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
What to do and see in North Carolina, United States: The Best Bodies of Water
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. Santeetlah Lake
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 186 reviews
Part of the Nantahala National Forest, this recreational lake consists of 3,000 acres of open water in the midst of green mountain slopes, and is ideal for fishing, kayaking and canoeing.
Reviewed By BlairGa - Birmingham, United States
This lake is ringed by majestic blue mountains and forested shoreline. It's the perfect place for a quiet cruise on still waters, a picnic on the water, a quiet conversation or a little bird watching. We saw two large bald eagles in one of the sloughs. There were several kayaks and paddleboards, but we didn't see many ski boats during our midday boat ride on a Friday. Not sure whether the lake would be busier on the weekend. It can't be too busy, because there didn't appear to be many lake houses. Other than a few densely populated areas, this lake is mostly surrounded by woods and mountains! It's a gorgeous and serene place.
2. Catawba Meadows Park
3. Reservoir Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By robertdapr1950 - Pinehurst, United States
I found this place to be a real hidden gem! I started using it to exercise, specifically fast-walking. It's located just down from the Moore County Airport right off Airport Road. The lake provides a picturesque backdrop for all to enjoy. Aside from walking or running, folks can go canoeing or play frisbee golf as well. It's wonderful place to relax or exerice!! Come try it!
4. Fontana Lake
5. Cape Fear River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 229 reviews
The most industrialized of all North Carolina's rivers, this water system stretches 200 miles through the heart of the North Carolina piedmont, crossing the coastal plain, and empties into the Atlantic near Southport.
Reviewed By Vis2r
Walk along Cape Fear, see the Battleship, US Coast Guard, stroll through the streets & visit historical places & shops, explore amazing book stores & beautiful old buildings & restaurants. So much to see & enjoy here...great food, beautiful town & you may even want to take a river cruise or a horse & carriage ride, but definitely take the walk. Parking can be difficult...I recommend visiting the Cotton Exchange, park there & parking is validated with a purchase--there's so much to see & do inside the Cotton Exchange, quaint shops & good food. If you're interested in the "haunts" of Wilmington...The Cotton Exchange is a great place to explore the paranormal. There's several haunts & information is provided within.
6. Nantahala River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Nationally-recognized as a river for recreation, play and sport, this is the place to go for rafting, kayaking, canoeing and other outdoor challenges.
Reviewed By JohnE399 - Ballwin, United States
This is a spectacular river. Very beautiful and offers lots of activities, to wit: white wafter rafting plus you can ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad tourist train along the river gorge. Even if you don't do any of those things, it's really pretty to look at. One of the most scenic rivers have seen in a while. Really enjoyed our drive along this river on U.S. 74. Is a goal of mine to return and ride the Nantahala Gorge excursion train ride of the Great Smoky Mountains RR to see more of this beautiful river.
7. Green River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
All abilities of white-water paddlers can enjoy these rapids in varying degrees of difficulty.
8. Trout Lake
9. Charlotte By The Lake Realtors
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 301 reviews
We offer families to find a home here at the largest man-made lake located outside of Charlotte that offers golfing, fishing and boating, with over 500 miles of shoreline and islands you can pull up to and picnic. Enjoy living here or vacationing here. Lake Norman’s communities have a shoreline that rambles through Mecklenburg, Iredell, Catawba and Lincoln counties. It has the cities of Cornelius, Denver, Davidson, Huntersville, and Mooresville, with over 550 miles of shoreline. Lake Norman has islands to explore, parks to hike, new beach to swim, fishing to enjoy golf courses, marinas to store your boat, and restaurants to pull up in your boat. All of this just minutes to downtown Charlotte North Carolina, and Charlotte airport.
10. Lake Mattamuskeet
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Covering 40,000 acres, Mattamusekeet is North Carolina's largest natural lake.
Reviewed By maas_johnf - Raleigh, United States
The refuge has a visitor center that is only open when there are volunteers available. Besides the largest natural lake in North Carolina (where you'll see many people fishing along 94), you can see the old lodge that closed in the 70's. The wildlife loop road is short and worth doing. There is a road to the left of the visitor center called the Waterfowl Hunt Area with numbered sites. At the start of it is a nice boardwalk loop trail called the New Holland Trail. Driving to end of the road to site 16 is another short loop trail looking over some nice open water. There is an observation deck there.
