One of the best ways to ensure a memorable summer is to plan your kickoff to the season. Experience the long Memorial Day weekend in North Carolina, where you’ll find the destination that matches whatever scene you’re looking for — beach hideouts, urban escapes or mountain retreats.

When traveling to a popular vacation destination, you can easily become overwhelmed by all the activities to choose from. And sometimes you want to experience a particular place you’re visiting like a local. That’s certainly what you have the opportunity to do when you visit the Wilmington area’s coastal town of Carolina Beach, thanks to these eight tips that will have you shedding the tourist label soon after you arrive.

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.

Known as the “Land of Waterfalls,” the Brevard area is home to more than 250 waterfalls, Pisgah National Forest and the endless beauty of North Carolina's Great Smoky Mountains.

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.

Spend your vacation on the Northern Outer Banks, with beach houses, ocean views, wildlife and and a water park.

North Carolina's wildlife refuges offer undisturbed environments where you can go bird watching, kayaking, fishing and more.

There's much to love about sunny days, but many great adventures also occur in the absence of daylight. Whether it's springtime and you want to linger outside after a sunset, during summer when the heat compels you to come out after dark, or in fall when nighttime arrives early, several “dark-sky” activities can be found at popular attractions across North Carolina.

North Carolina's central region is home to our state's biggest cities and plenty of hustle and bustle. But beyond the interstates and business parks, you can explore this area's history and natural wonders on a variety of hiking trails.

Located on the southern stretch of the North Carolina coast, the Brunswick Islands offer an authentic escape. If you aren’t familiar with its barrier-island towns and beaches, you’ll quickly realize there’s everything you’re looking for in a weekend getaway or weeklong vacation.