As a native North Carolinian, one of my favorite things to do is to share my favorite experiences of what to do and see in the state. North Carolina has a lot to offer, and it is important to note that tourism dollars help fund public schools, which is another passion of mine. So, today, I am sharing the ultimate North Carolina Bucket List with 25+ things to see and do around the state.
This list is broken down into three regions, which is how my North Carolina travel section is on the website. I set a goal for myself in 2021 to visit all 100 counties in North Carolina, so you may find travel guides by county here.
This NC Bucket List was originally published in 2019 and has since been updated and recirculated for 2024.
The Ultimate North Carolina Bucket List: Top 25+ Things to See and Do
North Carolina Bucket List: Western North Carolina
Climb Mount Mitchell, the Highest Peak East of the Mississippi River
Mount Mitchell is about an hour outside of Asheville in Burnsville and is the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Stay in Burnsville and enjoy the delicious restaurants, the shopping, and the scenery before heading up to the mountain. Be sure to give yourself time to experience the beautiful drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Take in the Sights from the Mile High Bridge at Grandfather Mountain
Grandfather Mountain is home to a museum, a nature preserve, and the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge. Visitors can hike trails to get to the top before crossing the swinging bridge or drive to the top while listening to an audio guide provided at the entrance. David and I crossed this together, and I did not stop to take in the scenes because I am afraid of heights.
Go Down a Natural Water Slide in Bryson City
The waterfalls near Bryson City offer a fun way to cool off on warm, humid summer days! Rent tubes, or while hiking, take a break for a quick dip. Take a drive through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park to see if you can spy any Elk in the wild to finish your day.
Relax in the Treetop Soaking Tub at Overlooking Fontana Lake
Lakeview at Fontana is such a unique gem located near Nantahala National Forest. The crown jewel of the property is the treetop soaking tub overlooking Fontana Lake. We celebrated our anniversary here a few years ago, and it is still one of my favorite experiences in North Carolina. See my other favorite spas in North Carolina here.
Spend a Day at the Beautiful Biltmore Estate
Biltmore Estates is such a gorgeous property any time of the year, though it is especially lovely dressed up for the holiday season. I highly recommend a candlelight tour during the holidays as it is the prettiest way to experience the property. Any time is a delightful time to visit Asheville, though! If you enjoy outdoorsy things, the Pisgah National Forest is to the north and the south of Asheville, and nearly 100,00 acres of the forest were once part of Biltmore Estate. Also, consider taking a drive up to Chimney Rock to the state park there to check out the views.
Taste North Carolina Wines on the Yadkin Valley Wine Trail
photo via GloryRoze Photography
Do not let the misconception that all North Carolina wines are super sweet muscadine wines. The western North Carolina wineries make for a fun weekend getaway. There are delicious dining options, great wines, and even better hospitality. On the Yadkin Valley Wine Trail are wineries that offer beautiful views of Pilot Mountain and the foothills. Check out this overnight trip, this weekend trip,and what to do in Surry County. My personal favorite winery is Dynamis Estate Wines in Elkin.
Book a Stay at the Historic Mast Farm Inn in Valle Crucis
It is hard to explain how wonderful Mast Farm Inn is for a weekend getaway. It is a cozy, welcoming spot for a relaxing weekend in the North Carolina mountains. Enjoy breakfast downstairs before starting your day, and head back for a nightcap and dinner at the Valle Tavern. And don’t forget to head across the street to say hi to the horses. Make your dinner reservation at Over Yonder while in town for a delicious dinner!
Visit Moses H. Cone Memorial Park in Blowing Rock
Plan a trip to Blowing Rock and be sure to spend time at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park. Whether you are looking to stretch your legs with a walk around the lake or want to see the beautiful manor, this stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway is a great spot to explore! Be sure to allow enough time to stroll around downtown Blowing Rock to shop, grab a drink, and have dinner at the Speckled Trout. Looking a great spot to stay? Check out the Meadowbrook Inn.
Explore the Quaint Town of Tryon NC
Photo by GloryRoze Photography
Tryon, NC is located about an hour and a half west of Charlotte and half an hour from Asheville. Tryon is the birthplace of jazz star, Nina Simone, and has quite an extensive collection of art galleries, locally owned shops, restaurants, and great wineries, and hosts world-class horse shows.
North Carolina Bucket List: Central North Carolina
Order Tomato Pie at Mozelle’s in Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem is one of the best cities in North Carolina, in my opinion, and there is no shortage of delicious restaurants to choose from, including the Katharine Brasserie and Spring House Restaurant. You must visit Mozelle’s and order the famous tomato pie!
Spend a Night in Hillsborough at the Colonial Inn
Photo by GloryRoze Photography
On my first trip to Hillsborough, I found a beautiful building that needed some love. Much to my surprise, the building had been bought the week before and underwent major renovations to re-open as the Colonial Inn. It is a cozy spot to call home base for a night while enjoying the things to do in town.
Plan a Date Night in Durham
Photo by GloryRoze Photography
Whether you are planning a date with friends, a solo date, or one with your partner, Durham has something for everyone! Cheer on the Durham Bulls, grab a delicious meal at the M restaurants, have a unique happy hour at Kingfisher, visit art galleries, or catch a show at the Carolina Theatre. If you are spending the night, book your stay at the gorgeously unique 21c Museum Hotel.
Book a Night at the O.Henry Hotel for a Relaxing Getaway in Greensboro
The O.Henry Hotel in Greensboro offers such a luxurious escape and features a great on-site restaurant and live jazz music on Thursdays and the occasional Saturday. The O.Henry’s sister hotel, The Proximity Hotel uses sustainable practices and is the first LEED Platinum “green hotel,” and is another great option for a getaway spot.
Have the Ultimate Staycation at the Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill
Photo by GloryRoze Photography
There is nowhere prettier than Chapel Hill in the spring! The Carolina Inn is the perfect place to have a staycation to explore the property, eat your weight in chocolate chip cookies, dine at Crossroads, and have a nightcap on the patio by one of the fire pits.
Explore the Grounds at the Fearrington Village & Enjoy Afternoon Tea
Photo by Tammy Torres Photography
If you are looking for a spot to feel like you are worlds away while being close to some of the Triangle, look no further than Fearrington Village. Fearrington is such a special spot to me, and I cannot rave enough about the property. Take a day trip to shop at the boutiques, visit the spa, relax with afternoon tea, and finish the day with dinner at the Fearrington House Restaurant bar. If you opt to spend the night, be ready for an elevated experience in the comfiest, yet elegant rooms. Be sure to add time to visit Pittsboro as well!
Check out Camp North End in Charlotte
Charlotte’s definitely got a lot going on and one of my favorite places to visit when I am in town is Camp North End. There are fun dining options, shops, and events happening.
Spend an Afternoon in Saxapahaw
Head to Saxapahaw for an amazing day trip adventure! Rent a kayak to explore the Haw River or grab a drink at the Haw River Brewery and head to the shaded area along the river to relax. Dine at the Eddy Pub and visit the local shops. Check the schedule to catch a show at the Haw River Ballroom!
Go Antiquing in Moore County
Photo by GloryRoze Photography
One of my favorite hobbies is going antiquing, and there is no shortage of great spots in Moore County, NC. While Moore County is most famous for Pinehurst and Southern Pines, the surrounding towns of Cameron and Carthage offer some great vintage finds!
Spend a Day at the Award-Winning North Carolina Zoo
The North Carolina Zoo was recently named the best zoo in the United States and does an incredible job with its conservation efforts. While visiting Asheboro, head to the Table for a great brunch or lunch.
North Carolina Bucket List: Eastern North Carolina
Escape Reality on Ocracoke Island
For the ultimate getaway experience in North Carolina, book the ferry to Ocracoke to unplug for a few days. Ocracoke is the spot my family has vacationed since I was in elementary school, so it holds a special place in my heart.
Hike the Tallest Sand Dune on the Atlantic Coast at Jockey’s Ridge
Jockey’s Ridge is the tallest living sand dune on the Atlantic Coast. The hang gliders, the sand castles, and the views make this a fun way to spend an afternoon. The sound side offers a different experience, including sunbathing, wadding, paddling, and a one-mile nature trail. Head over to the Wright Brothers National Memorial to celebrate history!
Take a Drive Down to Oriental for the Day
Looking for a quaint town on the water that would be equal parts relaxing yet with quite a bit to do? Look no further than Oriental! It is a pretty town with beautiful views, eclectic shops, an assortment of restaurants, and plenty of places to sit and watch the boats come in.
Enjoy the Sunsets at Bald Head Island
Bald Head Island is such a wonderful spot to escape the hustle and bustle on the mainland. Kayak through the marshes, hang out on the pristine beaches and catch a sunset from the docks.
Cheer on the Down East Wood Ducks at Grainger Stadium in Kinston
Kinston’s Historic Grainger Stadium is the Carolina League’s second oldest ballpark–it opened in 1949. Cheer on the Down East Wood Ducks, a Single-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, while enjoying Kings BBQ at the concession stand. And while you are in town, stop by Mother Earth Brewing for a pint and grab something to go from Viv’s Fridge!
Drive Over the New Outer Banks Bridge
The new bridge connecting Hatteras to the other parts of the Outer Banks replaced the Bonner Bridge. It makes for a spectacular drive down Highway 12 and is an absolute must on a trip to the NC coast. It sets the stage nicely for the Cape Hatteras National Seashore waiting for you in Hatteras and on Ocracoke.
Spend the Day in Halifax County with Supper at Hen & the Hog
Photo by GloryRoze Photography
Halifax County is my home county, where I spent my first 18 years, so it is near and dear to my heart. Spend a day exploring the area, specifically making time to stop at Sylvan Heights and Historic Halifax before finishing with supper at the Hen & the Hog.
Eat the Best Eastern North Carolina BBQ at Skylight Inn BBQ
This is important because I generally try not to name favorites when it comes to eastern NC BBQ. Yet, here we are. Skylight Inn in Ayden is fantastic–order a BBQ sandwich with slaw, a side of potato salad, and a cornbread slice.
Spend a Weekend Exploring Edenton
Edenton is the original colonial capital of North Carolina and has been named one of the most charming towns in America. There is so much history to experience, sweeping views of the Albemarle Sound, fun boutiques, delicious restaurants, the famous vinyl night at Edenton Bay Trading Company, and beautiful inns!
Eat Your Way Through Wilmington
Photo by GloryRoze Photography
Wilmington is one of the cities that David and I visit the most, and there is no shortage of good restaurants to dine at in the Port City! There is so much to do and see while in town, making it the perfect weekend getaway spot, especially in the fall when the temperatures are still great, though the crowds have cleared out.
Spend a Weekend in Manteo
Manteo is a charming town located on Roanoke Island and features a replica of the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, charming inns, great restaurants, and quiet streets to enjoy strolling. Get tickets to see the Lost Colony and learn more about the island’s history.
Shop the Post
I haven’t done a lot of things in N.Carolina, BUT I have been to the grove park inn during the gingerbread event and it was so fun to see everything!