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 Things to do Good for Adrenaline Seekers
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. Pisgah National Forest
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 662 reviews
A park within easy driving distance from Hendersonville that offers hiking, camping and fishing.
Reviewed By tomtI3003XC - Concord, United States
Pisgah Forest has some beautiful streams, waterfalls, mountains, and unspoiled forest that can’t be beat! Whether you are site seeing , hiking , trout fishing, camping or Mountain biking there are more than enough in the huge National Forest ???? The Looking Glass Waterfall is a prime example of just some of the sights to see, with very easy access to view it’s beauty right off the side of the main road coming into the forest from North Brevard NC. And just a little south of Pisgah is my favorite MTB getaway DuPont State Forest, so you can enjoy both with minimal driving.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6,921 reviews
This 469-mile scenic drive links Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, while protecting the cultural and natural features of the Blue Ridge.
Reviewed By cynthiap259 - New Britain, United States
Where do I start? What an awesome drive from Skyline Drive all the way to the Smoky Mountains ... through the magnificent BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY! It was in my bucket list and it sure delivered. The blue mountain ridges and colorful fall colors...seen in every overlook, just amazing! We stopped at Mabry Mill, the Blue Ridge Music Center, multiple overlooks, stopped and hiked the Natural Bridge trail and Graveyard Fields trail and saw a whole herd of elks in the Oconaluftee area! Ate real southern food and experienced their hospitality especially at Clyde’s in Waynesville. Didn’t get to explore Asheville and Biltmore Estate due to time constraint but will be coming back for it hopefully soon to see the rhododendrons blooming!
3. Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
Home to unusual cacti plants, this site offers a multitude of outdoor activities from hiking and biking to hang-gliding and parasailing.
Reviewed By zonkey99 - Box Elder, United States
A Great place to just chill or be active! Great Hiking trails, great for those who rock climb, good picnic areas, nice natural type playground, with nearby hammocks to nap! Forgot a book? They have a little box library as well. When you are done reading/napping after that hike, hit the restroom before you level if need. :-) It’s a just great place for anything you want to do.
4. 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!
5. Cherohala Skyway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 651 reviews
This scenic 36-mile road stretches from the mountains of North Carolina into the Tennessee backcountry.
Reviewed By dbauman9 - Lenoir City, United States
Hidden gem in the Cherokee National Forest. Beautiful drive through the mountains, waterfalls, mountain streams, hiking, fishing and picnicking. Parts are rather curvy so beware because some like to speed through this area either on road rally’s or on motorcycles. There have been some horrific accidents because of that. Not to be missed if your in the area!!
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Waterrock Knob
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 301 reviews
Reviewed By GoVols79 - Chattanooga, United States
Waterrock Knob is part of the Plott Balsams mountain range in western North Carolina. At mile marker 451.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway there is a great stop with a National Park Service Visitor Center that is open seasonally. It features a large parking lot with great views all around, restrooms and hiking trails. We enjoy hiking so we took the trail to the top but the view isn’t any better from what you see in the parking lot. It is paved for the first half and then turns to a dirt trail. The trail isn’t overly technical but I wouldn’t wear flip flops. It is also pretty steep; especially the paved part. The summit of the trail is 6,273 feet above elevation and is the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The visitor center is small but has a station for stamping a NPS passport, maps, an assortment of gifts and food and drink. There are also displays about the area and wildlife. We picked up Junior Ranger packets for the kids to complete. Waterrock Knob is a great stop on the Parkway and was one of the highlights of our trip.
9. 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
10. 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!
