Top 10 best tourist places in North Carolina, United States of America

By We Find You Go - 2017-02-25

Located in the southeastern part of USA, North Carolina is a state which is further divided into 100 counties. With a population exceeding 10 million, it is the 9th most populous state in the country. The capitol of North Carolina is Raleigh whereas its largest municipality is Charlotte. The state has an extremely diverse economy due to its large resource of natural energy. It was also chosen as the third best state for business in the country. North Carolina boasts plentiful shorelines with exciting marine activities available for the visitors. The Appalachian Peaks reflect the grandeur of the state surrounded by the fascinating state parks and ever-lasting highways.

10) North Carolina Zoo

Situated in the county of Asheboro, the North Carolina Zoo is the largest walk through zoo of its kind in the world. It houses more than 1,600 animals representing 225 species as well as 52,000 plants. The five mile trail meandering through the zoo leads to its different sections; most prominent of whom are North America and Africa. It also houses an artificially made tropical forest with humid conditions and exhibits that resemble natural habitats. Apart from picnic spots, it has a museum with a large collection of artifacts and animal sculptures.

9) Museum of Life and Science

Interlinked with the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, the Museum of Life and Science is located at Chapel Hill and is one of the oldest of its kind in the country. The museum’s star planetarium theater hosts multiple science and fiction related shows. Moreover, there are interactive displays and fun activities where the audience gets to explore and discover different planets and the solar system. In addition, regular camps are held for children as well as adults to enhance their scientific knowledge.

8) Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is the longest linear park in the country that runs for more than 450 miles and was originally built to connect Great Smoky Mountains with the Shenandoah National Park. Known for its scenic beauty, the Parkway displays varying ecology along the routes as the path runs from valleys into the mountainous ranges. It intersects with different national highways and cover important tourist destinations such as: Craggy Gardens, East Fork Overlook and Black Balsam. Numerous campsites are available to accommodate the visitors.

7) Wright Brothers National Memorial

Wright Brothers National Memorial is a granite pylon that commemorates the Wright Brothers’ first ever successful powered flight. It is located in Kill Devil Hill in North Carolina and perched over a 90-foot tall stone. Beside the memorial, there is a Visitor Centre which houses actual tools used by the Wright Brothers and frequently arranges exhibits to manifest their accomplishments. Moreover, tourists can hike on the nearby dunes andexplore the field hangars officially used by them for gliding experiments.

6) Charlotte Motor Speedway

Charlotte Motor Speedway is a motorsport multiplex featuring a quad oval racing track. The 13 miles speedway is situated in Concord and was constructed in 1959. The Motor Speedway is an ideal outing place for race enthusiasts and is considered the home track for different racing teams of NASCAR. In addition to that, the complex also houses a top notch drag racing track alongside a clay oval for a dirt track. It houses several professional competitions which are attended by thousands of crowds.

5) Great Smoky Mountains

Commonly nicknamed as the Smokies, Great Smoky Mountains is a mountainous range that straddles through a U.S National Park. The Park is a major tourist destination in North Carolina and surpasses the list with 11.5 million visitors annually. It houses a number of historical fascinations including Cades Cove which itself preserves hundreds of primeval structures. Its variety of forested vegetation, abundant rainfall and a large array of wildlife species make this place a special one. There are adventurous hiking trails that straddle through the woods to ensure breathtaking beauty for the visitors.

4) Freedom Park

Freedom Park is a 100-acre leisure park surrounding a beautiful lake and is located in Charlotte, North Carolina. It is a great picnic spot for families as well as touring foreigners. Apart from volley ball and tennis courts, the park is home to athletic fields and playgrounds for children. A steam engine runs along the paved trails and sprawl through the park, offering a wonderful experience. For refreshments, outdoor shelters are established with world class facilities. Lastly, Freedom Park is an informal host of films, concerts and musical performances throughout different seasons.

3) Battleship North Carolina

Demonstrating a slice of history, the USS North Carolina was one of the few battleships which were official members of the American marine fleet in World War 2. During those times, it was declared as world’s one of the greatest sea weapons and was also designated as a National Historic Landmark later on. Presently, thousands of tourists visit the memorial where they explore the interior deck and compartments as well as take guided tours to observe the warship’s weaponry. Several events and ceremonies are held at the place annually.

2) Chimney Rock State Park

Named after a towering granite summit of 2300 feet, Chimney Rock State Park is a National Park located 25 miles from Asheville. It is a highly popular recreational site for foreign tourists as well as local residents. The 75-mile hiking trails cover all skill levels and offer a wonderful experience wandering through the spectacular waterfalls and grandiose canyons. An exclusive elevator has been established to carry visitors to the highest peak for scenic views of the surrounding countryside. Amongst other outdoor activities supported by the Park are bird-watching, rock climbing and sightseeing.

1) Biltmore Estate

Biltmore Estate is a large private mansion and a tourist estate located in Asheville, North Carolina. Built in the late 19th century, Biltmore Estate is the largest privately owned house in the compound, covering a massive area of 8,000 acres. The 250-room house boasts incredible architecture and impressive artwork. The lovely facades with the slate tile vaults support different types of antiques. Visitors can take up guided tours to explore the design and construction and also enjoy the state’s best wineries.