Unseen USA

Tar Heel State

North Carolina travel guide

Blue Ridge mountains on one side, Outer Banks beaches on the other.

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Capital
Raleigh
Best time to go
Apr–May, Sep–Oct
Daily budget
$$ about $150–220 a day
Fly into
CLT Charlotte
RDU Raleigh–Durham

MountainsBeachesNational parks

Top places to visit in North Carolina

  1. Blue Ridge Parkway

    A slow scenic road along the mountain tops.

  2. Asheville & Biltmore

    Mountain arts town and America's largest home.

  3. Outer Banks

    Wild beaches and the Wright Brothers' first flight site.

  4. Great Smoky Mountains (NC side)

    Misty peaks and waterfalls.

  5. Charlotte

    NASCAR Hall of Fame and a growing food scene.

What to eat in North Carolina

  • Eastern & Lexington barbecue
  • Hushpuppies
  • Cheerwine soda
  • Krispy Kreme (born here)

When is the best time to visit North Carolina?

Apr–May, Sep–Oct is usually the best time to visit North Carolina. Moderate: about $150–220 a day for one person, including a shared hotel room and meals.

More of the South

AlabamaArkansasDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaKentuckyLouisianaMarylandMississippiOklahomaSouth CarolinaTennesseeTexasVirginiaWest Virginia

Budgets are rough mid-range costs per person, including a shared hotel room and meals. Always check opening times and prices before you go.