North Carolina

Region · 🇺🇸 United States

Population 10,439,388

Area 128,589 km²

Time zone America/New_York

Official website www.nc.gov

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Featured Lists

Lboccuto / CC BY-SA 3.0

North Carolina Essentials

North Carolina's landscape spans from the highest elevations in the eastern United States at Mount Mitchell and Clingmans Dome to the historic shores of the Outer Banks. This collection features the Gilded Age opulence of the Biltmore Estate in Asheville and the WWII legacy of the USS North Carolina in Wilmington. Natural highlights include the 60-foot natural waterslide at Sliding Rock, the rugged vistas of Chimney Rock, and the historic beacons of Cape Hatteras and Ocracoke. Cultural sites like Fort Raleigh preserve the history of early English settlements, while the Museum of Natural Sciences showcases the region's biodiversity.

15 places

Jayron32 / CC-BY-SA-3.0

Museums & Galleries

North Carolina’s cultural landscape spans from the opulence of Asheville's Biltmore Estate to the historic significance of the International Civil Rights Center in Greensboro. The state offers diverse insights, including the 18th-century Cherokee community at Oconaluftee Indian Village and the maritime heritage in Beaufort. Explore natural history in Raleigh, witness the evolution of transportation at Wheels Through Time, or examine the military legacy at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum. From coastal Civil War forts to the creative warehouses of the River Arts District, these institutions preserve the state's multifaceted history and artistic growth.

20 places

Saint_Christopher / PD

Historic Churches & Cathedrals

This collection highlights North Carolina’s religious heritage, featuring landmarks like Asheville’s Basilica of Saint Lawrence, which contains one of the largest self-supporting elliptical tile domes in North America. The list spans from the 1745 Grace-Lower Stone Church, one of the state's oldest Reformed congregations, to the grand Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral in Raleigh. Architectural styles range from Carpenter Gothic and Spanish Renaissance to the 19th-century brickwork of Greensboro’s West Market Street Methodist, representing over two centuries of history across the state.

14 places

Hammerattack / CC-BY-SA-3.0

North Carolina Heritage Sites

North Carolina's coastal and military history is preserved through these iconic landmarks. The list features the USS North Carolina, a decorated WWII battleship, and the historic lighthouses of the Outer Banks, including the 1823 Ocracoke Light and the spiraled Cape Hatteras. Military heritage is represented by the 19th-century Fort Macon and the ruins of the Fayetteville Arsenal. Cultural sites include the Thomas Wolfe House in Asheville and the hand-carved 1911 Pullen Park Carousel in Raleigh.

11 places

Captain-tucker / CC BY-SA 3.0

Parks & Nature Reserves

This collection spans North Carolina’s diverse landscape, from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic coast. It features historic landmarks like Fort Raleigh, site of the Roanoke Colony, and the Bentonville Battlefield. Natural highlights include the 315-foot spire at Chimney Rock State Park, the cypress-lined waters of Jones Lake, and the North Carolina Arboretum’s extensive botanical collections. Visitors can explore prehistoric Native American history at Town Creek Indian Mound or visit coastal defenses at Fort Macon State Park.

18 places

Southern Prep / CC-BY-SA-3.0

Premier Golf Courses

North Carolina's diverse topography provides a range of golfing environments, from the high-altitude fairways of Beech Mountain Club at over 5,000 feet to the links-style holes of Bradford Creek. This collection features championship layouts designed by Ellis Maples and George Cobb, including mountain courses with dramatic elevation changes and peninsula designs on Lake Wylie. The list encompasses private clubs, public facilities, and specialized training centers like the Dana Rader Golf School.

15 places

Ncmattj / CC BY-SA 4.0

Regional Airports

North Carolina's aviation network connects the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic coast through a mix of commercial hubs and regional facilities. This collection includes major international gateways like Piedmont Triad in Greensboro and Wilmington International, alongside specialized airports such as Albert J. Ellis in Onslow County and Coastal Carolina Regional in New Bern. These airports provide critical access for business travelers, tourists visiting the Outer Banks or Asheville, and those traveling to the state's numerous military installations, offering both scheduled airline services and general aviation support.

10 places

Top Campgrounds & RV Parks

This selection of North Carolina camping sites spans from the Atlantic coast to the Appalachian Mountains. Coastal options include primitive beach camping at Cape Lookout National Seashore and the Outer Banks' Oregon Inlet. In the west, specialized lodges like Deals Gap and Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campgrounds cater to riders near the Tail of the Dragon. The list also features family-oriented RV resorts, state park sites at Lake Phelps, and secluded backcountry spots accessible by permit along the French Broad River.

13 places

Eric Hart / CC-BY-SA

Waterfalls & Scenic Peaks

This collection spans the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains, featuring the highest elevations in the eastern United States. It includes Mount Mitchell, the Appalachian range's loftiest peak at 6,684 feet, and the 360-degree observation tower at Clingmans Dome. The selection highlights diverse geological formations, from the 60-foot natural waterslide at Sliding Rock to the sheer granite face of Looking Glass Rock. Notable water features include the multi-tiered Linville Falls and Dry Falls, where a recessed cliff allows visitors to walk directly behind the 65-foot cascade.

15 places