Things To Do in North Carolina: North Carolina in the Southeastern US is the perfect place with beautiful views, amazing job opportunities, delectable food, and a rich history to explore. It is home to popular universities like Duke University, Campbell University, the University of North Carolina, High Point University, Barton College, and many more.
If you are studying at any of the universities in North Carolina, you must explore the diverse and lush landscape in the state. This blog will cover some of the best things to do in North Carolina to help you explore the state’s charm. These best activities and attractions will make your time worthwhile across the Tar Heel State.
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Popular Things To Do in North Carolina
Exploring the most popular attractions is a fun way to explore the richness and depth of the place. The popular things to do in North Carolina are to take self-guided tours, explore nature and wildlife areas, visit national parks like Nantahala National Forest and Pisgah National Forest and beaches like the Currituck Beach and Carolina, go hiking and kayaking, attend concerts, and take shopping tours.
The stunning locations in North Carolina offer an enriching experience, de-stress your mind, and relax your body. Let’s discover the best things to do in North Carolina in summer and winter.
| Things to Do in North Carolina in Summers | Things to Do in North Carolina in Winters |
| Visit Coastal Beaches | Skiing |
| Hiking, Rafting, and Fishing at National Parks | Frozen Waterfalls |
| Splashing and Swimming at Water Parks | Sandboarding |
| Nature’s Pool Party in Natural Swimming Holes | Ice Climbing |
Best Things to Do in North Carolina
North Carolina offers something for everyone. Whether you love nature, history, or adventure, this state won’t disappoint. Plus, there are plenty of budget-friendly activities for students. All these things help you to relax between your hectic schedule. Let’s explore the best things to do!
For Nature Lovers
North Carolina is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. From majestic mountains to serene beaches, you’ll find stunning landscapes to explore.
- Visit the Blue Ridge Mountains: Experience breathtaking views and scenic hiking trails. The Blue Ridge Parkway is perfect for a relaxing road trip with friends.
- Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Enjoy hiking, camping, and spotting wildlife. It’s a must-visit for outdoor lovers.
- Relax at the Outer Banks Beaches: Spend a day sunbathing or enjoy water sports like kayaking and surfing. The sunsets here are spectacular.
For History Buffs
If you’re passionate about history, North Carolina has fascinating landmarks and stories to uncover. Look at the historical places of North Carolina.
- Tour the Biltmore Estate: Explore America’s largest privately-owned home in Asheville. The beautiful gardens and architecture are a treat.
- Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial: Discover the birthplace of aviation in Kitty Hawk. It’s a great place to learn about the Wright brothers’ first flight.
- Explore Historic Downtown Wilmington: Stroll through the cobblestone streets, visit museums, and admire the historic architecture. It’s like stepping back in time.
For Adventure Seekers
Looking for an adrenaline rush? North Carolina offers plenty of adventurous activities. Some of the adventurous activities are as follows:
- Go Whitewater Rafting at Nantahala River: Try the thrilling rapids, perfect for both beginners and experienced rafters.
- Hike at Grandfather Mountain: Enjoy panoramic views and cross the Mile High Swinging Bridge for a heart-pounding experience.
- Try Ziplining in Asheville: Fly through the treetops with breathtaking views of the mountains. A must-try for adventure lovers.
For Students and Budget Travelers
Traveling on a budget? No worries! North Carolina has plenty of affordable and free experiences.
- Explore State Parks and Nature Trails: Spend a day hiking, picnicking, or enjoying the beautiful surroundings without spending much.
- Discover Free and Budget-Friendly Activities: Many parks, museums, and festivals offer free or discounted entry for students.
- Visit Local Markets and Art Galleries: Explore unique crafts, enjoy local food, and experience North Carolina’s creative scene.
Also Read: Planning to study in the US? Check the best time to book accommodation in the USA.
Things to Do in North Carolina in Summer
To cool off in high temperatures, one can enjoy their best times at beaches or go to summer camps. The state offers some iconic national forests, water parks, and swimming holes to beat the summer heat.
Visit North Carolina’s Coastal Beaches
You can leave all your worries behind and dodge the summer heat by visiting the amazing beaches in North Carolina. They are perfect getaway destinations to enjoy the scenic beauty. With a view of clear waters, you can relish a wellness spa session at the beach or simply go for sailing cruises. You can indulge in water activities like surfing and paddleboarding. You shouldn’t miss these beaches-
- Currituck Beach
- Lake Lure Beach
- Carolina Beach
- Coquina Beach
- Wrightsville Beach
Hike, Raft, and Fish at the National Forests
To keep cool in the summers, you can head to amazing national forests. This is one of the best things to do in this city as they are full of wild places to hike, hunt, raft, and fish. For example, Badin Lake Recreational Area in the Uwharrie National Forest attracts boaters, anglers, and swimmers to escape the summer heat. They offer hiking trails and rivers running through the forests, presenting thrilling adventures for whitewater rafting and kayaking.
You should not miss visiting these national forests:
- Nantahala National Forest
- Pisgah National Forest
- Uwharrie National Forest
- Croatan National Forest
Slide, Splash, and Swim at Water Parks
What better way to kill the heat and spend a fun day at water parks? Take your squad along and splash at water parks across the state. The fun water rides and slides, like wave pools, half-pipe waterslides, giant waterfalls, and tumble buckets, offer amazing experiences. You’d regret not being able to visit these water parks in North Carolina-
- Lions Water Adventure in Kinston
- Wet ‘N’ Wild Emerald Pointe in Greensboro
- Carolina Harbour in Charlotte
- Ray’s Splash Planet in Charlotte
- H2OBX Waterpark in Powells Point (Currituck Outer Banks)
Nature’s Pool Party in Swimming Holes
How about reviving the child in you again with nature’s pool party? Sounds interesting, right? This is one of the best things to do in North Carolina in summer, and take a splash at many natural swimming holes to free you of all worries. You can reserve a spot for open swims, enjoy paddling and fishing, cliff-jumping, experience smooth and natural rock waterslides, or simply do bird-watching. Check out these fun swimming holes-
- Carrigan Farms in Mooresville
- Sliding Rock in Pisgah National Forest in Brevard
- Jones Lake State Park in Elizabethtown
- Pettigrew State Park in Creswell
- Hanging Rock State Park in Danbury
Also Read: Are you planning to explore the USA’s amazing festivals with vibrant evenings with a lot of entertainment? Check out these 5 Incredible Summer and Musical Festivals in the USA.
Things to Do in North Carolina in Winter
Winters in North Carolina offer some of the most amazing things to do. People can head to the mountains and enjoy winter sports activities like skiing. If you are not very fond of skiing, you can backpack and take canopy tours that offer snow-frosted landscapes with winter zip-line activities. You can also go winter hiking in forests and enjoy amazing sunsets.
Skiing
You will be happy to discover that North Carolina offers some of the best terrain for skiing, ice skating, and tubing. The best time for skiing is from mid-November to March. Skiing at these top ski resort locations will provide you with the experience of a lifetime-
- Appalachian, Beech Mountain
- Cataloochee
- Hatley Pointe
- Sapphire Valley
- Sugar Mountain
Frozen Waterfalls
Well, waterfalls are not just summer things. So, experiencing the frozen waterfall is one of the best things to do in North Carolina. Head out to witness the picturesque winter scenes of these amazing waterfalls in winter-
- Rainbow Falls
- Whitewater Falls
- Linville Falls
- Looking Glass Falls
Sandboarding
Sandboarding during the winter months is a fun way to enjoy a serene experience. You can visit the coastal state parks for sandboarding and also do bird-watching and fishing. Jockey’s Ridge State Park offers a thrilling snowboarding experience without the snow.
Ice Climbing
Winter rock climbing is truly one of the best things to do in North Carolina in winter. The rocks get extremely hot during the summer months, which makes it extremely challenging to enjoy rock climbing sports. However, one must consider ice climbing in the following places to get thrilling ice climbing experiences-
- Table Rock in the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area
- Looking Glass Rock in Pisgah National Park
- Rumbling Bald near Chimney Rock State Park
- Stone Mountain in Stone Mountain State Park
Travel Tips for Students in North Carolina
Traveling around North Carolina as a student can be easy and affordable if you plan wisely. Whether you’re exploring the mountains or relaxing on the coast, these tips will help you navigate the state without breaking the bank.
1. Use Public Transport
North Carolina’s cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, and Durham have reliable public transport systems. Buses and light rail services are affordable and student-friendly. Some universities also offer free or discounted rides with a student ID. It’s a convenient way to explore nearby attractions without worrying about parking.
2. Consider Car Rentals for Road Trips
If you’re planning a trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains or Outer Banks, renting a car can be a practical choice. Many car rental companies offer student discounts or special weekend rates. Try booking in advance or sharing the rental cost with friends for a budget-friendly trip.
3. Use Ride-Share Apps
Apps like Uber and Lyft are widely available and can be a safer option for late-night travel. If you’re traveling short distances, ride-shares can be cheaper than renting a car. Some companies also offer student discounts or carpooling options for a lower fare.
4. Try Biking and Walking
In student-friendly cities like Chapel Hill and Asheville, biking is a popular choice. You can rent bikes from local shops or use bike-sharing apps. Most campuses also have walking paths and bike lanes, making it easy to get around. Walking is not only free but also a great way to explore local neighborhoods.
5. Take Advantage of Student Discount
Many transport providers offer student discounts on buses, trains, and even flights. Don’t forget to check for student travel cards or regional passes for additional savings. Always carry your student ID and ask for discounts when booking your ride. Every little saving counts!
North Carolina is a fantastic destination for students, offering a perfect mix of nature, history, adventure, and budget-friendly experiences. Whether you’re exploring the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, learning about aviation history, or trying local delicacies, there’s something for everyone. So, pack your bags, explore North Carolina, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Happy travels!
FAQs on the Best Things to Do in North Carolina
North Carolina offers plenty of student-friendly activities. Visit the Blue Ridge Mountains for hiking, explore the Outer Banks for beach fun, or enjoy cultural experiences in cities like Raleigh and Charlotte. Many museums and parks offer student discounts too!
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the number one attraction with over 12 million annual visitors.
North Carolina is known for its parks, beaches, national parks, natural swimming holes, water parks and other popular attractions like- the Wright Brothers National Memorial, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Biltmore Estate & Gardens, The Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.
The best things to do in North Carolina in summer are to enjoy their best times at the beaches or go to summer camps. The state offers some iconic national forests, water parks, and swimming holes to beat the summer heat.
The best things to do here in winter are to head to the mountains and enjoy winter sports activities like ice skating, skiing, and tubing, and enjoy frozen waterfalls like the Rainbow Falls, Whitewater Falls, Looking Glass Falls, and Linville Falls. You can also do sandboarding at Jockey’s Ridge State Park.
The popular things to do in this city are to take self-guided tours, explore nature and wildlife areas, visit the state parks and beaches, go hiking and kayaking, attend concerts, and take shopping tours.
Raleigh, Durham, and Asheville are great for cultural experiences. Explore the North Carolina Museum of Art, attend local music festivals, or visit historic landmarks. Each city has its own unique charm and student-friendly spots.
Yes! Many museums, parks, and cultural sites offer student discounts. Bring your student ID when visiting places like the North Carolina Zoo, Biltmore Estate, or Discovery Place in Charlotte.
Absolutely! Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial, explore the historic town of Bath, or tour the Biltmore Estate in Asheville. Many historical sites have student guides and tours available.
Students can enjoy affordable meals at food trucks, BBQ joints, or local diners. Cities like Raleigh and Durham offer international cuisines, and don’t miss trying North Carolina’s famous pulled pork BBQ!
This was all about the best things to do in North Carolina. Hope you liked the blog. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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