HomeTravel GuidesNorth Carolina

North Carolina

Whether you’re coming for barbecue, outdoor fun, or university vibes, North Carolina delivers. The majestic Blue Ridge Mountains beckon hikers while beachgoers head for small coastal towns along the Atlantic. In between are artsy Asheville, whose restaurants have several James Beard Award semi-finalists and nominees, as well as Raleigh, Charlotte, and Durham, where three big research universities mean lots of students and academics and top-notch museums—like the free North Carolina Museum of Art and Morehead Planetarium and Science Center.

The Linn Cove Viaduct, at mile marker 304.4, was one of the most ambitious and technically challenging segments of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The Blue Ridge Parkway

Photo by Anthony Heflin/Shutterstock

Overview

Planning your trip

Use these articles, resources, and guides to plan and inspire your next trip to North Carolina.

Related Guides
  1. ASHEVILLE, NC, USA-27 JULY 2019: Wall Street in downtown is busy on a summer Sunday, with small crowds at cafe tables, while a man pushes a young woman in a wheel chair.
    Asheville
    April 5, 2021 04:10 PM
  2. Travel-Guides-Outer-Banks-gene-gallin-unsplash.jpg
    Outer Banks, North Carolina
    May 17, 2018 12:13 PM
     · 
    Brianna Simmons
READ BEFORE YOU GO
A view of downtown Asheville
Cities We Love
The Blue Ridge Mountain City Where Food, Music, and Nature Collide
From Appalachian flavors and artist studios to live music and mountain wellness, Asheville is the kind of place that rewards you for staying longer.
Sponsored by
A modern, curved metal building housing a museum
Art + Culture
University Museums Are Underrated Places to See Art, Often for Free. Here Are 10 of the Best in the U.S.
August 26, 2026 12:18 PM
 · 
Pat Tompkins
Ships on a dock in the daytime
Where to Travel Next
The Most Charming Small Town in Every U.S. State
August 25, 2026 07:22 AM
 · 
Ashlea Halpern
(Left) Neng's Jr (Right) Downtown Asheville
Cities We Love
7 Best Asheville Neighborhoods Every Visitor Should Know
August 6, 2026 12:43 PM
 · 
Jenn Rice
Left: Blue Ridge Mountains, Western North Carolina; right: Looking Glass Falls
Outdoor Adventure
Best Outdoor Activities in Asheville: 5 Adventures for Every Skill Level
July 27, 2026 09:28 AM
 · 
Erin McGrady
HOTELS
Left: a luxury tented villa at Elk & Embers glamping resort, in North Carolina, surrounded by fall foliage. Right: A view of the Great Smoky Mountains from a high vantage point.
Stay Here Next
At This Glamping Retreat in Western North Carolina, the National Park Starts in Your Backyard
Set on 108 acres in the Great Smoky Mountains, Elk & Embers has seven cabins and tents—and some of the best views around. Best of all: It’s only an hour’s drive from Asheville.
July 21, 2026 06:07 PM
 · 
Hannah Walhout
The lobby of JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District
Art + Architecture
Engage with Compelling Art at These Top Southern Hotels
From Savannah, Georgia, to Birmingham, Alabama, immerse yourself in inspiring art collections at these hotels and then explore the thriving creative scene of each destination.
Sponsored by
RESOURCES TO HELP PLAN YOUR TRIP
Hiking + Cycling
Where Should You Hike Near Asheville? We Asked a Local
Whether you’re in it for the exercise, the views, or the fun, Black Dome Mountain Sports owner Trent Thomas knows the best hikes.
April 3, 2021 11:49 AM
 · 
Melanie Haiken
Destination Spotlight
Attractions You Can Only Find in Asheville
From a hemp farm with goat yoga to a wedding chapel with vintage clothing for sale, these businesses make Asheville unlike anywhere else.
April 3, 2021 11:46 AM
 · 
Joanne O’Sullivan
The Best Things to Do and See in the Great Smoky Mountains
How can you go wrong when you’re surrounded by spectacular hills, crashing waterfalls, shaded paths, glinting mountain lakes, winding highways with dramatic overlooks, and all of it within reach of Dollywood? Come to the Smokies and have some natural fun.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
Stratton Lawrence
Family Travel
10 Tips for Camping With Kids and Babies
Taking a kid camping? Intimidating, yes—but if you equip yourself with a bit of know-how, mitigate risk, and practice overall good judgement, a night in the woods with a tot in tow is not only possible but also actually rollicking good fun.
August 21, 2020 06:33 PM
 · 
Phil Morgan
Art + Architecture
Dale Chihuly’s Glasswork Leads First-Ever Garden Exhibit at Asheville’s Historic Biltmore
The Seattle-based artist’s al fresco summer show at the North Carolina landmark runs through October 7.
May 30, 2018 04:59 PM
 · 
Matthew Phenix
Restaurants + Cafés
7 Lesser-Known U.S. Food Towns
They’re all a day trip from a bigger destination.
June 8, 2017 05:59 PM
 · 
Tamara Palmer
Bars + Nightlife
We’re Really Into This New Brewery Trend
Craft breweries around the country are letting you stay over.
March 11, 2016 05:38 PM
 · 
Will McGough
Food + Drink
Wandering Chef: Brandon Sharp in North Carolina
Wandering Chef: Brandon Sharp in North Carolina
May 10, 2013 01:29 PM
 · 
Jen Murphy
Art + Culture
Where to Play Bluegrass In Appalachia
If you’re yearning to join a jam session in Bluegrass country, head to these workshops and camps first.
June 11, 2012 06:57 PM
 · 
Adam Fischer
In the Magazine
Learning to Understand the South, One Note at a Time
An aspiring bluegrass fiddler from London discovers much more than music on a trip to North Carolina.
June 11, 2012 06:44 PM
 · 
Emma John
Load More