9 Most Beautiful Small Towns in North Carolina to Visit in 2024
The sun is finally shining, the days are long, and there's no better time to unleash your adventurous spirit than now. If you ever dreamed of sunny escapes during winter's gloomy clouds, North Carolina has everything you need to make your imagination a reality. The Tar Heel State is home to beautiful small towns, premier national parks, and multiple historic landmarks to explore. This article will unveil North Carolina's eight most beautiful small towns for 2024.
Beaufort
Not to be confused with South Carolina's Beaufort, North Carolina's Beaufort offers its own charm and adventures. Begin your trip at the North Carolina Maritime Museum to embark on engaging activities; learn to build boats and the basics of kayaking, followed by an exhilarating 1.5-mile paddle through the salt marsh. For a more relaxing activity, consider The Wild Horse, Nature & History Cruise, located minutes away—the 50-minute boat tour takes you past Taylor Creek, Rachel Carson Reserve, and other hidden gems. In addition, Water Bug Tours (the parent company) offers sunset cruises for those seeking a romantic experience—the perfect way to unwind and capture scenic views while building lasting memories. Lastly, Beaufort houses two top-notch parks: Topsail Marine Memorial Park and Curtis A. Perry Public Park, with the latter geared towards cyclists, whereas the former is more suitable for a brisk walk.
Hillsborough
Love history and nature? Hillsborough offers both. With more than 21 historic sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places and several parks in and out of town, Hillsborough provides a captivating blend of outdoor treks and historic sightseeing places—and no attraction offers that blend better than the Occoneechee Speedway Trail. This 44-acre site harbors the original dirt track used for NASCAR's first season, dating all the way back to 1949. What's more, the four-mile route is bordered by the Eco River, offering soothing sounds to connect with the land and immerse yourself in nature. Another significant point of interest is the Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area, the highest point in Orange County, at 867 feet above sea level. Fascinatingly, scientists believe this area has preserved its ecological makeup over ten thousand years, potentially dating back to the last ice age. Finally, end your trip at one of many locally-owned restaurants. Whether your taste buds are craving American, Chinese, Japanese, or Italian, you're bound to find something to satisfy your taste buds in Hillsborough.
Blowing Rock
Nicknamed "The Crown of the Blue Ridge," Blowing Rock obtained its name from a peculiar land feature in Caldwell County. The feature is one of several points of attraction in the area—and was showcased in the 2008 film Goodbye Solo. In addition to super remarkable landmarks, the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum is also a prominent attraction in town, especially if you fancy stunning architecture—the museum features contemporary art, seasonal collections, and more. Its "Summer Exhibition Celebration" is slated to begin June 29 from 5-7 pm, a free event for the general public. To cap off your trip in a serene environment, the Bass Lake Trail is less than a mile away from town and provides access to a picturesque lake nestled in the forest, with comfortable gravel to walk on, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels.
Wilmington
Wilmington is a small town with over 2,000 residents, but don't let its size fool you—it offers a surprising variety of activities and attractions to experience. For starters, there are 10 historical sites and museums in town—among them are the Wilmington Police Museum and Education Center, the Cameron Art Museum, and the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History. The last-mentioned hosts monthly exhibitions and is a 20-minute walk from Wrightsville Beach, the same beach that landed Wilmington a spot on National Geographic's top 20 surf towns worldwide. Be sure to explore the 19 historic landmarks listed on the National Register of Historic Places as well as the numerous family-friendly attractions scattered throughout town. One such place is Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park, an establishment for you and your loved ones to cool down in a rejuvenating aquatic center, mini-golf center, go-cart track, and laser tag arena.
Hickory
Located just an hour from Charlotte, Hickory made a name for itself early on, establishing itself as a trendsetter by becoming one of the first towns to implement electric lighting in 1888. 136 years later, it's still thriving thanks to investments by Google and Apple. In addition, this town is home to the Hickory Aviation Museum, an aerospace repository that allows you to witness colossal airplanes, like the P-3 Orion which stands at a height of 33 feet and has a length of 116 feet. (less than half the length of a football field), in addition to the Beechcraft T-34, first introduced in 1953. Hickory flaunts much more than just historic planes, though. This region has been blessed with a gorgeous river that streams through the north—hear the tranquility of it by visiting Geitner Park, an ideal spot to fish, boat, and picnic. Alternatively, jog on the paved Riverwalk Bridge Trail and witness breathtaking views as you traverse the water. If you get lucky, you may even see exotic turtles and small snakes along your journey.
Roanoke Rapids
The Roanoke River bestowed its name to the town and gave it a year-round shore to enjoy. Explore the Roanoke Canal Museum and Trail to see the renowned stream that inspired the early settlers. The 9.7-mile trail is perfect for jogging, cycling, and encountering wildlife. Furthermore, the museum showcases art, science, and history, using unique artifacts to preserve and educate learners about the town's rich history. And be sure to catch a movie or concert at the Roanoke Rapids Theatre, a stunning state-of-the-art building that brings out nationally recognized artists to rock out and perform. But for a change of pace, conclude your trip at the Roanoke Rapids Lake Day Use Area—this 4,600-acre lake provides endless outdoor activities, including fishing, bird-watching, kayaking, and public swimming in designated areas.
Swansboro
Cracking the code to a town's personality can be tricky initially and usually takes some time. Luckily for you, this won't be much of a challenge here, not in a town known as the "Friendly City by the Sea." To see what makes Swansboro's populace cordial, visit one of its many coastal parks, including Ward Shore Park, Bicentennial Park, and Riverview Park. The latter features a boardwalk that provides dazzling water views, especially during dawn and dusk. And just a short 13-minute drive away lies Emerald Isle Beach, with all the white sand you need to lay back and bask in the sun. Moreover, the beach is near numerous eateries such as Plaza Mexico Restaurant Bar & Grill, Fish Hut Grill, and the famous Surf's Up Grill & Bar, a beachfront restaurant with great food and views. Wrap up your visit by heading to Swansboro Area Heritage Center Museum and learn about the town's storied history—the museum displays montages related to the maritime industry and more.
Southport
Ending the list is another coastal city. Southport is one of the oldest seaside towns in North Carolina and was once a primary commercial port subject to pirate attacks. Today, it stands as a tranquil town with a wide array of attractions to explore. Begin your adventure at the epic Bald Head Island Natural Area, a 12,000-acre conservation consisting of preserved wetlands, flowing tidal channels, hiking trails, and a pristine beach to top it off—to get here, you'll need to catch a fun ferry ride from Deep Point Marina. Despite the island's relatively small size, it supports a vast network of wildlife, including oceanic loggerhead sea turtles who lay their eggs from June to September. Conclude your quest by visiting the Old Baldy Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in the Tar Heel State. Beyond Bald Head Island, Southport harbors several art galleries, including the esteemed Artshak Studio and Gallery, and Franklin Square Gallery.
In conclusion, North Carolina's small towns offer a perfect blend of history, nature, and adventure. Whether you want to capture a once-in-a-lifetime event, such as watching loggerhead sea turtles lay their eggs, or uncover all the hidden treasures at Wilmington's museums, there's something for everyone in the Tar Heel State to do and see.
