Top Things to do in North Carolina
Top Hotels in North Carolina
- 1. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Asheville Downtown, an IHG Hotel
- 2. Hampton Inn & Suites Asheville Biltmore Area
- 3. Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort
- 4. Hampton Inn & Suites Asheville Biltmore Village
- 5. Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Uptown
- 6. Hampton Inn & Suites Outer Banks / Corolla
- 7. Tru by Hilton Fayetteville I 95
- 8. Drury Inn & Suites Charlotte Arrowood
- 9. Bridgepointe Hotel and Marina
- 10. The Dunhill Hotel
Countries
Things to do in North Carolina, United States: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas
North Carolina has something for everyone, with the highest mountains in the eastern U.S., 300 miles of pristine coastline, quaint towns and vibrant cities. From the mountains to the sea, explore the natural, scenic beauty, discover outdoor adventure or try one of 500 golf courses, including the legendary Pinehurst No. 2. Discover a favorite among 100 wineries and 60 craft breweries, tour historic and cultural treasures, sample farm to table delicacies and get the thrill of motorsports in the "home" of NASCAR.
Restaurants in North Carolina
1. Cape Lookout National Seashore
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 322 reviews
Popular recreation area for surf fishing and shelling, these 28,500 acres of undeveloped barrier islands are accessible only by boat
Reviewed By dbaaronson - Asheville, United States
This is one of the must-do experiences in my hone state of NC. You can literally have a ferry drop you off on a deserted island for the day. Cape Lookout is not quite as deserted although it can feel that way on the inlet side. On the ocean side there are cars that can access the island from farther north. Despite that it's a pretty remote place, the lighthouse is very scenic and if you're looking for a wild beach with no frills, this is the place for you.
2. DuPont State Recreational Forest
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 755 reviews
This forest covers more than 10,000 acres from Hendersonville to Brevard, North Carolina.
Reviewed By EclecticBull - Durham, United States
Parking at Hooker Falls Access we were able to see 3 waterfalls in 2.5 hours of hiking. We started by walking up the Triple Falls trail, down the steps to the top of the second tier of Triple Halls (which was fantastic), then continuing on along the river via the High Falls trail to the base of High Falls (even more spectacular). We returned to the parking area via the same trail, and took the short Hooker Falls trail to a nice swimming hole. Fantastic morning with a huge payoff for 4.5 miles of hiking. Get there before 9 am if going on a weekend and you'll enjoy the beauty before the crowds descend (as well parking near the trial head).
3. Conservators Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 254 reviews
Have you ever looked a tiger in the eye? Felt the whole-body impact of lions roaring? Watched wolves romp through the woods? These and other once-in-a-lifetime experiences are possible at the Conservators' Center, a wildlife conservancy for more than 80 animals. An "oofing" at the Conservators' Center is an experience you'll have to feel to believe. It's the earth-shaking sound our lion prides make when they roar to one another. Our guides call to them on every tour, and you may have the opportunity to hear them from as close as 5 feet away! You'll also get up close and personal with tigers, leopards, wolves, lemurs, binturongs, and other exotic species. Tours, adoptions, memberships, and other donations support our work, so every visit from you helps us help them. Tours are held every weekend as well as some holidays. We have private experiences and field trips during the week. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED! PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO GET A RESERVATION FOR YOUR TOUR!
Reviewed By ilove2travel005 - Snow Camp, United States
I visited the Conservators Center with my 8 year old grandson and other family members. We thoroughly enjoyed the center. We walked around the compound for an hour visiting and learning about each one. Leah, our guide, was extremely knowledgeable and knew each animal by name. I especially loved it when all the animals were "talking" to each other. It's not everyday you get to hear several lions roaring at the same time. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes as you are walking on dirt and gravel. All the volunteers were very nice and there is also a gift shop that we enjoyed.
4. Catawba River Greenway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By 218garryv - Morganton, United States
Morganton’s greenway is a wonderful stretch of paved walking/biking trail that runs along the river for several miles. It passes through shady and sunny areas, with gently curves and slight rises that make for an interesting stroll. There are several different places to park and gain access to the trail, most of which are also near playgrounds or shopping areas, and all of them are free. It was one of the many amenities that drew us to the community, and it is well used by all ages - safe and fun!
5. Fontana Lake
6. Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 315 reviews
An off-beat wildlife refuge that is interesting for children.
Reviewed By annecolorgreen - Louisville, United States
My husband and I actually visited two different times. The first, was just after lunch on a hot July day. We had quite the delay getting there because I mistakenly thought that the trail was close to the visitor's center--it's not. and then I couldn't figure out how to find it. Don't put the visitor's center in your GPS, put in the Creef Cut Wildlife Trail (which is actually the 1/2 mile nature trail that you can hike at the beginning of the motor trail). My husband and I kept driving in circles trying to find it! When we actually did get there, I was very impressed. There are very well maintained gravel roads that go in/out through this part of the refuge. There were also some dirt roads (not necessary to drive on) but they were well marked that they could be potentially hazardous during wet weather. We saw birds, a bear from a LONG distance, many turtles sunning on logs, and an alligator. Also, lots of pretty late summer flowers. Because we took awhile to get there and there are no restrooms, we eventually did have to leave. I made a plan to go back the next day and was up well before dawn to drive back over from Kitty Hawk (30'ish minutes?). This time, my plan was to drive along the areas with big fields keeping an eye out for bear. If this is your goal, don't turn off onto Sawyer Lake Rd (to the right) but keep going straight until you can turn left onto Long Curve Road. Drive slowly and pull off to the side if you want. You will soon see some big open fields--keep your eyes peeled. Through the help of a local, I was directed to the area by the "dump" where there are NUMEROUS bears that gather at least in the early hours of the day. Sadly, I didn't see or hear the wolves, but the bears were fun to watch.
7. Carolina Raptor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 342 reviews
Talk a Walk on the Wild Side at Carolina Raptor Center What will you find on your walk around the 3/4 mile Raptor Trail? Over 30 species of raptors and other birds of prey are featured on this walk on the wild side. Owls and Vultures. Hawks and Eagles. Falcons, Corvids and other species that just don't fall into any of these categories. Have you seen a Bald Eagle up close? The Raptor Trail features a nesting pair of Bald Eagles who live out back in the Eagle Aviary. Our Spectacled Owl just can't wait to tell you what she thinks about living here at CRC, but you might have to listen carefully to what she has to say - she's a shy one. Did you know that Vultures and Corvids are some of the smartest birds around. No bird brains here! Lots of human mythology surrounds both of these families of avian brainiacs. Crows have been known to drop nuts into crosswalks so that cars can crack them and then wait for the light to change and retrieve the goodies! Behind the scenes at CRC is our Raptor Hospital, where we see approximately 900 raptor patients a year (please no songbirds or possums!). If you can't make our behind the scenes tour, don't worry, the exhibit "A Day in the Life of a Raptor Hospital" will show you what goes on there - day and night.
Reviewed By SylO_12 - Charlotte, United States
Great place to visit a lot of different birds who have been saved and cannot be released back into the wild. Every time I come there is a different event to see with these birds. One time the owls were tucking into their mice. This time the Golden Eagle was running around with his dinner in his claw and stomping around with it on the ground. My favorites will always be the vultures. Lots of vultures to see here. They are too cool! Lots of fun facts about the birds also make this a great fun and educational trip!
8. Lake Mattamuskeet
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Covering 40,000 acres, Mattamusekeet is North Carolina's largest natural lake.
Reviewed By maas_johnf - Raleigh, United States
The refuge has a visitor center that is only open when there are volunteers available. Besides the largest natural lake in North Carolina (where you'll see many people fishing along 94), you can see the old lodge that closed in the 70's. The wildlife loop road is short and worth doing. There is a road to the left of the visitor center called the Waterfowl Hunt Area with numbered sites. At the start of it is a nice boardwalk loop trail called the New Holland Trail. Driving to end of the road to site 16 is another short loop trail looking over some nice open water. There is an observation deck there.
9. Umstead State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 457 reviews
Sandwiched between downtown Raleigh and the airport, this oasis of green features a stand of 300+ year-old hardwood trees, more than 32 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, camp sites and lots more for nature lovers.
Reviewed By 17campbellf - Raleigh, United States
Beautiful Umstead State Park is beautiful, quiet and refreshing on a hot Raleigh day (don’t forget your bug-spray!) and full of fall splendor when that time comes. Biking, hiking and walking trails abound and you’ll see determined bikers as well as families with littles enjoying the park.
10. Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 260 reviews
Located in the Outer Banks, this preserve is one of only a few maritime forests left in its natural state.
Reviewed By akvolkan
If you're looking for a change of scenery or some trail running (can get runs in between 1-7miles), you have to visit this unique corner of the Outer Banks
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