Getting Here
North Carolina welcomes visitors from around the world. It's centrally located on the East Coast of the United States, with international airports offering direct flights from major global hubs. After you arrive in North Carolina, our extensive highway and ferry systems make it easy to explore the ancient mountains, vibrant cities and scenic coastlines. Getting here is just the beginning of your North Carolina adventure.
International flights
Europe and UK: Nonstop service from major cities including London, England (LHR) via American; Frankfurt, Germany (FRA) via American; Munich, Germany (MUC) via American and Lufthansa; Paris, France (CDG) via American, Finnair and Iberia; Madrid, Spain (MAD) via American; Rome, Italy (FCO) via American; and Dublin, Ireland (DUB) via American.
- Athens, Greece (ATH) seasonal via American.
- Barcelona, Spain (BCN) seasonal via American — begins May 27, 2027.
Middle East: Direct long-haul service from Abu Dhabi (AUH) via Etihad Airways.
Latin America: Belize City, Belize (BZE) via American; Cancún, Mexico (CUN) via American and Frontier; Cozumel, Mexico (CZM) via American; Guadalajara, Mexico (GDL) via Volaris; Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR) via American; Mexico City, Mexico (MEX); San José, Costa Rica (SJO) via American.
- Los Cabos, Mexico (SJD) seasonal via American.
Canada: Calgary (YYC) via American; Montreal (YUL) via American and Porter; Quebec City (YQB) via American; Toronto (YYZ) via American, AirCanada and Porter.
- Vancouver, Canada (YVR) seasonal with American.
Caribbean: numerous Caribbean islands (e.g., Aruba, Punta Cana, Montego Bay) via American.
Europe and UK: Nonstop flights from London, England (LHR) via American Airlines and British Airways; Dublin, Ireland (DUB) via Aer Lingus; Paris, France (CDG) via Air France; Frankfurt, Germany (FRA) via Lufthansa; and Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF) via Icelandair.
Canada: Direct service from Toronto (YYZ) via Air Canada; Montreal (YUL) by Air Canada.
Mexico: Mexico City (MEX) via Aeromexico; Cancun (CUN) by Aeromexico, American, Delta and Frontier.
- Guadalajara (GDL) via Volaris — begins October 2026
Latin America: Panama City, Panama (PYT) via Copa Airlines
- Belize City, Belize (BZE) via BermudAir — begins December 2026
Caribbean: Nonstop routes from destinations like Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ); and Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ).
Places to go
Experience A State of Discovery
Wonder isn’t rare here. It’s routine. From ridges to rivers to salt-soaked shores, the farther you go, the more North Carolina reveals. Explore landscapes that ground you, experiences that reset you and towns that make you feel right at home.
mountains
Elevated in Every Way
Asheville & the Foothills • High Country • Smoky Mountains & Cherokee
The peaks of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains may pull your eyes upward, but it’s memories of the trails less taken that will stay with you long after you’re back home.
piedmont
Where Curiosity Gets Comfortable
Charlotte Region • Greensboro & Winston-Salem • Pinehurst & Sandhills • Raleigh, Durham & the Triangle
Home to our largest cities, the Piedmont's lively streets coexist with quiet stretches of green, creating destinations that feel like both an adventure and a retreat all in one.
coast
Wade Through Coastal Wonder
Northeast Sounds & Inner Banks • Outer Banks & Crystal Coast • Inner Coastal Plain • Southern Beaches
From wild horses on remote islands to hidden waterways that carry you toward the unforgettable, our coast is where the salt air truly gives you space to breathe.
North Carolina Maps & Guides
Before your trip, download your free North Carolina Travel Guide and highway map for inspiration you can flip through page by page. Once here, pull up our interactive scenic byway maps to start mapping your route.
Fast Facts
Outdoor Adventures
More than 40 state parks, recreation areas and natural areas.
Culinary
47 Michelin-recognized restaurants.
Sports
Major professional sports including American football, basketball, hockey, soccer and NASCAR, plus legendary college rivalries and Minor League Baseball.
Craft
Long tradition of handmade pottery and crafts, with some artists passing their techniques down through generations.
Plan your visit
More NC fast factsMeet your next adventure
Mountains, coast and everything between: North Carolina brings together outdoor adventure, local culture and small-town charm in one trip.
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Catch a college or pro sports game
NC is legend territory: Tar Heels vs. Blue Devils, Panthers pride and NASCAR speed all in one state.
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Get a taste of NC's barbecue scene
NC barbecue started with two traditions — and today's pitmasters keep it evolving.
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Must-See Blue Ridge Parkway Mileposts
The Blue Ridge Parkway is called “America’s Favorite Drive” for many reasons, and those include stops at must-see mileposts here.
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Inspired journeys for arts and music lovers
Jam at general stores, pop into small-town galleries and score local pottery.
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Experience fall in NC's Great Smoky Mountains
Bryson City sits between the Smokies and Nantahala Forest — prime seats for fall's color show.
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Dine at a MICHELIN-recognized restaurant
The MICHELIN Guide American South named 19 Triangle restaurants worth the trip.
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Plan an iconic trip to NC's Outer Banks
NC's Outer Banks spans 130 miles of beaches, fishing villages and iconic coastal landmarks.
Places to stay
NC's accommodations run just as wide as its landscape. Pitch a tent, sleep in a dome or check into a luxury resort.
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