The East Coast Weekender

If you’re looking for things to do near Charlotte, NC, you’ve come to the right place! Charlotte has a ton of great activities and exciting day trips – I’m still trying to work through my own Charlotte Bucket List! 

Here are the 50 best things to do near Charlotte, NC – all of these activities are within an hour’s drive. And if you’re looking for a place to stay on your trip to Charlotte, you can find suggestions here.

Outdoor Adventures Near Charlotte, NC

1. U.S. National Whitewater Center (20 minutes): You’ll likely find this at the top of every list. It’s definitely one of the top things to do in Charlotte. You can go whitewater rafting, walk the trails, and more. Plus, they have live music Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights when the weather is warm, and you’ll sometimes catch the U.S. Olympic Whitewater Rafting team training! 
2. Crowders Mountain State Park (45 minutes): A must-visit for outdoor lovers. Crowders Mountain offers stunning views from its peaks. Take Pinnacle Trail to the top and enjoy panoramic views. FYI – it takes about two hours round trip, so pack a snack.
3. Lake Norman (30 minutes): If you ask anyone in Charlotte, spending time with a friend who has a boat is one of the top things to do near Charlotte. Afterall, the perfect summer afternoon is spent on a boat – likely at Lake Norman It offers endless opportunities for boating, fishing, and paddleboarding. P.S. there are plenty of boat rental places if you don’t have a friend with a boat.
4. Latta Nature Preserve (25 minutes): Latta has over 1,460 acres and offers hiking, kayaking on Mountain Island Lake, and birdwatching at the Carolina Raptor Center. 
5. McDowell Nature Preserve (30 minutes): Escape the hustle and bustle of the city with a visit to McDowell. It offers over 1,100 acres of forested beauty, including trails, camping, and fishing along the shores of Lake Wylie.
6. Morrow Mountain State Park (1 hour): You might be noticing a theme – it’s another opportunity to hike! Morrow Mountain has over 4,700 acres and 14 easy and moderate hiking trails, making it perfect for beginners. When you finish your hike, relax by Lake Tillery.
7. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden (35 minutes): With seasonal events – like 5k races and music festivals – and 400 acres of beautifully designed gardens, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is one of the top things to do in Charlotte.
8. Lake James State Park (1 hour): North Carolina has 41 state parks, so it’s usually easy to get to one! This is an hour from Charlotte, and it’s worth the drive for swimming, boating, and hiking – and views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 
9. Landsford Canal State Park (50 minutes): The Catawba River is home to the largest population of rocky shoals spider lilies in the world making it not only one of the best things to do near Charlotte, but in the entire state!. There’s also great hiking (check out the Canal Trail), and you can see bald eagles nesting at the very beginning of June! 
10. Reed Gold Mine (45 minutes): This is the site of the first gold discovery in the United States. Take a tour and try your hand at panning for gold.

Historical Sites and Museums Near Charlotte, NC

11. Historic Brattonsville (50 minutes): With 30 structures chronicling the development of the Piedmont area from the 1750s through the 1840s and a Revolutionary War battlefield site, you won’t get bored here. There are also reenactments, and they have award winning African-American programs, an essential part of the history of North Carolina. It was a major filming location for The Patriot starring Mel Gibson.
12. Schiele Museum of Natural History (30 minutes): Located in Gastonia, this museum has interactive exhibits on wildlife, space, and Native American history, unique events and exhibits, and art classes. If you have kids, this is a one of the best family-friendly things to do near Charlotte.
13. President James K. Polk State Historic Site (30 minutes): Learn about the 11th president on this historic homestead, once owned by his parents. Note that they are closed on Sundays if you’re hoping to go on the weekend, but there are lots of exhibits and special events for you to enjoy! 
14. Kings Mountain Historical Museum (45 minutes): Experience local history, including the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and broader area development. They also host lots of free events, so make sure to check their website before you go.
15. Charlotte Museum of History (20 minutes): Explore Charlotte’s history through exhibits, events, and tours on this eight acre campus. P.S. They have trivia, so I might see you there. 
16. Levine Museum of the New South (20 minutes): Focused on post-Civil War Southern history, this museum offers interactive exhibits exploring the South’s transformation.
17. Davidson College (25 minutes): Davidson itself is one of the best things to do near Charlotte, and Davidson College is the center of it all! Visit the historic campus, stroll through the art galleries, and enjoy the atmosphere of the city.
18. Carolina Aviation Museum (20 minutes): Located on the grounds of Charlotte Douglas International Airport, this museum showcases a collection of historic aircraft, including the famous “Miracle on the Hudson” exhibition.
19. North Carolina Music Hall of Fame (50 minutes):  This museum celebrates the rich musical heritage of North Carolina – from bluegrass and opera to famous record labels and artists. After you finish at the museum, enjoy downtown Kannapolis.
20. NASCAR Hall of Fame (Uptown): This is a fun museum, whether you’re a “NASCAR person” or not. They have interactive exhibits, historic cars, and memorabilia from NASCAR’s greatest drivers. 

Family-Friendly Activities Near Charlotte, NC

21. Carowinds Amusement Park (20 minutes): Carowinds has roller coasters, a water park, and attractions for all ages, making it one of the universally loved things to do near Charlotte. (They also host SCarowinds in October if you’re interested in a spooktacular Halloween activity.)
22. Discovery Place Science (Uptown): Located in uptown Charlotte, this hands-on science museum is a favorite for families and kids of all ages. They also host monthly “Science on the Rocks” events for adults if you’re looking for a fun date or girls night!
23. Discovery Place Kids – Huntersville (25 minutes): If you have kids, this is one of the best family-friendly things to do near Charlotte. It’s an interactive museum designed for younger children with hands-on exhibits focused on learning through play.
24. Frank Liske Park (40 minutes): A 230 acre park featuring a 10 acre lake, this is a great place to spend a sunny afternoon! Go fishing or paddle boarding on the lake, enjoy horseshoe, walking trails, and tennis courts, and play a round of mini golf on their 18 hole course. 
25. Adventure Landing Gastonia (35 minutes): There’s not a shortage of things to do at Adventure Land! Mini-golf, laser tag, arcade games, and more await families looking for fun near Charlotte.
26. Carolina Raptor Center (25 minutes): So good that it got two shoutouts on this list. They have many daily activities – including the Raptor Hospital Tour and Bird Shows, so you can learn about birds of prey. After the program, take a walk on the Raptor Trails.

Arts, Culture, and Entertainment Near Charlotte, NC

27. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center (Uptown): Catch a Broadway show or a concert at the premier performance venue of uptown Charlotte. They host more than 1,000 events every year, so you’re sure to find something you’ll love! 
28. Warehouse Performing Arts Center (25 minutes): This is a small community theater (they have only 150 seats) showing local plays. They also host the Upstate Shakespeare Festival each year.
29. Old Courthouse Theatre (40 minutes): Hosting about five shows each season, you can enjoy a great production in a historic venue! 
30. Bechtler Museum of Modern Art (Uptown): Explore modern art in this uptown museum. They also host lots of events, so it’s easy to get involved and enjoy! 
31. Mint Museum Randolph (20 minutes): The Mint Museum Randolph is Charlotte’s premier art museum and should be on everyone’s list of things to do near Charlotte. It has collections spanning centuries and cultures, and they have free admission on Wednesdays from 5 to 9 pm! 

Shopping, Wineries, and Breweries Near Charlotte

32. Birkdale Village (25 minutes): One of my favorite places to shop. Birkdale Village is an open-air shopping and dining destination in Huntersville, and it offers a mix of boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment.
33. Concord Mills (25 minutes): When you’re looking for things to do near Charlotte, the largest shopping mall in North Carolina won’t disappoint. It has something for everyone – outlet shopping, dining, and entertainment options, including SEA LIFE Aquarium.
34. SouthPark Mall (20 minutes): Enjoy luxury shopping at over 150 stores including Saint Laurent, Burberry, Tiffany & Co, and more. You can also check out their sister location, The Village at SouthPark.
35. Charlotte Premium Outlets (25 minutes): You know it and love it: the Premium Outlets! Score great deals at this outdoor outlet mall. 
36. Grapevine Wine Shop & Wine Bar (40 minutes): With over 400 bottles of wine for you to try, you’re sure to find something you like in this cozy wine bar in Fort Mill. They also have small plates and craft beer options! (P.S. Fort Mill is one of the best things to do near Charlotte.)
37. NoDa Arts District (15 minutes): Explore Charlotte’s vibrant arts district, known for its galleries, street art, and breweries. It’s accessible by the LYNX Blue Line, so it’s just a short trip from Uptown. While you’re there, try Artisan’s Palate, a combination restaurant and art gallery. 
38. Belmont’s Downtown Historic District (30 minutes): Stroll this small town across the river from Charlotte. The city has done a lot to encourage small businesses and entrepreneurs, helping create a bustling Main Street! They host lots of seasonal events, outdoor movies, a farmer’s market, and more, check the Belmont, NC website to make the most of your visit. 
39. Rocky River Vineyards (45 minutes): Unwind with a glass of wine at this beautiful, family-owned vineyard nestled in the rolling hills of the Piedmont.

Do you have any other favorite activities or things to do near Charlotte? Whether you’ve got hidden gems, bucket list experiences, or go-to weekend spots, we’d love to hear your recommendations! From scenic hikes and historic sites to the vibrant cultural scene, there are endless things to do near Charlotte that cater to every interest. Share your favorite activities, must-see destinations, and unique things to do near Charlotte in the comments below.