Top 17 Stunning Destinations in North Carolina You Must See

North Carolina, also referred to as the Old North State and the Tar Heel State, boasts a myriad of destinations and attractions that merit exploration. Alongside its numerous cities and towns, the state offers boundless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Below are stunning images showcasing some of the most picturesque locations to visit in North Carolina.

1. Lake Lure

Lake Lure is indisputably one of the most breathtaking sites in North Carolina. This town has a history spanning over a century and is well-known as a filming location for Hollywood blockbusters, including Thunder Road and Dirty Dancing, which utilized the scenic Lake Lure backdrop.

Guided tours of Lake Lure are in high demand, highlighting the picturesque Lake Lure Flowering Bridge, which is a gem in this area of the state.

2. Bryson City

Bryson City is one of North Carolina’s earliest settlements, with Indigenous peoples inhabiting the region for at least 14,000 years. The surrounding mountain ranges provide captivating scenery that must be experienced firsthand.

River rafting is a foremost activity in Bryson City, complemented by the exceptional experience of riding the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Other noteworthy attractions include Cooper Creek Trout Farm & Pond and the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum, perfect for enjoyable family outings.

3. Nags Head

Nags Head ranks among the most frequented tourist destinations in North Carolina, distinguished by its magnificent beaches and a laid-back atmosphere. The prominent landmark in the town, Jockey’s Ridge State Park, provides spectacular views of both Nags Head and the expansive environment.

This park is notable for hosting the tallest natural sand dune system in the eastern United States, with several historic cottages within the town offering a wonderful ambiance for a weekend getaway.

4. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is a significant landmark in North Carolina, recognized as the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States. The lighthouse operates seasonally, and the ascent to the top, involving nearly 250 steps, is recommended only for the physically fit.

Although the climb is considerable, the views from the top provide a rewarding experience. In 1999, the lighthouse was relocated slightly inland due to coastal erosion.

5. Chimney Rock State Park

Chimney Rock State Park showcases some of the most impressive scenery in North Carolina. The iconic 315-foot spire overlooking Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure is a highlight, complemented by a variety of family-friendly nature excursions and more strenuous hiking trails.

Anglers are drawn to the Rocky Broad River, while the Rumbling Bald Climbing Access is recognized as a prime destination within the park. The Devil’s Head balancing rock is a must-see for visitors, and Chimney Rock State Park served as a filming location for several scenes in the 1992 adaptation of The Last of the Mohicans.

6. Emerald Isle

Summer is an excellent season to experience Emerald Isle, which stands out as one of North Carolina’s most picturesque locations. Although the population surges in the summer months, Emerald Isle maintains a familial atmosphere, with Water Boggan being an essential stop for families with children.

Emerald Forest Golf offers an enjoyable outing for the whole family, while the area presents numerous opportunities for kitesurfing and fishing.

7. Freedom Park

Freedom Park is recognized as one of the most tranquil locations in Charlotte, and it ranks among the most beautiful parks in North Carolina. The annual Festival in the Park—deemed one of the Top 20 Events by the Southeast Tourism Society—draws approximately 100,000 visitors each September, as attendees come to enjoy films amid the park’s stunning scenery over a five-day festival.

Adjacent to the park is the Charlotte Nature Museum, where families can learn about the region’s flora and fauna found within the Piedmont area.

8. Grogan Creek and Cedar Rock Falls

Located deep within Pisgah National Forest in Transylvania County, Grogan Creek and Cedar Rock Falls feature a stunning 20-foot waterfall, regarded as one of North Carolina’s most picturesque spots. To access Cedar Rock Falls, visitors can simply follow the flow downstream from Cedar Rock and Grogan Creeks. Although not the largest of waterfalls, they possess an undeniable photogenic quality.

9. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

As the most visited national park in the United States, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is essential for anyone traveling to North Carolina. The park straddles the state line with Tennessee and is home to the Appalachian Trail, which traverses its interior.

Visitors should not miss the observation tower at Clingmans Dome, which offers breathtaking views of the impressive landscape. Cades Cove stands out as the park’s most popular area, featuring historical churches, barns, and log cabins.

The Mountain Farm Museum and Mingus Mill at Oconaluftee within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are also noteworthy attractions.

10. Merchants Millpond State Park

Merchants Millpond State Park is ideal for individuals interested in kayaking or canoeing during their trip to North Carolina. The expansive cypress swamps host various alligators, while fishing, biking, and hiking are common recreational activities within the park. Built around a 200-year-old, 700-acre millpond and Lassiter Swamp, the park is situated near Gatesville.

11. Charlotte

As the principal city of North Carolina, Charlotte is a must-visit for anyone exploring the state. With attractions like Freedom Park and Discovery Place among its highlights, the city offers something for everyone.

Sports enthusiasts will be particularly pleased, as Charlotte hosts two NASCAR Sprint Cup races, the NASCAR All-Star Race, an NFL team—the Carolina Panthers—and the Charlotte Hornets of the NBA.

Notable attractions in the city include the Levine Museum of the New South, Carolinas Aviation Museum, and the Carowinds theme park, which features some of the most thrilling roller coasters in North Carolina.

12. Sliding Rock

While waterfalls are often scenic and tranquil, Sliding Rock in North Carolina adds an element of excitement. Nestled in the Pisgah National Forest near Brevard and Asheville, thousands of visitors slide down the falls annually.

With approximately 11,000 gallons of water cascading down the rock every minute, Sliding Rock is particularly popular during hot summer days, often resulting in lengthy queues. Nonetheless, when busy, visitors may also enjoy the exquisite sights and sounds of the Pisgah National Forest nearby.

13. Kitty Hawk

Kitty Hawk holds significant historical importance as the site where the Wright Brothers achieved their first controlled powered flights. Situated on the Outer Banks of North Carolina in Dare County, Kitty Hawk features a rich diversity of plants and animals, all set within a 461-acre maritime forest reserve named Kitty Hawk Wood, alongside a quaint beach community with residential cottages and hotels.

14. Beech Mountain

The remnants of the yellow brick road from the now-closed theme park, The Land of Oz, located in Beech Mountain, represent one of the most unique and beautiful sites in North Carolina. The Land of Oz commenced operations in 1970 but ceased after a few years; however, remnants of the park and the iconic yellow brick road still exist today.

Beech Mountain itself is the highest town east of the Rocky Mountains, with the Beech Mountain Ski Resort being one of the few skiing destinations in this part of the United States.

15. Blue Ridge Mountains

The Blue Ridge Mountains represent some of the most exquisite natural scenery in North Carolina. The Blue Ridge Parkway is particularly appealing for driving enthusiasts, providing incredible panoramic views throughout the region.

Within the Blue Ridge region lie two of North Carolina’s major national parks: Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Altapass Orchard—an Appalachian cultural and historical center—is an exceptional stop during a visit to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

16. Durham

As one of North Carolina’s largest cities, Durham is a leading tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year. The city is home to significant historical sites, including Bennett Place, where the final negotiations that effectively concluded the Civil War were held.

Durham also hosts the annual Bull Durham Blues Festival, which showcases a vibrant local music scene. Eno River State Park stands out as a beautiful spot within Durham, alongside the Little River Regional Park and Natural Area and the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, situated on the renowned Duke University campus.

17. Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls is certainly among the most picturesque locations in North Carolina. At 120 feet tall, these falls rank among the highest in the region, and they also served as a filming location for various scenes in the Hunger Games franchise featuring Jennifer Lawrence.

Accessible from either the High Falls or Fawn Lake parking areas within DuPont State Forest, Bridal Veil Falls are not the only waterfalls to explore within the park, with Wintergreen Falls, High Falls, Triple Falls, and Hooker Falls all deserving attention during a visit to North Carolina.