Charlotte is the most populous city in the U.S. state of North Carolina.
It is the county seat of Mecklenburg County and the second-largest city in the southeastern United States, just behind Jacksonville, Florida.
If you’re looking for things to do in Charlotte, North Carolina, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
The city has a little something for everyone, whether you’re interested in history and culture, outdoor activities, or nightlife.
Some of the top attractions in Charlotte include the Levine Museum of the New South, the Mint Museum and Discovery Place Science.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to keep them busy in Charlotte as well.
The city’s parks and greenways offer miles of trails to explore, and the US National Whitewater Center is a mecca for rafting, kayaking, and climbing.
Things To Do In Charlotte, North Carolina
1. Levine Museum of the New South
The Levine Museum of the New South is one of the most comprehensive post-Civil War history museums in the country.
This Charlotte Museum features three floors of permanent and changing exhibitions.
You can take a stroll through the ‘Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers’ exhibit which is a permanent exhibit that explores post- Civil War life in Charlotte.
Or travel through time in the ‘Keepers of the Fire’ exhibit which is a hands-on exploration of the Catawba Indian Nation.
The museum also has an interactive gallery for kids where children can learn about Charlotte through play.
For those that are interested in the history of Charlotte, the Levine Museum of the New South is a great place to start.
Address: 200 E 7th St, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28202, USA
2. Mint Museum Uptown and Mint Museum Randolph
One of the best things to do in Charlotte, North Carolina for art lovers.
The Mint Museum’s two locations are the Mint Museum Uptown located in the heart of Charlotte’s city center and the Mint Museum Randolph located in what was the original branch of the United States Mint, in Charlotte’s Eastover neighborhood.
The Mint Museum has a wide collection of fine and decorative art from around the world.
You can explore the European collection which features paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Van Dyck.
Or check out the Contemporary Modern Art Gallery which has rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary art.
If you’re interested in fashion, be sure to visit the Mint Museum’s Fashion Gallery which has a collection of over 5,000 garments and accessories.
The Mint Museum is a great place to spend an afternoon if you’re looking for things to do in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Address: 2730 Randolph Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207, USA
3. Discovery Place Science
Discovery Place Science is a hands-on science museum where you can learn about topics like space exploration, physics, and chemistry.
The museum has over 150 interactive exhibits, and you can even take part in experiments yourself.
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Charlotte with kids, Discovery Place Science is a great option.
This Charlotte museum also has an IMAX theater where you can catch a film on a giant screen.
Discovery Place Science is located in the heart of uptown Charlotte and is accessible by car, train or foot.
Address: Discovery Place Science, 301 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA
4. US National Whitewater Center
The US National Whitewater Center is an outdoor recreation center where you can go rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, and more.
The center has several different Whitewater courses that are suitable for all levels of experience.
If you’re a beginner, you can take a guided tour of the center’s easy whitewater course.
Or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can try your hand at the center’s extreme whitewater course.
In addition to whitewater activities, the US National Whitewater Center also has miles of hiking trails that you can explore on foot or by bike.
Address: 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28214
5. Carowinds
Carowinds is a amusement park in Charlotte that has over 60 rides, including roller coasters, water rides, and kid-friendly rides.
The park also has a Dinosaurs Alive! exhibit where you can see life-size animatronic dinosaurs.
The park is open from March to November, so be sure to check the schedule before you go.
Some of the best rides at Carowinds include the Intimidator, the Afterburn, and the Fury 325.
If you’re looking for a great day out and some family fun during your Charlotte trip, Carowinds amusement park is for you.
Address: 14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28273
6. NASCAR Hall of Fame
Located in Uptown Charlotte, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is a museum dedicated to the history of NASCAR.
The museum has exciting exhibits, classic cars on display, and a simulator that lets you experience what it’s like to be a NASCAR driver.
This high-tech venue is designed to educate and entertain race fans and non-fans alike.
But for all NASCAR fans, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is a must-visit.
Address: 400 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA
7. Charlotte Motor Speedway
The Charlotte Motor Speedway is a motorsport complex located in Concord, North Carolina, 13 miles outside of Charlotte.
The racetrack hosts NASCAR events throughout the year.
One of the best things to do in Charlotte NC for Speedway fans.
You can take a tour of the track, catch a stock car racing event, or attend one of the speedway’s special events.
The Infield Experience Tour takes you behind the scenes of the sport and the racetrack on non-race days.
The new Fast Pass Tour puts you behind the wheel of your own vehicle taking in the sights and history of Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Some of the other events that take place at North Carolina’s, Charlotte Motor Speedway include monster truck rallies, concerts, and car shows.
Address: Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC 28027, USA
8. Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
The museum is located in downtown Charlotte and is a must-see for art lovers.
The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is a museum that features artwork from the mid-20th century.
The museum has a collection of over 1,400 pieces of art, including paintings, sculptures, and drawings.
You can also see frequently changing exhibitions of modern art.
The Bechtler Museum is open every day but Tuesdays and has a museum store that sells art related gifts.
Address: The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, 420 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA
9. Freedom Park
Freedom Park is a large public park in Charlotte.
This 98-acre park features a lake, walking trails, playgrounds and nice patches of grass for lazily lounging around.
Plus there’s baseball fields, a tennis court, batting cages, basketball court, volleyball court, and a walking trail around the lake.
The park is also home to the Carolina Raptor Center, where you can see over 50 different species of birds of prey.
Address: 1900 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203, USA
10. Levine Center for the Arts
The Levine Center for the Arts in Charlotte, North Carolina includes the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, the Harvey B Gantt Center for African American Arts, the Knight Theater and the Mint Museum Uptaown.
This four-building complex contains three of the city’s major art museums, plus a performing arts venue.
This complex has so much to see in one place, so if you are interested in art or fancy a trip to the theater tickets can be purchased online.
Address: The Levine Center, 550 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
11. Discovery Place Nature
Discovery Place Nature, formerly Charlotte Nature Museum, is located next to Freedom Park, Charlotte, North Carolina.
One of the best tourist attractions for nature lovers and families it encourages visitors to discover the wonders of nature and develop an appreciation for the living and natural world.
There are live animal encounters, outdoor exhibitions, nature trails and mush more.
It also features a digital Planetarium.
Tickets can be purchased in advance online and parking at the museum is free.
Address: 1658 Sterling Rd, Charlotte, NC 28209
12. Carolinas Aviation Museum
The Carolinas Aviation Museum is an aviation museum on the grounds of Charlotte Douglas Airport in Charlotte, North Carolina.
It is one of a few aviation museums located at an airport which serves as a major hub.
The Carolinas Aviation Museum is home to an extensive range of aircrafts, helicopters, equipment, gadgets and printed material.
You can see the development history of aircraft, and you can also experience the feeling of sitting in the cockpit of a fighter jet.
Great for anyone interested in aviation history.
Address: Carolinas Aviation Museum, 4672 1st Flight Dr, Charlotte, NC 28208
13. South Park
SouthPark is a shopping mall in Charlotte that features over 200 stores and restaurants.
There is a great combination of department stores, high end stores and speciality stores.
The mall is located approximately five miles south of Uptown, at the corner of Sharon and Fairview Roads.
The mall also has a movie theater, an ice rink, and a children’s play area.
Address: 4400 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211, USA
14. Wing Haven Gardens & Bird Sanctuary
Set in Myers Park, this 4-acre garden is a serene environment for feathered visitors and others.
There is plenty of opportunity to enjoy the various plants and spot some of the amazing variety of birds at the bird sanctuary.
There is also a special children’s garden with themed play spaces, vegetable gardens, a wildlife den, and living tunnel.
Great for families and individuals alike, Wing Haven offers a variety of seasonal events and programs for adults, children, and families..
Address: Wing Haven Gardens & Bird Sanctuary, 248 Ridgewood Ave, Charlotte, NC 28209
15. Little Sugar Creek Greenway
The Little Sugar Creek Greenway is a walking and biking trail that runs through Charlotte.
The trail is approximately 7 miles long, and it features a number of public art installations.
With the use of several overland connectors, the Little Sugar Creek Greenway stretches continuously from Brandywine Road to 7th Avenue.
If you’re looking for things to do in Charlotte that are active, the Little Sugar Creek Greenway is a great option.
Address: 200 E 5th St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA
16. Lake Norman
Lake Norman is a man-made lake that is located approximately 20 miles outside of Charlotte.
It is also known as the “inland sea” as it boats 520 miles of shoreline and a surface area of more than 32,475 acres.
The lake is popular for fishing, swimming, and boating.
You can also visit one of the many restaurants and bars that are located on the lake.
As North Carolina’s largest man-made lake, there’s something for everyone to love with plenty to do for a relaxing escape or outdoor adventure.
Address: 15921 Brookway Dr, Huntersville, NC 28078, USA
17. Belk Theater and Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
Blumenthal Performing Arts Center is a performing arts center in Charlotte that hosts Broadway shows, live theater, concerts, live music events and other events.
The center is home to the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, and it also features a 1,200 seat theater.
The Belk Theater is the largest venue in the North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, seating 2,118 at its full-capacity configuration.
The theater is designed in a contemporary European horseshoe arrangement for an intimate atmosphere and world-class acoustics.
Tickets for events can be bought online or from the theater box office.
Address: 130 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA
18. Crowders Mountain State Park
Crowders Mountain is the perfect place for day hikers among the mountains near Charlotte NC.
Just 25 miles from the city, all of its trails offer spectacular panoramas, and there are a variety of routes to the top of Crowders Mountain.
There is also a nine-acre lake that offers choice spots for fishing or an opportunity to try canoeing with rentals available.
Address: Crowders Mountain State Park, 522 Park Office Ln, Kings Mountain, NC 28086
19. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is located on 380 acres along the banks of Lake Wylie, just west of Charlotte, North Carolina.
This bright garden is known for its fantastic displays of colour.
There are several themed gardens ranging from perennials to four-season gardens, along with a conservatory that houses orchid and tropical plants.
There’s also a children’s garden, sparkling fountains and walking trails to be explored.
North Carolina’s Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is a delightful place to spend an afternoon,
Address: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S New Hope Rd, Belmont, NC 28012
20. Billy Graham Library
The Billy Graham Library is a museum that is dedicated to the life and work of evangelist Billy Graham.
The building, where he lived from age nine, has been carefully restored with some of the original furnishings and Graham family memorabilia.
You are free to wander the grounds yourselves but guided tours are available
The library features a number of interactive exhibits, and it also has a bookshop and a cafe.
Address: Billy Graham Library, 430 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA
FAQ
What is Charlotte, North Carolina best known for?
Charlotte is best known for being a financial center, as it is home to the headquarters of a number of banks and other financial institutions.
Charlotte is also known for its professional sports teams, as it is home to the Carolina Panthers (NFL) and the Charlotte Hornets (NBA).
Additionally, Charlotte is known for its many parks and public art installations, as well as its lively downtown area.
Is there a beach in Charlotte, North Carolina?
There is no beach in Charlotte, as the city is located inland.
However, there are a number of lakes located nearby, including Lake Norman and Lake Wylie.
Does Charlotte have a major airport?
Yes, Charlotte Douglas International Airport is an international airport in Charlotte, North Carolina, located roughly six miles west of the city’s central business district.
When is the best time to visit Charlotte NC?
The best time to visit Charlotte is in the spring or fall, as the weather is mild and there are a number of events and festivals taking place.
Is Charlotte a walkable city?
Charlotte is a fairly walkable city, especially in the downtown area.
However, it is worth noting that the city is spread out, so you may need to take public transportation or a taxi to get around to all of the attractions.
How big is Charlotte NC?
The city of Charlotte covers an area of approximately 153 square miles.
What food is Charlotte NC known for?
Charlotte is known for its Southern food, as well as its barbecue.
Additionally, Charlotte is home to a number of restaurants that serve international cuisine.
You could also take one of the Feast Food Tours that explores Charlotte’s neighborhoods with food walking tours in Uptown, Charlotte.
