10 Great Places for a Summer Vacation in North Carolina

Very few states offer the wide variety of scenic locations you’ll find in North Carolina. If you’re looking for a place to go for your summer vacation, you can’t go wrong with this state.

From the natural wonders of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the incredible shorelines along the coast, North Carolina has a lot to offer. You could come to this state for ten years and never experience the same views twice. Let’s take a look at ten of the best places to go when you want to spend some of your summers in NC.

The Outer Banks is an Amazing Place Along the Coast

A long stretch of barrier islands blockades the coastline of North Carolina. This area is called the Outer Banks and is home to many incredible views and experiences that you’ll remember for a lifetime. You can see the dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, where the Wright Brothers tested their first planes, climb the various lighthouses along the coast, and eat at the various restaurants along the coast. If you’re looking for a wonderful beach vacation, this is the place to go.

Head to Raleigh for a City Vacation

Once you arrive, you’ll never want to leave. One of the coolest places for your summer vacation in North Carolina is the capital city of Raleigh. There’s a lot to do with museums, parks, eateries, train rides, and lakes for your fun and enjoyment. If you visit this city in June, you can enjoy the Raleigh International Food Festival and taste some of the foods from around the world. Get ready for some memories and summer fun in Raleigh.

Enjoy a Mountain Retreat in Asheville

When you want to spend a lot of time hiking around in the mountains, but you want a town to support your dining and sleeping needs, head to Asheville. This little mountain town is close to the Biltmore House, which is an American castle that you can tour and enjoy. Check out the Urban Trail in Asheville with its many sculptures to mark where you need to go. You’re only a short hike from waterfalls and gorgeous mountain views in this NC town.

Head Somewhere Only Boats Can Go

You can take your car to Ocracoke Island, but you have to put it on a ferry boat and head there. This small island off the coast of North Carolina is a wonderful place for a summer vacation. The laid-back feeling of the area is wonderful. Take a 4WD vehicle with you and ride out onto the beaches where you can spend your day. This small island offers a community that you’ll love with a fishing village, a lighthouse, and plenty of entertainment at different places on the island.

If You Love the Outdoors, Take a Vacation in Cherokee

Cherokee is a small town just outside of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s easy to spend a week in this town with the easy access you’ll have to amazing mountain trails, waterfalls, and breathtaking views. The Mountain Farm Museum is nearby and a great place to learn about mountain
living in the area. Some of the local farms offer tours and demonstrations that kids will surely enjoy. Adults can unwind with a night of gambling at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino.

The City of Charlotte has Summer Covered

Do you love racing? The Charlotte Motor Speedway is only a short drive from downtown Charlotte, NC. Are you interested in riding roller coasters? Carowinds is an amusement park with 13 roller coasters and is only a short drive from Charlotte. There’s a lot to do in and around this city all year long, but especially in the summer. Bring your summer vacation to this North Carolina city and see what’s happening this year.

Could Chapel Hill be the Place for You in the Summer?

Chapel Hill is home to two major universities, Duke and the University of North Carolina. During the summer, these two campuses are nearly empty, and both offer some amazing views and places you can enjoy. If you want quiet time in a gorgeous town, summer is the time to head to this small city. Of course, if you wait until the middle of August, students at both schools will be heading back to campus to begin their fall semesters.

Wilmington has Everything You Want in the Summer

If you’re looking for a wonderful summer vacation by the beach, Wilmington, North Carolina, is one of the best places to go. Home to Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach, you can find the ocean views, laid-back beach vibes, and amazing dining opportunities you’ve been looking for. If you want to visit the city of Wilmington, there’s something to do nearly every day, making it easy to have a good time. Head to Fort Fisher and enjoy the Aquarium or go up on Johnnie Mercer’s Fishing Pier and catch some unique fish.

When You Want a Remote Mountain Vacation, Head to Chimney Rock

Chimney Rock is a small mountain village surrounded by mountains. Enjoy the amazing hiking trails of the area and see what Chimney Rock State Park has to offer. There’s a 315-foot boulder that gave the town and parks its name, and you’ll find rivers, streams, and lakes in the area for your outdoor water activities. When you want to get away from city life, this is the place to go.

Your Summer Fun Could Take You to Winston-Salem

One of the most popular summer vacation locations in North Carolina is Winston-Salem. This is the location of the Old Salem Museum and Gardens, where you can see what life was like in the NC mountains during the 1800s. Enjoy the live music playing at some of the local pubs, and let the kids check out the SciWorks exhibits while you beat the summer heat. There are several nature trails in the area and many animals make their homes along these trails.

Will you take your summer vacation in North Carolina this year? If so, where will you go to spend some time in this wonderful state?