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.
Eager to explore the wild side of North Carolina? Get up close and personal with the fascinating creatures that share our state at aquariums, zoos, wildlife refuges and more.
North Carolina’s natural scenery sets the backdrop for endless adventures, which is perfect for visitors looking for hikes in the mountains or romps along the coast with their canine companions. Because you don’t want to leave your pooch at home during your next vacation or getaway, we fetched several dog-friendly destinations with rustic recreation in the Tar Heel State.
If you’ve only seen our waterfalls in warm weather, visit again on a chilly winter day to experience a magical — sometimes frozen — cascading scene.
North Carolina’s 320 miles of coastline is dotted by more than a dozen piers offering a range of water-based activities. Proximity to the Gulf Stream means great pier fishing, and additional attractions range from an aquarium to tons of dining options.
Take it from the experts: The best time for finding shells is the hour on both sides of low tide, especially after a storm with strong easterly winds.
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.
Wild horses roam the beaches of the Outer Banks and Crystal Coast. Take a guided tour to see them at Corolla and Shackleford Banks.