Nestled on the japanese seaboard of the US, North Carolina is an unbelievable state to go to for a highway journey. Not solely that, there are heaps of the very best locations in North Carolina dotted throughout the state. This all implies that you’re sure to discover a truthful few gems to go to in your journey to North Carolina.
From cities like Raleigh to Bald Head Island, there’s actually one thing for each sort of traveller that’s visiting North Carolina. So, to be sure you get essentially the most out of your go to, I’m sharing our high locations in North Carolina that you just don’t need to miss.
Oh, and pop us a message anytime should you want every other ideas or recommendation on your journey. Have the very best time visiting North Carolina.
1.) Blue Ridge Parkway
Operating for over 400 miles and crossing a number of states, driving the Blue Ridge Parkway is an effective way to expertise North Carolina should you’re on a highway journey.
You see, Blue Ridge Parkway connects with quite a few nationwide parks and even the Nice Smoky Mountains because it runs throughout a number of states, largely in North Carolina and Virginia.
Alongside the best way, you’ll get to cease off at locations just like the Linn Cove Viaduct, Brinegar Cabin and the hills round Jumpinoff Rock. Not solely that, there are heaps of campsites and lodgings out there close to the primary driving route. It’s so pretty and such a scenic path to expertise on the East Coast.
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2.) Lake Santeetlah
Lake Santeetlah is unquestionably certainly one of North Carolina’s most lovely lakes. It’s a part of the nationwide forest, with virtually 80 miles of protected shoreline hidden throughout the North Carolina Smoky Mountains. It’s so peaceable and serene.
After arriving within the space, you may benefit from the peacefulness and actually decelerate your journey. The entire space round Lake Santeetlah provides off these relaxed vibes, and it’s arduous to hurry something on this area—and why would you need to?
As soon as right here, you may discover Lake Santeetlah by heading to Cheoah Level Seaside, mountain biking, crusing, paddling, or climbing (round theCherohala Skyway). The native marina additionally has gear you may lease, akin to pontoon, kneeboard, and canoe leases.
After a day of bodily actions, chillout on the Blue Waters Mountain Lodge’s lakeside bar with a tipple or two. You may as well keep in rooms with nice lake views or camp at Cheoah Level Campground if that’s extra your scene.
Afterwards, you may drive over to Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, one of many area’s oldest forests. The bushes are gigantic, and it’s completely breathtaking.
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3.) Wrightsville Seaside
Simply shy of the town of Wilmington, Wrightsville Seaside is well probably the greatest locations in North Carolina to go to should you’re on the lookout for a seashore day. You see, the sandy shores are completely beautiful.
The entire stretch, from South Finish to Shell Island, is one huge spit of sandy shores. It’s completely pristine and inside straightforward attain by automotive.
Plus, there are heaps of parking spots and some tasty eating places for a chew to eat or a tipple. We liked Shark Bar and Kitchen and their grilled oysters and jumbo crabcake are so good.
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4.) Biltmore Property
Nestled within the western fringes of North Carolina, the Biltmore Property is beautiful. It’s additionally the most important privately owned home in the US. The well-known Vanderbilt household owns the home, and now, you may enter and discover the mansion and its grounds, that are so beautiful.
Not solely that, the Biltmore Property can also be listed on the US Nationwide Register of Historic Locations. As soon as inside, you may see the period’s preserved décor, displaying the wealth of the Vanderbilt household, as you tour the historical past of this grand household home.
Give your self round 2-3 hours to discover the grounds. It’s unbelievable.
5.) Hammocks Seaside State Park
An area gem for these dwelling in North Carolina, Hammocks Seaside State Park is gorgeous to go to. Hammocks Seaside State Park, with its unspoiled shores, affords peace and quiet that’s so pretty for a morning day journey.
Now, Hammocks Seaside State Park is positioned simply shy of Swansboro, and you may head to Bear Island, a well-known spot within the park, through kayak and even ferry. Nevertheless, development on Bear Island may imply these aren’t operating while you go to. For that cause, all the time verify the Hammocks Seaside State Park web site for full particulars on schedules.
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6.) Raleigh
Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, is an ideal metropolis to go to for a number of days journey. It’s the type of metropolis that may be explored fairly properly over a number of days, however you may simply spend extra time in case your schedule permits.
As soon as right here, be sure that to go to the North Carolina Museum of Pure Sciences. It’s enormous and one of the vital prestigious museums in all of North Carolina.
The museum has two buildings: the Nature Analysis Middle and the Nature Exploration Middle. Whatever the constructing, each have a number of interactive alternatives and exhibitions which can be nice should you’re visiting with the broader household. Now, the Nature Exploration Middle focuses a bit on the habitats of the rainforest and tropics, even tackling North Carolina’s coastal areas. It’s unbelievable.
Afterwards, head to the North Carolina Museum of Artwork. This can be a nice museum to go to to see a number of the greatest (and most prestigious) artwork in all of North Carolina.
Oh, and don’t overlook to go to the Morgan Road Meals Corridor. There are heaps of distributors promoting every little thing from Empanadas to pizza. Simply be sure that to cease off at Health club Tacos. They’ve a number of the greatest tacos in all of Raleigh.
Lastly, head to Jordan Lake State Park for a day journey exterior of Raleigh. It’s round a 40-minute drive from the centre of Raleigh and nicely value it should you’re on the lookout for a extra chilled day within the wider area.
7.) Boone
The small city of Boone is positioned across the wider Blue Ridge Mountains, and it’s nice for a day journey whereas exploring North Carolina. It’s probably the greatest locations in North Carolina to go to should you’re on the lookout for a brief cease as a part of a wider roadtrip.
As soon as right here, you’ll be capable to discover the city of Boone itself and use it as a base to discover the nice outdoor across the Blue Ridge Mountains.
As an illustration, you may bike trails by way of Pisgah Nationwide Forest, expertise a whitewater rafting journey, or decelerate time with a scenic hike in a number of the trails across the wider area.
Alternatively, you may go to the theatre, discover the Turchin Middle for the Visible Arts, go to Arborcrest Gardens or seize a tipple on the Misplaced Province Brewing Firm.
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8.) Fayetteville
About midway between Charlotte and the North Carolina shoreline, Fayetteville is a superb place to go to for a day journey.
As soon as right here, be sure that to go to the Fayetteville Historical past Museum and discover the grounds of the historic railway station.
Additionally, don’t overlook to go to the Airborne and Particular Operations Museum. It’s an important place to study extra about US navy historical past, and visits take round 1-2 hours.
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9.) Atlantic Seaside
Simply off the shores of Morehead Metropolis, Atlantic Seaside is likely one of the greatest locations in North Carolina to go to for a day exploring the coast.
After crossing Bogue Sound through the roadway, you’ll discover the broader Atlantic Seaside space, which is so lovely. Spend a day on the seashore, head to Oceanana Pier for lunch, and cease by Fort Macon State Park, which is on the sides of Atlantic Seaside itself.
Additionally, when you’re right here, cease on the North Carolina Maritime Museum, which is close by. Right here, you may look into a number of the standard ship’s relics and study all concerning the historical past of the broader coastal area.
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10.) North Carolina Smoky Mountains
Stated to be the US’ most visited nationwide park, it isn’t arduous to see why folks select to go to the Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina.
The park is big, and when you arrive within the wider space, there are heaps of issues to see and do. Plus, you may count on to see plentiful wildlife and wonderful surroundings. Black bears, elks, foxes, deer and turkey are a number of the wildlife sighted within the space. Not solely that, however there are over 800 miles of trails throughout the Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park. This all makes it the proper stopping level should you love the nice outdoor.
As soon as right here, be sure that to go to Fontana Lake and head to the Charles A Webb Overlook for a number of the greatest views. Plus, you may head to the close by Deep Creek Vineyard for a tipple or two. Their Smokey Mountain Mist bottle is so good.
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11.) Chimney Rock State Park
One lovely and wonderful place to go to in North Carolina is Chimney Rock State Park. It’s a few two-hour drive west of Charlotte and nicely value stopping should you’re on a wider North Carolina highway journey.
Present in southeast Asheville, Chimney Rock State Park is understood for its views of Chimney Rock. Because the elevation is greater than 2,280 ft from sea degree, you may see for miles round. There’s a small entry charge for the day, but it surely’s value it for the views and the broader space.
Fancy a trek? The Hickory Nut Falls Path can also be out there in Chimney Rock State Park. It’s an effective way to stretch your legs.
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12.) Raven Rock State Park
Discovered on the level the place the coastal and central areas meet, Raven Rock State Park is legendary for its ecosystems and different topography in North Carolina.
You may take the Raven Rock State Park Bridle Trails and go to the favored cliff, which was a navigational landmark for river pilots previously. It’s completely beautiful within the space.
Additionally, don’t overlook concerning the trails round Lanier Falls. It’s so peaceable and tranquil and the surroundings is simply good should you’re on the lookout for a gradual journey day in North Carolina.
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13.) Outer Banks
Additionally known as OBX by some, the Outer Banks space is a line of barrier islands across the North Carolina shoreline. I do know I’ve talked about a number of of those (individually) earlier than, however I needed to share the broader Outer Banks space because it’s an important vacation spot in its personal proper.
These islands have been previous pirates’ favourites, together with the Blackbeard – at the least that’s what I used to be instructed.
The Outer Banks’ northern finish is the place wild horses might be discovered. In the meantime, in case you are on the lookout for miniature golf programs, memento and present retailers, or some eating places, you will discover them in the course of the Outer Banks, particularly within the Bodie Island’s cities of Nags Head and Kitty Hawk.
Lastly, don’t overlook to discover Cape Hatteras Nationwide Seashore and Bald Seaside itself. I really like this space a lot, and you may simply mix it with a go to to Alligator River Nationwide Wildlife Refuge, which is close by.
14.) Charlotte
Final however not least, don’t overlook to go to the town of Charlotte. It’s probably the greatest locations in North Carolina to go to for a citybreak, and you may simply spend 3-days having fun with the thrill of the town.
As soon as you’re right here, be sure that to go to the Mint Museum Uptown. It’s a shocking artwork museum that homes artwork from all around the world. Plus, most of the displays are interactive, and it’s a lot enjoyable to go to.
Afterwards, head to the Harvey B. Gantt Middle for African-American Arts. It’s an important place to discover the historical past and tradition of African-American life by way of artwork exhibitions.
Lastly, cease by The Market at seventh Road for a chew to eat. There are heaps of native distributors promoting every little thing from doughnuts to pizza. You’ll depart stuffed.
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