Summer is almost here, so it’s time for warmer weather, sunnier days, and vacation getaways. North Carolina has many great vacation spots, whether you’re relaxing on a beach, hiking a waterfall, or roller coaster. There is something for every interest. Spanning from the mountains in the west to the shores of the east.
North Carolina is also known as Old North State and Tar Heel State and has many places and monuments worthy of a visit. In addition to the many towns and cities, there is a lot of nature to explore. Check out some of the most beautiful places to visit in North Carolina.
Brevard
Brevard, NC, is a small town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, but it’s still full of fun things to do this summer. Perhaps the most famous tourist attraction in this area is the sliding rock – a natural “slide” formed by a 60-foot flat boulder, 11,000 gallons of fast-flowing water per minute, and an eight-foot-deep kiddie pool at the bottom. . But that’s not all the area has to offer. There are many other areas to enjoy by mountain biking, hiking, or even zip line, including Pisgah National Forest and Nantahala National Forest. In the center of Brevard, there are many unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants with world-class chefs. And of course, the infamous white squirrels you will see running around the famous city have their festival here every spring!
Bald Head Island
On the east coast of North Carolina, Bald Head Island is like a world of its own. First, the only way to get there is a 20-minute ferry ride from nearby Southport. This means that once you get there, you will feel like you have left the hustle and bustle of the “real world” behind you. You won’t even find any cars on the island! Only hikers, cyclists, and people who get around with the transport of choice – golf carts. There’s plenty of outdoor beauty to be enjoyed here, including 14 miles of pristine beaches and the Bald Head Island Conservancy, where you can take part in a turtle walk during the summer.
Wilmington
The quaint coastal town of Wilmington is the perfect summer getaway thanks to its two beaches and historic downtown. With the upscale community of Wrightsville Beach at one end of the city and the laid-back Carolina Beach community at the other, there are plenty of places to lounge on the sand, cycle into town, or just stroll the gift shops. In addition, Wilmington’s downtown neighborhood is filled with unique restaurants, bars, and shops like the historic outdoor mall, The Cotton Exchange, and several notable tourist attractions like Cape Fear River tours and the United States. Battleship of North Carolina.
Charlotte
The Queen City of Charlotte, North Carolina, is filled with all sorts of things to do in the summer, whether you like sports, the outdoors, or just the sites. First, for sports fans, there are Charlotte Knights baseball games, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and guided tours of the Carolina Panthers Bank of America Stadium held on Wednesday and Friday mornings. Outdoor enthusiasts will want to visit the city’s many parks and green spaces and the National Whitewater Center, where you can go rafting, mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, or taking a ropes course. Or, if you’re just looking to shop and dine, Charlotte has plenty of places for that, too, from the vibrant Center City area to the NoDa arts community and the upscale Southpark area.
Beaufort
Also located on the North Carolina coast, it is the third oldest city in the state, Beaufort. This small seaside town is home to Fort Macon State Park. Other attractions are a restored fort from the Civil War era and the North Carolina Maritime Museum. But, most famously, there’s the Island Express Ferry Service, which offers rides along the Crystal Coast and takes you on a discovery of Shackleford Banks. There you can hunt shells, go fishing or swimming, and if you’re lucky, check out the wild horses in the area.
Beech Mountain
While you might think of Beech Mountain ski town as a winter vacation destination, it’s far from that! Beech Mountain Resort transforms itself from a winter wonderland into a paradise for summer sports and relaxation in the summer. Mountain bikers from beginner to advanced will love to ride trails often used for national championships. In addition, they offer mountain bike lessons and camps if you’re just starting. A professional-grade 18-hole golf course spans 100 acres and offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you want to enjoy the views, but prefer a little more relaxation, check out their Mile High Yoga, which takes place on a platform atop the mountain at 5,506 feet high. The lifts are also open for scenic walks as you climb 830 feet to the top.
Lake Lure
There is no doubt that Lake Lure is one of the most beautiful places to visit in North Carolina. The town’s history dates back over a hundred years and has been a popular filming location for Hollywood, with films such as Thunder Road and Dirty Dancing partially shot in the Lake Lure area. As a result, Lake Lure tours are popular, with one of the most spectacular parts of this corner of the state being the beautiful Lake Lure Flowering Bridge.
Bryson City
Bryson City is one of the oldest settlements in North Carolina, with Native Americans living in the area for at least 14,000 years. The city is famous for being surrounded by mountains, giving it incredible scenery that must be seen to be believed. River rafting is one of the most popular things in Bryson City, while a ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is well worth it. Cooper Creek Trout Farm & Pond and the Smokey Mountain Trains Museum are among other excellent days in Bryson City.
Nags Head
Nags Head is one of North Carolina’s most popular resorts due to its stunning beaches and wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. Jockey’s Ridge State Park is the city’s premier landmark and offers spectacular views of Nags Head and beyond. The park is also known for having the tallest natural sand dune system in the eastern United States, while a choice of several historic cottages in the city makes it a great place to spend a long weekend.
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is a North Carolina landmark because it is the tallest brick lighthouse structure in the United States. The lighthouse is open seasonally, but only the fittest should climb to the top. Even if it’s a long journey, climbing the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is a unique experience. The lighthouse was moved slightly inland in 1999 due to soil erosion.
Chimney Rock State Park
Some of North Carolina’s best scenery is at Chimney Rock State Park. The distinctive 315-foot spire overlooking Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure is the park’s highlight, offering a range of child-friendly nature exploration and more challenging hikes. Trout anglers love spending time at the Rocky Broad River, while nearby Rumbling Bald Climbing Access is one of the park’s most popular spots. The rock of The Devil’s Head is a must for anyone visiting the park, particularly movie fans. This is because many of the final scenes from 1992’s The Last of the Mohicans were filmed at Chimney Rock State Park.
Emerald Island
The summer season is a great place to visit Emerald Isle, which is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit in North Carolina. Despite the population growing exponentially during the summer, Emerald Isle retains a family atmosphere, with Water Boggan a must-see for anyone with children. Emerald Forest Golf is another great day out for the whole family when visiting Emerald Isle, while there are many great spots for kitesurfing and fishing.
Freedom Park
Freedom Park is one of the more laid-back spots in Charlotte, with the park also among the most beautiful places in North Carolina. Festival in the Park – recognized as a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society – attracts 100,000 visitors each September, with people flocking to watch movies in the beautiful setting over five days. Right next to the park is the Charlotte Nature Museum, where families can learn about the animals and plants found in Piedmont.
