Explore Free Activities in North Carolina with iBestTravel

North Carolina is one of the most geographically diverse states in the country. With three main regions — the Appalachian Mountains, the Piedmont, and the Coastal Plain — the Tarheel State offers a range of activities for anyone looking to visit.

While its largest city, Charlotte, often ranks as one of the fastest growing cities in the US, North Carolina still possesses plenty of rural spaces — which means your money can go a long way while enjoying a vacation.

Here’s our guide to the best free things to do in North Carolina.

Drive the Scenic Blue Ridge Parkway

Connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee, the 469-mile-long Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most stunning drives you’ll ever take.

Visit in the fall to see some of the area’s best foliage. The brightly colored orange, yellow, and amber leaves are truly a sight to behold. Therefore, plan for plenty of stops along the way, and be sure to keep your camera within arm’s reach.

Find Your Zen Among the State’s 250 Waterfalls

Grab your hiking shoes and picnic basket and hit the trails to get up close and personal with nature. The state’s 250 waterfalls can all be found throughout the western part of the state, more specifically within Transylvania County.

The most popular falls (all in Pisgah National Forest) include Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock – where you can actually slide along the rocks of the shallow falls – and Rainbow Falls, a rewarding sight after a 1.75-mile hike.

Support Local Artisans and Musicians During Festivals

Whether in Charlotte, Asheville or even the Outer Banks, there’s always a festival happening at any point during the year. Did you know that there’s an entire event dedicated to Cheerwine soda, North Carolina’s home-grown fizzy drink?

This event takes place each May in Salisbury, where you can indulge in everything from Cheerwine floats to Cheerwine tacos, all while enjoying local musicians and checking out products from various vendors.

Moreover, the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games occur in July, and the Lexington Barbecue Festival in October. Most festivals around the state are free to enter, although secondary purchases like food and crafts will cost a bit of cash.

Soak in the Sun on North Carolina’s Beaches

While South Carolina’s Myrtle Beach attracts around 14 million visitors a year, North Carolina’s 15 beaches offer stunning sand and surf, alongside classic seaside restaurants.

The most popular destination is Carolina Beach, situated along the Cape Fear River. This family-friendly area is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and an amusement park on its iconic boardwalk.

Moreover, Wrightsville Beach in Wilmington pulls visitors year-round thanks to its mild weather, while Nags Head in the Outer Banks appeals to hang-gliding enthusiasts. Finally, Bald Head Island provides a serene haven for those looking to avoid the crowds.

Hike Through the Beautiful State Parks

The North Carolina mountains aren’t the only areas where you can find amazing hiking trails. Just outside of Charlotte, Crowder’s Mountain State Park is popular for hiking, fishing, rock climbing, and picnicking.

Other noteworthy parks include the 14,000-acre Jordan Lake State Recreation Area in Apex, Jockey’s Ridge State Park (home of the tallest active sand dune in the state) in Nags Head, and William B. Umstead State Park, featuring 13 miles of bridle trails in Raleigh.

Learn with Visits to the Museums

Mix a little fun with education by exploring any of North Carolina’s acclaimed museums. Whether you’re a history buff, love animals, or simply want to learn new and unique facts about the state — there’s a museum waiting for you.

Head to the state capital — Raleigh, where more than 50 museums offer free admission to the public. The North Carolina Museum of Art, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, and the North Carolina Museum of History will quench your thirst for knowledge.

Peruse the Fauna and Flora of Botanical Gardens

Who doesn’t love a stroll through a beautiful garden? Many of North Carolina’s botanical gardens are free to enter, with donations welcomed. Charlotte’s UNC gardens showcase rare and exotic plant species like the infamous Titan Arum, better known as the “corpse flower.”

If you’re near the Raleigh-Durham area, the North Carolina Botanical Garden features relaxing walks on the Piedmont Nature Trails, a picnic area, and art exhibits at the DeBerry Gallery for Botanical Art & Illustration. Free admission, with no reservations required!

Gallery Hop Around Asheville

Asheville is one of the state’s most eclectic towns. With award-winning local cuisine and nationally recognized breweries, it’s easy to overlook the thriving art scene. However, as you drive in, you’ll find murals and graffiti art adorning local buildings.

If you want to immerse yourself in the arts for a day, head to the River Arts District, situated along the French Broad River. Here, you’ll find the largest concentration of graffiti art, as the former industrial area is now home to dozens of galleries and studios featuring the work of more than 200 local and national artists.