It can be a challenge to plan a family vacation or weekend getaway that appeals to kids of all ages and parents too. Luckily, North Carolina has plenty of options for fun for the whole group. Plan your next excursion with this list of family favorites.
North Carolina short tracks, from quarter-mile paved bullrings to half-mile dirt ovals with sweeping turns, host a variety of race cars and events from spring to fall. There’s one close to wherever you are, making it easy to fill a Friday or Saturday evening with racing excitement. You might even see one of NASCAR’s future stars.
The Brunswick Islands are known for their tranquil surroundings, where beach solitude, festivals, food, history and ocean views will keep you coming back.
Plan an outdoor adventure to one of North Carolina’s beautiful state parks. Test your endurance climbing to the top of a breathtaking peak or sit back in a comfy chair and take in the sights and sounds of a peaceful lake. Whether you’re looking for an all-day adventure or an evening under the stars, North Carolina parks deliver.
Plan a day trip or a weeklong getaway with tubing and paddling on the Dan River, hiking and camping in state parks, rock climbing, biking and more.
From theme parks and casinos to amenity-filled resorts and an overnight winery, you can stay where you play at these destinations.
There's never a wrong time to plan summer adventures on the North Carolina coast. Whether you're planning a family reunion or a romantic getaway, you can have your pick of quiet beaches and coastal communities, history, lighthouses, outdoor activities, golf and, of course, fresh seafood.
Pick a specific portion of these routes or plan to bike the whole thing over a few days. Whatever your mood and level of comfort on a bike, we've got a route to match.
With its wealth of golf opportunities, North Carolina can offer every player a chance to step onto a top-level course. Here are the 18 top-ranked courses open to the public, based on the North Carolina Golf Panel’s 2025 top courses you can play:
You can climb four of the lighthouses in this list spring through fall.