North Carolina is one of my most traveled states, especially because I visited so frequently while growing up. I have family in the Wilmington area and used to travel there almost every summer. Despite making dozens of trips to North Carolina, there are still plenty of places I haven’t explored, particularly in the western part of the state.
Over the years, I’ve expanded my travels beyond the coast to cities like Raleigh, Charlotte, and Asheville, as well as the Great Smoky Mountains. Each part of the state offers something different, from historic waterfronts and Atlantic beaches to vibrant cities and mountain forests.
Considering I’ve traveled to places like North Korea, Sudan, and Antarctica, I don’t have much of an excuse for not exploring more of my southern neighbor! Hopefully I’ll continue discovering new parts of North Carolina on future trips.
Explore Raleigh
Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina and part of the state’s Research Triangle region. Along with nearby Durham and Chapel Hill, the area is home to major universities, museums, historic sites, and a growing technology sector. Downtown Raleigh offers restaurants, nightlife, and cultural attractions, while the surrounding region has parks, college sports, and plenty of opportunities to explore.
Explore the Outer Banks
The Outer Banks are a long chain of barrier islands known for their beaches, sand dunes, wildlife, and maritime history. Roanoke Island was the site of England’s famous Lost Colony in the late 1500s, while the Wright brothers achieved the first successful powered airplane flight near Kitty Hawk in 1903. Today, the Outer Banks are popular for swimming, fishing, hiking, cycling, camping, and enjoying the Atlantic coastline.
Explore Wilmington
Wilmington is one of North Carolina’s most historic port cities, with roots dating back to the colonial period. Its downtown district features historic buildings, shops, restaurants, and a scenic riverwalk along the Cape Fear River. Visitors can also explore the USS North Carolina battleship, learn about the city’s maritime history, and visit nearby Atlantic beaches. Wilmington offers an appealing combination of history, waterfront scenery, and coastal recreation.
Explore the Great Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains are among the best destinations for outdoor adventures in the eastern United States. With peaks rising above 6,000 feet (1,800 meters), the region offers mountain hiking, camping, waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and extensive forests. The Appalachian Trail passes through the national park, which is also home to black bears, deer, elk, and an extraordinary variety of plants and other wildlife.
Explore Charlotte
Charlotte is North Carolina’s largest city and a major financial and cultural center in the Southeast. Its modern downtown, known as Uptown, features skyscrapers, museums, restaurants, public art, and nightlife. Beyond the city center, neighborhoods like NoDa are known for their arts and entertainment scenes. Charlotte is also home to aviation history, including the aircraft from the famous Miracle on the Hudson, displayed at the Sullenberger Aviation Museum.
Explore Asheville
Asheville is a mountain city in western North Carolina known for its arts scene, historic architecture, restaurants, and access to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Downtown Asheville features galleries, independent shops, and distinctive buildings, while nearby attractions include the Blue Ridge Parkway and numerous hiking trails. The city is also home to the Biltmore Estate, one of the most recognizable historic properties in the United States.
