North Carolina is home to some of the country’s most popular tourist attractions, from natural wonders to man-made feats, there are tons of things to do in North Carolina during your visit. It doesn’t matter if you’re heading to the coast, the mountains or somewhere in between, there are attractions for everyone here.
Biltmore Estate, Asheville
Biltmore Estate, a historic 250-room French Renaissance chateau that was built by George Vanderbilt in the 1890’s, has been a favorite for tourists since it was opened to the public in 1930. The amazement of the home’s sheer size is matched only by the intricate details inside and the features that seem way ahead of their time, like the indoor pool and private bowling alley. With over four acres of total floor space, the home features 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, 65 fireplaces, a large banquet hall and a library that is home to 10,000 volumes. Guests can choose to take a self-guided tour of the home using an audio recording that provides history and details of the various rooms, or a guided educational tour with a knowledgeable host. There is also lots more to be seen beyond the house itself including the informal and formal gardens that surround the home and Antler Hill Village, a collection of shops, restaurants and a working farm, all located just down the road on the Biltmore property. The Biltmore Winery also located in Antler Hill, is recognized as the country’s most visited winery and offers wine tastings of both red and white wines, as well as behind-the-scenes tours of the vineyards and production facility.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson City
Located in both North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park draws visitors from all over the world with its beautiful landscapes, vibrant plant and wildlife, and opportunities for outdoor recreation. It is recognized as America’s most visited national park and offers opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, climbing, camping, fishing and wildlife viewing, as well as the chance to learn about Appalachian culture and history from places like Cade’s Cove – an area of the park that still features several historic structures from the 18th and 19th centuries, including three churches, barns, log houses and a working mill.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
One of the most popular spots along the North Carolina coast is the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, a beautiful and picturesque national park that offers white sandy beaches, salt marshes, crashing waves and historic lighthouses. Every year, visitors who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of commercial beach destinations flock to the beautiful shores of Cape Hatteras to experience a quieter, calmer ocean vacation. In addition to enjoying the sun and sand, there are opportunities to go fishing, hiking, nature viewing, kayaking, windsurfing, snorkeling, surfing and more. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, another popular draw for visitors, is also open for climbing, as is the Bodie Island Lighthouse. But be forewarned – both climbs are not for the faint of heart! The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse has 257 steps to climb, which is equivalent to climbing a 12-story building, while the Bodie Island Lighthouse has just over 200 steps to climb and is equivalent to a 10-story climb.
Wright Brothers National Memorial, Kitty Hawk
History and aviation fans from all over the world travel to Kitty Hawk, NC to learn all about the “first in flight” at the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Not only can visitors stand in the exact spot where the Wright Brothers first took flight (as well as where they landed), they can also tour a reconstructed 1903 camp building to experience what life may have been like in their time, and pay their respects at the commemorative monument. The Wright Brothers National Memorial Visitor Center also offers interactive exhibits and a bookstore, although it is closed for renovations until late 2018.
U.S.S. North Carolina Battleship Memorial, Wilmington
The U.S.S. North Carolina, an American battleship from World War II, now sits permanently docked along the waters of the Cape Fear River in Wilmington, NC. The ship was the fourth ship to be named for North Carolina by the U.S. Navy and was the first newly constructed American battleship to go into service in World War II. Not only is it a popular spot for military and history buffs, but also visitors of all ages who want to take a step back in time and imagine what it must’ve been like to live aboard the decks, start the roaring engines and shoot the massive guns. The ship has also become a popular venue for special events and weddings due to its unique setting and beautiful Cape Fear sunsets.
