North Carolina is packed with photogenic spots, from coastal gardens to mountain overlooks, and here is my roundup of 25 of the best places to photograph in North Carolina. This guide has been updated for 2026 with current conditions, optimal times to visit, and a few insider tips for each location.
This post was originally published in September 2020 and was most recently updated in June 2026 with current site conditions following Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in Western North Carolina.
Local Love: 25+ Best Places to Photograph in North Carolina (Updated for 2026)
The Best Places to Photograph in Eastern North Carolina
St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Bath
Best for: historic architecture photography in North Carolina’s oldest town. Best time: golden hour, when soft light hits the church facade.
My best friend moved to Bath in 2019 and visiting her there was my first time in the oldest town in North Carolina. We did a little bit of exploring in this beautiful, quaint tiny town and spent a little time in the oldest standing church in North Carolina. If you are looking for a pretty day trip to take, I highly recommend driving down to Bath and working your way back through Belhaven and Washington for a lovely afternoon of casual sightseeing.
St. Thomas Episcopal Church is at 101 Craven St, Bath, NC 27808.
Historic Waterfront in Beaufort
Best for: classic coastal waterfront shots, plus the wild horses of Shackleford Banks, visible by boat tour from Beaufort. Best time: golden hour along the waterfront; check tour schedules for horse-viewing trips.
Beaufort has such a different feel from the rest of the Crystal Coast: historic, walkable, charming shops and restaurants, and lined with boats bobbing along the waterfront. I love grabbing a coffee and just wandering down Front Street with my camera. If you have time, book a boat tour out to Shackleford Banks to photograph the wild horses. It is one of those only-in-North-Carolina experiences.
Historic Waterfront is along Front Street in Beaufort, NC.
Lake Phelps at Pettigrew State Park in Creswell
Photo via Visit NC
Best for: a striking historic site with sweeping lake views — an underused, distinctive location for NC photography. Best time: sunrise or sunset over the water; free to visit the grounds.
Pettigrew State Park is a unique spot along Lake Phelps and Scuppernong River and on Somerset Place. This park highlights the rich habitats of flora and fauna in Eastern North Carolina. Somerset Place is a former plantation site, that is preserving the full story of the people who lived and worked there. When you are ready to shoot, head toward the lakeshore. Lake Phelps stretches out wide and calm, and it is especially beautiful near sunset. It is also a bucket list of mine to visit in the winter when the tundra swan have migrated to the area.
Lake Phelps at Pettigrew State Park is at 2252 Lake Shore Road, Creswell, NC 27928.
Cupola House in Edenton
Best for: colonial architecture photography paired with waterfront charm in one of the South’s prettiest small towns. Best time: golden hour, when light hits the historic facade; spring for garden color.
Edenton is one of the most charming small towns in North Carolina, and the Cupola House is one of my favorite landmarks in town. It is one of the finest examples of colonial architecture in the state, and the gardens out front are just as pretty as the house itself. Pair a stop here with a stroll along the Edenton waterfront and you have got yourself a perfect little day trip.
Cupola House is at 408 S Broad St, Edenton, NC 27932.
Merchants Millpond State Park in Gatesville
Photo via N.C. Cooperative Extension – Currituck County Center
Best for: cypress swamp photography — Spanish moss, cypress knees, and still blackwater reflections. Best time: early morning for mist and calm water; free and open daily.
Merchants Millpond feels like a completely different world from the rest of eastern North Carolina, all cypress trees, Spanish moss, and still blackwater that mirrors the trees above it. If you can, bring a kayak or canoe. Gliding out onto the pond in the early morning, when the mist is still sitting on the water, is one of the most peaceful and iconic photography experiences. Keep your eyes peeled, you just may see an American alligator while you are there.
Merchants Millpond State Park is at 176 Millpond Road, Gatesville, NC 27938.
Bodie Island Light Station in Nags Head
Best for: the iconic black-and-white striped lighthouse against the Outer Banks marsh and sky. Best time: golden hour, when the light hits the tower and reflects in the surrounding wetlands.
Bodie Island Light Station is the gorgeous, lesser known lighthouse with horizontal black and white stripes is about 7 miles from Oregon Inlet on the sound side. I love the various spots to get photos here, whether it is of the structure itself, from the top of the lighthouse with the 360 views of the surrounding wetlands. The surrounding boardwalks provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching and photography, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Bodie Island Lighthouse is at 8210 Bodie Island Lighthouse Rd., Nags Head, NC 27959.
The Gardens at Tryon Palace in New Bern
Best for: formal garden photography along the Trent and Neuse Rivers. Best time: spring through fall when the gardens are in bloom.
I absolutely adore New Bern and its location on both the Trent and the Neuse Rivers makes it a beautiful spot to get photos. One of the prettiest spots not just in New Bern, but in all of North Carolina are the gardens at Tryon Palace, the first Governor’s Mansion in North Carolina. There are several gardens throughout the property worth exploring and are especially beautiful in the spring and fall.
Tryon Palace is at 529 S Front St, New Bern, NC 28562.
Silver Lake Sunset at Ocracoke Island
Best for: sunset-over-water shots. Best time: evening, year-round — arrive 30–45 minutes before sunset for the best color. Reachable only by ferry, private boat, or small plane.
Ocracoke holds such a special place in my heart and to be honest, I find it hard to find spots that are not photogenic in some way or another here. However, my camera roll has a ton of pictures featuring the sunsets over Silver Lake, and honestly, they never get old. There are many places throughout the village to snap a shot with varying angles and drops, including being over at the ferry docks to get a picture with the lighthouse watching over the village and the lake. Grab a table and a drink at either SmacNally’s or Jolly Roger to enjoy the sunset and live music.
Silver Lake is along the Irvin S. Garrish Hwy., Ocracoke, NC 27960.
The Waterfront in Washington, NC
Best for: small-town riverfront photography along the Pamlico River. Best time: early evening for golden hour light on the water.
Washington is another one of my very favorite places in North Carolina. When I was in college, I worked at a boutique on Main Street with my best friend and had some of the best times exploring this beautiful town. The waterfront on the Pamlico River is such a gorgeous spot to take an evening walk after dinner. During the day, walk down to the boardwalk by the North Carolina Estuarium to see the turtles that hang out in the shallow water.
Airlie Gardens in Wilmington
Best for: garden and moss-draped oak photography. Best time: spring blooms or the winter Enchanted Airlie lights display. Tickets required — book in advance.
I absolutely adore Wilmington, and Airlie Gardens are perfect any time of year. Whether you are visiting in the spring to see the first blooms or visiting for the annual Enchanted Airlie exhibit, book your tickets in advance and enjoy the beautiful grounds, complete with outstanding photo-op spots.
Make plans to stay at the ARRIVE Hotel in downtown Wilmington! It is a popular spot and a perfect place to call home while visiting the Port City.
Airlie Gardens are at 300 Airlie Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403.
Looking for more about eastern North Carolina? Check out my favorites here.
The Best Places to Photograph in Central North Carolina
Camp North End in Charlotte
Best for: mural and street-art photography on a massive scale — a 76-acre former car factory and military depot turned art, food, and shopping hub, with landmarks like a giant water tower. Best time: daytime for the murals, though the property is also lively for evening events.
Camp North End is such a fun spot in Charlotte, featuring dozens of murals spread across an entire 76-acre property with so much history on the property. Wander through the shops, take pictures with the murals, grab something to eat while you are there, and give yourself more time than you think you will need. Every corner turns up something new to shoot.
Camp North End is at 300 Camp Rd, Charlotte, NC 28206.
Riverwalk Greenway in Hillsborough
Best for: river and natural landscape photography, plus the historic mill ruins at West Point on the Eno. Best time: fall for foliage color reflected in the water; after rain for stronger river flow. Free and open daily.
I love that the Eno River gives you a real escape into nature without having to drive all the way out to the mountains. The trails wind along the water, past rock outcrops and the old mill ruins at West Point on the Eno, and it is especially gorgeous in the fall when the leaves start reflecting in the river. It is an easy add-on if you are already spending the day near Durham or in Hillsborough.
Riverwalk Greenway is at 115 Nash and Kollock St. Main Parking Area/Entrance, Hillsborough, NC 27278.
Pilot Mountain State Park in Surry County
Photo via Visit Winston-Salem
Best for: the distinctive Pilot Knob, visible for miles and instantly recognizable. Best time: sunrise or sunset for the best light on the knob; fall for foliage color across the surrounding hills.
Pilot Mountain in Surry County is one of those landmarks you can spot from the highway and immediately know exactly where you are. The knob itself is unmistakable, and there are a few overlooks along the way up that give you great options depending on how much daylight you have got. Go for sunrise if you can. The light on the rock face that early is unbeatable.
Pilot Mountain State Park is at 1721 Pilot Knob Park Rd, Pinnacle, NC 27043.
The Belties at Fearrington Village in Pittsboro
Best for: the famous Oreo cow (Belted Galloway cattle) pasture shots. Best time: daytime, any season — the cows are out year-round. Free to view from the roadside pasture.
Fearrington Village is such a lovely experience and is only about 30 minutes from Raleigh right outside of Pittsboro, NC. I love to spend an afternoon here exploring the restaurants and shops. If you decide to spend the night, which I highly recommend, grab a coffee or a glass of wine and head out to the Adirondack chairs to take in the scenery. The belties are a must!
Fearrington Village is at 2000 Fearrington Village Center, Pittsboro NC 27312.
The Sculptures at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh
Best for: outdoor sculpture and landscape photography along the museum’s trails and reflecting pool. Best time: late afternoon; the park is free and open daily.
There are so many great photo opportunities at the North Carolina Museum of Art, including the sculptures in the art park complete with recreational trails, the various components of landscaping, and in front of the reflecting pool by the art museum buildings in Raleigh.
The North Carolina Museum of Art Park is at 2110 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607.
The Reynolda House Museum of American Art in Winston-Salem
Best for: historic estate and garden photography. Best time: spring or fall for the gardens; check hours before visiting, as some areas require a paid house tour.
I consistently rave about Winston-Salem and am always recommending it for a weekend trip or a day trip if you leave early and are comfortable getting back a little late. The Reynolda House Museum of American Art has so much to offer, and is truly one of the most beautiful spots in the city. If you opt to spend the weekend, which is what I highly recommend, then here are some itinerary ideas.
The Reynolda House Museum of American Art is at 2250 Reynolda Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27106.
Looking for more about central North Carolina? Check out my favorites here.
The Best Places to Photograph in Western North Carolina
River Arts District in Asheville
Best for: colorful mural and urban landscape photography in the River Arts District Best time: daytime for RAD murals
Asheville has always had this creative energy that you can feel the second you step into the River Arts District, and it means even more now knowing how far the community has come back from Helene. Wander the studios, chat with the artists, and do not rush through it, there is a mural or a moment worth photographing around every corner.
2026 update: Asheville’s River Arts District just ranked #1 in America on USA Today’s readers’ poll of best arts districts — proof, locals say, that the district is “alive and back” after Hurricane Helene. Downtown, the airport, and most tourism infrastructure are operating normally, though some pockets of the RAD are still visibly rebuilding.
Here is a map of the River Arts District in Asheville, NC to help plan your trip.
Downtown Black Mountain
Best for: small-town Blue Ridge charm — walkable downtown storefronts framed by mountains. Best time: any season; fall for foliage backdrop.
Black Mountain has this “front porch of the mountains” feel that I just love: it is small, walkable, and full of character. The downtown storefronts framed against the Blue Ridge make for such an easy, charming shot, especially with a little fall color in the background. It is the kind of town where you plan to stop for twenty minutes and end up staying for the afternoon… or the night.
Downtown Black Mountain is at 100 E State St, Black Mountain, NC 28711.
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park in Blowing Rock
Best for: the classic Flat Top Manor house reflected in Bass Lake. Best time: early morning for calm water and soft light. Free and open daily as part of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
I love spending a weekend in Blowing Rock and it is so hard to pick a favorite spot to photograph in this gorgeous town. If I did have to pick, Moses H. Cone Memorial Park a delightful variety of spots to offer. My favorite spot is to take a picture of the house with Bass Lake in the foreground.
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park is at Blue Ridge Parkway, Milepost 294, Blowing Rock, NC 28605.
The Treetop Soaking Tub at Lakeview at Fontana in Bryson City
Best for: elevated views over Fontana Lake and the Great Smoky Mountains. Best time: sunset, from the private soaking tub — best booked as an overnight stay.
The views from the treetop soaking tub at Lakeview at Fontana are the best there are of Fontana Lake in the Great Smoky Mountains. This is such a unique experience and one that has always made it on my North Carolina Bucket List. It is such a beautiful location at Lakeview anyway; however, the treetop soaking tub really makes it worthwhile.
Lakeview at Fontana is at 171 Lakeview Lodge Dr, Bryson City, NC 28713.
The Town Square in Burnsville, NC
Best for: small-town square photography framed by Blue Ridge peaks and fall foliage. Best time: spring for blooms, October for peak color
Burnsville, NC is such a lovely mountain town located in Yancey County. The town is so welcoming and the community genuinely supports one another, while boasting the highest number of artists per capita in the United States. I fell in love with the view of the town square with the surrounding mountains and the seasonal foliage visible in the background.
2026 update: Downtown Burnsville’s shops, restaurants, galleries, and taprooms are open and welcoming visitors again. Some surrounding trails and outdoor areas are still recovering from Hurricane Helene, so check Explore Burnsville for current conditions before heading out, and consider supporting local businesses while you are there.
The Town Square is at 2 Town Square Burnsville, NC 28714.
DuPont State Recreational Forest in Cedar Mountain near Hendersonville
Best for: waterfall photography — Triple Falls, High Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls are among the most photographed waterfalls in the state (and a filming location for The Hunger Games). Best time: after rainfall for maximum flow, or fall for foliage framing the falls.
DuPont State Recreational Forest is a waterfall lover’s dream, and if the scenery looks familiar, it is probably because parts of The Hunger Games were filmed here. Triple Falls is my go-to because it is an easy hike in and the payoff is huge. Get there early on weekends though, the parking lots fill up fast especially once the leaves start turning.
DuPont State Recreational Forest is at Staton Rd, Cedar Mountain, NC 28718.
The Mile High Bridge at Grandfather Mountain in Linville
Best for: 360-degree mountain views from America’s highest suspension footbridge. Best time: fall for foliage, or a clear morning for the best visibility. Drones are not permitted on the bridge. Admission required; book your timed entry online in advance.
I cannot begin to tell you the anxiety attack I had when I went across the Mile High Bridge at Grandfather Mountain. Thankfully, David is much better at heights and letting go of control than I am, and made it across without having the full shakes to take beautiful photos. Me, on the other hand, laid down on the rocks on the other side of the bridge until it was time to go back across. All that aside, I’m still glad I did it, and it is a breathtaking view.
2026 update: Grandfather Mountain is fully open and welcoming visitors, including the Mile High Swinging Bridge. The upper portion of the state park’s Profile Trail has reopened after Hurricane Helene damage; the lower, streamside section remains closed, so check current trail conditions before you hike.
Grandfather Mountain is at 2050 Blowing Rock Hwy, Linville, NC 28646.
Chimney Rock State Park & Lake Lure in Rutherford County
Photo via Chimney Rock
Best for: dramatic gorge and lake views from the iconic Chimney monolith, plus reflections on Lake Lure. Best time: fall for foliage color through the gorge, or clear mornings for the best visibility.
Chimney Rock has always been one of those bucket list stops in the mountains, and getting to visit again after everything the area went through with Helene meant even more this time around. The view from the top of the monolith, looking out over Hickory Nut Gorge and down toward Lake Lure, is one of the best in the state. Take the elevator if the stairs aren’t your thing. Either way, it is worth every bit of the climb.
2026 update — a comeback story worth telling: Chimney Rock State Park reopened in June 2025, nine months after Hurricane Helene, and just marked its one-year reopening anniversary with July 4th programming. Lake Lure itself reopened to the public in May 2026 after being drained for over a year and a half for debris removal. This is one of the best “welcome back” photo destinations in the state right now.
Chimney Rock is at 174 Chimney Rock Park Rd., Chimney Rock, NC 28720.
Jackson County Courthouse in Sylva
Photo by Nick Breedlove
Best for: one of the most photographed small-town landmarks in the NC mountains — the historic courthouse sits atop a hill with a dramatic staircase leading up from Main Street. Best time: golden hour, or fall color in the surrounding trees.
The Jackson County Courthouse in Sylva is one of those postcard-perfect shots in the mountains, that grand staircase leading up to the courthouse, with downtown spread out below it. I love shooting from the bottom of Main Street looking up. It captures the whole scale of the building against the sky. Grab a bite at one of the local spots downtown while you are there and make an afternoon of it.
Jackson County Courthouse is at 401 Grindstaff Cove Rd, Sylva, NC 28779.
Looking for more about western North Carolina? Check out my favorites here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most photogenic place in North Carolina? Ocracoke Island’s Silver Lake is one of the most photogenic spots in the state, especially at sunset, but North Carolina’s coast, the skylines of the cities in the Piedmont, and Blue Ridge Mountains each offer distinct photo opportunities.
What is the best time of year to photograph the North Carolina mountains? Early-to-mid October typically brings peak fall foliage in the North Carolina mountains, including around Blowing Rock, Grandfather Mountain, and Burnsville, though timing shifts slightly year to year based on weather.
Are drones allowed at Grandfather Mountain or North Carolina state parks? No, drones are not permitted on the Mile High Swinging Bridge or in most North Carolina state parks. Check individual park rules before flying a drone anywhere in the state.
Is Western North Carolina open for tourism after Hurricane Helene? Yes. As of 2026, towns like Burnsville and Black Mountain and attractions like Grandfather Mountain, Chimney Rock State Park, and Asheville’s River Arts District are open and welcoming visitors, though some trails and outdoor areas are still in recovery.
Do I need reservations to photograph Airlie Gardens or Grandfather Mountain? Yes, both require advance tickets or timed-entry reservations, which can be booked online.
What is the most photographed waterfall in North Carolina? The waterfalls of DuPont State Recreational Forest, including Triple Falls and High Falls, are among the most photographed in the state.
What is Merchants Millpond State Park known for? Merchants Millpond State Park, in eastern North Carolina, is known for its cypress swamp scenery, with cypress knees, Spanish moss, and still blackwater reflections that make it a distinctive photography location.
Final Thoughts
North Carolina has such an incredible range packed into one state, coastal sunsets, small-town charm juxtaposed with big cities across the Piedmont, and mountain views that never get old. Whether you are planning a weekend trip or working your way through this list one region at a time, I hope this guide gives you a solid starting point for your own North Carolina photography adventures.
To help you plan your route, here is an interactive map of every spot in this guide, grouped by region so you can see what is near what:
Save it, zoom in on your region, and start planning. And if there is a favorite spot of yours that did not make this list, I would love to hear about it in the comments below!
What do you think are some of the best places to photograph in North Carolina? Tell me in the comments below!
For other great spots to photograph in North Carolina, check out my picks for the best Instagrammable spots!
