These are the best places to travel this summer

North Carolina

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Linn Cove Viaduct Blue Ridge Parkway in autumn

Cars travel on the Linn Cove Viaduct highway road on the Grandfather Mountain along the Blue Ridge Parkway in autumn North Carolina USA

© Pgiam / Getty

LONELY PLANET’S RECOMMENDED eSIM

Stay connected in North Carolina

with

Saily is an affordable eSIM service that helps you stay connected and secure, anywhere in the world.

Get your eSIM

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

  • The Biltmore Estate in Asheville.

    Biltmore Estate

    Asheville

    Charmed by Asheville's natural beauty, shipping and railroad heir George Washington Vanderbilt II decided to build a summer home modeled after three…

  • Woman sculpting clay on a spinning wheel at Old Salem Museums & Gardens. Old Salem Museums & Gardens, located in Winston-Salem, is one of the nation's shining examples of living history dating back to the 18th century.

    Old Salem

    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…

  • Rendering of the new Carolina Aviation Museum, set to open in 2023.

    Sullenberger Aviation Museum

    Charlotte

    The Sullenberger Aviation Museum, honoring Captain Chesley Burnett “Sully” Sullenberger III, is located at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

  • Asheville Art Museum

    Asheville Art Museum

    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, North Carolina, USA - January 15, 2020: The Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina, a museum and library documenting the life and ministry of Christian evangelist Billy Graham.

    Billy Graham Library

    Charlotte

    This multimedia 'library' celebrates superstar evangelist and 'pastor to the presidents' Billy Graham, who was born in Charlotte in 1918 and died just…

  • African-American History

    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,…

  • Charlotte, NC, USA-30 May 2021: College St. side view of the Levine Museum of the New South building.

    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…

  • NASCAR Hall of Fame

    NASCAR Hall of Fame

    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 article

Best Places to Visit

North Carolina attracts history buffs, outdoor lovers, foodies, families, and couples in search of a romantic getaway.

Read article

Best 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 article

Free 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 article

Best 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 article

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in North Carolina