The places, most named first
From the 7 guides that rank for "best places to visit in north carolina"
Named by 5 of 71. Outer BanksThe region has over 100 miles of beaches and Cape Hatteras National Seashore.It is a chain of barrier islands with big waves, wild horses and lighthouses.Best time to visit Outer BanksBest beaches in Outer BanksBest places to visit in Outer BanksNamed by 4 of 72. AshevilleA guide author names it among the first places to visit in Western North Carolina.Its craft breweries and restaurants draw visitors all year.Best time to visit Asheville
Named by 4 of 73. High Country (Boone and Blowing Rock)The area gets its name from its elevation, much of it above 3,000 feet.Five ski areas center on the Boone and Blowing Rock area.
Named by 3 of 74. Crystal CoastBeaufort is called the crown jewel of the Crystal Coast.Beaufort has historic homes, a Civil War fort turned state park and a slower pace.
Named by 3 of 75. Wilmington and the Brunswick IslandsState historic sites, museums, parks and an aquarium in and around Wilmington suit every family member.Topsail Island, Wilmington and the Brunswick Islands each have a laid-back beach-town feel.
Named by 2 of 76. Bryson CityIt ranks near the top of the guide's family weekend getaways.The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and Nantahala Outdoor Center rafting are the draws.
Named by 2 of 77. Blue Ridge ParkwayThe Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail are the best-known attractions of the mountain region.Asheville is one of the writer's favorite stops along the parkway.Named by 2 of 78. CharlotteIt anchors the Piedmont, where most of the state's people live.The Off the Eaten Path author's home city, noted for its food and drink and family-friendly outings.Best time to visit Charlotte
Named by 2 of 79. Piedmont (Triangle, Triad, Yadkin Valley)The central region has the largest cities, wine country, craft breweries and NASCAR.The Yadkin Valley is the state's first American Viticultural Area.
Named by 2 of 710. ManteoThe Lost Colony of Roanoke was home to the first child born to English colonists in North America.Manteo marks the coastal end of a trip from Murphy in the mountains.
11. BrevardIt is known as the land of waterfalls.Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock are the suggested stops.
12. Brunswick County and Holden BeachThe county sits in the southeast corner of the state and has some of its coastal beaches.Holden Beach is called North Carolina's Family Beach.
13. Morganton and Linville GorgeMorganton is a base for the Linville Gorge Wilderness.Table Rock Mountain and Hawksbill Mountain have trails; Wiseman's View overlooks the gorge.
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When to go
Travel guides don't agree on one best time to visit North Carolina; its page has the weather and what's on, month by month.
Questions people ask
- What are the main attractions in North Carolina?
- The Blue Ridge Parkway, the Appalachian Trail and about 300 miles of coastline with barrier island beaches.
- Where's the best place to go for a weekend trip?
- One guide covers small towns and cities from the mountains to the sea, with Asheville, Brevard and Bryson City among them.
