North Carolina
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Overview
From the mighty mountains in the west to the ethereal islands lining the Atlantic coast, North Carolina has limitless opportunities for outdoor adventures, matched with the dynamic cities of Raleigh, Charlotte, Durham and Asheville.
Attractions
Must-see attractions
Asheville
Charmed by Asheville's natural beauty, shipping and railroad heir George Washington Vanderbilt II decided to build a summer home modeled after three…
North Carolina
The beautifully preserved core of the Moravian settlement of Salem extends across several blocks south of downtown. You’re not obliged to pay for…
Charlotte
The Sullenberger Aviation Museum, honoring Captain Chesley Burnett “Sully” Sullenberger III, is located at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
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Asheville
The glass-fronted West Wing is a showstopping introduction to this downtown museum, which is looking sleek after a $24 million renovation that added 70%…
Charlotte
This multimedia 'library' celebrates superstar evangelist and 'pastor to the presidents' Billy Graham, who was born in Charlotte in 1918 and died just…
International Civil Rights Center & Museum
North Carolina
The FW Woolworth store where four black students from North Carolina A&T State University sparked the ‘sit-in’ campaign by ordering coffee on February 1,…
Levine Museum of the New South
Charlotte
Tracing the story of the ‘New South’ that emerged from the ashes of the Civil War, this committed museum explores the years of Reconstruction, Jim Crow…
Charlotte
The race-car simulator ($5) at this rip-roaring Uptown museum hurtles you onto the track and into a 15-car race that feels surprisingly real. Elsewhere,…
Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your trip
Best Things to Do
From edgy street art to quiet strolls at the Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden, Greensboro, North Carolina offers a slew of fun activities for everyone.
Read articleBest Places to Visit
North Carolina attracts history buffs, outdoor lovers, foodies, families, and couples in search of a romantic getaway.
Read articleBest Time to Visit
Whether you want to hit the beach, catch the autumn foliage or enjoy a spectrum of outdoorsy activities, here are the best times to visit North Carolina.
Read articleFree Things to Do
Exploring the gorgeous state of North Carolina doesn't have to break the bank. Here are out favorite free activities, from the mountains to the coast.
Read articleBest Road Trips
While it’s possible to explore by bus or train, there’s nothing quite like navigating the Tar Heel State's curving roads from behind the wheel of a car.
Read articleArticles
Latest stories from North Carolina
Filter by interest:
National Parks
See the best of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and more on this road tripApr 16, 2025 • 11 min read
- Tips & Advice13 best places to visit in North Carolina from the Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks
Sep 9, 2024 • 10 min read
HikingNorth Carolina’s 7 best hikes for waterfalls, fall foliage and mountain viewsSep 26, 2023 • 5 min read
- HikingThe best national parks in North Carolina span mountains, beaches and battlegrounds
Dec 30, 2022 • 5 min read
ActivitiesNorth Carolina’s 5 best road trips from the mountains to the coastJul 10, 2022 • 5 min read
- ActivitiesTop 12 things to do in North Carolina: from mountain escapes to the Outer Banks and grand castles
Jun 19, 2022 • 6 min read
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