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Linn Cove Viaduct Blue Ridge Parkway in autumn Cars travel on the Linn Cove Viaduct highway road on the Grandfather Mountain along the Blue Ridge Parkway in autumn North Carolina USA

Why visit 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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Great Granite State Road Trip: New Hampshire in 7 Days

7 days / 6 nights

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  1. 1 Kayaking on Lake Sunapee with mountain views and crooning loons
  2. 2 Sleeping between oak and birch trees in a whimsical treehouse hotel
  3. 3 Summiting Mount Monadnock, one of the world's most-climbed mountains
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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.

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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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