North Carolina

United States of America
North Carolina featuring forests, a waterfall and a river or creek
Soaring mountain peaks, atmospheric islands and a fascinating colonial past make North Carolina an exciting state with trendy, welcoming cities.

Visit North Carolina for a trip that combines wilderness escapes in dramatic mountains, city breaks exploring museums and relaxation by the Atlantic coast. The “Tar Heel State” offers such a diverse array of attractions that it is a consistently surprising and exhilarating destination.

Visit the mysterious island of Roanoke to learn about North Carolina’s colonial past. This barrier island was the landing and settling point of more than 100 colonists in 1587 who disappeared without a trace. Follow in the footsteps of the infamous Lost Colony in the town of Manteo and at the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site.

Explore North Carolina’s creative, colorful cities. Asheville is located in the mountains in the west of the state and features a combination of historical and artistic sites. Roam the expansive grounds of Biltmore, one of the largest stately homes in America. The River Arts District has several independent galleries and stores.

Families will enjoy the thriving city of Charlotte, which features several all-ages attractions. Engage with science at the Discovery Place or plunge down rides at Carowinds. The city also has botanic gardens, pleasant parks and museums dedicated to NASCAR and aviation.

Drive along the spectacular Blue Ridge Parkway into the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Bring your binoculars to spot black bears roaming through the landscape in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you can hike along miles of trails.

Relax on the state’s coastline and explore scenic barrier islands. Learn to surf at Wrightsville Beach or escape to the solitude of quiet Hatteras Island or undeveloped Cape Lookout. The Wright Brothers National Memorial, located in the Kill Devil Hills, commemorates humankind’s first powered flight.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is one of the busiest transport hubs in America, offering several flights to destinations around the U.S. and beyond.

The best time of year to visit North Carolina depends on what you want to do. Head to the southern coastal areas in spring or fall for warm but mild days by the ocean. Explore the northern mountains in summer for the clearest weather.

Popular cities in North Carolina

Charlotte
Charlotte
Known for Sports, Theatres and Live music
Visit one of the world’s banking capitals, with top art centers, museums and spectator sports in North Carolina’s beautiful Central Piedmont region.

Reasons to visit

  • Spectrum Center
  • Charlotte Convention Center
  • NASCAR Hall of Fame
Raleigh
Raleigh
Known for Universities, Sports and Theatres

Reasons to visit

  • Duke University
  • North Carolina State University
  • PNC Arena
Basilica of Saint Lawrence featuring religious elements, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
Asheville
Known for Mountains, Live music and Theatres
Artists, gourmets and outdoor enthusiasts will all feel right at home in North Carolina’s “Paris of the South.”

Reasons to visit

  • Biltmore Estate
  • Asheville Outlets
  • University of North Carolina at Asheville
Wilmington which includes an administrative building
Wilmington
Known for Beaches, Sea and Rivers
Climb aboard a World War II battleship in this port city and catch a show at a theater that pre-dates the American Civil War.

Reasons to visit

  • Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts
  • Riverwalk
  • Battleship North Carolina
Winston - Salem which includes heritage elements, a house and interior views
Winston-Salem
Known for Dining, Shopping and Forests

Reasons to visit

  • Old Salem
  • Reynolda Gardens
  • Bowman Gray Stadium
Greensboro which includes night scenes, modern architecture and a city
Greensboro
Known for Shopping, Universities and Theatres
This city in the picturesque heartland of North Carolina is known for its beautiful landscapes, family attractions and the significant role it played in the War of Independence.

Reasons to visit

  • Greensboro Coliseum
  • Greensboro Science Center