These North Carolina Towns Have The Best Views In The State

When it comes to scenic vistas, North Carolina truly doubles down. Its East Coast is lined with pristine Atlantic beaches, and its western towns are surrounded by forested peaks and rich with lakes, rivers, and opportunities to explore the outdoors. From skiing and snowboarding the slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Banner Elk during the winter months, to ziplining in Saluda, or boating on the Intracoastal Waterway year-round, these North Carolina towns have the best views in the state.

Banner Elk

If skiing or snowboarding is on the agenda for an adventurous holiday with some incredible views, Banner Elk is the place to go. Two resorts are within a few miles of the town, including Beech Mountain Resort, the highest ski resort in the eastern US at 5,500 feet. Meanwhile, Grandfather Mountain climbs even higher to nearly 6,000 feet with hiking trails for all levels and abilities, and its mile-high Swinging Bridge is a big draw year-round. In October, catch the strangest caterpillar race in Banner Elk during the town’s Woolly Worm Festival, which celebrates the local mascot and also includes food vendors and entertainment for the whole family. Don’t skip catching a brew at Kettell Beerworks, a local brewery with a range of craft beers on tap and a small but tasty food menu.

Swansboro

Swansboro is coastal living at its most relaxed, with pastel-colored shops, abundant watersports opportunities, and plenty of space for docking boats or fishing along the White Oak River and Intracoastal Waterway. Offshore barrier islands provide uninterrupted views of layered dunes and waving sea oats. Hammocks Beach State Park offers hiking, paddling, camping, and swimming, but it’s also the place to catch a seasonal ferry to Bear Island, a secluded, 4-mile stretch of beach that offers vistas perfect for loafing or capturing wildlife on camera or canvas. Back on the mainland, Swansboro is a great spot to shop for antiques and work by local artists, and Riverview Park is an excellent location for catching a waterfront sunrise or strolling along the elevated boardwalk above the water. When hunger strikes, visit the Saltwater Grill for fresh-caught seafood and fine dining overlooking the Waterway.

Saluda

Saluda is a small town on the border of North and South Carolina. With its positioning at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s an exciting destination for adventurers. The Green River Gorge offers numerous opportunities through Green River Gorge Adventures, a company that sets visitors up with kayaking, floating, rappelling, and trips to spectacular swimming holes. For even more high-adrenaline activities, the Gorge Zipline is a canopy tour that descends 1,100 feet into the Green River Gorge, with 11 ziplines and three rappelling opportunities, and the Sky Bridge is just that - a bridge that spans the treetops, offering a way to admire the surrounding nature at your own steady pace.

In town, Saluda Studios displays locally produced work in various media and hosts art shows. Likewise, Elm & Owl Gallery shines a spotlight on locally crafted art and artisans. To refuel after all the gallery hopping and zipping through the treetops, head to one of the local restaurants, like Wakey Monkey for baked goods and coffee, try a signature pizza at Wildflour Bakery, or get a true taste of North Carolina at Green River BBQ.

Ocracoke

Ocracoke is located at the southern end of the Outer Banks and offers some of the most visually distinctive coastal scenery in North Carolina. The town is surrounded by Cape Hatteras National Seashore, where beaches stretch for miles with uninterrupted views. It is the most remote island on the Banks, with ferry service from Hatteras and the mainland. Sand dunes roll gently toward the Atlantic, and wild ponies graze near the dunes in the Pony Pens at the National Seashore.

To really see the sights, spend some time on the 15 miles of pristine beaches, sunbathing, swimming, surfing, or even fishing. In the summer, enjoy the Ocrafolk Festival, a celebration of the community's music, art, and food over three days in June. Grab a meal in the open-air seating of SmacNally’s Waterfront Bar & Grill overlooking Silver Lake, or sit on the patio at Dajio. Best of all, much of the village is walkable or can be navigated by golf cart, and there's a free tram service that loops around the village for the full Ocracoke experience.

Edenton

The waterfront town of Edenton is situated along the shores of the Albemarle Sound and Edenton Bay. It was the first colonial capital of North Carolina, as evidenced by its Victorian mansions and hundreds of historical homes and buildings, as well as the fully restored 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse. Visitors can embark on a trolley tour that explores the town’s origins and its current status as a quiet, tranquil southern town. The trolley rolls through the Downtown Historic District, which features restaurants, shops, nightlife, and even spa services.

For a different perspective, take a cruise on the Albemarle Queen Paddle Boat and explore landmarks and views of Edenton and the surrounding towns. On the first Sunday of every month starting in spring and running through fall, downtown comes alive with the Sunday Block Party, a family-friendly event with rotating food trucks, live music, and plenty of games and activities.

Franklin

Franklin has its own fair share of natural attractions with sweeping vistas of the Appalachian Mountains. To see the peaks up close, climb the Wesser Bald Fire Tower. The trail to the tower begins on the famed Appalachian Trail with a 2.3-mile climb, and the views from the top are well worth the trek. The magical Dry Falls are also located near Franklin on the Cullasaja River, featuring 75 feet of cascading water that visitors can walk behind and stay completely dry.

To get wet, on the other hand, head to Bust Your Butt Falls, a natural waterslide and pool that attracts numerous daredevils who swim, jump from cliffs, and just hang out on a hot day. Back in town, head to Main Street for shops like A Novel Escape, an independent bookstore with both new and used books, as well as gifts, greeting cards, and a children’s section. Unique clothing, gifts, bags, and more abound at Trail Mix, another independent store downtown. Main Street is also home to Culture, a restaurant featuring small plates, pizza, cocktails, and pasta, while the Lazy Hiker Brewing Company is a brewery with its own beers on tap and outdoor seating, as well as Hiker's Kitchen food truck.

From sky-high ski slopes to white sand beaches, art galleries, and restaurants serving food rooted in local tradition, North Carolina proves that the state’s most memorable views are dynamic and far-reaching. Each of these towns offers its own blend of outdoor adventure, independent businesses, and bustling downtowns, making the region an ideal year-round destination for sightseers and thrill-seekers alike.