Top 15 Activities in Greensboro, NC You Can’t Miss

Greensboro is a city rich in history. As a pivotal contact point for British and Revolutionary armies during America’s quest for independence in the late 18th century, the city’s outer districts still bear witness to its historical significance through battlefields and memorials dedicated to those who fought.

When the Civil War began, the region found itself divided, with sentiments split between the Confederacy and Union supporters. It later became the final meeting place for the Confederate government in the war’s closing days.

The following decades ushered in prosperity via railroad wealth and industrial expansion, with the Piedmont Triad serving as a catalyst for urban development that endured even through the Great Depression.

Today, Greensboro is flourishing, showcasing a unique array of art galleries, engaging museums, and an abundance of attractive urban parks.

Combine this with one of America’s premier water parks, a delightful assortment of taco eateries and coffee shops, alongside a vibrant university community, and it becomes evident why this once-sleepy Gate City has transformed into a significant draw for travelers journeying across the continental United States!

Here are the best things to do in Greensboro!

1. Between the rainforests and the cosmos at the Greensboro Natural Science Center

Comprising four distinct sections, the Greensboro Science Center offers an extraordinary array of immersive, child-friendly, and interactive exhibits. It is arguably one of the most exceptional educational institutions in the area.

The offerings span from reptile displays in the museum to the zoo, which features playful gibbons and rare lemurs. The collections here are extensive and diverse.

Moreover, do not overlook the thrilling performances held at the adjacent Time Warner Cable OmniSphere Theater, featuring captivating three-dimensional films that explore the enigmas of black holes and dinosaurs!

2. Seek out Greensboro’s artistic side at Elsewhere living art museum

Functioning as part artist collective, quirky art gallery, workshop, and educational venue, the Elsewhere living art museum stands as a pinnacle of Greensboro’s contemporary artistic movement.

Situated in a repurposed thrift shop along Elm Street downtown, this location features an eclectic range of exhibitions and shows year-round.

The goal is to engage the public in rethinking reclaimed and recycled materials, with resident artists creating compelling works from often mundane found objects that tell unique stories.

Feel free to drop by to engage or simply admire the impressive work being produced!

3. Sip coffee with the students at Tate Street Coffee House

Conveniently located near Greensboro’s university buildings, this inviting coffee shop in the lively College Hill neighborhood is popular for its fair trade beverages and an array of homemade cakes and vegan sandwiches.

A favorite among students from the University of North Carolina, the establishment emphasizes sourcing Fair Trade, organic, and ethically produced beans from coffee farms worldwide.

Additionally, the weekends feature jazz nights and wine tastings, making it a perfect spot for an early Saturday visit when the vibrant jazz ambiance begins!

4. Stroll through the pretty Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden

When the bustling urban environment becomes overwhelming and a retreat into tranquility is essential, the serene Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden provides a perfect escape.

This compact area features lush lawns and meticulously maintained flowerbeds interwoven with picturesque streams, complemented by a charming gazebo—an ideal backdrop for local weddings and events.

Notably, this park was inaugurated in 1976 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States, with numerous bronze statues and plaques adorning the pathways.

5. Check out the gourmet taco at Crafted – the Art of the Taco

Mexican cuisine reaches new heights of finesse and creativity at this captivating taco establishment located on Elm Street in downtown Greensboro.

Dedicated to utilizing organic, high-quality ingredients, the menu is a symphony of vibrant flavors from Central America.

Start with tantalizing ‘Taquitos’ adorned with banana dressing and kimchi, followed by an exceptional variety of unusual tacos, such as the distinctive Wayfarer, featuring onion relish and Korean marinade, alongside the southern-inspired smoky brisket of the Fixie. This spot is truly among the finest in North Carolina for savoring authentic, fusion tacos!

6. Entertain the little ones at the Greensboro Children’s Museum

This museum is an excellent destination for families visiting Greensboro with children, offering a space filled with curiosity and wonder.

The main exhibit, Our Town, presents a miniature replica of a U.S. city with features like pizza take-outs and bustling streets, perfect for imaginative play. Children can also climb over plastic planes equipped with cockpits and slides, alongside a replica of a classic 1930s home inspired by a Fisher Park dollhouse.

Furthermore, the museum hosts its own gardens where visitors can learn about planting and horticulture with knowledgeable experts, all while discovering the advantages of organic foods!

7. Unravel North Carolina’s military history at the Guilford Courthouse

Spanning over 200 acres on Greensboro’s northern outskirts, the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park attracts around 200,000 visitors annually.

The site commemorates the pivotal Battle of Guilford Court House, a significant event that catalyzed the campaigns leading to victory in the American Revolution.

Visitors can observe statues dedicated to revered U.S. General Nathanael Greene, along with regular guided tours illuminating the moments when Continental forces clashed with the formidable Redcoats of Cornwallis’ British troops.

Surrounded by plane trees, the area also offers an excellent setting for jogging, leisurely walks, and picnicking.

8. Get soaked at Wet &‘n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park

North Carolina’s version of the renowned Wet &‘n Wild brand is located in the southern part of Greensboro.

This water park features impressive water slides and plunge pools, along with rejuvenating Jacuzzi baths and relaxing lazy rivers.

A splendid refuge from the sultry summer heat in the Atlantic Southeast, the expansive theme park boasts some of the most exhilarating water slides in America. Attractions like the aptly named Daredevil Drop require participants to slide down headfirst and backwards, while Dr. Von Dark’s Tunnel of Terror offers a thrilling mix of 360-degree spins and eerie twists.

Families with children can also enjoy numerous slides, a wave pool, and relaxation cabanas designed for adults.

9. Go board walking at the Bog Garden at Benjamin Park

This seven-acre sanctuary, open year-round, presents a glimpse of the North Carolinian wilderness just minutes from the heart of the city.

A meandering boardwalk guides visitors through bayou-like woods, past bubbling wetlands and lively streams, accompanied by the soothing sounds of the park’s artificial waterfall.

Explorers can discover groves of wild bamboo, vibrant flowerbeds, and the gnarled trunks of trees while observing native owls and other wildlife among the canopies.

Diverse avian species also inhabit the area, providing ample opportunities for birdwatching enthusiasts.

10. Enjoy burgers and bottles at Natty Greene’s Pub & Brewing

Located on bustling Elm Street in downtown Greensboro, Natty Greene’s Pub & Brewing represents one of the city’s prominent microbreweries.

Offering a selection of 12 beers on tap, including the robust General Stout and a rotating North Carolinian Beer of the Month, this inviting establishment is a local favorite.

The extensive drink menu features IPAs and AIPAs, while the food options highlight burgers infused with Southern flavors.

Patrons can enjoy barbecue and Cajun sandwiches, alongside spicy veggie patties and slow-roasted pulled pork, complemented by a variety of fried chicken wings and the in-house Guilford Golden Ale!

11. Get a fix of local history at the Greensboro Historical Museum

Housed in the striking former First Presbyterian Church of Greensboro, the historical museum engages visitors with the region’s rich heritage from the outset—the building itself was constructed in 1892 in the Romanesque Revival style.

Inside, exhibits chronicle everything from Greensboro’s formative years to its role in the American Civil War.

Visitors can explore reconstructions depicting the city’s landscape in the early 1900s when its railroads attracted developers from the east, as well as miniature room displays created by noted interior designer Otto Zenke.

12. Trace the Greensboro Four at the International Civil Rights Center & Museum

Located at the site where the Greensboro Four—David Richmond, Franklin McCain, Ezell Blair, and Joseph McNeil—launched their famous sit-ins during the American civil rights movement in the 1960s, this insightful museum is dedicated to illustrating the realities of life in a segregated America while celebrating the contributions of those who instigated societal change across the nation. The exhibitions are both thought-provoking and engaging, housing artifacts such as Ku Klux Klan robes alongside crucial historical documents related to the legislation that enabled black voting in the mid-’60s.

Ultimately, this venue serves as an essential stop for travelers interested in American history and civil rights.

13. Go shopping at the City Market

If you happen to be in town on the third Thursday of the month during the summer, make a point to visit Greensboro’s City Market.

This vibrant event takes over the streets of the South End district for one night, featuring a delightful blend of farmers’ stalls and food trucks, artisan crafts, and local live music, creating a lively community atmosphere.

Attendees can sample BBQ and Tex-Mex cuisine, enjoy impromptu jazz performances, and witness grassroots artists showcasing their skills. The event offers ample opportunities to connect and socialize with the friendly local residents of the Gate City!

14. See global artworks at the Ambleside Gallery

This privately owned gallery initially established in Manchester, England, during the early 1980s, has transitioned to focus on showcasing English and European art in America. The gallery is now located on the beloved South Elm Street in central Greensboro.

Currently, it features a diverse array of mediums and artistic styles, from the humanist realism of Guan Weixing to the Romantic and Impressionist oil and pastel landscapes of Sarah Watts.

Visitors are encouraged to attend regular events and explore one of the most eclectic art collections in Greensboro!