North Carolina’s best cities stretch from the mountains to the coast. It is a wonderful state to visit, with many interesting and diverse destinations.
Whether you want to spend a weekend hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains, visiting the state capital area, or spending a beach vacation, North Carolina has it all.
1. Raleigh
Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, lies in the middle of the state and is a wonderful place to visit. North Carolina can be reached by road trip along Interstate 95 or by air. Central Raleigh is a 20-25 minute drive. RDU International airport.
Raleigh is known for great restaurants like Death & Taxes and Poolside Pie by culinary James Beard Award-nominated chef Ashley Christensen, to great breweries like Lynnwood and Trophy Brewing Company. .
In Raleigh, you’re not far from museums and college campuses. If you love contemporary art, visit his CAM (Museum of Contemporary Art) in downtown Raleigh. Admission is always free. Visit the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) near North Carolina State University. There is an outdoor sculpture garden with free admission. Some of the indoor museums are free to enter, while others require a ticket.
The downtown area also includes a pedestrian mall area with free museums such as the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum. Children will love the Marble Museum, which is accessible for a minimal ticket price. It provides them with hours of fun and entertainment.
The Duke Energy Center is located downtown, providing easy access to a variety of ticketed performances, including traveling Broadway shows and concerts.
2. Durham
Just 30 minutes north of Raleigh is another very popular North Carolina city called Durham. It has a walkable downtown community with shops, restaurants, bars and museums. Shop for the best souvenirs and homewares at Chet Miller or check out the rooftop bar at the Unscripted Durham Hotel.
If you’re in town during baseball season, don’t miss a minor league game at Durham Bulls Stadium. The stadium is located on the American Tobacco Campus and is a popular spot for walking around, eating and drinking before and after the game.
Dame Chicken and Waffles serves the famous dishes of the restaurant of the same name. Topping with hot honey adds a tangy sweetness.
Popular breweries to grab a beer in Durham are Fullsteam, The Glass Jug and Hi-Wire. If you’re looking for cocktails, both the Kingfisher and 21c Museum Hotel bars have a great atmosphere.
Check out the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) calendar of events. It often hosts Broadway traveling shows and great concerts.
3. Asheville
Head to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina to visit Asheville. The city is known for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning scenery. Watch a glassblowing demonstration at the Lexington Glassworks or indulge in a spa at the Omni Grove Park Inn.
The Biltmore estate is a treasure trove of things to do and see, including historic properties that are still independently owned by one family, though open to the public via an admission ticket. You can also enjoy horseback riding, walking or jogging on the property’s trails, or enjoy a complimentary wine tasting at Biltmore’s winery.
Head to the River Arts District to visit art galleries and the Asheville Pinball Museum and play a game of nostalgia.
4. Winston Salem
The town named Winston-Salem lies between Durham and Charlotte. travel by car This destination is one of North Carolina’s lesser-known cities with a lot going on.
Head downtown to try some of Winston Salem’s great restaurants and bars, including The Katherine French Brasserie at the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel and Moselle’s for delicious tomato pies. Winston-Salem has many breweries to visit, including Weisman Brewing and Foothills Brewing.
Old Salem is a must-see area of Winston Salem where you can explore and discover the city’s history in an outdoor setting. The Reynolda House Museum of American Art is a popular tourist attraction that showcases works of art from the colonial era to the present day.
5. Ocracoke (Outer Banks)
Favorite city in North Carolina Ocracoke, an island in the Outer Banks, accessible by ferry. The perfect place to spend a few days relaxing and enjoying the coast.
This totally casual island has outdoor bars with live music during the peak summer season, plenty of coastlines for relaxing on the sand, and beautiful restaurants ranging from casual dining to several date-night establishments.
They also offer surfing lessons, so be sure to check them out. A great place to learn how to ride a wave.
6. Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill may be best known for its prestigious university, the University of North Carolina (UNC). You can have fun outside of class!
Franklin Street is known for its nightlife, from college bars to restaurants. Don’t miss the colorful murals that line the streets. With a multitude of restaurants, pubs and quick service eateries, you can choose your dining experience for any occasion.
Be sure to check your school’s sports schedule and inquire about game tickets. Chapel Hill is also home to the Schiele Museum’s James H. Lynn Planetarium and Science Theater, a planetarium where kids and adults alike can learn about the universe in a fun way.
7. Charlotte
A popular destination in North Carolina, Charlotte is highly accessible by air from major international airports and has a number of highways that are easily accessible by car. Additionally, Amtrak runs through the city, making it easy to travel by train.
There is so much to do in Charlotte, from watching sports (like the North Carolina Panthers football team) to concerts, museums and more.
From Charlotte, you can visit Lake Norman, a city full of waterfront restaurants and cute neighborhoods to explore. You can also visit Cabarrus County, famous for NASCAR racing and the North Carolina Renaissance Festival held each fall.
8. Wilmington
Wilmington is a coastal city easily accessible by car. For example, from Raleigh it’s a two and a half hour drive for him, so you can get there on a day trip or he can even stay overnight.
Wilmington has a fun downtown area with great restaurants and bars. Head to Seabird for North Carolina oysters and fresh fish. North Carolina seafood is the best, especially shrimp.
Allow plenty of time in your schedule to visit Wilmington Beaches, such as Wrightsville Beach, or explore the Fort Fisher State Historic Site.
9. Pinehurst
Known as the ‘Home of Golf’, Pinehurst is best known for its world-class golf courses. In fact, they are so reputable and famous that the PGA of America decided to build a campus there.
Pinehurst has plenty to do besides golf, including great food and drink at Pinehurst Village and nearby Southern Pines. Enjoy the outdoors at Sandhills Garden Park. There are no golf courses, but there are many native plants.
10. Boone
Add Boone to your list of places to visit when heading west into the mountains of North Carolina. A small town with lots of nature and great attractions like Linville Falls and Linville Caves.
If you love gems, try sifting through the area’s indoor or covered sifting yards. Fun for both children and adults. Boone and the surrounding area are also home to a variety of museums with sculpture gardens and indoor multimedia artwork, including the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum and the Turchin Center.
Conclusion
You’ll find fun, entertainment and great memories when you visit these top cities in North Carolina. It’s a very popular destination in America for good reason.
Whether you’re visiting on a road trip or flying into one of the state’s major airports, it’s easy to explore. Plan your trip and be prepared with beautiful scenery and amazing attractions that will keep you coming back for years to come.
Co-owned and operated by Mikkel Woodruff sometimes home and sometimes sailing I run a travel website with my husband Dan.
They call the East Coast of the United States home, travel nationally and internationally, inspiring people to seek new experiences and explore new places through inspirational content.