As a native North Carolinian, I am always proud of this space to share the best of the state. I created this space to highlight the places around the state that are not as well-known. My now-husband is originally from Buffalo and had not explored the state yet, so I founded this site to share those adventures. North Carolina is truly a magical state with thriving cities, resurging small towns, inner and outer banks along the coast, barrier islands, and mountain ranges that are part of the Appalachian Mountains. The highest peak east of the Mississippi River is in the Old North State. Each region offers something unique and is home to some of the most amazing scenery in the country. So, today, I am sharing a roundup of the most beautiful towns in North Carolina that you should consider visiting.
15 Most Beautiful Towns in North Carolina
Bald Head
Bald Head Island is a barrier island located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, an integral part of the North Carolina economy. This beautiful island does not allow for automobiles, so when you take the 20 minute ferry from the mainland, you will need to get a golf cart. A North Carolina Forest Preserve is located on Bald Head Island, an example of maritime forest that colonists would have seen.
Black Mountain
This gorgeous mountain town is located 16 miles from Asheville and features a delightful downtown with delicious restaurants, unique art galleries and shops, and local breweries. Black Mountain was affected by Hurricane Helene, so while planning a trip here is a good idea, check websites for operating details.
Burnsville
Burnsville is the home of the largest artist population per capita in the United States and does an amazing job of promoting their local artists through tours. The NuWray Hotel is the oldest continuously operating hotel in North Carolina, and the town has amazing restaurant options, a charming town square, and a planetarium. Be sure to stop off at Mount Mitchell State Park to experience the highest peak east of the Mississippi River! Please check their website to ensure if the park is open.
Edenton
Edenton was named the prettiest small town in the South and is an architectural gem of a community. It is nestled between the Albemarle Sound and Edenton Bay and is historically significant for being the first colonial capital of North Carolina and for the Edenton Tea Party, a boycott on tea by the women of the town. Today, the town welcomes visitors as if they are old friends and has delightful places to stay for a weekend getaway. I promise you will leave with friends!
Elkin
Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Elkin is home to many wineries, such as Christian Paul Vineyards or Dynamis Estate Wines, and the mighty Yadkin River. Plan a weekend getaway here and call Three Trails your homebase to be able to walk to many of the local downtown restaurants and shops. Enjoy the three trails that converge into town or book a wine tasting (or two) while in the area!
Halifax
Halifax holds a special place in my heart because it is in the county where I grew up. Every summer, my dad and I would visit Historic Halifax for a day trip. I attribute this to my love of local history and day trips. Halifax has recently undergone a revitalization and now features restaurants, shops, and a lot of important North Carolina history! 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the Halifax Resolves, so it is definitely the right time to start planning a trip!
Hendersonville
Located 22 miles south of Asheville, Hendersonville offers so much to do, including apple orchards, outdoor adventures, breweries and wineries, and an exceptional spa. While Hendersonville did feel some impacts from Hurricane Helene, they are ready to welcome visitors back. And now is a great time to visit! Their main street is meticulously maintained and is beautiful with blossoming spring flowers.
Hillsborough
Hillsborough is one of the oldest towns in North Carolina and is of significant cultural and political significance to the state. That said, Hillsborough is built on the site of three successive Native American villages, which stood from about 1000 to 1710 CE. Hillsborough has many quaint shops and restaurants, the renovated Colonial Inn and its corresponding restaurant, Spencer’s Tavern, and the Eno River. The Eno River Basin is highlighted by the Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area. The river is paralleled in the town by several miles of the paved Riverwalk Trail, which is a segment of the North Carolina Mountains-to-Sea Trail. The Eno River State Park is another nice option to visit and explore while in the Hillsborough area.
Manteo
Let’s talk about a beautiful coastal town full of history! There are so many things to do in Manteo, NC, whether you are passing through on the way to the Outer Banks or coming for a weekend getaway. David and I spent a night here on our way down to Ocracoke a few summers ago and had the best time exploring the island. Manteo is infamous for the Lost Colony, when the Native Americans and settlers were no longer on the island when Sir Walter Raleigh returned from England. This mystery has never been solved, though many local history museums throughout eastern North Carolina feature findings to help tell the story.
Mount Airy
When you go to Mount Airy, be sure to sign up for a Mayberry Squad Car Tour and learn not just about Andy Griffith, but local history about Mount Airy. Stop at the Dairy Center and order a ground steak sammie and thank me later. Grab a sonker from Miss Angel’s Heavenly Pies. If she has blackberry, that’s the one to order. There is great antiquing, a cocktail bar, wineries in town, and an assortment of restaurants to try while in town.
New Bern
New Bern was North Carolina’s first official state capital and was a prime location located on the Neuse and Trent Rivers. So, if you are a history buff, a visit to Tryon Palace and the History Center are a must while you are in town. Be sure to stroll the charming downtown area of New Bern and dine at their delicious establishments. Cypress Hall and Persimmons are two of my favorites!
Ocracoke
I cannot talk about how much I love North Carolina without expressing my love for Ocracoke. I grew up going here on vacation every summer with my family, a tradition that my parents have carried on throughout the years. Ocracoke is special. It is a fishing village with natural beaches, historic buildings, and the nicest humans you have ever met. Ocracoke is only accessible by ferry, private boat, or plane. Ferries run from Hatteras Island and from Swan Quarter and Cedar Island. It is quiet, relaxing, and you will have some of your life’s best, freshest seafood here.
Oriental
Oriental is North Carolina’s sailing capital located on the Neuse River and offers cruising boats in their town docks. Oriental is a small town with lots of charm! Check out the local coffee shop, The Bean, grab a beer from the local brewery, or check out one of their restaurants. Every July, Oriental hosts the Croaker Fest. You could make a long weekend out of a visit to Oriental and New Bern! Check out my favorite things to do in Oriental NC.
Tryon
Tryon is located in western North Carolina and is a small town about 45 miles from Asheville. When I say Tryon is small, I mean it is approximately 2 miles in radius; though, trust me, it has a lot to offer. Tryon is known for the Equestrian Center, which is open to the public for you to grab lunch or dinner here. Additionally, there are many great shops, restaurants, and there are some lovely wineries outside of town.
Valle Crucis
Back in 2021, David and I started an annual tradition of visiting Valle Crucis each November for a weekend getaway. Valle Crucis is located near Blowing Rock and is a short drive to visit Grandfather Mountain as well. We stay at Mast Farm Inn, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The historical buildings on the property are incredibly unique and add to the charm of the experience. The mountain views from the farm are stunning and make for a perfect backdrop for a quiet weekend getaway no matter the time of year.
When Is The Best Time To Visit North Carolina
North Carolina is beautiful any time of the year, and there is truly something for everyone here. I recommend visiting the beaches in the off-season, like the fall, winter, or even early spring, because the weather is usually mild enough to enjoy and the beaches are less crowded. David and I went to Wilmington for a fall weekend a couple of years ago in late November, and it was 80 degrees the whole weekend.
The mountains are certainly gorgeous in the fall when the leaves turn and offer winter activities with snow. However, I prefer them in the summer for a respite from the heat and humidity that the rest of the state endures from July to early October. The central part of the state is mild most of the year, though we did get our share of winter weather this year, and that was a nice treat!
My pro tip for traveling is to always bring a raincoat. You never know when a storm might pop up, especially in the summer.
These small towns in North Carolina are some of my absolute favorite and are absolutely gorgeous, whether you enjoy historical districts, outdoor adventures, or finding new spots to dine and drink.
