Top Things to do in North Carolina
Top Hotels in North Carolina
- 1. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Asheville Downtown, an IHG Hotel
- 2. Hampton Inn & Suites Asheville Biltmore Area
- 3. Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort
- 4. Hampton Inn & Suites Asheville Biltmore Village
- 5. Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Uptown
- 6. Hampton Inn & Suites Outer Banks / Corolla
- 7. Tru by Hilton Fayetteville I 95
- 8. Drury Inn & Suites Charlotte Arrowood
- 9. Bridgepointe Hotel and Marina
- 10. The Dunhill Hotel
10 Things to do Adventurous in North Carolina That You Shouldn't Miss
North Carolina has something for everyone, with the highest mountains in the eastern U.S., 300 miles of pristine coastline, quaint towns and vibrant cities. From the mountains to the sea, explore the natural, scenic beauty, discover outdoor adventure or try one of 500 golf courses, including the legendary Pinehurst No. 2. Discover a favorite among 100 wineries and 60 craft breweries, tour historic and cultural treasures, sample farm to table delicacies and get the thrill of motorsports in the "home" of NASCAR.
Restaurants in North Carolina
1. Linville Gorge Wilderness Area
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 220 reviews
This area, which offers hiking, camping, birdwatching and wildlife, was named for William Linville who was killed here by Indians in the 1700s.
Reviewed By Bowmanator22 - Charlotte, United States
Hiked from Wolf Pit Rd trailhead to Table Rock summit (8 miles/3,000+ foot climb) and then back down. The whole trip took over 8 hours, was very grueling, but provided magnificent views! Definitely has to be one of the most scenic hikes in NC!
2. Max Patch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 368 reviews
Reviewed By 122tinar
Max Patch is about a 40 minute drive from Hot Springs, half of that traveled on a gravel road. We did the loop hike and it was an easy hike with an awesome view at the top. Would love to see the sunrise or sunset. You can camp overnight at the top.
3. Conservators Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 254 reviews
Have you ever looked a tiger in the eye? Felt the whole-body impact of lions roaring? Watched wolves romp through the woods? These and other once-in-a-lifetime experiences are possible at the Conservators' Center, a wildlife conservancy for more than 80 animals. An "oofing" at the Conservators' Center is an experience you'll have to feel to believe. It's the earth-shaking sound our lion prides make when they roar to one another. Our guides call to them on every tour, and you may have the opportunity to hear them from as close as 5 feet away! You'll also get up close and personal with tigers, leopards, wolves, lemurs, binturongs, and other exotic species. Tours, adoptions, memberships, and other donations support our work, so every visit from you helps us help them. Tours are held every weekend as well as some holidays. We have private experiences and field trips during the week. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED! PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO GET A RESERVATION FOR YOUR TOUR!
Reviewed By ilove2travel005 - Snow Camp, United States
I visited the Conservators Center with my 8 year old grandson and other family members. We thoroughly enjoyed the center. We walked around the compound for an hour visiting and learning about each one. Leah, our guide, was extremely knowledgeable and knew each animal by name. I especially loved it when all the animals were "talking" to each other. It's not everyday you get to hear several lions roaring at the same time. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes as you are walking on dirt and gravel. All the volunteers were very nice and there is also a gift shop that we enjoyed.
4. Richard Petty Driving Experience
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 84 reviews
Get behind the wheel in one of our 8 – 80 lap driving programs or Ride-Along shotgun for 3 high-speed laps at over 20 tracks nationwide – including Charlotte Motor Speedway!
Reviewed By showstang - Cincinnati, United States
I've done one of the experiences before at Ky Speedway run by a different organization. It was an exciting time, but it was no comparison to this. Organized from the beginning to the end. The one hour classroom instruction is very useful, even if you have done it before. The key statement the instructor made was that it is not necessary to let off the gas going into the turns. If you are not used that kind of driving, it takes a lap or two to trust that statement. The cars are built for the track, and will handle it with no problem. The cars are ex-cup cars or Xfinity cars. They have rev limiters to 5,000 RPM, so you can feel safe driving and be still get the thrill also. If you follow the instructions you can make the 150 mph club, which not a lot of people do. I did this with my brother-in-law. It is a lot more fun if you have friends who will participate too. If you want to experience the excitement of speed, doing it legally, this is highly recommended. Hint: it IS hot inside the cars, so prepare accordingly. And: the cars are not well suited to people who are 6 ft 5 like me. It's cramped, but still a blast.
5. Zmax Dragway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By deharl
This is a wonderful track we always have a good time there.We go there at least twice a year to see the four wide races.This is the only drag strip that races four cars side by side at the same time
6. Cameron Indoor Stadium
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 301 reviews
Reviewed By StephenCr0ss - Dublin, Ireland
This place is legendary and well worth a visit if you are going to see Duke University. The whole experience is great.
7. Wiseman's View
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By Adventure_J22 - Jamestown, United States
Incomparable panoramic view! 4 mile dirt road to get there was 100% worth the bumpy drive! You will need a vehicle with decent ground clearance for some of the rough spots. Our AWD Honda CRV did great. It’s crazy to take that much dirt road and arrive at a decent size parking lot with a paved walking trail out to the viewing areas. Loved it! Pictures don’t do it justice, Some great little campsites along the way, too. Wonderful!
8. Charlotte Motor Speedway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 959 reviews
For more than 50 years, Charlotte Motor Speedway has set the standard for motorsports entertainment for fans of all ages.Charlotte Motor Speedway is the only race vacation destination where fans can immerse themselves in the heart of NASCAR country. Visitors can attend one-of-a-kind race spectacles such as the Coca-Cola 600, NASCAR Sprint All- Star Race and Bank of America 500; take behind-the-scenes speedway and race shop tours; explore the new NASCAR Hall of Fame; and drive an 800-horsepower stock car.Charlotte Motor Speedway, zMAX Dragway and The Dirt Track at Charlotte host international NASCAR, NHRA and World of Outlaw events; gigantic AutoFairs, grassroots Legend Car and street legal drag racing, Monster Trucks and one of the world’s largest drive-through holiday light shows, Carolina Christmas. There’s entertainment for every thrill-seeker!Through every event and every decade, Charlotte Motor Speedway puts FANS FIRST with a never-ending commitment to enhance the fan experience. That tradition continues with unmatched value through affordable season tickets, the debut of the world’s largest high-definition television screen and more opportunities for you to see your favorite drivers. Make memories with us at The Greatest Place to See the Race!
Reviewed By kayem3354
My husband and I throughly enjoyed driving on the race track to see the light displays. We did not go to the Christmas Village, but the movie Home Alone was playing as we were driving. The Christmas lights were spectacular and unusual. Not the run of the mill light display. Definitely worth every penny. Will return if we’re in Charlotte next Christmas.
9. Whitewater Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 442 reviews
A favorite spot for hikers and picnickers, this scenic area features the Whitewater River dropping more than 400 feet in a series of cascading falls.
Reviewed By mhgolf - Decatur, United States
Simply amazing. The best $3 I have paid in quite awhile. This may be the best combination of an easy walk; on a paved walk way to a fabulous waterfall in the world. Just awesome. At the end of the walkway, take the 150 steps down to an even better view.
10. Jockey's Ridge State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,240 reviews
Two of the highest sand dunes on the East Coast are located here, providing excellent take-off points for hang gliders.
Reviewed By donnajsatterlee - Princess Anne, United States
An absolutely magical place where there are really tall sand dunes There are trail markings for an easy round trip of 1 1/2 miles to the Roanoke Sound so that it is easy to find the route with shifting sands. The windswept sands make amazing patterns. There is a place that is wheelchair compatible, but only as far as a vista. The rest would be hard to negotiate without wide, sand friendly wheels. There are also some asphalt trails through some native to the area live oaks.
