Do you want to rejuvenate and recharge your batteries? North Carolina is the right vacation destination for you. It has many features to make your vacation splendid. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the East, the coastline boasts an array of pristine beaches and quaint seaside towns. To the West are the Appalachian and Smokey Mountains with their majestic peaks and fertile valleys. The best places that you should not forget to visit during a vacation here include the following:
Outer Banks
North Carolina’s Outer Banks is one of America’s most spectacular and unique vacation destinations. The beaches of the Outer Banks stretch over 100 miles long and are surrounded by 900 miles of water and is preserved by the National Park Service, which protects more than 70 miles of the coastal region. The barrier island’s mix of rolling sand dunes, beach grasses, and beautiful beaches has been charming visitors and residents for generations.
The Outer Banks is made up of historic islands, quaint towns, and secluded villages. An Outer Banks vacation provides a lifetime of memories.
The Outer Banks offers many water activities including jet ski rentals, kayaking, diving adventures, surfing, parasailing, fishing charters, dolphin cruises, and more.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountain National Park is America’s most visited National Park. It's no wonder why. As you watch the low-hanging fog rise among the ridge lines, you’ll feel the majesty of these storied mountains and see for yourself how they earned their name.
There are lots of things to see and do on the south side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You can take a walk to a picturesque waterfall, wander through a historic log cabin, or watch an elk graze in a secluded mountain valley; whatever you do, you will find something spectacular in the North Carolina Smokies!
You can stop by the Oconaluftee Visitor Center for information, park maps, and pick up a free copy of the Smokies Guide newspaper. For additional books, DVDs, music, and more, visit the Great Smoky Mountains Association bookstore located inside the visitor center.
Wilmington
Wilmington is a bustling port city, located along the southeast coast of North Carolina. It itself is scenic and historic, with a lovely, winding riverfront complete with a festive Riverwalk, history, art, culture, and a vibrant dining scene. But residents and visitors alike love Wilmington for its closeness to the stunning Carolina coast.
In regard to proximity, Wilmington has the advantage of being in a strategic position between some of the best beaches along the Atlantic Coast. It is both the jumping-off point for the Outer Banks, which string out to the north along the coast of North Carolina, as well as the beaches of the Grand Strand to the south in South Carolina.
Beaches, beach towns, and beach vibes stem out from Wilmington, designed for every taste, from the buzzing, non-stop energy of North Myrtle Beach, to the tranquility, nature, and silence of Bald Head Island.
Charlotte
A charming yet sprawling Southern city, Charlotte is a pleasant urban area located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, within a few hours’ drive of both the Appalachian Mountains and North Carolina’s white sand beaches.
The city has a strong economic identity. It’s the second-largest banking hub in the U.S. behind New York City which has helped drive consistent population growth for decades. Charlotte takes pride in its cityscape, defined by a handful of skyscrapers. But the city’s essence is perhaps better captured in its diverse neighborhoods and suburban areas, each of which has its own style and flair.
It is famous as the epicenter of thrilling NASCAR auto racing, but it is also a refined, cosmopolitan metropolis with numerous stately neighborhoods, notable museums, and memorable restaurants.
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a major part of the National Park Service and is called America's Favorite Scenic Drive. The 469-mile ribbon of road weaves around the peaks of the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains connecting Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The best things to do here include:
Scenic Drives: The best and easiest way to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway is to go for a drive! Drive for 10 miles or 50—it's all up to you!
Hiking: The Blue Ridge Parkway is famous for providing access to some of the best hiking trails in the nation. Whether you're looking for a short, easy hike or a more challenging trek, you'll find it on the Parkway.
Picnicking: The dramatic views found on the Blue Ridge Parkway make for unforgettable picnic spots.
Biking: Bike the Blue Ridge Parkway for an outdoor adventure, and workout, like no other. See our guide to road biking adventures.
Asheville
In Asheville, there is always a good reason for you to go exploring. You can plan your visit to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Here, you will find things to do, places to stay, food and drink, music and art and you may even find a few surprises.
Filled with natural wonders and architectural treasures, you will soon come to understand the allure of Asheville. You can discover for yourself all there is to see and do.
From iconic landmarks to local favorites, these are bets for a memorable mountain escape. You can create your own experience with these itineraries or check out 50 things to do in Asheville. You can also explore our favorite winter activities, or start planning your visit with these places to stay.
Old Salem
Old Salem is a popular historic district in Winston-Salem and serves as an educational museum and showcase for those who want to come and learn about Moravians in North Carolina, who established the Central North Carolina community in the late 18th century.
You can easily spend a day or more visiting the various shops, historic buildings, gardens, and everything else that makes up Old Salem. Here are some of our tips for visiting Old Salem as well as background information and spots not to miss!
Old Salem is also free to walk around, but if you want to take part in some of the extra interactive exhibits then you will need a ticket. Tickets can only be purchased on-site at the Visitors Center, the Horton Center, and the Moravian Book and Gift.
Hanging Rock State Park
Located in Stokes County 30 miles north of Winston-Salem, Hanging Rock State Park was once a Civilian Conservation Corps project and has become a park that offers every part of a traditional outdoor experience.
Trails lead to picturesque mountain views, rock outcrops, waterfalls, and even a mountain cave. Some are open to horseback riding and mountain biking, and a portion is part of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail. Campgrounds, a swim lake, and access to paddling on the Dan River complete the gamut of recreational opportunities.
You can hike the trails of Hanging Rock State Park and let nature put life's hectic pace in perspective. You can rent a vacation cabin and fall asleep to the lullabies of spring peepers and chorus frogs. Picnic areas and campgrounds lend themselves to time spent with family and friends. Hanging Rock State Park awaits you.
Accommodations
At Rent By Host, we provide vacation rentals all over the US at very affordable prices. Our rental services are available around the clock and you can contact us anytime to book your accommodations. With this rental by owner, you will be able to save up 15-20% booking fee.
Briefly Put!
Get ready to set out for North Carolina. It is an excellent vacation destination with good weather conditions year-round and good places to visit. Regarding booking your accommodations, get in touch with Rent By Host!