Touristy Things To Do In North Carolina

See exotic animals from around the world at the Asheboro Zoo, including lions, tigers, and giraffes. The zoo is divided into two main sections: North America and Africa. Each section features expansive habitats designed to replicate the animals' natural environments.

The Africa Trek experience offers visitors the opportunity to embark on a guided tour of the zoo's African habitats aboard an open-air tram. During the tour, knowledgeable guides provide fascinating insights into the behavior, ecology, and conservation of the animals.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States, is renowned for its distinctive black and white candy cane stripes. Climbing its 267 steps rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding coastline.

Explore the informative exhibits within the lighthouse, detailing its history, construction, and the lives of the lighthouse keepers who once braved the elements to maintain its vital light. Guided tours are available throughout the season for this budget-friendly place.

Immerse yourself in world-class art at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh. Discover an extensive collection of European, American, African, and contemporary art, as well as outdoor sculpture gardens.

The museum's state-of-the-art facilities include spacious galleries, outdoor sculpture gardens, a performing arts amphitheater, and a sculpture park featuring over 30 works of art set amidst landscaped grounds and walking trails.

Embark on an exhilarating whitewater rafting adventure in the Nantahala Gorge, surrounded by lush forests and cascading waterfalls. The best time for these things to do in North Carolina USA is in the spring and early summer, when the water levels are high.

The Nantahala River offers rapids ranging from Class II to Class III. The Class II rapids provide a fun and splashy experience with manageable waves and drops, while the Class III rapids offer a bit more challenge with steeper drops and stronger currents.

Renowned for its rugged beauty, diverse ecosystems, and breathtaking views, Grandfather Mountain offers visitors a wide range of outdoor recreational activities. It boasts over 12 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry routes.

The trails traverse diverse terrain, including rocky outcrops, lush forests, and alpine meadows. Popular hikes include the Profile Trail, which leads to the summit of Grandfather Mountain, and the Grandfather Trail, a rugged and demanding trek along the mountain's crest.

Explore the Museum of the Cherokee Indian in Cherokee and learn about the history and culture of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Beyond historical exhibits, the museum brings Cherokee culture to life through various interactive experiences.

Immerse yourself in the sounds of the Cherokee language through audio recordings and interactive displays. Witness the intricate craftsmanship of traditional clothing and adornments, and gain appreciation for the artistic heritage of the Cherokee people.

As the train departs from Bryson City, it winds its way through lush forests, alongside rivers and streams, and past picturesque valleys and mountains. The landscape offers colors in the fall, vibrant greens in the spring and summer, and tranquil beauty in the winter.

The railroad offers a variety of excursions, including scenic rides through the best places to travel such as Nantahala Gorge, Tuckasegee River Valley, and the Smoky Mountains. This train ride makes it easy for places visit North Carolina.

Whether you're seeking heart-pounding roller coasters, splashtastic water park rides, family-friendly fun, or live entertainment, Carowinds promises an unforgettable adventure. It boasts an impressive lineup of 14 roller coasters, catering to different thrill levels. 

Carolina Harbor, included with park admission, is a 26-acre water park featuring thrilling slides, relaxing pools, and family-friendly attractions. It includes Boogie Board Racer, Blue Falls Pipeline, Carolina Clawdrop, Caribbean Cooler Lazy River, and Atlantis Adventure Island.

With its miles of pristine coastline, tranquil sounds, and abundant wildlife, the Outer Banks provides an ideal setting for paddling adventures. Experienced paddlers may venture into the Atlantic Ocean, particularly in calm conditions and near shore. 

Paddle alongside dolphins as they play in the waves or search for sea turtles swimming in the shallows. Keep your eyes peeled for rays, crabs, and other marine creatures. Also, birds herons, egrets, pelicans, ospreys, and even the occasional bald eagle can be spotted.

Standing tall atop Kill Devil Hill, the Wright Brothers National Memorial overlooks the very spot where the first sustained, controlled flight by a heavier-than-air machine took place. The landscape itself holds historical significance, as the steady winds and open beaches of the Outer Banks provided the ideal conditions for the Wright brothers' experiments.

The Wright Brothers National Memorial is open every day except December 25th. The park offers free admission and the guided tours are available for a fee, making it perfect for budget-friendly travelers.

Explore the diverse marine life of the Atlantic Ocean at the North Carolina Aquarium, with locations in Pine Knoll Shores, Roanoke Island, and Hatteras Village. The Pine Knoll Shores location highlights the rich biodiversity of the state's estuaries, salt marshes, and barrier islands.

The Fort Fisher showcases the diversity of coastal habitats, from sandy beaches and tidal pools to offshore reefs and shipwrecks. The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island offers visitors a glimpse into the diverse aquatic environments found along North Carolina's coast and beyond.

Your to do North Carolina list is incomplete without panning for emeralds, sapphires, and other gemstones in the Appalachian Mountains. There are two main ways to experience this activity, one is commercial gem mines whereas the other one is fee digs and public sites.

Many family-friendly mines offer guided experiences with buckets of pre-planted gems, perfect for beginners and children. For the more adventurous, fee digs and public sites allow you to explore designated areas and uncover gems hidden naturally within the earth.

Old Salem preserves a remarkably intact 18th-century architectural landscape and provides a living history experience through its meticulously restored buildings, interactive museums, and costumed interpreters.

Visitors to Old Salem can immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and smells of 18th-century life through guided tours and hands-on activities. Old Salem's beautifully landscaped gardens and green spaces offer a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Experience the thrill of a NASCAR race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, one of the most famous racetracks in the world. Whether you're a die-hard NASCAR fan or simply seeking an adrenaline-pumping experience, a race at Charlotte Motor Speedway promises an unforgettable day.

Witness heart-pounding racing as skilled drivers push their cars to the limit, reaching speeds of over 200 mph on the oval and navigating technical turns on the Roval. Feel the energy and excitement of tens of thousands of passionate fans cheering for their favorite drivers and teams.

Take a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile route offering stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, one of the things to see North Carolina. The road meanders through lush forests and past panoramic overlooks that offer sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and peaks.

Whether you're driving in the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom, in the summer when the forests are lush and green, in the fall when the foliage bursts into vibrant colors, or in the winter when snow blankets the landscape, each season offers its own unique charm.

Tour the Biltmore Estate, the largest privately owned home in the United States, and marvel at its grandeur and opulent gardens. The centerpiece of the estate is the 250-room Biltmore House. Explore its 135,280 square feet of living space.

Stroll through the meticulously landscaped gardens, encompassing 8,000 acres of diverse scenery. Each season at the Biltmore Estate offers unique experiences. Witness the dazzling Christmas decorations, celebrate spring with blooming gardens, or enjoy the crisp autumn air and vibrant foliage.

Hike, camp, or drive through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, home to diverse plant and animal life and stunning scenery. Encompassing over 800,000 acres of mountains, valleys, forests, and waterfalls, it is one of the best places to visit in North Carolina.

Keep your eyes peeled for the park's diverse wildlife, including black bears, elk, white-tailed deer, and over 240 species of birds. Be sure to follow safety guidelines and maintain a respectful distance from all animals.

Places to travel North Carolina that should be on your bucket list is the Biltmore Village. Stroll through this charming area, filled with shops, restaurants, and art galleries, and soak in the historic atmosphere.

You can take a leisurely stroll along the tree-lined streets and relax in one of the village's picturesque parks. Savor farm-to-table dishes at The Corner Kitchen, indulge in French-inspired cuisine at Fig Bistro, or sample Southern comfort food at Tupelo Honey.

Prepare to be awestruck by the gorge's dramatic scenery, featuring sheer cliffs plunging hundreds of feet, cascading waterfalls, and dense hardwood-pine forests teeming with diverse flora and fauna.

Anglers can cast their lines in the Linville River, known for its healthy trout population, and enjoy the serenity of the surrounding wilderness. Nature photographers can capture the essence of this breathtaking landscape, from cascading waterfalls and vibrant wildflowers to majestic rock formations and panoramic vistas.

Wander through the charming streets of Downtown Asheville, known for its eclectic mix of art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and breweries. Don't miss the chance to sample local specialties like Appalachian barbecue, artisanal cheese, and craft beer. 

Downtown Asheville is a haven for artists and art enthusiasts alike, with numerous galleries, studios, and public art installations. Explore the Asheville City Market, held every Saturday, for locally grown produce, handmade goods, and live music.