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Fun Things to do in Charlotte

North Carolina

city guide

Located in the heart of North Carolina, Charlotte stands as the state's largest city, boasting a vibrant and diverse array of attractions that cater to both residents and tourists. The city's culinary scene is rapidly evolving, with a plethora of new restaurants popping up regularly, offering everything from Southern comfort food to international cuisine. In addition, Charlotte is a hub for craft brewing, with numerous breweries and taprooms scattered throughout the city, providing a unique and flavorful experience for beer enthusiasts.

History buffs will find plenty to explore in Charlotte, with its rich historical background dating back to colonial times. The city is home to several museums and historic sites that offer insight into its past, including the Levine Museum of the New South and the Charlotte Museum of History.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Charlotte provides ample opportunities for adventure, from hiking and biking trails to water sports on nearby lakes and rivers. The city's green spaces, such as Freedom Park and the U.S. National Whitewater Center, offer a refreshing escape from the urban hustle and bustle.

To complete your Charlotte experience, be sure to check out some of the city's top-notch hotels, which range from luxury accommodations to boutique stays, providing a comfortable and stylish base for your explorations.

For those looking to dive deeper into the Charlotte scene, following social media accounts such as @charlottenc and @charlotteagenda can provide up-to-date information on events, dining recommendations, and local happenings. Additionally, publications like Charlotte Magazine and Charlotte Five offer insightful guides on the best things to see and do in the city, ensuring you make the most of your time in the Queen City.

Whether you're a foodie, history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or simply seeking a relaxing getaway, Charlotte has something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination in North Carolina.

About

Best time to go

Busy season March and July. When most festivals are happening



Get a deal from January - February (low season)



Best time to go mid September - mid November.

Weather

Fun city facts and activities

    Given its status as North Carolinas largest city, it is no surprise that Charlotte has plenty to offer locals and visitors alike. From its emerging restaurant scene and thriving craft brewing industry to history museums, thrilling outdoor adventures and top-notch hotels, there is certainly no shortage of interesting things to do and see while exploring the Queen City. Want to get the full Charlotte experience? Just work through our list below.
City facts

Neighborhoods to explore

    Uptown
    Ballantyne
    Plaza-Midwood
    University City
    Dilworth
    SouthPark
    South End
    Elizabeth
    NoDa
    Myers Park
    Midtown
    Cherry
    Foxcroft
    Eastover
    Commonwealth
    Barclay Downs
    Chantilly
    Wilmore
    Wessex Square
Neighborhoods

Restaurants
Food Specialties

    The state is rich with culinary heritage evident in local favorites like chicken-fried steak, Indian tacos, fried-onion burgers and, of course, barbecue.
Restaurants

Charlotte Offbeat activities

Free or cheap things to do

1. Try a Virtual Reality Experience Immerse yourself in a virtual reality experience at the worlds first location-based virtual reality arcade, The Void, located in Charlotte.

2. Take a Segway Tour Take a unique tour of Charlotte on a Segway.

3. Visit a Pinball Museum Step back in time and enjoy a visit to the Pinball Museum of Charlotte.

4. Take a Brewery Tour Sample local craft beer on a brewery tour of the city.

5. Visit the Historic Rosedale Plantation Take a tour of the historic Rosedale Plantation, the oldest home in Charlotte.

6. Take a Food Tour Sample some of the best food the city has to offer on a food tour of Charlotte.

7. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride Soar high above the city on a hot air balloon ride.

8. Visit the Schiele Museum of Natural

Offbeat activites
Offbeat activites
Kid friendly

Fun things to do in with kids

Free or cheap things to do

1. Charlotte Liberty Walk
Learn about the American Revolution on the Charlotte Liberty Walk.

2. Carolina Panthers
Cheer on the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium.

3. Camp North End
Explore this unique innovation district with restaurants, shops, and more. It's among our first stops when looking for things to do in Charlotte for all ages.

4. Lake Norman
Ride a boat on Lake Norman or explore the state park.

5. Ballantyne Hotel
Enjoy afternoon tea at the Ballantyne Hotel.

6. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Take in the beauty of the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden.

7. Great Wolf Lodge
Stay the night or get a day pass at this indoor water park resort, AKA Las Vegas for kids!

8. Charlotte Motor Speedway
Take a speedway tour of this famous raceway.

9. Carolina Raptor Center
Meet new animal friends at Caroline Raptor Center.

10. Discovery Place Science Museum
Get lost in science at the interactive Discovery Place Science Museum.

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City data and FAQ 

What is Charlotte famous for?
Banks. Charlotte is the nations second largest banking center. As such, it is headquarters of Bank of America and Truist Financial (merged BB&T and SunTrust), as well as east coast headquarters of Wells Fargo
Jon Talton - Lives in Seattle, WA

Charlotte is known as a business and financial hub and also a university town with a well-educated population. It is home to the NFL's Carolina Panthers and the NBA's Charlotte Hornets (formerly Bobcats), and it is a NASCAR epicenter and home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Rhey Mann - Lives in Greensboro, NC

Landmarks in the city

Here is a list of some popular landmarks and tourist attractions in Charlotte, North Carolina:

1. NASCAR Hall of Fame: A museum dedicated to the history and heritage of NASCAR racing, featuring interactive exhibits and memorabilia.

2. Discovery Place Science: A hands-on science museum with interactive exhibits, an IMAX theater, and live demonstrations.

3. Mint Museum Uptown: An art museum located in the Levine Center for the Arts, featuring a diverse collection of American, European, and contemporary art.

4. Freedom Park: A large urban park with walking trails, playgrounds, sports facilities, and a lake for paddle boating.

5. Charlotte Motor Speedway: A major racing venue that hosts NASCAR events, including the Coca-Cola 600 and the Bank of America Roval 400.

6. Carowinds: An amusement park with thrill rides, water slides, live entertainment, and a water park.

7. Billy Graham Library: A museum and memorial dedicated to the life and work of evangelist Billy Graham, featuring exhibits, artifacts, and a prayer garden.

8. Bechtler Museum of Modern Art: A museum showcasing mid-20th-century modern art, including works by artists such as Picasso, Warhol, and Calder.

9. Romare Bearden Park: A public park in Uptown Charlotte with green spaces, walking paths, and a fountain, named after the renowned African American artist.

10. Latta Plantation: A historic site and living history farm that offers tours of a restored 19th-century plantation house, outbuildings, and exhibits on rural life in the antebellum South.

Best Parks
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