Things to do

Best Things To Do In Charlotte, North Carolina

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From art spots like the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center and Levine Center for the Arts to sports attractions like the Charlotte Motor Speedway and NASCAR Hall of Fame, there's tons to explore in this place.

The weather here is good for outdoor activities all year long. You can walk along the trails of Little Sugar Creek Greenway, relax at Lake Norman, or try rafting at the U.S. National Whitewater Center.

Bank of America Stadium

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Bank of America Stadium, situated in the bustling Uptown Charlotte area, serves as the home turf for the Carolina Panthers football team. Since its opening in 1996, this open-air stadium with natural grass has been tailored specifically for football games.

In addition to hosting Panthers' games, the stadium also welcomes concerts and various major events throughout the year. It's a hub of entertainment and excitement in the heart of Charlotte.

Discovery Place Science

Have fun exploring lots of cool stuff at Discovery Place Science! This museum is all about making science, technology, math, and nature exciting and easy to understand. You can play with interactive exhibits, join fun activities in Charlotte, and attend programs to learn new things.

You can learn how things work in Explore More Stuff and make your creations in Thinker Space. Plus, they have the biggest IMAX screen in the Carolinas!

Old Settlers’ Cemetery

You can visit the Old Settlers’ Cemetery on your own or as part of a to-do Charlotte tour. This cemetery was open from 1774 to 1878 and is where many of Charlotte's first settlers and important families are buried. 

You can find a directory and map of graves at the cemetery entrance, and there are plaques with more information outside the cemetery on West Fifth Street. With benches and paths shaded by oak trees, it's a nice place for people who live or work nearby to relax.

Mint Museum of Art

Charlotte NC stuff to do for those into arts can have a great time exploring The Mint Museum. It's the oldest art museum to visit in North Carolina and has a huge collection of over 35,000 objects.

You can explore all kinds of art, including Ancient American, Native American, American, European, and Contemporary pieces, at its two locations: Mint Museum Randolph and Mint Museum Uptown. It's a great place to spend some time diving into the world of art!

US National Whitewater Center

If you love water activities, you'll have a blast at the US National Whitewater Center. You can try whitewater rafting, adventure rafting, rodeo rafting, family rafting, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.

And if you're into climbing, you can choose from wall climbing, bouldering, and deep-water soloing. Plus, there's ziplining, high jumping, and a ropes course for more adventure. With around 40 miles of trails, you can also enjoy walking, hiking, and biking.

Carowinds

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Have an exciting day full of rides and fun at Carowinds! It's the only amusement park that stretches across North and South Carolina. With over 60 rides and attractions, including the biggest water park in the area, it's perfect for families and thrill-seekers.

You can enjoy 14 rollercoasters, like Fury 325, a giga coaster, and the Intimidator, one of the tallest, fastest, and longest hypercoasters. There are also plenty of other rides, attractions, and live entertainment.

Bechtler Museum of Modern Art

The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, designed by famous Swiss architect Mario Botta, is a four-story building with a beautiful terracotta exterior and a tall glass atrium. Begin your visit to the impressive fourth-floor gallery, which extends out without support beams. 

From there, explore the museum downwards. The collection mainly focuses on European art, with highlights including the European Perspective and the School of Paris. This collection includes various types of art like drawings, paintings, sculptures, and tapestries.

Freedom Park

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You can have fun walking and biking on the trails at Freedom Park. If you like sports, you can play baseball, basketball, volleyball, or tennis there. You can also go fishing for bass, catfish, and bluegill in the lake. 

At this park in Charlotte NC activities for kids are also unlimited with two on-site playgrounds. Bring your picnic to enjoy on the grass, or cook your food on one of the outdoor grills. While in the summer, you can watch free movies and listen to live music at the bandshell.

Charlotte Motor Speedway

Get ready to rev up your excitement at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, known as "America's Home for Racing." This speedway hosts some of NASCAR's most thrilling races and a packed schedule of other racing events.

You can also take behind-the-scenes tours and enjoy racing experiences. For more racing thrills, don't miss the NASCAR Hall of Fame, which boasts over 50 interactive exhibits, artifacts, a theater, a broadcast studio, and a restaurant.

Historic Rosedale Plantation

Step into history at Historic Rosedale Plantation, built in 1815 near Uptown Charlotte. Admire the beauty of its elegant federal-style architecture and meticulously restored houses and gardens. 

Start with a guided tour led by knowledgeable docents to explore the 15-room mansion, furnished with authentic period pieces and original details. Learn about plantation life, architecture, and decorative arts. Afterward, stroll through the gardens and big tree museum, showcasing historic Treasure Trees.

Wing Haven Garden and Bird Sanctuary

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Just a mile from bustling Uptown Charlotte is the serene Wing Haven, offering a peaceful escape into nature. This hidden gem boasts enclosed brick gardens and a bird sanctuary, with charming pathways and landscaped greens. 

Follow the paths to discover picturesque spots like wisteria-covered arches, tranquil pools and fountains, and meticulously manicured hedgerows. It's a great things to do Charlotte North Carolina that helps to relax in nature after a hectic long day.

UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens

Activities in Charlotte NC can never go wrong when it includes serene nature. When it comes to nature, a trip to the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens is a must-do to appreciate the plants and stunning botanical displays

With two outdoor gardens and a lively greenhouse, it offers beauty and inspiration throughout the year. Whether you're casually wandering through the vast grounds or discovering the variety of plant life, the botanical gardens provide an ideal escape for nature lovers.

SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord

Explore an exciting underwater voyage from North Carolina's rivers to the ocean's depths at SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium. Nestled in the Concord Mills Mall, this aquarium showcases over 5,000 sea creatures. 

It's a perfect place to visit to enjoy a diverse range of marine life, from jellyfish and rays to sea turtles, octopuses, and various species of fish and sharks. Don't miss the visitor favorite: the 180-degree underwater tunnel, where different creatures swim overhead.

Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts & Culture

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Don't forget to include the Harvey B. Gantt Center on your list of things to do in Charlotte if you're interested in learning about the city's history.

This spot features the John and Vivian Hewitt Collection of African-American Art, boasting over 50 works by 20 artists, including Jonathan Green, and Elizabeth Catlett. 

Additionally, the center offers rotating exhibitions and various events like lectures and classes covering photography, sculpture, film, dance, music, and poetry.

Fourth Ward

The Fourth Ward in Charlotte is one of the city's historic and most beautiful places, covering about 30 blocks. Families and people who enjoy picnics often visit Fourth Ward Park, which has a playground, walking trails, and pretty water fountains. 

Also, there are themed comedy bus tours and haunted walking tours available, offering fun or spooky experiences along with interesting local facts.

Little Sugar Creek Greenway

The Little Sugar Creek Greenway is a collection of trails, paths, parks, and streams made up of four parts downstream of Charlotte. It goes from Cordelia Park to just above Uptown and is perfect for people who love being outside.

It's made for walkers, runners, cyclists, and parents pushing strollers, but there are also benches for anyone who wants to sit and enjoy the scenery—or watch people passing by.

Blumenthal Performing Arts Center

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The Blumenthal is Charlotte's main hub for culture, including the Belk Theater, Booth Playhouse, and Stage Door Theater. It's where you go to experience a diverse range of performing arts, from dance and classical music to live theater and comedy.

You can catch famous performers like Diana Krall and Andy Grammer, as well as Broadway shows and poetry slams, or enjoy family-friendly shows like Frozen and Blue Man Group. 

Crowders Mountain State Park

Crowders Mountain State Park is a dream come true for people who love the outdoors. With 11 trails to explore, canoe rentals, a nine-acre lake for fishing, and the chance to camp in the backcountry, there are plenty of things to in Charlotte's state park. 

You can also try rock climbing and bouldering with a permit. The view from the top is amazing, especially on clear days when you can see for miles and maybe even catch sight of Charlotte's skyline.