North Carolina’s beautiful bookends — the mountains to the west and beaches to the east — make for great spring break destinations for those who love playing outdoors. If an urban getaway sounds more up your alley, cities in the central part of our state have lots to discover with museums, amusement parks and dining hot spots.

Millions of travelers visit North Carolina’s 320-mile coastline each year for diverse experiences on two national seashores, three state parks, undeveloped islands and hospitable beach towns.

Whether you’re swimming or surfing, taking strolls in the sand or lying out to catch some sun, we want your time at the beach to be as safe as it is fun.

North Carolina’s mountains, waterfalls and parks are playgrounds for hikers and campers. Be safe while enjoying these adventures.

Want to walk from the African grasslands to the North American Arctic Coast in a single afternoon? Here’s your insider guide.

Sailing, fishing and water sports are popular along the NC coast, but golfers have also discovered it as a desirable destination from NC's Brunswick Islands — known as “North Carolina’s Golf Coast” — all the way up to the Outer Banks. Water flows through courses abutting the beach or bounded by marshes and maritime forests, and an ocean breeze is a constant and often unforgiving playing companion.

North Carolina’s central region is perhaps most known for its golf courses in the Pinehurst area — including the fabled Pinehurst No. 2 and brand-new Pinehurst No. 10 — but there's still great golf to be played elsewhere in this area of NC.

Head out for 18 in the North Carolina mountains, where fairways are lush and greens are slick as river rocks.

Mountain views, gourmet meals and outdoor adventures abound in Banner Elk, where colorful springs and falls separate snowy winters and mild summers in the High Country.

With spring’s arrival comes pleasant weather, the return of beautiful colors and every opportunity to head outside. Experience springtime in North Carolina and you’ll be reminded why the season is so invigorating.