Of the Minor League Baseball “classifications,” NC hosts Single-A and Triple-A teams. With nine Minor League Baseball teams — plus others playing in independent leagues — across NC, you have plenty of opportunities to experience America's pastime.

With 320 miles of barrier-island beaches to choose from, North Carolina's coastal destinations vary. From the Outer Banks in the north to the Brunswick Islands in the south, here are five cities and towns — with riverfronts and beaches — where you'll wish you could stay all summer.

Stay cool in the mist of a waterfall, catch a breeze on a mile-high bridge, escape underground or ride the waves at surf camp.

Hundreds of sea turtles come ashore to nest on North Carolina’s beaches each summer. These loggerheads, leatherbacks, ridleys and green sea turtles lay eggs by the hundred, then return to the sea. Thousands of tiny hatchlings emerge and follow their instincts toward the ocean. Those that survive into adulthood might even eventually return to the same beach to lay eggs of their own.

Water parks are a hot place for families to cool off when summer sizzles in North Carolina. Find the slides and water rides that match your thrill level, or simply retreat to a poolside cabana. Here are some of North Carolina’s man-made watery destinations that are sure to be among the highlights of your vacation or day trip.

The gardens of Western North Carolina feature a lush variety of plant life thanks to significant differences in temperature and rainfall at different altitudes.

If playing golf is a top priority while you're on vacation, you’ll appreciate these destinations where it’s easy to enjoy both tee times and summertime.