A vacation for North Carolina travel might be just what you need in the coming New Year. Highlights of the region include the tallest living sand dunes on the Atlantic coast, vast expanses of mountainous wilderness, scenic sandy beaches, gorgeous waterfalls, a commitment to farm-to-table cooking, premier golf courses, exquisitely preserved historic sites, and some of the most creative craft beer varieties. Yes, the list is long and incredibly fantastic!
There is plenty to do! But there are some places you should have at the top of your “to-visit” list. Want to know the top places to visit in North Carolina?
#1 – More Of The Blue Ridge Parkway Particularly The High Country Section
The Blue Ridge Parkway is an incredible route that spans 469 miles through the Appalachian Highlands, connecting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. It’s truly a treasure for all nature lovers. As you wind your way along the ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll be greeted with breathtaking views and the opportunity to witness the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in this magical place.
For us, one of the standout sections is from Linville to Blowing Rock where you can stop to take in Linville Falls, Beacon Heights, Grandfather Mountain, the Linn Cove Viaduct and more. In that stretch is the famed Rough Ridge hike, waiting for you at BRP milepost 302.8. This spot is special because it offers a hiking trail that takes you to an exposed rock outcrop. From there, prepare to be amazed by the panoramic views of the magnificent surrounding mountains. The trail itself will lead you through lush forests and rocky terrain, rewarding you with an unforgettable vantage point showcasing the undulating peaks and valleys of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The shifting seasons bring a burst of color, from vibrant greens in spring and summer to fiery hues in autumn – an absolute visual feast.
Alligator River Refuge to See the Bears
The Alligator River Refuge is a popular wildlife refuge along the Outer Banks in eastern North Carolina. It spans 152,000 acres of land and was established in 1984 to protect the forested wetland species and environment within.
While it offers a variety of rich outdoor activities, one of the most popular things to do is explore the natural wildlife inhabiting it. This is one of the best regions in North Carolina to spot the black bear. You can also go on a guided tour through the refuge in an open-air tram. For nature lovers, it is one of the best places to travel to.
Wilmington
Wilmington is known as The Port City in North Carolina, located on the southeastern coastal ends of the state. Its rich history, Southern hospitality, and nautical legacy make this city well-known.
It is one of the most popular tourist sites in the state for its many attractions. You can tour an actual battleship, explore the city’s beautifully manicured gardens, walk through mansions dating back to the Victorian era, and explore the tiki bars and grills along the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. You can also venture into one of the many marinas for a fishing expedition. It is simply one of the best places to visit in the south.
New Bern
New Bern is North Carolina’s second oldest town, which offers a unique blend of European influence and classic Southern hospitality. Its thriving Main Street offers charming accommodations, an array of restaurants and eateries, elegant historic buildings, and several museums and art galleries, making the town known for these attractions. It is one of the top North Carolina vacation spots for history lovers.
The small town of New Bern is also the birthplace of the original formula that would become Pepsi-Cola, crafted by local pharmacist Caleb Bradham. It was first dubbed “Brad’s Drink” and sold at a drugstore in New Bern, one you can still visit. But it has now become a museum and gift shop.
Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill is classified as one of the best college towns nationwide. It’s home to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the oldest state-supported university in the country. People typically love it for its small-town feel and local family-friendly events.
Some of the top attractions to visit include the North Carolina Botanical Gardens housed within the university, the historical Forest Theatre, the Kidzu Children’s Museum, and the Morehead Planetarium. If you want to explore the great outdoors, the Carolina North Forest is your best bet, with over 750 acres of woodlands and 14 popular hiking trails. It is one of the top things to do in North Carolina.
Mt. Airy
Mt. Airy is located in Surry County in North Carolina, a short distance from Winston-Salem and a 15-minute drive from the Blue Ridge Parkway. This walkable town offers a fine collection of scenic bikeways, greenways, and mountain biking trails. Its proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway makes it an excellent destination for outdoor lovers. The town also houses the Primland Golf and Spa Resort, which is a mountain lodge and golf course in one, sitting over 12,000 acres of land. It is one of the top North Carolina vacation spots.
Apart from this, visitors can also take a trolley tour through the town, head to Main Street for shopping, or enjoy a theatrical performance.
Highlands
The quaint town of Highlands in Macon County is one of the highest towns east of the Mississippi. It offers a fine mix of relaxation, dramatic peaks and stunning waterfalls.
The outdoors offers several popular hiking trails, many of which connect you to waterfalls. The Dry Falls are one in particular you must explore; the waterfall allows you to venture behind its waters without getting wet! For accommodations, consider the Old Edwards Inn and Spa, one of the most famous historic hotels on the mountainside, including an award-winning spa. You must also immerse yourself in local culture, unique shopping opportunities, and joyous festivals held all year round! No wonder it is one of the most-visited vacation spots in Carolina.
Cashiers
Head to the southern section of Jacksons County, where you will come across the casually sophisticated Cashier Village. It offers an incredible array of outdoor attractions, including several lakes, national forests, waterfalls and river gorges.
During your visit, you should head to the 8,000-acre Gorges State Park, which offers several biking, horseback riding and hiking trails, several of which lead to gorgeous waterfalls.
Other must-visit areas include the 3,492-high Lake Glenville for a lake cruise and the Ski Sapphire Valley mountain resort for snow skiing. These are some of the top-visited places in North Carolina.
Fontana Lake
Fontana Lake is an unspoiled, scenic lake housed within the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in North Carolina. It covers over 10,000 acres and has more than 240 miles of shoreline. You can enjoy several activities at the lake besides sitting at its edges.
Private marinas provide boats for rent that you can take around the lake, and some even offer fishing supplies. Other water activities include canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. You can also enjoy hiking, exploring, and camping around the lakeside, making it one of the top vacation spots in North Carolina. You also don’t want to miss the 480-ft Fontana Dam that formed this manmade lake and is categorized as the largest dam in the eastern USA.
Sylva
Sylva is a picturesque small town in central Jackson County, NC. The town offers some of the best hiking trails, top fishing spots in the state, and a wide variety of shops and breweries you can explore during your visit.
Start your vacation by visiting the 1,4000-acre Pinnacle Park with elevations exceeding 5,000 ft, or head to the popular WNC Fly Fishing Trail, which offers excellent spots for fishing trout. If you wish to do something more indoors, head to any of the local breweries in the town to enjoy locally crafted goodness, one of the top North Carolina things to do.
Cape Lookout
Cape Lookout is a group of underdeveloped islands on the Southern Outer Banks of North Carolina. It offers 56 miles of sandy beaches, accessible only by boat. Once you reach the islands, you can enjoy boating and fishing in its blue waters. Others may enjoy overnight stays at the island rentals or tent camping along the shorelines.
A popular tourist attraction is the Shackelford horses. 100 or so wild horses live peacefully along the beaches in secluded areas. Visitors are free to go and watch the horses (from a safe distance) and learn more about their history.
Portsmouth Island
Portsmouth Island is one of the few uninhabited islands on the North Carolina coast. Expect vast stretches of sandy white beaches, salt marshes, plains of grasses with winding creeks, live oaks and natural dunes.
The island was once inhabited but abandoned completely due to isolation and a depressed economy. Measuring 22 miles long, the uninhabited island is protected by the National Parks Service. Many old buildings, including the church, schoolhouse, and post office, are well preserved. Visitors can tour the beach and historic village during their visit. You can also go camping on the beach, shelling, fishing and beachcombing. It is one of the top North Carolina tourist attractions for those who like quiet and calm.
Duck
Duck is a small, eclectic seaside town in the Outer Banks of Dare County. This town is known for its beautiful beaches, cuisine, charming shopping plazas, and more. Tourists in the region can sunbathe on the beach or go fishing and surfing in the water. But the town is most popularly attributed with is “duck hunting,” hence the name!
For accommodations, you will find several beautiful rental homes and hotels. Most notable is the Sanderling Resort, a luxury oceanfront hotel offering stunning views, on-site dining and a spa.
Pilot Mountain State Park
Pilot Mountain State Park is located in the Surry and Yadkin Counties in North Carolina. It is named after the central Pilot Mountain, rising more than 2000 ft. Historically, it has been used as a landmark by the natives and early settlers in the region. The state park covers this mountain and over 3000 acres of conserved land, making it one of the top things to see in North Carolina.
The park offers several outdoor activities, including hiking trails, horseback riding trails, and campsites. The rocky cliffs are also popular for rock climbing and rappelling, meant for those who want to enjoy the thrill. The park also houses the Yadkin River section, where you can go canoeing and kayaking.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park
The Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Dare County is home to the tallest living sand dune system on the Atlantic coast. It is one of the most frequented state parks among tourists ideal for hang gliding and sandboarding from the natural dune systems.
The park also houses wetlands, which are popular for swimming, paddling, kiteboarding, and windsurfing. While visiting, you should check out the small gift shop and museum on-site to stock up on souvenirs from your trip.
Bunker Hill Covered Bridge
The Bunker Hill Covered Bridge is one of the only two remaining covered bridges in North Carolina located in Catawba County. The bridge was constructed in 1895 and would cross over Lyle’s Creek. In 1900, a 91 ft long roof was added to protect its timbers from the elements.
Today, the bridge has been categorized as a national landmark, holding significant associations with the Civil War and the American Revolution. Visitors are welcome to explore, not only famous for its beauty but as a reminder of engineering in the olden times.
Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem, one of the biggest cities in North Carolina, is centrally located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina and is considered the seat of Forsyth County. The town is known for its vibrant downtown and preserved historic sites, offering big city amenities while carrying a small-town charm.
What to do in the town? Head to one of the craft breweries for a drink, enjoy a stroll through the heirloom gardens or admire one of the artistic murals.
Hendersonville
The town of Hendersonville is nestled within the majestic Southern Appalachians. It is popularly known as the “City of Four Seasons,” and offers a varied climate with recreational opportunities and seasonal delights all year round.
During your visit, explore its pedestrian-friendly downtown, relish the various hiking and biking trails, or go for an outdoor expedition to view the mountain waterfalls in its vicinity. It is one of the best places to visit in North Carolina.
Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock is located directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering unmatched views of the parkway. It is even titled the “Crown of the Blue Ridge.”
This landmark is a must-see for all who visit this region. You will witness an intriguing phenomenon where the rocky walls of the gorge create a flume. The northwest wind blows so strongly through this flume that it returns light objects cast over the void.
Final Thoughts – North Carolina Travel in 2024
So, now you know what to do in North Carolina? North Carolina is one of the most popular tourist states in the USA. It offers beautiful outdoors, serene beaches, adventure and outdoor attractions, luxury lodgings, and recreational hotspots. For those hoping to renew themselves in the New Year with a vacation, North Carolina is a wonderful choice!
