Charlotte, North Carolina is a place for everyone. From honeymooners looking to make their first memories to families wanting to make some new ones.
Charlotte is the fast-paced, blood-pumping home to NASCAR’S Hall of Fame and the proud owner of the ethereal Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens. It is all this and more, meaning your next trip to Charlotte will be one for the books.
Listed down are the top 10 tourist attractions in Charlotte that must be on your bucket list.
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Take a stroll through history! The Charlotte Museum of History is lauded as one of the best attractions known to North Carolina. And that’s because it’s all of Charlotte! Everything that made it what it is today. All the struggles and successes, relics and revolutions, and everything in between.
This is one of the must-visit sights in Charlotte for how much you can pack into one day. The number of exhibits here means there’s a little something to keep everyone entertained. From children to their parents, the Charlotte Museum of History is the perfect North Carolina stop.
To get the most for your ticket, be sure to come at 11:00 a.m. when the museum opens. Stay until 5 p.m. and peruse all that this attraction has to offer.
The Charlotte Museum of History is open Tuesday-Sunday and even offers daily guided tours. And to wrap it all up, all tickets are $10 and under. Check out the official website to start your newest adventure.
Address: 3500 Shamrock Dr, Charlotte, NC 28215
Go where the adrenaline is! Paramount’s Carowinds is a fast-paced, blood-pumping, smile-inducing paradise. Boredom is not an option here as you race down the tracks or spend the day finding your favorite games.
In total, Carowinds is a massive 407 acres, meaning you have miles on miles to stretch your legs and make some memories. Not to mention with 14 rollercoasters and 7 water rides, you’re going to want at least a full day spent under this sun.
Address: 14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273
Where the stars shine! If you grew up watching the greats race, then this is the place to visit. The NASCAR Hall of Fame is by far one of the most notable and treasured Charlotte attractions.
It is the proud home to shrines and exhibits that not only name those who broke the mold but their stories. The events that shaped and made them, as well as the races that helped do it.
Here, you can see massive action shots framed in all their glory and rich stories that tell all that you might’ve once seen on television--- immortalized. The NASCAR Hall of Fame is one place you won’t want to miss.
The NASCAR Hall of Fame is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. And if you think it’s ‘just’ a museum, then you’re in for the ride of your life.
Check out the website for full package details. These include things like heart-pumping simulator rides or guided and audio tours. Not to mention a gift shop that will put all others to shame! On your mark, get set, GO to NASCAR’S Hall of Fame.
Address: 400 East Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Charlotte, NC
Preserved and modeled to honor Pastor Billy Graham’s rich history, this library is unlike any you have seen before.
This isn’t even a museum--- simply put, it is an experience. It is everything from the gospel he preached to the life he led, beautifully modeled into a tour you’ll never forget.
From the power of his faith to the lives he touched, Pastor Billy Graham is remembered in this event.
The Billy Graham Library is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. And with free admission, this becomes one of the best things to do in Charlotte.
Address: 4330 Westmont Dr, Charlotte, NC 28217
Also Read: Best Places To Live in North Carolina
Curiosity killed the cat, right? Well, discovery place brought it back! This is one of the best Charlotte attractions for some intellectual satisfaction.
This is a place to challenge the known and unknown and utilize all that creativity buzzing inside. It’s a place to learn, to grow, to question. And most importantly: to have fun!
The Discovery Place is an all-ages oasis of scientific, technological, and natural wonder. Everyone from kids to grandparents will find themselves engaged with the world around them in new and inventive ways.
Here at Discovery Place, admission costs $15 for adults and $12 for children. It is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
With a whole plethora of exhibits to peruse, you’re going to want to make the most out of your day. Be sure to look into some of the guided and audio tours available if you want to go above and beyond in your new adventure.
Address: 301 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
As the first art museum in North Carolina, this is simply one of the most impressive places to visit in Charlotte.
It is the leading factor in the expression that is Charlotte. The creativity and uniqueness that make this city what it is. And it’s all on display at the Mint Museum of Art.
There are rotating exhibits year-round, with some valued stationary pieces. That means even if you’ve seen it once, you haven’t seen it quite like this. See if the rankings of your favorites still stand or enjoy for the first time all the great things that make the Mint Museum a real work of art.
Address: 2730 Randolph Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207
Need a breath of fresh air? Here’s the perfect place. The Freedom Park is not just a tourist attraction but a beloved Charlotte city staple mark.
It is visited and maintained by locals and travelers alike and provides sunup to sundown fun for everyone.
Kids will release some of that energy on the playground, and adults can soak up that N.C. sun. Walk, talk, read a book, write a book, take a nap… do whatever your traveling heart desires in the comfort of Freedom Park.
Looking to take a hike? Freedom Park is great for that too! There are numerous footpaths here that are perfect for those little moments of contemplation that mean a whole lot.
Feel the crunch of leaves beneath your boots and the soft whisper of the wind as it brushes through the trees. And if the quiet life just isn’t for you, then check out some of the annual events held at Freedom Park.
Things like jazz festivals, art celebrations, and so much more are frequent guests to these grounds. It's no surprise this is one of the top things to do in Charlotte!
Address: 1900 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
Make a splash! The U.S. National Whitewater Center is the adrenaline-inducing experience you’ve been searching for.
You’ll see nothing but smiles (and maybe a few surprises) as you bravely raft down the official Olympic Training Center for whitewater racing.
This is an intensive facility chock full of all sorts of fun outdoor activities that will put all other vacations to shame. Where else can you kayak, canoe, rock climb, zip line, mountain bike, hike, and raft all in one place? Well, Charlotte is here to brag that it’s all right here.
Because everything outside is prey to the elements, not everything is open year-round. Depending on the temperatures, the water for white rafting is unavailable much of fall and winter, typically returning in March.
However, even if you come during these months, there is so much to see. And there’s nothing quite like a brisk Carolina winter! Just be sure to check out the calendar for any updates you might need to know for your next adventure of a lifetime.
Address: 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214
This attraction specializes in dropping jaws. The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is one of the best spots in Charlotte to go for a little inspiration. And of course, a healthy dose of awe.
Here you will see all the latest and greatest that modern art has to show. And no two pieces--- or exhibits are the same. Everything here will illicit something new and speak of all the creativity humanity is known for.
It is a place to wander the halls for hours, admiring work that took so true strokes of genius. And, if that genius was actually you the whole time: check out some of the classes offered at this renowned location to refine your talent or learn some new tricks.
The Bechtler is open Wednesday to Monday till 5 p.m. Opening at 10 a.m., except for the 12 p.m. Sunday opening. Adult tickets are $9, with senior, school, and youth tickets $7.
There are also school tours, family days, jazz events, and so much more that can only be enjoyed in these magnificent halls. Check out the website and get inspired!
Address: 420 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Experience the brilliance of the bloom! The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is one of the most delightful Charlotte attractions that cannot be missed.
It is the vibrant color of flowers and the gentle drip of rain as it falls from leaves. It is lush, bright greens and vivid pinks as they hang from healthy trees.
The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is one of the great pride and joys of Charlotte as it speaks of beauty only nature could achieve. And with a well-maintained garden and some of that famous North Carolina sunshine, this stop is unforgettable.
Address: 6500 S New Hope Rd, Belmont, NC