North Carolina

United States of America

Billy Graham Library featuring heritage architecture and autumn leaves
North Carolina showing forest scenes, a river or creek and a waterfall
Cherokee
Billy Graham Library which includes interior views
Mingo Falls which includes a bridge and forests

Soaring mountain peaks, atmospheric islands and a fascinating colonial past make North Carolina an exciting state with trendy, welcoming cities.

Visit North Carolina for a trip that combines wilderness escapes in dramatic mountains, city breaks exploring museums and relaxation by the Atlantic coast. The “Tar Heel State” offers such a diverse array of attractions that it is a consistently surprising and exhilarating destination.

Visit the mysterious island of Roanoke to learn about North Carolina’s colonial past. This barrier island was the landing and settling point of more than 100 colonists in 1587 who disappeared without a trace. Follow in the footsteps of the infamous Lost Colony in the town of Manteo and at the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site.

Explore North Carolina’s creative, colorful cities. Asheville is located in the mountains in the west of the state and features a combination of historical and artistic sites. Roam the expansive grounds of Biltmore, one of the largest stately homes in America. The River Arts District has several independent galleries and stores.

Families will enjoy the thriving city of Charlotte, which features several all-ages attractions. Engage with science at the Discovery Place or plunge down rides at Carowinds. The city also has botanic gardens, pleasant parks and museums dedicated to NASCAR and aviation.

Drive along the spectacular Blue Ridge Parkway into the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Bring your binoculars to spot black bears roaming through the landscape in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you can hike along miles of trails.

Relax on the state’s coastline and explore scenic barrier islands. Learn to surf at Wrightsville Beach or escape to the solitude of quiet Hatteras Island or undeveloped Cape Lookout. The Wright Brothers National Memorial, located in the Kill Devil Hills, commemorates humankind’s first powered flight.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is one of the busiest transport hubs in America, offering several flights to destinations around the U.S. and beyond.

The best time of year to visit North Carolina depends on what you want to do. Head to the southern coastal areas in spring or fall for warm but mild days by the ocean. Explore the northern mountains in summer for the clearest weather.

Popular cities in North Carolina

Jennette\'s Pier which includes a beach
Nags Head
Known for Beaches, Sea and Fishing
Nags Head is calling! Discover its beaches, oceanfront, soccer, and more.

Reasons to visit

  • Jennette's Pier
  • Nags Head Fishing Pier
  • Bodie Island Lighthouse
Charlotte showing a house
Charlotte
Known for Sports, Theaters and Live music
Trip time! Discover the sports, theater, and university life in Charlotte.

Reasons to visit

  • Spectrum Center
  • University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Wilmington showing an administrative buidling
Wilmington
Known for Beaches, Sea and Rivers
Climb aboard a World War II battleship in this port city and catch a show at a theater that pre-dates the American Civil War.

Reasons to visit

  • Riverwalk
  • Battleship North Carolina
Carolina Beach which includes a beach, surf and a coastal town
Carolina Beach
Known for Beaches, Walking and Sea
This town, set on a peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Fear River, is known for its uncrowded beaches, outstanding surf and boardwalk amusement park.

Reasons to visit

  • Carolina Beach
  • Carolina Beach Fishing Pier
Great photos from Boyland Bridge. Underexposed this so the ugly foreground between the tracks dropped out. Golden hour. Iso 80 f/18 1/15sec 35mm
Raleigh
Known for Theaters, Live music and Festivals
Trip time! Discover the live music, hockey, and museums in Raleigh.

Reasons to visit

  • North Carolina State University
  • Lenovo Center
Basilica of Saint Lawrence showing heritage architecture, heritage elements and a church or cathedral
Asheville
Known for Mountains, Live music and Theaters
Artists, gourmets and outdoor enthusiasts will all feel right at home in North Carolina’s “Paris of the South.”

Reasons to visit

  • Biltmore Estate