Thanks to the vast, varied geography and climate of the Southeastern state, North Carolina travel has something for all vacationers. From its flat, swampy Coastal Plain to the Piedmont region to the Blue Ridge Mountains, travel to North Carolina has plenty to offer: from hikes through the mountains to relaxing beach vacation on the coast.
Things Not to Miss in North Carolina
• Plan a trip in the fall to the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's the perfect time to take a hike along one of the hundreds of trails and enjoy the region’s amazing fall foliage.
• Asheville is a great destination city if you want to check out the historic Biltmore Estate or sip a craft beer – the city is one of the top small-town brewery cities in the country.
• If you’re using our North Carolina travel guide to plan your beach trip, investigate renting a house on the remote Outer Banks for a truly relaxing, remote beach getaway.
When to Go to North Carolina
Because the state’s climate is affected by altitude, when you visit North Carolina depends entirely on where you are going. The Gulf Stream keeps temperatures mild in the Southern coastal areas, while the cold Labrador Current from the North can make the state’s Northern area quite cold and snowy in winter.
-
The Best U.S. Cities to Visit This Fall for Foliage, Food, and Fun
There’s a lot that goes into making the perfect fall destination.Not only does it need fantastic displays of leaves (in all colors: red, orange and... Read More
-
How to Protect Your Home and Your Valuables During a Hurricane
Preparing for a hurricane is never easy, but if you're a homeowner, there are extra steps you need to take before a storm. Should you find yourself... Read More
-
How Hotels and Airlines Are Helping Out Ahead of Hurricane Florence
As Hurricane Florence makes its way across the Atlantic, a hurricane warning is in effect for the coasts of South and North Carolina. Tropical storm... Read More
-
How Hurricane Florence Will Affect Your Flights This Week
The southeastern coast of the United States is preparing for the oncoming impact of Hurricane Florence.The category 4 hurricane is expected to make... Read More
-
You Could Get Paid to Eat a Free Avocado Every Day
But for more than 1,000 lucky people this fall, an Avocados-rich diet is about to be on the menu regularly — with a hefty subsidy.Researchers at Loma... Read More
-
This Airport Is Treating Passengers to Comfort Kittens for Pre-flight Cuddling
Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina has figured out the purrr-fect way to travel.Many airports offer stress- and anxiety... Read More
-
The Best Burger in the U.S. Can Be Found in Chapel Hill, North Carolina
America is a nation of excellent burgers — and quite a few mediocre ones, but they're still burgers so it's fine—and one burger, in particular, has been... Read More
-
The Top 10 Domestic Destination Spas
Since when did we become so obsessed with wellness? Americans of all ages are now trying Fitbits and the Paleo diet, DNA testing and meditation, all in... Read More
-
The Top 10 Resort Hotels in the American South
The South is one of the rare places where the touristic clichés — a rich culinary history, warm hospitality, and picturesque scenery, from the loblolly... Read More
-
The Top 10 Islands in the Continental U.S.
We hate to choose geographical sides — but Travel + Leisure readers did. It’s safe to say the South takes it when it comes to island getaways, with... Read More
-
The Best Small Beach Towns for People Who Want to Escape the Crowds
Summer is officially here, but it isn't really summer until you step onto the sand, lay down a towel, and soak in some rays at the beach.There are tons... Read More
-
Nina Simone's Birthplace Will Be Restored As a National Treasure
Jazz lovers will soon want to book a trip to North Carolina.The birthplace of iconic musician Nina Simone has been approved to be preserved as a... Read More
-
Hundreds of Mating Fireflies Put on a Dazzling Show in These U.S. Mountains Every Summer
It’s time to get your summer glow on.No, we’re not talking about your tan, we’re talking about fireflies. In the mountains of North Carolina and... Read More
-
Once-abandoned 'Wizard of Oz' Theme Park Is Opening for the Summer (Video)
An infamous theme park dedicated to “The Wizard of Oz” is reopening this summer for just six days in June. While the dates are limited, you won't need a... Read More
-
Woman Adopts Stranger's Baby After Meeting Her on a Plane (Video)
Samantha Snipes‘ life was turned upside down in 2016 when she learned she was pregnant by her abusive then-boyfriend. Now, she says one chance encounter... Read More
