11 Most Loved Tourist Attractions In North Carolina
From the misty peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains to the sunny shores of the Atlantic Ocean, North Carolina is rich in beauty, culture, and nature. This diverse state is home to landmarks, charming small towns, and vibrant cities, so there’s something to appeal to you, no matter what kind of adventurer you are. Get ready to explore the must-see tourist attractions that make the Tar Heel State a favorite destination for travelers from near and far.
Grandfather Mountain
Head to the great outdoors on a trip to Boone, NC, to visit Grandfather Mountain, which is one of the tallest mountains in the Blue Ridge range. Whether you want to take a leisurely hike with the kids or you are up for a more rugged adventure, Grandfather Mountain State Park has a variety of trails for all skill levels. While you are there, take a walk across the Mile High Swinging Bridge, which offers incredible views of the peaks. The 228-foot bridge spans 80 feet and is the highest suspension footbridge in the country. Finish your trip with a stop at the Hodges Theater, where you can watch educational videos about what makes Grandfather Mountain special.
Marbles Kids Museum
How often do you find a place where your kids can play and learn at the same time? Marbles Kids Museum is in the capital city of Raleigh. The museum has a range of exhibits catered to children of all ages, from Toddlers Hollow, where kids three and under can explore, to Sun Spouts, the interactive garden, and Tree Tunes, where children can make music together. Marbles also has the only giant IMAX screen in Raleigh, which shows educational films and major motion pictures throughout the year. You can also book the museum for private birthday parties and celebrations to remember!
Cape Lookout National Seashore
During the summer, the Outer Banks is one of the most popular places to visit in the Tar Heel State. While you are there, head to the Cape Lookout National Seashore, which is on the Crystal Coast and covers 55 miles of undeveloped barrier islands. The picture of serenity, Cape Lookout is ideal for those who want time to slow down while they fish, camp, and search for seashells. No trip to the seashore is complete without a visit to the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, with its diamond design. You can also swing by the Lighthouse Keeper’s House, which was built in 1873 and now operates as a museum.
Biltmore Estate
Would you like to feel like you have traveled back in time for a day? A trip to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, will do the trick. Known as America’s largest home, the impressive estate is George Vanderbilt’s 250-room castle, set on 8,000 acres of beautiful North Carolina land. With so much to see, plan to spend at least one whole day exploring the Biltmore. Start with the guided rooftop tour that gives you access to special areas of the house not seen on a regular visit, then make your way around the impressive three-story home to see vintage furniture, art, and more. Outside, be sure to stroll the garden and Conservatory before stopping by the onsite winery.
Hanging Rock State Park
About 30 miles north of Winston-Salem, you will find Hanging Rock State Park in Stokes County. With over 20 miles of trails to explore, there is plenty to keep you busy at Hanging Rock. Aside from hiking, some of the trails are open for biking and horseback riding, so you can take in the picturesque views of the mountain peaks, North Carolina wildlife, and the park’s three waterfalls at the pace that best suits you. During the summer, the park also has a swimming lake and access to paddling on the Dan River, in addition to picnic shelters and campgrounds.
Battleship North Carolina
See a piece of history for yourself with a visit to the Battleship North Carolina in Wilmington, NC. This ship was part of almost every major naval battle in the Pacific during World War II, and today, it is a National Historic Landmark that you can tour. Once onboard, there are nine levels to explore on a self-guided tour, where you can visit the engine room, captain’s cabin, crew’s barber shop, and more. Active and retired military members and their spouses and dependents can purchase discounted tickets to tour the ship by presenting their military ID cards.
Sliding Rock
Who needs a waterpark when nature has its own waterslide? At Sliding Rock in the Pisgah National Forest, adults and kids alike can ride down the 60-foot flat, sloping waterfall into an eight-foot-deep pool. With the water temperature ranging between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, a visit to Sliding Rock, just outside the city of Brevard, is a perfect way to stay cool on hot summer days. If you would rather watch than slide down yourself, head to one of the two observation decks onsite, where you can enjoy all the fun without getting wet. Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day, so stick to sliding down the waterfall during the summer months.
North Carolina Zoo
Where can you see an African lion, Arctic fox, and polar bear all in the same place? The North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro is about an hour and a half northeast of Charlotte, and it is home to animals from all over the world, with a focus on wildlife conservation. As you explore the zoo, you can learn more about what they eat, their native habitats, and their behaviors. With around five miles of walking trails across its property, the zoo is organized according to different areas of the world, with sections dedicated to animals from North America, Asia, and Africa.
Wright Brothers National Memorial
Back in December 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright successfully flew the first airplane near the North Carolina coast. Today, you can visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, NC, in the Outer Banks. There, you can walk around the same land where the Wrights spent time planning and calculating for the first flight, making stops at the First Flight Boulder and Flight Line, where their plane took off and landed. You can also see a sculpture showing a visual representation of the moment of the first flight and the reconstructed living quarters and hangar to see what life was like for the Wright brothers in the early 1900s.
Tweetsie Railroad
The Wild West meets modern-day amusement parks at the Tweetsie Railroad in Boone, NC. The park operates two historic steam engine locomotives and has amusement rides for visitors of all ages. Young children will love the Mini Swing and Mouse Mine Train, while thrill seekers and kids at heart can head to the Buckaroo Drop spinning tower. You and your family can also try your hand at gem mining and gold panning or stop by the onsite Deer Park Zoo to see African pygmy goats, llamas, and more. Complete your day of fun by climbing aboard a historic locomotive for the Wild West Train Adventure ride that runs from April to late December.
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
If spending time in nature is what makes you feel at peace, the Sarah P. Duke Gardens are calling your name. In the heart of Durham on the Duke University campus, the Duke Gardens span 55 acres with four distinct areas. In the Historic Gardens, you will find the site’s original terraces dating back to 1934. Moving to the H.L. Blomquist Garden of Native Plants, you can explore the unique plants of the Southeast US. In the W.L. Culberson Asiatic Arboretum area, see plants of eastern Asia up close, such as Japanese maples. Finally, the Doris Duke Center Gardens has an amphitheater and the Virtue Peace Pond, which is a popular spot for weddings. From spring to fall, complete your visit with a stop at the Terrace Café for a cup of coffee or a tasty sandwich.
Why North Carolina Should Be on Your Travel List
Throughout the year, North Carolina provides a backdrop for memorable experiences. With its awe-inspiring views, cultural sites, and kid-friendly attractions, the Tar Heel State is a place where every visit feels like a new adventure for the whole family. Whether you are hiking a scenic trail, seeing a piece of history up close, or having fun at a museum, this state invites you to create memories that last a lifetime.
