11 Best North Carolina Towns For First-Time Visitors
If you do not know much about North Carolina, then you are in for a traveling treat. The state that is first in freedom has a range of natural, historical, and cultural attractions for guests to appreciate and explore. Does seeing wild horses running along a coastal plain, touring a lighthouse, or tasting Pepsi from its birthplace sound like a sweet tea sippin’ good time? If so, North Carolina is the place for you. Here are 11 cities you should consider stopping by on your first trip to the state.
Boone
Boone neighbors the landmark Blue Ridge Mountains and is a blend of adventure, history, and youthful energy. The town’s connection to Appalachian State University gives it a lively music and arts scene. Boone’s proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway offers access to some of the state’s most scenic drives. Visitors can choose from a variety of adventures, like taking a rigorous hike up Grandfather Mountain or exploring the Mast General Store and taking a step back into the early 20th century. In the fall, the mountains burst with bright hues of red, orange, and yellow. If you prefer a winter Boone trip, there are nearby ski resorts like Appalachian Ski Mountain for you to partake in some chilly thrills.
Blowing Rock
With its charming streets and stunning vistas, Blowing Rock feels like a storybook village. The town’s namesake attraction, The Blowing Rock, is a wind-swept cliff offering breathtaking views of the John’s River Gorge. Arts appreciators should put the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum on their itinerary. If you are looking for family fun, spend a day at Tweetsie Railroad, a Wild West-themed park loved by families. Outdoor lovers can hike the Glen Burney Trail to view three waterfalls, making the trek well worth it. Blowing Rock is the perfect base for exploring the High Country’s mix of natural beauty and mountain culture.
Hendersonville
Hendersonville is a land of rolling hills and lush orchards, combining small-town warmth with a rich agricultural heritage. Its walkable Main Street is lined with cafés, art galleries, and local shops housed in beautifully preserved buildings. During late summer, the North Carolina Apple Festival celebrates the region’s famous harvest with parades, crafts, and live music. Nearby, Jump Off Rock offers panoramic views of the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains. You can also see the four states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee from atop Jump Off Rock on clear days. If you are in the mood for a cultural experience, catch a show at Flat Rock Playhouse, the official State Theatre of North Carolina, which features year-round performances.
Waynesville
Waynesville lies on the edge of the wondrous Great Smoky Mountains. The town is a hub for artists, hikers, and anyone drawn to the cozy ambiance of mountain life. The downtown’s brick sidewalks lead past craft galleries, boutique shops, and cozy coffeehouses. The town’s Main Street art walks and Folkmoot Center of the Arts highlight its love of creativity with international flair. Outdoor enthusiasts can drive along the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway, visit Cataloochee Valley to spot elk, or explore Waterrock Knob for sunset views. Waynesville’s blend of art, culture, and natural splendor makes it a compelling destination for those wanting to experience daily life in western North Carolina.
Bryson City
Bryson City stands out as a Mecca for outdoor adventurers. Board the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad for immersive train rides through tunnels and mountain gorges, and visit the Smoky Mountains Train Museum for a deeper dive into the railroading past of the town. Thrill-seekers can whitewater raft the Nantahala River, one of the country’s best beginner-friendly rapids. Learn more about fellow creatures inhabiting the river at the Appalachian Rivers Aquarium, which features over 15 different species of freshwater fish. After a day of adventure, unwind downtown with a craft beer, local barbecue, and a stroll through art galleries. Bryson City’s easy access to nature and a host of inviting amenities make it a top spot for pure mountain hospitality.
New Bern
Founded in 1710, New Bern is North Carolina’s second-oldest town and one of its most underrated places to visit. Overlooking the Neuse and Trent Rivers, New Bern offers visitors colonial-style and modern architecture in its variety of storefronts, local art galleries, and restaurants along its downtown. Visitors can tour Tryon Palace, a restored colonial mansion and gardens, then browse exhibits at the North Carolina History Center. Don’t miss visiting the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola, where you can sip the original formula at the historic soda shop downtown. Unwind at the end of the day at the riverfront boardwalk and nearby Union Point Park make for peaceful walks as you soak in the comfortable waterfront breeze and sunshine.
Beaufort
Beaufort is steeped in maritime history and is one of North Carolina’s oldest and most charming coastal towns. Visitors can learn about shipwrecks and pirate lore at the North Carolina Maritime Museum of Beaufort, then take a short boat ride to Shackleford Banks, home to the famous wild horses. Stroll the waterfront lined with historic homes, browse nautical shops, and savor freshly caught seafood at waterfront restaurants. The town’s walkable streets and harbor views make it a favorite for history buffs and beach lovers alike, offering a tranquil yet lively slice of Coastal Carolina.
Morehead City
Morehead City is a thriving port town on the Crystal Coast, offering a vibrant mix of history, seafood, and seaside fun. Visitors can explore nearby Fort Macon State Park, a restored Civil War fortress with sandy trails and ocean views, or learn about local heritage at the Carteret County History Museum. The downtown waterfront buzzes with fishing boats, dive shops, and restaurants serving the day’s catch. For a true local experience, visit during the Big Rock Tournament, one of the East Coast’s premier fishing events, or take a ferry to Cape Lookout National Seashore and have an immersive coastal experience complete with tours of the lighthouses, bird watching, and beachside camping.
Kill Devil Hills
On North Carolina’s iconic Outer Banks, Kill Devil Hills combines wide, sandy beaches with a world-changing story. The Wright Brothers National Memorial honors the spot where powered flight first took off in 1903. Beyond its history, the town is known for its laid-back surf culture, fishing piers, and fresh seafood. Climb the dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, the tallest sand dunes on the East Coast, or take a kite-flying lesson with the steady coastal winds. Kill Devil Hills is the ideal spot to experience the adventurous yet relaxed spirit of the Outer Banks.
Edenton
Often called the “South’s prettiest small town,” Edenton is a waterfront haven on the Albemarle Sound. Its tree-lined streets and preserved Georgian architecture evoke another era. History enthusiasts can tour the Cupola House, Penelope Barker House, and 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse for insight into early Carolina life. Kayak along the Edenton Bay at sunset or browse antique stores and galleries downtown. Edenton captures the grace and heritage that define North Carolina’s coastal plain with its quiet, easy way of life that resembles the lyrics of a James Taylor song.
Hillsborough
Hillsborough is a hidden treasure of the Piedmont region, as it blends colonial history with contemporary creativity. Walk the Riverwalk along the Eno River or tour the Ayr Mount Historic Site to get a firsthand look at the life of the town’s early settlers. If you are eager for more adventure in the great outdoors, explore the trails at Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area and trek to the summit of Occoneechee Mountain, the highest peak in Orange County. Rejoin civilization at the town’s historic district, which brims with centuries-old architecture, independent bookstores, and artisan shops. Hillsborough also has a thriving literary and arts community, drawing writers, potters, and musicians from across the Research Triangle.
The Tarheel State Is Open for Travelers
If you want seaside surf and food, or prefer to have quiet contemplation at the foot of a mountain, North Carolina has a town for you. Many first-time visitors to the state might prefer major cities like Raleigh or Charlotte, but the state’s smaller towns offer just as much recreation and culture, as you have seen in this list. Sip some cider in Hendersonville, ski in Boone, or have a lazy lounge by the beach in Beaufort. As James Taylor sang, “In my mind, I’m going to Carolina.” But you can go to North Carolina literally and not just in your mind.
So, when should North Carolina expect y’all?
