Although it’s true, Charlotte is a large city full of skyscrapers and big-city attractions, it is also a beautiful, welcoming city for tourists and has plenty of things to do on a budget. Whether you’re into art, sports, food or all of the above, these top spots cost less than $15 a pop (some of them are free!) and make for a perfect afternoon or evening out.
U.S. National Whitewater Center
What Is It? If you’d rather be outdoors, you can go for a hike or take a ride on your mountain bike at the U.S. National Whitewater Center for only the cost of parking.
Why Do It? There are over 25 miles of trails that vary in difficulty from novice to intermediate to advanced. All the trails are marked and are shared by runners, hikers and bikers.
Good to Know: The trails are also pet-friendly, so feel free to bring Fido along with you! You will just need to be sure to clean up after him and keep him on a leash.
Charlotte Liberty Walk
What Is It? History buffs will want to check out the Charlotte Liberty Walk.
Why Do It? This free walking tour brings the history of Charlotte to life via an app on your smartphone.
Good to Know: Just download the app and set off on a tour around the city that takes you to 19 different stops, teaching you about the origins of the city and how its early residents participated in the American Revolution.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
What Is It? Got some pent-up energy from your workweek or just want to get in a good workout? Head over to the Sky Zone Trampoline Park.
Why Do It? You can spend time bouncing, jumping and flipping on the trampolines. Dive into the Foam Zone, make a slam dunk at SkySlam or even go back to your childhood days with a little Ultimate Dodgeball.
Good to Know: You can also participate in a SkyFit workout class.
Charlotte Knights Baseball
What Is It? If you’re visiting Charlotte during baseball season, you can check out a Charlotte Knights game for less than $10.
Why Do It? You’ll get to hear the crack of the bat, root for the team as they round the bases.
Good to Know: For a few extra dollars, enjoy a warm hot dog and cold beer.
Billy Graham Library
What Is It? You can learn all about Billy Graham’s journey from a farm boy to an international ambassador and preacher at this 40,000 square foot experience.
Why Do It? Starting with a short film in the library’s main lobby, you’ll travel through a series of rooms where you learn more about Graham’s life and family. You’ll get to check out numerous historic artifacts that are on display and interactive with multimedia displays throughout.
Good to Know: While you’re there, make sure to check out the enormous gift shop filled with inspiring books, jewelry, apparel and more. And take a tour of the original Graham family home that has been loving restored with 80% of the original materials.
IMAX Dome Theatre at Discovery Place
What Is It? The IMAX Dome Theatre is located inside Discovery Place on Tryon Street in uptown Charlotte.
Why Do It? What’s better than settling back in a comfy chair and watching a movie with your family? Watching it on a screen that’s three stories tall.
Good to Know: Choose from a selection of rotating movies and explore the Amazon, learn about the world’s tallest buildings or hop a ride on the Polar Express, all with 12,000 watts of surround sound that will have you feeling like you’re a part of the action.
Charlotte Museum of History
What Is It? The Charlotte Museum of History is located on the original site of the Hezekiah Alexander Home, a 5,000 square foot rock house that is the oldest surviving house in Mecklenburg County.
Why Do It? It was built in 1774 and later listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and now you can tour it along with a reproduction log kitchen, barn and two-story springhouse when you visit the 8-acre site.
Good to Know: You can take a guided tour of the house and wander through several of the museum’s rotating exhibitions including A Focus on Sports, Charlotte Neighborhoods and Charlotte’s Road to Revolution.
The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
What Is It? Beer lovers rejoice! The tour at The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery is free on Saturdays at 2, 3 and 4 pm.
Why Do It? You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how they make their famous brew and how they make sure it lives up to the German “Reinheitsgebot” beer purity law of 1516 that says that beer is to be made only of malt, hops, yeast and water.
Good to Know: Tours are 40 minutes long, you do not need to register in advance and no purchase is necessary.
