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
Things to do in North Carolina, United States: The Best Water & Amusement Parks
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. Richard Petty Driving Experience
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
An opportunity to experience a hands-on NASCAR driving experience.
2. 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.
3. Tweetsie Railroad
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,041 reviews
Experience a action-packed day of Wild West Adventure at Tweetsie Railroad where you can hop aboard a historic narrow-gauge steam locomotive, enjoy classic amusement rides, feed the animals in Deer Park Zoo, pan for gold, participate in live entertainment, and more! Special annual events: Day Out With Thomas, Ghost Train and Tweetsie Christmas. History: As North Carolina’s original family theme park, Tweetsie Railroad is a unique attraction that allows children and families to explore their imaginations and a whole lot more. Be a cowboy, cowgirl, or an engineer. Shop along Main Street, pan for gold, or visit the animals in the Deer Park. Tweetsie has amusement rides for all ages and live entertainment throughout the park. And, of course, hop aboard our historic train for a fun-filled three-mile Wild West journey through the scenic mountains. Located in Blowing Rock, NC.
Reviewed By frankr888 - Pinehurst, United States
Bottom line, up front...in the end, with a military discount, we paid $140 for a family of four and added an additional $100 for food and souvenirs. Yet, beyond the high price point, Tweetsie Railroad was well worth the day. Our kids will remember this experience for a long time. Between the actual train and riding on numerous kiddie rides, the lines were never an issue. If I could offer one complaint, it'd be the price of concessions. I paid in excess of $15 for water not realizing one could bring in their own bottle. Perhaps more advertising is due?
4. Dan Nicholas Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 338 reviews
Reviewed By mustayne - Salisbury, United States
This park has so much to offer. There is everything from two different playgrounds, Carousel and train rides, water feature and a mini Zoo. There is also gem mining, which we partake every time we go. Tons of open space and field and covered areas for barbecues. Just an awesome place which also has a great Festival in the fall, called Autumn Jubilee.
5. Great Wolf Lodge Water Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 632 reviews
Reviewed By M1725TNrobertl - Demorest, United States
Lots to do. Few days or a week plenty to do and lots of fun. Indoor water park with slides, wave pool , giant playground, kids area. Water basketball, obstacle course on water. So much fun. Plenty of life guards. Dunkin’ Donuts on location, cool themed rooms, Magi quest will help with exercise up and down halls and up and down stairs. Walk galore with this game. Bowling alley , laser tag. Lots of activities and plenty more to do. Family fun awaits. It’s a HOWl ! Friendly staff
6. Lion's Water Adventure
7. Water Boggan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Salty Pirate Water Park is the only park on the Crystal Coast. We offer 6 large slides and a 3 level Kid Zone. We also have a snack bar offering Hunt Brotbers pizza and arcade games. Open 7 days a week in season
8. H2OBX Waterpark
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 155 reviews
Eastern North Carolina's only waterpark just got WETTER! WILDER! SPLASHIER! AND SAFER! Opening for the season on May 29, 2021, H2OBX offers 30 rides, slides and attractions for the entire family to enjoy.
Reviewed By O9192CFdanb
We spent the day at the park and loved the water attractions...the thing that really stood out to us was the food and the service we received. The outstanding food quality definitely exceeded our expectations for a water park and our cabana server was awesome. This was truly delicious local fare!!! We will be back for sure!!
9. Carowinds
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3,358 reviews
A mecca of family fun, this 105-acre theme/water park features rides that thrill and live entertainment.
Reviewed By kconor09 - Lincolnton, United States
Winterfest at carowinds is great you can get in with your season pass and most activities are included, jump into a giant snow globe and have your picture taken, sleigh rides and making cookies an extra charge, some of the rides are still open and the Christmas lights are spectacular, dress warm take the whole family and have fun
10. Santa's Land
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 330 reviews
Reviewed By CarolynC790
Let's be honest. This is no Disney World or Universal! However, for what and where it is, it is perfect! This is a small, slow-paced carnival/zoo park. I found it to be very clean and quaint. There is plenty of shade, and many places to sit. In addition, the staff was quite friendly, and even offered advice on the most shaded benches to sit on, and where to find air conditioning! We had a five-year-old with us. The simple rides were perfect for him! Even the roller coaster was cute, with just enough excitement to keep elementary-aged kids entertained without being scared. We had lunch while in the park and found the food to be good. In fact, my husband was thrilled that his hamburger was made to order, just the way he likes it! We were privileged to get to see the first ever set of grizzly bear cubs Santa's Land has kept; however, they will only be there until November 30th, so act fast if you want to see them.
