North Carolina
From the mighty mountains in the west to the ethereal islands lining the Atlantic coast, North Carolina has limitless opportunities for outdoor adventures, matched with the dynamic cities of Raleigh, Charlotte, Durham and Asheville.
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- Caroline Eubanks|Jan 28, 202613 best places to visit in North Carolina
- Erica Jackson Curran|Nov 26, 2025How to drive the entire Blue Ridge Parkway in five days
- Caroline Eubanks|Sep 2, 2025North Carolina’s 7 best hikes for waterfalls, fall foliage and mountain views
- Lonely Planet Editors|Apr 16, 2025See the best of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and more on this road trip
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Top places to visit in North Carolina
Discover the best attractions in North Carolina from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.
Travel Guides
North Carolina travel tips from Lonely Planet experts
Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.
Best Things to Do
From edgy street art to quiet strolls at the Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden, Greensboro, North Carolina offers a slew of fun activities for everyone.
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Free Things to Do
Exploring the gorgeous state of North Carolina doesn't have to break the bank. Here are out favorite free activities, from the mountains to the coast.
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Best Road Trips
While it’s possible to explore by bus or train, there’s nothing quite like navigating the Tar Heel State's curving roads from behind the wheel of a car.
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Best Places to Visit
From the mountains to the sea, North Carolina offers incredible landscapes and fun cities. These are the 13 best places to visit.
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