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.

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.

Think camping is just sitting around grilling hot dogs, testing the latest in chaise lounge technology and never straying more than an arm’s length from the cooler?

The experiences at our national parks campsites offer memories that will stick long after you’ve returned to the daily grind.

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.