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Places To Visit Near North Carolina

Last Updated At: 14-Sep-2023

20 Best Tourist Places To Visit Near North Carolina

"Adventure is just bad planning," — said no one who knows how to make the most of a weekend getaway! Picture this: You're in North Carolina, sipping sweet tea on a sunny afternoon, contemplating the myriad experiences that could make your weekend an Instagrammable sensation. "Could life be any more grand?" you think to yourself. Wait, hold that thought! Why limit your horizons when you can expand them to dazzling beaches, towering mountains, and charming historic towns just around the corner? If you're mulling over weekend trips from North Carolina, fret not. We've scoured the 'must-visit' places in this exclusive list, perfect for quick escapes and memory-making moments. Consider this your travel cheat sheet!

"See the world. It's more fantastic than any dream," wrote Ray Bradbury. But why dream when you can pack a weekend bag, put on some groovy tunes, and hit the road to discover attractions that even your wildest Pinterest board couldn't envision? Prepare to explore attractions that will fill your social media feed with envy-inducing photos. Here, we don't just take holidays; we seize them like golden tickets to Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. So buckle up, adventurers; we're diving into the top 20 tourist attractions near North Carolina!

List of Top 20 Places to Visit near North Carolina

Ever wondered what magic lies just beyond North Carolina's state lines? Well, imagine no longer! Whether you're after the best beaches near North Carolina or planning weekend trips from North Carolina, we've got you covered. Get ready to jot down your next escapade!

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Breathtaking Wilderness Escapes, Natural Beauty
  • Outer Banks | Pristine Coastal Getaway, Beachfront Charms
  • Biltmore Estate | Opulent Mansion, Majestic Gardens
  • Grandfather Mountain | Majestic Peak, Scenic Trails
  • Asheville | Artsy Haven, Mountain Vibes
  • Charlotte | Urban Sophistication, Vibrant Culture
  • Raleigh | Southern Capital, Historic Landmarks
  • Winston-Salem | Arts and Innovation, Southern Heritage
  • Wilmington | Coastal Elegance, Historic Waterfront
  • Durham | Research Hub, Culinary Scene
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore | Pristine Beaches, Maritime Wilderness
  • Roanoke Island | Historical Enigma, Lost Colony
  • Wrightsville Beach | Sandy Haven, Water Sports
  • Nags Head | Seaside Escape, Sand Dunes
  • Kitty Hawk | Aviation History, Wright Brothers
  • Lake Lure | Serene Waters, Scenic Beauty
  • Boone | Mountain Retreat, Outdoor Adventure
  • Banner Elk | Alpine Charm, Skiing Destination
  • Blowing Rock | Cliffside Views, Quaint Village
  • Hendersonville | Apple Country, Charming Downtown

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Breathtaking Wilderness Escapes, Natural Beauty

Mountain getaways close to North Carolina, anyone? The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a ticket to cloud nine. Famous for its lush landscape, this park gives you a 360-degree view of nature. Imagine waking up to a mist-covered mountain or watching the last rays of the sun dip behind lofty peaks.

  • Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall.
  • Best for: Nature lovers and hikers.
  • Major Attractions: Clingmans Dome, Cades Cove, Wildlife Viewing.

2. Outer Banks | Pristine Coastal Getaway, Beachfront Charms

Ah, the Outer Banks! You don't want to miss this one if you're looking for family-friendly activities near North Carolina. With its unspoiled beaches and the sound of the ocean as your background music, it's a paradise on Earth.

  • Best Time to Visit: April to September.
  • Best for: Beach lovers' families.
  • Major Attractions: Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Jockey's Ridge State Park.

3. Biltmore Estate | Opulent Mansion, Majestic Gardens

Fancy a taste of luxury? The Biltmore Estate is where luxury meets charm. This sprawling mansion gives off Downton Abbey vibes right in the American South.

  • Best Time to Visit: Year-round.
  • Best for: Luxury seekers and history buffs.
  • Major Attractions: Biltmore House, Gardens, Winery.

4. Grandfather Mountain | Majestic Peak, Scenic Trails

If you're a fan of outdoor adventures but are looking for outdoor adventure spots near North Carolina, Grandfather Mountain awaits you. Its awe-inspiring peaks make it perfect for a day filled with hiking and jaw-dropping vistas.

  • Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall.
  • Best for: Hikers nature enthusiasts.
  • Major Attractions: Mile High Swinging Bridge, Wildlife Habitats.

5. Asheville | Artsy Haven, Mountain Vibes

Welcome to Asheville, where art meets the mountains. Asheville's got everything from contemporary galleries to a happening music scene.

  • Best Time to Visit: All year.
  • Best for: Art lovers, culture vultures.
  • Major Attractions: The Orange Peel, Asheville Art Museum.

6. Charlotte | Urban Sophistication, Vibrant Culture

Feel the pulse of a city where urban sophistication marries a vibrant culture. Charlotte isn't just another city; it's an experience waiting to happen. This metropolis is perfect for those who love to dive into a bustling cityscape filled with art, food, and plenty of Southern charm. From shopping sprees at the Epicenter to a stroll down the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte is a potpourri of fun and learning.

  • Best Time to Visit: Year-round.
  • Best for: City explorers and culture lovers.
  • Major Attractions: NASCAR Hall of Fame, National Whitewater Center, Levine Museum of the New South.

7. Raleigh | Southern Capital, Historic Landmarks