20 Things To Do In North Carolina (Near Me) – Fun Activities, Adventures & Attractions

North Carolina is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. With so many amazing places to choose from, it can be hard to know where to go. To help make your decision easier, we’ve compiled a list of the best things to do and places to visit in North Carolina based on traveler ratings and reviews. So whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway spot or an adventure playground, there’s something for everyone in this metropolis!

The 20 Things to Do in North Carolina

Battleship North Carolina

• Address: 1 Battleship Rd NE, Wilmington, NC 28401, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.8 (8379)
• Phone: +1 910-399-9100
• Website: Link
• Opening hours:
  Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Reviews:
  Great piece of history to tour and see what the greatest generation was apart of. You are able to take tours or go and your own pace. You can feel how cramped a battleship that size is that would hold 2000 people. This is great for young and old to enjoy an hour or more of seeing something amazing in an amazing era of industrial age.

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Steven C Price (4 months ago)

  I cannot decide if this is the most massive ship I’ve ever been on or if the incredible access to everything just makes it seem so. So many decks to explore and I love the way that there is a balance between the military operations and everyday life of the ship. The memories and quotes from the servicemen really bring to life what it was like to live and work on this vessel. We spent 3 hours touring Deck After Deck. Incredible!

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By R Hill (2 months ago)

  One of a kind ship with a great tour route. I’ve been to several ship museums and this was outstanding. Very well maintained. The upper decks were closed because the mast was being restored but even so the tour route allowed you to wander all through the ship and each compartment was very well displayed. What is cool is that the ship remains primarily in WW2 configuration, and the (I think) Measure 33 camouflage is awesome. I was lucky and got a ticket to view the Azalea festival fireworks from the deck- closest thing to watching a shore bombardment you could get I suppose. Job Well Done to those that served and continue to serve on the ship.

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By CSL (7 months ago)

  Such an awesome place In Wilmington. Really cool to see a piece of history like this. The tour was very cool with everywhere you go the people give you information about the different parts of the ship and what the sailors and people did on the battleship. The admission wasn’t a bad price and it was a huge ship. So many things to look at. And the battleship shop was cool as well having a lot of different things in it. We bought a navy sticker for my dad who served in the Navy for 4 years.

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Team 7 Channel (a month ago)

  Outstanding! The Showboat. Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes. So much technology and history! I have wanted to visit since the first time I saw her crossing the bridge to Wilmington in ’95. Why did I wait?
  I have been on a few museum ships and this is one of the best.
  Be sure to check out the turret decks and slip into the turret itself too.

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Ed Komasara (2 months ago)

Freedom Park

• Address: 1908 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.8 (6389)
• Phone: +1 980-314-1002
• Website: Link
• Opening hours:
  Monday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

  Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

  Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

  Thursday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

  Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

  Saturday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

  Sunday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Reviews:
  This park has raised the bar for what a park can be, I may have to begin issuing tiers. I would place this park on a S-Tier level. 🙌🏾

  I was not able to see all that this park has to offer but from what I was able to witness this place has everything. From a great place for portraiture, activities for the kids, a place to have a cookout and/or even a FAMILY REUNION, there a mini amphitheater and a walk/run trail and a nature preserve. 🤩 🏞

  If you are ever in Charlotte North Carolina, do yourself a favor and check this place out you will not be disappointed. 🍾🎈🎉

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Greg LaCoste (4 months ago)

  What a fantastic place for photo shoots, walking, running, family time together. Many picturesque views. Nice playground area for kids. Playground is well maintained. Football fields. Very calming and serene place with the lake and broad walk along the lake. Three hours flew by very fast.

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Yuliana Demid (11 months ago)

  What a beautiful, wonderful, park! Great walking and cycling paths, history markers, playgrounds, BBQ pits and shelters, and even a Carolina Panthers Play 60 obstacle course for all ages! Extremely dog friendly too unlike what I had read previously which made me leave my dog behind. Won’t make that mistake again. Even if your not particularly close to Charlotte, it is worth the drive and one can easily kill an entire day there. Check it out, you will NOT be disappointed.

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Asian Adventures (4 months ago)

  Beautiful park! Very large and wonderful scenery. Everything is accessible by bike or on foot, and there are plenty of benches and large grassy areas. The water is very pretty with not too many geese.

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Rowan Sunderland (a month ago)

  Simply a wonderful park. I loved all the space that it had and places to walk and a lot of activity going on such as picnics, walks, Sports on fields, wedding pictures, exploring, excellent Kids Play Gym, great nature scenes, a natural Amphitheater and more. Well done Charlotte!

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Suzie Jackson (7 months ago)

Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park

• Address: Chimney Rock, NC 28720, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.8 (6104)
• Phone: +1 828-625-9611
• Website: Link
• Opening hours:
  Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

  Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

  Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

  Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

  Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

  Saturday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

  Sunday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Reviews:
  This park has a wonderful history of how it came to be. There is an option to purchase tickets upon arrival, but I recommend purchasing online because it makes entering the park much faster. There is a line when waiting to get into the park, but it moves fairly swiftly. The rangers were available once reaching the attraction parking area to keep things orderly which is much appreciated. Trails were clearly marked and maps were provided along with maps/signs available throughout the park trails. Option to take the elevator or walk to the summit, but we walked. It was simply too pretty out to miss out on a walk. I appreciated the cool air because it kept sweating to a minimum 😂. Although it is winter the vistas we’re still breathe taking. I would visit again.

  The only recommendation I would make is that the guard rails on the drive to/from the Chimney Rock really needs updating. Although few were in disrepair it’s rather unnerving that the only thing that kept you from falling off the side of the mountain were these wooden guard rails. What about metal? Aren’t those better?

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Maria Georgiou (9 months ago)

  This is a beautiful place to visit. I will start by saying be prepared for the cost. Adults were $17/piece and youth $8. Adults are over 12 years old. I would recommend planning a whole day to make it worth the cost. It was $150 for our families of 10 people. Most of us climbed all the way up, a few in the group used the elevator which was nice. We were all able to converge at the top and enjoy the view. Wish we had planned more time to spend in the park and fully explore more of the features they had to offer and maybe packed a lunch to enjoy in the park. We went later than originally planned waiting for a storm to pass and had planned lunch in town so it seemed a bit steep (pun intended) for only about 2 hours. Part of that time was spent in the gift shop, spending more money. 😄
  The views were breathtaking and the closest I will ever come to rock climbing as I am deathly afraid of heights. For the most part I felt completely secure, except the steps were not directly against the rock face. Never looked down though.

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Mary Weezie Canada (5 months ago)

  Such an amazing view. You can take an elevator 26 stories to the top or hike it. There were not a lot of people there and it was so quiet at the top. There is a shop and little Cafe you can stop at before climbing the steps onto the rock. It was nice to sit and look at the view.

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Heather F (3 months ago)

  BRING YOUR WALKING SHOES!!
  This place is beautiful but there’s a lotttt of stairs. You can choose your own path and trails, so you can do what you feel comfortable with.
  We ended up doing every trail which totaled about 6 miles, 4hrs of time.
  There aren’t a lot of water fountains along the way to fill up your water bottle, be prepared for that.
  The best trail is the one that takes you to the bottom of the waterfall. It’s beautiful.
  Get there early to be the crowds.

  ✭✭✭✭ By Autumn Murphy (5 months ago)

  This place is fantastic. The views were spectacular. If you can’t hike the stairs there is an elevator you can take to get to a beautiful spot to take pictures. There is a snack/souvenir shop at the top of the elevator area. If you are able there is further up you can hike to see even more beautiful views. Well worth the trek.

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Tisha Bain (8 months ago)

Hanging Rock State Park

• Address: 1790 Hanging Rock Park Rd, Danbury, NC 27016, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.8 (5582)
• Phone: +1 336-593-8480
• Website: Link
• Opening hours:
  Monday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

  Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

  Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

  Thursday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

  Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

  Saturday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

  Sunday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Reviews:
  I lived on this area for over 20 years and never took a hike. I’ve fished, swam, and took a boat out on the lake but ever took a hike. At my age, I was determined to make it to the hanging rock. My son and I hiked the trail and while it was a little strenuous and challenging at times, I was not disappointed!!!!! The view at the end is spectacular and well worth the trip. I should have done this 30 years ago. What a beautiful place in my own backyard. This is a national treasure and place to be cherished. The park team has done an amazing job on this park and it shows. Can’t wait to take on the Moore’s Wall trail.

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Chris East (5 months ago)

  I wish I had more time to explore this park. The few trails that I hiked were breathtaking. From the top of the mountain showing what fall colors are all about, to the waterfall and rock structures along the way. You will never be bored. The best part is there truly are a variety of different level trails from beginner, intermediate to expert. So everyone can find a trail to suit their needs.

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Ashley Suarez (8 months ago)

  I had a great time hiking around this area. There are so many trails to choose from. My favorite is Moores Wall. It has the best views in the park. The observation tower is great and has signs showing what you are seeing. The main attraction, Hanging Rock, is definitely worth the short hike. Well kept trails and facilities. Will plan another trip soon to explore the waterfalls and other trails I did not hike.

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Justin Maslack (3 months ago)

  It was amazing we had an awesome time. We went to 3 water falls. That was awesome and we went up the mountain up to hanging rock. We met amazing people we took the drone up to view. If you go you will have an amazing time. We spent 4-5 hours there. Be careful and stay safe.

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Alexxa Perez (8 months ago)

  This place is breathtaking. But let me tell you … Com prepared. My family and I hike every weekend. We have trekking poles, hiking shoes, and we carry our 2 year old in a hiking backpack. This was NO easy hike. You have to quite literally climb actually rocks to get to the top and go up 2000 ft in elevation. It is hard and we had to take a lot of breaks. It was well worth it for the views when we got to the top. The waterfalls are cute as well (not as large as ones you’d see in Asheville but beautiful nonetheless.) There is a visitor center with bathrooms and a water refill station. Highly recommend for serious hikers and people with appropriate hiking 🥾 footwear and accessories!

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Larissa Kim (8 months ago)

Grandfather Mountain

• Address: 2050 Blowing Rock Hwy, Linville, NC 28646, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.8 (5188)
• Phone: +1 828-733-4337
• Website: Link
• Opening hours:
  Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Reviews:
  How do you tame the leaf peepers knowing you will be packed? Register online and show up only at your scheduled time. If others would have read this online before showing it would have been more smooth. I’m not co
  Planning. The area is beautiful and it was a nice get away. The trails are marked well and the USB story they give you at the start of the trail makes the drive informative and pleasant. Military and senior discounts. Bring your dog!!! It’s amazing views and hikes. There was plenty of staff to keep things organized. The bathrooms were clean for the steady line moving in. There is the mile high bridge and plenty to see so if you think your fee covers just hiking trails do a little more research. You can spend all day here! There are plenty of picnic areas. The staff guided traffic and allowed easy flow of parking on a sold out day too!

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By torie quismundo (a month ago)

  Horribly commercialized and over-crowded. That being said, the owners do a fantastic job of traffic management. The views are incredible and the swinging bridge is fun. Admission is $22/adult and comes with a self-guided CD. They do want you to purchase tickets in advance but I don’t believe they would turn anyone away at the gate! Beware the hairpin road inside the park is not for the faint of heart!

  ✭✭✭ By Jessica Frederick (11 months ago)

  Well worth the trip! Very accessible and stunning! There are strenuous hikes available but not necessary for the view. There’s an elevator and a well maintained gift shop. Be prepared as it can get very windy. Pets welcome outside on a leash but not in the gift shop.

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Shannon Holloway (3 months ago)

  I’ve been visiting Grandfather Mountain since I was a child and recently shared the experience with my own family. The day we went was extremely windy, so we weren’t able to go to the top or see the bridge. They reduced the entry fee because of this, and we still enjoyed the visit. There are plenty of nice views on the lower half of the mountain. The only animals that we saw were the elk and the eagles, so that was disappointing. Plan your visit on a clear day, and if you’re an adventurous and experienced hiker, hike the Grandfather Trail. There are ladders and ropes to assist your journey, and the views are worth it.

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Crystal Polege (5 months ago)

  Really great hike! Lots of rocks to climb over and can be strenuous at times. The location signage is really good! It costs $22 per adult to enter the park. Lots of different things to go do there. We took our 20 pound dog on the ladder hike and he did great. We did have to carry him some parts, so keep that in mind if you take an animal!

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Heather Wrathall (11 months ago)

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

• Address: 46379 Lighthouse Rd, Buxton, NC 27920, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.8 (4604)

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

• Address: 11 W Jones St, Raleigh, NC 27601, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.8 (1790)

Biltmore

• Address: 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.7 (28564)

Pullen Park

• Address: 520 Ashe Ave, Raleigh, NC 27606, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.7 (7081)

Carolina Raptor Center

• Address: 6000 Sample Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.7 (943)

Historic Yates Mill County Park

• Address: 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.7 (437)

North Carolina Zoo

• Address: 4401 Zoo Pkwy, Asheboro, NC 27205, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.6 (19111)

NASCAR Hall of Fame

• Address: 400 E M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28202, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.6 (5275)

Discovery Place Science

• Address: 301 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.6 (4389)

North Carolina State Capitol

• Address: 1 E Edenton St, Raleigh, NC 27601, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.6 (875)

Mordecai Historic Park

• Address: 1 Mimosa St, Raleigh, NC 27604, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.6 (418)

Carowinds

• Address: 300 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.5 (26558)

The Charlotte Museum of History

• Address: 3500 Shamrock Dr, Charlotte, NC 28215, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.3 (327)

SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord

• Address: 8111 Concord Mills Boulevard, Concord, NC 28027, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.2 (3042)

Adventure Landing

• Address: 3311 Capital Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27604, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.1 (1975)

Thank you for reading! If you have any additional information on the best things to do in North Carolina, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!