Family adventures throughout North Carolina

The neighboring state of North Carolina is a popular destination for both day trips and vacations. From the lush and adventurous mountains of the West to the stunning coastline and Outer Banks of the East, there is plenty to do in North Carolina. If you’re planning a trip to North Carolina, we’ve got some great information on places to stay, where to eat and things to do.

This article covers the following travel destinations:
Western North Carolina
Central North Carolina
Coastal North Carolina

Looking to turn your day trip into an overnight trip while visiting North Carolina? Check out our list of Western North Carolina vacation rentals to help you choose the perfect vacation rental!

Western North Carolina

Whether you’re traveling to WNC for a day trip or a weekend getaway, you’ll find this information handy. We’ve compiled some useful content by city, so you can easily find reader-recommended things to do, places to eat, and lodging tips. Enjoy your trip!

Looking for the perfect day trip destination? Check out the Mom-approved day trip destinations in the WNC article.

Asheville

Asheville is a favorite destination for many of our readers. With a thriving arts scene, delicious and unique food options, and a beautiful downtown, it’s no wonder Asheville is consistently named to top travel lists across the country. The helpful guides below provide information for planning your trip to Asheville.

Check out our Asheville Guide for reviews of our favorite things to do in the area and some great places to eat. Many of these places are recommended by our readers and we’ve included their quotes, so you know what to expect!

Flat rock

Although Flat Rock, NC is most associated with famous poet Carl Sandberg, there is plenty of natural beauty, food and exploring to enjoy. For more great things to do, check out A Day in Flat Rock or check out reviews of popular places in Flat Rock.

Brevard

Brevard, North Carolina is a cozy NC area nestled at the entrance to the Pisgah National Forest near the SC border. Dining, river tubing, waterfalls, and hunting for the white squirrels that populate much of the city make Brevard, NC the perfect day trip destination. Check out our reviews of some fun things to do in Brevard below.

Hendersonville

Hendersonville is a gem of WNC destinations, and less than an hour’s drive from Greenville! Home to numerous gardens, snow tubing centers, and vineyards, activities in Hendersonville will cover your entire day’s itinerary. Don’t miss our list of free things to do in Hendersonville, NC. You can find some of the best Hendersonville reviews below.

Cherokee

Cherokee, North Carolina is rich in history and culture, complete with breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains! If you’re looking for a mountain adventure to delve into the history of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, this is the place to go. Maybe you’ll see some elk crossing the Oconaluftee River during your visit! Check out some of our Cherokee, North Carolina reviews below.

Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock is home to the Tweetsie Railroad, one of North Carolina’s oldest wild-west themed amusement parks. You can find out all about Tweetsie Railroad in the review below.

Little Switzerland

“The Jewel on the Blue Ridge Parkway,” Little Switzerland, North Carolina is the perfect stop when traveling between North Carolina and Tennessee. Check out our review of Emerald Village in Little Switzerland below.

You can hunt for treasure in the Bon Ami Mine located in the Emerald Village

Cashier/ Highlander

If you’re looking to spend time with Mother Nature while traveling in North Carolina, Cashier, NC has what you’re looking for. Loaded with waterfalls, river tubes and coastal lagoons, the Highlands area is the perfect place to relax while taking in the stunning views. Below we have reviews of some of the best things to do in Cashier.

Bryson City

Bryson City is a cute little getaway town in western North Carolina that is home to the Smoky Mountain Railroad! The downtown area offers shopping, dining and rich WNC history without the touristy vibe of some of the bigger cities.

try out

Tryon, North Carolina is a small town on the South Carolina border just above Landrum and home to one of the nation’s largest equestrian centers. You can see more information in the review below!

Greetings

Saluda, North Carolina offers an abundance of beautiful wilderness and is only 50 minutes from Greenville. You can check out our review of Salda’s most popular hikes (with a stunning waterfall as a reward) below.

Rutherfordton

You can explore the beautiful historic town of Rutherfordton, North Carolina when you visit the neighboring town of Hendersonville. While you’re there, be sure to visit their amazing interactive children’s museum. You can find our review below.

Looking for hiking spots throughout Upstate and Western North Carolina? Check out our ultimate hiking guide for the perfect way to spend the day!

Central North Carolina

The central region of North Carolina includes large cities such as Charlotte and Concord. In the big cities, there are many adventures to come! Below you’ll find curated content to help you plan the perfect trip to the Queen City and cities in the Charlotte metro area, including places to eat, things to do, and great places to stay!

Charlotte

Queen City is the largest city in North Carolina. Charlotte is a world-renowned destination for the finest dining experiences, sporting events and one of the largest amusement parks on the East Coast. In our ultimate guide to Charlotte, you’ll find tons of information and adventure reviews about Charlotte and the Concord area.

Gastonia

Gastonia, North Carolina is just south of Charlotte and offers a great day trip destination for those looking to get away for a few hours without burning through a full tank of gas. Check out our list of the top 10 things to do in Gastonia, NC, and find travel-worthy reviews of a natural history museum in Gastonia below.

Coastal North Carolina

Surf City

Located near Wilmington on Topsail Island off the coast of North Carolina, Surf City is a quiet beach town perfect for families with young children. The town is walkable, with small shops and local restaurants to enjoy after a day at the beach. There is even a turtle rehabilitation center that you can visit. You can read our Surf City, North Carolina review to see some of what this beach town has to offer!

Carolina Beach

Carolina Beach, North Carolina is a great option for a family-friendly beach vacation. This beach is less crowded than the other beaches but offers fun entertainment like an amusement park on board. You can read our Carolina Beach reviews for great ideas for dining and entertainment to help you plan the perfect beach trip.

Foreign banks

The Outer Banks are amazing! Located on the north coast of North Carolina, this 175 mile long barrier island offers beautiful beach towns, humming sand dunes, wild horses, water sports, historic lighthouses and more! Check out our review of the Outer Banks along the island’s coast, including popular destinations like Nags Head, Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills.

Where to find the most magical waterfalls near Greenville, SC