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
The 10 Best Lookouts in North Carolina, United States
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. 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!
2. Pickens Nose
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By jdl50cc
The views from the end of this short hike are breathtaking. However, this hike, as short as it is, would more properly be classified as "Moderate," not "Easy." There is a relatively steep climb over uneven terrain with tricky footing, which disqualifies the "Easy" classification. Nonetheless, it is worth every step. Tip: Enter Nantahala National Forest from I-64 in the North, not from Otto in the South. The former is a little longer but the road is easily navigable and beautiful. The road from Otto is windy and bumpy, and has one or two spots where high clearance is recommended. We had a 4WD truck so it presented no problem for us, but we took the northern route out and it was much more pleasant.
3. Pounding Mill Overlook
4. Outer Banks National Scenic Byway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By BearH928 - Williamsburg, United States
Drove from Ocracoke to Kill Devil Hills on a Monday morning in October. Most of the road is thru the National Seashore area which is often patrolled by the park police so watch the speed limit of 55 and 45. There are villages along the way which have lower posted limits. A 2 lane highway for the most part and is heavily trafficked in parts. Since it is the only highway on the Outer banks it is used by trucks, boaters etc. The free ferry from Hatteras to Ocracoke island is no reservation. The property owners on Ocracoke have priority on the ferry with their property pass. On Ocracoke the waiting area is at the end of the island with nothing but the ferry docks, Hatteras is boarding area is right outside the town. There are also 2 other car ferries one from Swan Quarter and one from Cedar Island. They take reservations and cost $15.00 one way for passenger cars. Watch your speed in the town of Ocracoke as it is 20 mph and they enforce plus you have the walkers, bikekes, golf carts to watch . Part of the highway along the dunes gets water and sand covered depending on how much wind and surf there is. A couple [laces the road works continually are pushing back the sand. One place on Ocracoke the surf is presently almost coming on the road. Take your time and enjoy
5. Big Bald
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By TheLabrozzi6 - Cary, United States
At a recent June stay at the Buck House Inn B&B we spent an afternoon up at Big Bald. At the base of the climb up to Big Bald (an easy hike by the way) is the Appalachian Trail. We chose to hike a few miles on the trail before going up to the top of Big Bald. Beautiful pastures, gorgeous mountain views and thick mountain foliage greeting our eyes. A few small deers popping up during our walk just goes to indicate how peaceful this place was. Highly recommended for anyone in the area.
6. Beacon Heights Overlook
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By jrobba - Charlotte, United States
It's a short hike from the Blue Ridge parkway, and while it was pretty easy for us and our kiddos (8 and 5), my inlaws were feeling it a little, as there is some uphill hiking. Overall, I'd put it between easy and moderate. The views from the overlook are incredible, and totally worth the 15 minute trek up there!
7. Rough Ridge Lookout
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By Retriever32 - Winston Salem, United States
Stop at mile marker 302 on the Parkway, follow the steps up to start the 1 mile hike to the top Great overlooks with views of Lin cove viaduct, grandfather mountain and the blue ridge Moderate difficulty Great fun for age 4 to 90
8. Newfound Gap Comfort Station
9. Fetterbush Overlook
10. Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,487 reviews
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park is an international outdoor destination in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western NC, attracting visitors from around the world. Highlights include:- 75-mile panoramic views overlooking Lake Lure- 404-foot waterfall, one of the highest of its kind east of the Mississippi River- The Last of the Mohicans scenes were filmed here- ancient geologic formations- 198-foot tunnel & elevator inside the mountain- six scenic hiking trails- guided rock climbing & more The Park's modernized elevator offers a handicap-accessible 35-sec. ride to the iconic Chimney, an alternative to "nature's Ultimate Stairmaster," the Outcroppings trail. Chimney Rock has something for everyone from the family-friendly Great Woodland Adventure trail to the stunning Skyline trail to Exclamation Point. Recognized as one of the Southeast’s most iconic outdoor attractions, Chimney Rock is located 25 miles southeast of Asheville on Highway 64/74A in Chimney Rock, NC
Reviewed By Anturio20 - Plantation, United States
Everything was grate. We was looking for place to spend the weekend and we got a beautiful cabin next to the river. We arrived and what a surprise when we find out about the park, with ample opportunities to learn and explore, along with hiking trails, climbing ... The Lake Lure Is amazing. Nice people and nice place! Very good restaurants and pet friendly. I just love it.
