• placement: fullWidthHero
  • path: destinations/hero
  • containerId: gpt-ad-178840218431
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "usa/the-south/north-carolina",
  "destination": "North-Carolina",
  "title": "north-carolina",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "Southern-USA",
  "country": "The-USA",
  "continent": "North-America",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

North Carolina

USA

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2026

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
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

© Pgiam / Getty

Overview

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.

Lonely planet’s trusted travel insurance provider

Dreaming of North Carolina? Protect your trip

Travel with confidence. Protect your trip and your wallet.

LEARN MORE

We don’t represent World Nomads, we receive a fee from quotes using this link. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Take your United States (USA) trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.

bookable trip

Maine's Marvelous Coastline: 10 Days in Acadia, Bath, Bethel, and Camden

highlights

  1. 1Unwinding Scandinavian-style with saunas and cold plunges at a beloved Nordic spa
  2. 2Visiting a local oyster farm to taste fresh shellfish straight from the source
  3. 3Sailing Penobscot Bay as the sun sets on Camden Harbor
from $3,795

per person

book this tripsee trip details
Want our experts to design a custom trip for you?
start planning

Must-see attractions

Explore all
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/top
  • containerId: gpt-ad-404499676953
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "usa/the-south/north-carolina",
  "destination": "North-Carolina",
  "title": "north-carolina",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "Southern-USA",
  "country": "The-USA",
  "continent": "North-America",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your 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.

Read full article

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.

Read full article

Best Time to Visit

Whether you want to hit the beach, catch the autumn foliage or enjoy a spectrum of outdoorsy activities, here are the best times to visit North Carolina.

Read full article

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.

Read full article

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.

Read full article
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/middle
  • containerId: gpt-ad-66571755014
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "usa/the-south/north-carolina",
  "destination": "North-Carolina",
  "title": "north-carolina",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "Southern-USA",
  "country": "The-USA",
  "continent": "North-America",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in North Carolina

North Carolina and beyond

View all
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/bottom
  • containerId: gpt-ad-536568999223
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "usa/the-south/north-carolina",
  "destination": "North-Carolina",
  "title": "north-carolina",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "Southern-USA",
  "country": "The-USA",
  "continent": "North-America",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}