South Fork of the New River and close to the Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex on Brookshire Road, it's a scenic spot for a relaxed walk, perfect for nature lovers seeking a peaceful outdoor escape.

Downtown Boone offers a vibrant historic experience, with a walking tour exploring its rich history linked to Daniel Boone. It's home to the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts and the Jones House Cultural & Community Center, featuring local art and concerts.

The area, bustling with University students and locals, offers diverse dining, shopping, and entertainment options, including the Horton Hotel's rooftop lounge. It's a must-visit destination blending history, culture, and modern amenities.

The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts is a top spot for art lovers. As part of Appalachian State University, it's the largest visual arts center in the region, featuring six galleries showcasing changing exhibitions by national and regional artists.

Additionally, the center hosts educational workshops for all ages and outreach programs. Known for its diverse offerings, visitors can enjoy free exhibitions, gallery tours, and ARTalks, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts of all ages.

Moses H. Cone Memorial Park is a historic estate that features the Flat Top Manor, a 23-room Colonial Revival mansion, set amidst 3,500 acres of land with 25 miles of carriage trails, lakes, and apple orchards.

Visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing on well-maintained trails. The estate also includes a family cemetery, carriage and apple barn, and a craft shop featuring handmade crafts by regional artists.

Driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of the most beautiful places provides a relaxed journey through breathtaking scenery. With speeds of 35 to 45 mph, visitors can access over 50 hiking trails, 20+ overlooks, and vibrant seasonal views.

Additionally, visitors can experience scenic vistas, picnics, hiking, and RVing, but need to stay mindful of wildlife, cyclists, and maintenance closures near Boone, including a full closure just north of Deep Gap.

The Cascades Trail near Boone offers a short and easy hike with beautiful scenery, perfect for families or a simple stroll. The trail is about half a mile each way, forming a loop along the Blue Ridge Parkway, featuring the impressive Cascade Falls.

Winding through a shady forest, visitors can enjoy the sound of a stream and learn about the local trees from interpretive plaques. Caution is advised near the waterfall overlooks, and visitors should respect wildlife and trail guidelines.

Tweetsie Railroad is a family-friendly Wild West theme park and heritage railroad. Visitors can enjoy a train ride, live shows, and amusement rides. It also hosts special events like the Ghost Train Halloween Celebration and Tweetsie Christmas.

Conveniently located between downtown Blowing Rock and Boone, it's a great day trip that offers a fun experience for all ages, letting them step back in time and enjoy the Wild West excitement.

The Blue Ridge Mountains offers a variety of hiking trails and exciting outdoor adventures with breathtaking views. Walking the trails, you'll enjoy the beauty of lush forests and sweeping vistas. The fresh mountain air and diverse wildlife add to the experience.

Whether you're up for a challenge or a leisurely stroll, exploring these mountains promises unforgettable moments of tranquility and awe. This makes the hike one of the fun things to do in Boone North Carolina.

Exploring Grandfather Mountain offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural significance. As an iconic peak in the Blue Ridge range, it boasts stunning views, diverse wildlife, and recreational activities like hiking and crossing the Mile High Swinging Bridge.

Additionally, the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery provides educational exhibits on geology and wildlife. Visitors also learn about the mountain's history and conservation efforts, making it an engaging destination for nature enthusiasts.

Trash Can Falls, also called Laurel Creek Falls is one of the prime attractions Boone NC offers, standing at 15-30 feet tall it is a popular swimming hole among locals. The hike is short, about 0.3 miles round trip, on a dirt and rock trail.

However, visitors should follow safety guidelines, like leashing pets and avoiding swimming near the falls' base. Despite precautions, it offers a picturesque setting, ideal for outdoor escapade with a stunning waterfall to enjoy.

Appalachian Ski Mountain offers skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. With four terrain parks, it's great for snowboarders and freestyle skiers. There are beginner areas and a ski school for all skill levels and the Appalachian Ice Arena adds to the fun.

Additionally, their First Timer's Guide ensures a safe and enjoyable experience, even for kids. Conveniently located in Blowing Rock, near Boone, it's a popular winter spot for locals and tourists alike.

Exploring Blowing Rock village, one of the best places to visit offers a charming experience with its quaint shops, eateries, and galleries. Visitors can stroll through historic streets, visit attractions like The Blowing Rock, and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. 

Moreover, its proximity to other mountain towns and attractions adds to its allure, making it a must-visit for those seeking North Carolina's heritage.

Rocky Knob Park offers thrilling mountain biking on 9-11 miles of trails for all levels. With well-maintained paths, a pump track, and amenities like shelters and a playground, it's a top outdoor destination.

Conveniently located, it's recognized for its quality and safety measures. A favorite among biking enthusiasts, it showcases the area's dedication to outdoor fun making it one of the most fun stuff to do in Boone.

Explore the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum for a glimpse into Appalachian history. Located at Horn in the West, the museum showcases authentic log cabins and offers demonstrations of traditional crafts like weaving and blacksmithing.

Moreover, with hands-on education and self-guided tours during the Horn in the West season, it's a must-see for those interested in the region's rich heritage. This museum is one of Boone NC attractions that is a must-visit when you are there.

Visit the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country for a diverse range of live performances, including concerts, films, plays, and dance shows. After the renovation in 2019, this historic venue offers a state-of-the-art setting with impressive acoustics.

It's a vibrant cultural hub for locals and visitors, with tickets available online and seating options in both the lower orchestra section and the balcony. With its rich history and varied programming, the theater is a must-visit for high-quality entertainment in the Boone area.

The Mast General Store is the state's oldest rural historic district. Initially operated by the Mast Family until the early 1970s, it gained national recognition in April 1973. After being sold to a couple from Florida with local roots, it reopened in 1980 with a revamped inventory.

The store's annex sits on land bought in 1780 for a rifle, a dog, and a sheepskin. It remains a historic treasure in North Carolina and is a must-visit store for anyone visiting Boone.

Enjoy thrilling white water rafting with outfitters like Edge of the World, High Mountain, and Wahoo's Adventures. They offer guided trips on rivers like Nolichucky, Watauga, and Wilson Creek, suitable for all. These rivers are famous for their scenic beauty and challenging rapids.

Moreover, with expert guides and good gear, it's a safe and fun adventure in the Appalachian Mountains, perfect for beginners and pros alike.