Top 25 Attractions and Activities in Charlotte, NC

Charlotte (North Carolina), referred to as the Queen City in tribute to Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, who became Queen of England shortly before the city’s establishment, attracts numerous visitors by featuring the NASCAR Hall of Fame, which honors auto racing through engaging exhibits and films. Additionally, Charlotte serves as the home to the Carolina Panthers, the Charlotte Hornets, the Charlotte Independence of the United Soccer League, along with various other sporting interests.

As of 2014, the city’s population stood at approximately 2,380,500, making Charlotte the 17th largest city in North America. There is much more to uncover about this destination, so let us delve into the 25 most notable attractions in Charlotte.

1. NASCAR Hall of Fame

For those contemplating a visit to Charlotte, the mention of NASCAR is likely to arise, and for racing enthusiasts, a trip to the expansive 150,000 sq ft Hall of Fame should be prioritized. This modern facility, dedicated to engaging racing fans, features impressive interactive exhibits, including racing simulators and artifacts. Moreover, it houses a state-of-the-art theater seating 278 individuals.

Visitors can also explore the renowned Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant and NASCAR Gear Shop. The venue provides a notable tribute to NASCAR icons throughout the years, celebrating the achievements of drivers, team owners, and crew members.

2. The Billy Graham Library

This attraction is particularly appealing for those wishing to explore the life and legacy of one of North America’s most prominent religious figures, Billy Graham. The library, which spans 40,000 sq ft, provides insights into his remarkable life.

Visitors may also appreciate the scenic surroundings, situated on 20 acres of landscaped property, in close proximity to the Pastor’s childhood home. Self-guided exploration of the grounds is permitted, although guided tours are available for a nominal fee and last approximately an hour and a half. A moderately priced restaurant is also available on site.

3. Truist Field

Truist Field stands out as a premier baseball stadium that hosts the Charlotte Knights, a Triple A International League minor league team. The thoughtfully designed ballpark is a favored destination for families, providing striking skyline views from its tiered seating options.

Local food vendors are plentiful, particularly between home plate and first base, and parking is convenient. For an exceptional family experience, reserving seats in the suites or the Home Plate Club is definitely worth the premium cost!

4. Discovery Place

A visit to Discovery Place promises a stimulating and enjoyable experience for families! The venue offers engaging activities suitable for all age groups, showcasing how science comes to life through captivating interactive exhibits and spectacular IMAX Dome films.

Experience the human body’s life cycle, launch objects into the air, crush a garbage can, or even lie on a bed of nails! Don’t miss the “World’s Alive” exhibit, featuring hands-on labs and breathtaking photography that highlight the lives of diverse species.

This engaging environment is designed to captivate both kids and adults alike. Additionally, a commendable restaurant is located on the premises, although it may be on the pricier side.

5. Carolinas Aviation Museum

This museum is an entertaining destination for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs of all ages. Established in a hangar erected during 1936-37, Charlotte Airport commenced operations in 1938, welcoming Eastern Airlines’ inaugural commercial flight.

At that time, the airport comprised two buildings—an administration/terminal structure and a hangar—along with a beacon tower, and two 3,000-foot runways, complemented by one 2,500-foot runway. Visitors will encounter an array of both civilian and military aircraft within the hangar, including several that children can explore.

Of particular note is the opportunity to view the actual aircraft known as the “Miracle on the Hudson”—the plane responsible for the extraordinary water landing in 2009—along with informative materials and videos detailing the remarkable event.

6. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center

This contemporary theater, inaugurated in 1992, serves as an excellent venue for experiencing plays or musicals while visiting the city.

The center prides itself on comfortable seating and superior facilities, alongside impressive acoustics. Each seat offers an unobstructed view of the stage, ensuring that no detail goes unnoticed. Whether it is a symphony or a jazz performance, attending a show here promises an enjoyable evening.

While there is no dining option on site, displaying your tickets before or after the performance at their partnered restaurants grants you a 10% discount.

7. Carowinds

Carowinds offers an exhilarating day for families, particularly those who enjoy thrill rides! The venue is known as the ‘Thrill Capital of the Southeast,’ which speaks volumes about the excitement it provides!

With 13 world-class roller coasters, including Planet Snoopy—featuring Peanuts-themed attractions for all ages—as well as numerous other family-friendly rides such as Boo Blasters on Boo Hill, Skytower, and Rip Roarin’ Rapids, visitors can experience impressive rides, including Dinosaurs Alive, showcasing 30 life-sized moving animatronic creatures.

Food options range from quick snacks to delightful dining experiences throughout the park.

8. Little Sugar Creek Greenway

Little Sugar Creek Greenway provides a picturesque area for families to enjoy leisurely walks, boasting approximately 20 miles of paved pathways and trails. The route gracefully meanders over the creek, allowing for an extended journey leading to uptown Charlotte, or a restful picnic along the way.

Children can thoroughly enjoy the adventure as the path traverses swamp lands, ponds, and bridges, ensuring a secure and delightful walking experience.

9. Levine Museum of the New South

The Levine Museum serves as an excellent resource for gaining insight into the South’s profound contributions to the United States, appealing to audiences of all backgrounds. The mission of the museum is to actively engage visitors in the diverse history of the South from 1865 to the present through various materials, sounds, and visuals, effectively presenting a captivating interactive narrative of post-Civil War southern society.

Through displays featuring individuals from various ethnic backgrounds who have significantly influenced the South, families can explore topics related to slavery along with other pivotal issues.

10. Carolina History and Haunts Ghost Tour

Regardless of one’s belief in ghosts, this captivating tour offers an enjoyable candlelit stroll through the city’s streets, featuring intriguing tales about the neighborhood’s local history and hauntings.

The guides are both knowledgeable and engaging, ensuring a wealth of fascinating information is shared regarding Charlotte’s enigmatic side. Suitable for individuals of all ages, the tour lasts around 90 minutes, making it advisable to wear comfortable walking shoes.

11. Hendrick Motorsports Complex

This venue will be an exciting experience for all automotive enthusiasts! Hendrick Motorsports boasts an impressive record of 11 car owner championships in NASCAR’s premier division, the Sprint Cup Series, and has established the complex (at no cost to visitors) for public enjoyment.

Visitors can witness the creation, repair, and storage of their NASCAR vehicles, with friendly staff readily available to answer questions. The museum features an impressive collection of trophies, a gift shop with memorabilia, and authentic car body parts available for purchase from various drivers’ merchandise from past races!

12. Mint Museum Uptown

The Mint Museum Uptown is home to an extensive array of captivating collections, showcasing American, European, contemporary art, and exceptional crafts and designs for which it is best known. Highlights include the Lewis Family Gallery and interactive art studios appealing to visitors of all ages, alongside the museum’s continuously evolving exhibitions featuring exquisite glass and wood artwork.

Exhibits change regularly, ensuring a diverse range of interests for everyone. Dining options are conveniently available on site, allowing for a pleasant meal before or after your visit, in addition to a museum shop with appealing souvenirs.

13. ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center

ImaginOn serves as an inspiring hub for the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, offering a dynamic and inviting library filled with engaging activities for children. The facility provides ample opportunities for kids to unleash their creativity, featuring board games, a puppet center, a Lego play area, a magnetic poetry wall, and interactive touch screens for younger audiences.

A fantastic space, Children can freely explore and expand their imaginations! Within close proximity, a marketplace provides plenty of food choices, ensuring comprehensive entertainment for the entire family.

14. Defy Charlotte

Defy Trampoline Sports Park is the ideal venue for children to enjoy a lively and energetic outing! This state-of-the-art 26,000 sq ft facility features wall-to-wall steel frame trampolines, including the renowned Angled Wall Trampolines, an expansive Olympic Foam Pit, and one of North America’s largest trampoline Dodgeball arenas.

Intertwining sports and entertainment, this facility has become a well-frequented location within the city. Watch children bounce around and revel in the fun! The attentive staff ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

15. McDowell Nature Center and Preserve

This delightful nature center and preserve features an outdoor amphitheater, native animal exhibits, and serves as an educational resource on the area’s natural flora and fauna.

A family-friendly environment offers a variety of trails ranging from easy to advanced, with maps visible at various entrances, play areas for children, and water fountains for pets. Being located on the edge of Lake Wylie presents excellent fishing opportunities along with budget-friendly canoe rental options.

For those interested, the site also provides camping facilities for a weekend getaway.

16. Hall Family Farm

For those interested in experiencing handpicked strawberries in spring or pumpkins in autumn, the Hall Family Farm offers a delightful opportunity for family interactions, with over 70 years of personal ownership and operation.

In addition to berry and pumpkin picking, the venue boasts hayrides and covered picnic areas, along with various activities for children of all ages. Admission is free, and visitors can purchase handpicked items at reasonable prices. The farm also offers slushies and hot beverages, alongside local produce such as breads, salsas, jams, and ciders.

17. Metalmorphosis

This distinctive sculpture is a must-see while in Charlotte. Crafted by Czech artist David Cerny, this 23 ft high structure consists of an extraordinary arrangement of horizontally moving stainless steel plates that form and reform into a colossal metal head.

Plenty of benches are available for visitors to sit and marvel at this remarkable installation while observing water cascading down the sides of the fountain. Children will also enjoy the opportunity to splash in the water.

18. Historic Rosedale Plantation

Nestled on around eight and a half acres of beautifully maintained grounds featuring majestic century-old trees, a visit to this serene plantation transports visitors back to the early 1900s in the southern United States.

The plantation house, constructed in 1815 by merchant and tax collector Archibald Frew, is celebrated as a prime example of Federal period architecture in North Carolina. Restoration efforts and enhancements to the historic gardens remain ongoing; however, public tours are available and are undoubtedly worthwhile.

Guided tours provide insightful details regarding plantation life and related historical aspects.

19. The Sleepy Poet Antique Mall

If you are looking for a unique shopping experience, consider visiting the Sleepy Poet Antique Mall. With over 250 booths offering a variety of vintage clothing, jewelry, books, photographs, antique furniture, and modern home furnishings, the venue spans 55,000 sq ft, ensuring enjoyable shopping for all.

The spacious aisles accommodate strollers with ease. Should children become restless, various food trucks, including Cupcake Delirium, are available with enticing options to capture their interest!

20. Wing Haven Garden and Bird Sanctuary

This tranquil location is ideal for bird enthusiasts or those seeking relaxation. The Gardens and Bird Sanctuary were established between 1927 and 1930 by Elizabeth Clarkson, who redirected her focus to ornithology following her chronic illness.

Designed to provide nesting habitats alongside food and water for avian and other wildlife, the gardens are enclosed by high walls that promote a serene and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can revel in the diverse plant life while spotting various bird species.

21. Romare Bearden Park

This stunning five-acre public park is highly regarded by locals and warrants a visit during your stay! Named after the celebrated artist Romare Bearden, the park debuted in 2013. It is remarkably family-friendly, featuring numerous picnic areas and activities for children, along with a splendid waterfall feature that provides respite on warm days.

The expansive, well-maintained green spaces encourage families to gather and enjoy a picturesque picnic, while summer concerts create an inviting atmosphere for a delightful evening of music.

22. Ray’s Splash Planet

For a refreshing aquatic experience, visit Ray’s Splash Planet, recognized as the largest water park in Charlotte. With over 29,000 sq ft and 117,000 gallons of water features, the park includes exhilarating slides, inner tube rides, and whirlpool areas, as well as a fitness center and aerobics and dance studios situated on the second floor, providing ample options for family entertainment.

There are numerous attractions available for children across various swimming levels, from toddler-friendly shallow pools to deeper areas that accommodate water basketball. Entrance fees are competitively priced.