11 Free or Cheap Things to Do This Summer

Bask in Beach Behavior

North Carolina’s 300 miles of barrier-island beaches provide the backdrop for unforgettable summer memories. Get ready for some fun in the sun.

• 5 Perfect Summer Beach Vacations

Take in the View from Two Wheels

Our state offers a variety of biking options, from flat, easy rides along scenic beaches to rugged climbs up steep mountain trails. Whatever your mood and level of comfort on a bike, we've got a route to match.

• 9 Popular Bike Trails & Cycling Routes

Expand Your Mind

Add culture to your trip at museums offering all kinds of rotating galleries, interactive exhibits, thought-provoking displays and historical attractions.

• Free Museums & Historic Sites

Park Up with Music, Movies & More

Find tons of entertainment and events such as summer concert series, art in the park, outdoor yoga, film series and so much more across vibrant green spaces.

• Project 543: Groove at River Jam at the US National Whitewater Center
• Explore These Central NC Parks

Watch the Sunrise

Rise and shine, and start your adventure early at one of endless locations across North Carolina perfect for taking in a beautiful sunrise.

• 10 Perfect Places to Watch the Sunrise

Have Fun Saturdays and Nights

Spend at least one Saturday this summer at Tryon International Equestrian Center. This sprawling entertainment complex in the foothills presents the Saturday Night Lights series, a free, family-friendly festival with carnival games, live music, food, shopping and world-class horse shows.

• Project 543: Unbridled Fun in the Foothills

Score a Travel Deal

Plan your road trip and take advantage of significant savings. Search our travel deals for discounts on hotel and resort stays, golf outings and spa packages.

• North Carolina Travel Deals

Chase a Waterfall – or 250 of Them

You may have never seen a waterfall in real life, or certainly not this many. Transylvania County is known as the “Land of Waterfalls” because of the more than 250 waterfalls spread throughout this area, about an hour from Asheville.

Please exercise caution and obey all rules and warnings posted near waterfalls.

• Land of Waterfalls: 250+ Cascades Near Brevard

Camping, Hiking, Kayaking, Fishing

Break away from your mundane daily routines and explore the great outdoors of this state. Discover great places to set up a campsite for a few days, hike on scenic trails, kayak on a rapid river or fish on a quiet lake.

• 12 Places for Adventure at North Carolina State Parks

Go Sightseeing

Experience the amazing scenes inside our state and national parks. From Cape Hatteras National Seashore to Grandfather Mountain State Park, there's beauty all across North Carolina.

• 10 Beautiful Places to Visit Across North Carolina
• Discover North Carolina’s National Seashores

Plan a Perfect Picnic

What better way to take in an eye-catching scene than to linger as long as you can? Choose one of our incredible spots to have a picnic, whether it's for the whole family or a romantic afternoon for two.

• Perfect Picnic Spots in State Parks and Natural Areas