Adventure activity
Not many major cities can boast a world-class whitewater rafting complex just minutes away, but Charlotte can. There are loads of outdoor activities available to enjoy at this 1,300-acre (526ha) complex; have a blast swinging between trees, or biking more than 30 trails. Of course the highlight is taking to the water to experience class II-IV rapids in which US Olympic teams train. Other water sports include paddleboarding, kayaking, and deep water solo climbing, which involves climbing walls with no ropes or harness, and relying on the water to cushion your fall.
405 locals recommend
U.S. National Whitewater Center
5000 Whitewater Center PkwyNot many major cities can boast a world-class whitewater rafting complex just minutes away, but Charlotte can. There are loads of outdoor activities available to enjoy at this 1,300-acre (526ha) complex; have a blast swinging between trees, or biking more than 30 trails. Of course the highlight is taking to the water to experience class II-IV rapids in which US Olympic teams train. Other water sports include paddleboarding, kayaking, and deep water solo climbing, which involves climbing walls with no ropes or harness, and relying on the water to cushion your fall.
For a family fun day out, Carowinds amusement park straddles the cities of Charlotte and Fort Mill, covering nearly 400 acres (160ha) with games and rides. Your day pass includes access to the Carolina Harbor waterpark, with its slides and pools, and the 14 thrilling roller coasters which draw in upward of two million visitors each year. If you want to stay and play another day, there are campgrounds, cabins, and hotel options for sleeping over and making a full weekend of it.
484 locals recommend
Carowinds
300 Carowinds BlvdFor a family fun day out, Carowinds amusement park straddles the cities of Charlotte and Fort Mill, covering nearly 400 acres (160ha) with games and rides. Your day pass includes access to the Carolina Harbor waterpark, with its slides and pools, and the 14 thrilling roller coasters which draw in upward of two million visitors each year. If you want to stay and play another day, there are campgrounds, cabins, and hotel options for sleeping over and making a full weekend of it.
The largest bird of prey treatment facility in the US, this special center rehabilitates injured raptors, and treats around 900 patients annually, including eagles, hawks, and owls. Around 35,000 visitors come to walk the fascinating Raptor Trail each year, a short path that features over 30 birds of prey, including the peregrine falcon, vulture, magpie, and barn owl. The center’s mission is to educate and inspire – so come here to experience life on the wing.
50 locals recommend
Carolina Raptor Center
6000 Sample RdThe largest bird of prey treatment facility in the US, this special center rehabilitates injured raptors, and treats around 900 patients annually, including eagles, hawks, and owls. Around 35,000 visitors come to walk the fascinating Raptor Trail each year, a short path that features over 30 birds of prey, including the peregrine falcon, vulture, magpie, and barn owl. The center’s mission is to educate and inspire – so come here to experience life on the wing.
Your classic low-key theme park with Bumper Cars, go-karts, a flashy arcade, and a handful of rides (some heart-stopping, some perfect for the little ones), Frankie’s amusement park is a hidden gem on the outskirts of town in nearby Huntersville. Besides the main attractions, the family-friendly park also delivers some top-quality black-lit bowling and laser tag!
42 locals recommend
Frankie's of Charlotte
10621 Bryton Corporate Center DrYour classic low-key theme park with Bumper Cars, go-karts, a flashy arcade, and a handful of rides (some heart-stopping, some perfect for the little ones), Frankie’s amusement park is a hidden gem on the outskirts of town in nearby Huntersville. Besides the main attractions, the family-friendly park also delivers some top-quality black-lit bowling and laser tag!
Sightseeing
Charlotte is working hard to keep its urban sprawl in check with the help of green spaces like Freedom Park. Within its 98 acres (40ha) the park houses a large lake and several ballfields used by recreation leagues and weekend warriors. With batting cages, tennis courts, soccer fields, two playgrounds, baseball fields, two volleyball courts, and five outdoor shelters with grills, there’s plenty here to keep you, your kids, friends, and family entertained.
338 locals recommend
Freedom Park
1908 East BlvdCharlotte is working hard to keep its urban sprawl in check with the help of green spaces like Freedom Park. Within its 98 acres (40ha) the park houses a large lake and several ballfields used by recreation leagues and weekend warriors. With batting cages, tennis courts, soccer fields, two playgrounds, baseball fields, two volleyball courts, and five outdoor shelters with grills, there’s plenty here to keep you, your kids, friends, and family entertained.
Short for North Davidson Street, a visit to NoDa is a must if you’re keen to tap into the local arts scene. Charlotte’s quirkiest neighborhood has colorful murals and buildings that make for a pleasant walk between stops at breweries, tattoo studios, and exhibitions. Gallery crawls are held bi-monthly, so you can get a taste of the offerings from the many arts venues. Film screenings, block parties, and other community gatherings regularly take place; it’s no wonder this place is known as the city’s cultural epicenter.
355 locals recommend
NoDa
Short for North Davidson Street, a visit to NoDa is a must if you’re keen to tap into the local arts scene. Charlotte’s quirkiest neighborhood has colorful murals and buildings that make for a pleasant walk between stops at breweries, tattoo studios, and exhibitions. Gallery crawls are held bi-monthly, so you can get a taste of the offerings from the many arts venues. Film screenings, block parties, and other community gatherings regularly take place; it’s no wonder this place is known as the city’s cultural epicenter.
Museums
This museum enterprise dedicated to science and nature is cutting-edge in its interactive exhibits and events, one of which – the unique Science on the Rocks – is geared towards adults, with alcohol, themed activities, and experiments each month. There’s plenty here to entertain kids both big and small (liquid-nitrogen wine coolers anyone?) and a wealth of hands-on exhibits, labs, and an aquarium make this a fantastically entertaining day out for all.
296 locals recommend
Discovery Place Science
168 N Tryon StThis museum enterprise dedicated to science and nature is cutting-edge in its interactive exhibits and events, one of which – the unique Science on the Rocks – is geared towards adults, with alcohol, themed activities, and experiments each month. There’s plenty here to entertain kids both big and small (liquid-nitrogen wine coolers anyone?) and a wealth of hands-on exhibits, labs, and an aquarium make this a fantastically entertaining day out for all.
Even if you’ve never watched a race, the NASCAR Hall of Fame strives to be a destination for everyone. In downtown Charlotte, you’ll appreciate the high-tech displays and artifacts relating to all things stock-car racing. Go behind the scenes and live a day in the life of crew members during race week, or admire the display of more than a dozen retired race cars. For the full-throttle experience take in a race at the historic Charlotte Motor Speedway – the track hosts many premier NASCAR events each year.
409 locals recommend
NASCAR Hall of Fame
400 E M.L.K. Jr BlvdEven if you’ve never watched a race, the NASCAR Hall of Fame strives to be a destination for everyone. In downtown Charlotte, you’ll appreciate the high-tech displays and artifacts relating to all things stock-car racing. Go behind the scenes and live a day in the life of crew members during race week, or admire the display of more than a dozen retired race cars. For the full-throttle experience take in a race at the historic Charlotte Motor Speedway – the track hosts many premier NASCAR events each year.
Part of the reason the Billy Graham Library ranks so highly on Charlotte’s list of attractions is because the religious icon grew up just a few miles down the street. Graham was born in 1918, and today his childhood home has become a pilgrimage site for many to pay their respects. The Library is set in 20 acres (8ha) of beautiful arable land, and is designed to reflect Graham’s journey from humble beginnings on a dairy farm to life as an international missionary. A highlight of the experience is walking the 1.5-hour Journey of Faith, with its mixture of photos and interactive stops.
119 locals recommend
Billy Graham Library
4330 Westmont DrPart of the reason the Billy Graham Library ranks so highly on Charlotte’s list of attractions is because the religious icon grew up just a few miles down the street. Graham was born in 1918, and today his childhood home has become a pilgrimage site for many to pay their respects. The Library is set in 20 acres (8ha) of beautiful arable land, and is designed to reflect Graham’s journey from humble beginnings on a dairy farm to life as an international missionary. A highlight of the experience is walking the 1.5-hour Journey of Faith, with its mixture of photos and interactive stops.
Charlotte has a number of specialty museums, and the Mint has the distinction of being North Carolina’s first art museum. As a result it has one of the largest collections in the southeast, while the building itself is a gem of modern architecture stretching to 145,000sqft (13,470sqm). With a range of temporary and permanent exhibitions arranged over five floors, there’s much for you to feast your eyes on.
293 locals recommend
Mint Museum Uptown
500 S Tryon StCharlotte has a number of specialty museums, and the Mint has the distinction of being North Carolina’s first art museum. As a result it has one of the largest collections in the southeast, while the building itself is a gem of modern architecture stretching to 145,000sqft (13,470sqm). With a range of temporary and permanent exhibitions arranged over five floors, there’s much for you to feast your eyes on.
Another museum that should be on your radar is the iconic Bechtler, which houses art from some of the world’s most renowned artists including Picasso, Warhol, and Giacometti. You might be lucky enough to find your new favorite painting hanging here, especially as many of the works have been held in private collections for generations, and are often viewed here by the public for the first time. Like the Mint, the building itself has architectural significance, and was designed by the great Swiss architect Mario Botta.
156 locals recommend
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
420 S Tryon StAnother museum that should be on your radar is the iconic Bechtler, which houses art from some of the world’s most renowned artists including Picasso, Warhol, and Giacometti. You might be lucky enough to find your new favorite painting hanging here, especially as many of the works have been held in private collections for generations, and are often viewed here by the public for the first time. Like the Mint, the building itself has architectural significance, and was designed by the great Swiss architect Mario Botta.
For a bit of nature to balance out Charlotte’s towering skyscrapers, the beautiful Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden has a lake, more than a dozen beautiful gardens, and manicured paths that’ll have you feeling like you’re miles away from the city. A full calendar of events and the opportunity to soak up a bit of peace and quiet has long been a draw for locals, along with 110 acres (45ha) of gardens to explore, including a children’s garden, a conservatory of tropical plants and orchids, and several ornamental fountains.
151 locals recommend
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
6500 S New Hope RdFor a bit of nature to balance out Charlotte’s towering skyscrapers, the beautiful Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden has a lake, more than a dozen beautiful gardens, and manicured paths that’ll have you feeling like you’re miles away from the city. A full calendar of events and the opportunity to soak up a bit of peace and quiet has long been a draw for locals, along with 110 acres (45ha) of gardens to explore, including a children’s garden, a conservatory of tropical plants and orchids, and several ornamental fountains.
Smack-bang in the middle of Charlotte’s downtown cultural district, the Harvey B. Gantt Center is the city’s first and only public art museum dedicated to exhibiting, honoring, and promoting the wonderful works of African-American artists.
While exhibitions change regularly, a couple of incredible past displays have included ‘Contemporary Black Carolina Artists’ and ‘Views from the Front Lines of the War for Black Lives’.
With performances, workshops, and rooftop events to boot, it’s a must for visiting art-lovers.
91 locals recommend
The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture
551 S Tryon StSmack-bang in the middle of Charlotte’s downtown cultural district, the Harvey B. Gantt Center is the city’s first and only public art museum dedicated to exhibiting, honoring, and promoting the wonderful works of African-American artists.
While exhibitions change regularly, a couple of incredible past displays have included ‘Contemporary Black Carolina Artists’ and ‘Views from the Front Lines of the War for Black Lives’.
With performances, workshops, and rooftop events to boot, it’s a must for visiting art-lovers.
Food scene
Charlotte has lots of farmers markets, but this unique indoor venue merges the energy of fresh produce stalls with the convenience of a central Uptown location. It celebrates the diverse regional food cultures of the Carolinas and helps support food artisans, all while selling frankly incredible food.
95 locals recommend
7th Street Public Market
224 E 7th StCharlotte has lots of farmers markets, but this unique indoor venue merges the energy of fresh produce stalls with the convenience of a central Uptown location. It celebrates the diverse regional food cultures of the Carolinas and helps support food artisans, all while selling frankly incredible food.
Considered a top restaurant in Charlotte Good Food on Montford was a contender for James Beard’s best new restaurant award in its first year. Since then it’s earned many accolades and nominations, including for best chef. The wait can be long during peak times, since it doesn’t take reservations, but thankfully it does use the Yelp Waitlist (NoWait) app. We recommend the catch of the day – no matter what it is, it will always be delicious.
54 locals recommend
Good Food on Montford
1701 Montford DrConsidered a top restaurant in Charlotte Good Food on Montford was a contender for James Beard’s best new restaurant award in its first year. Since then it’s earned many accolades and nominations, including for best chef. The wait can be long during peak times, since it doesn’t take reservations, but thankfully it does use the Yelp Waitlist (NoWait) app. We recommend the catch of the day – no matter what it is, it will always be delicious.
A funky food hall offering delicious fare of all kinds, the Optimist Hall is a great hangout. Previously called Highland Park Gingham Mill, Optimist Hall used to be Charlotte’s largest textile mill, and was also the birthplace of Spanx. Now it offers boutique stationery and cute pet products, as well as every kind of delicious food under the sun, including dumplings, gelato, hamburgers, and grilled cheese. Truly the happiest place on earth.
194 locals recommend
Optimist Hall
1115 N Brevard StA funky food hall offering delicious fare of all kinds, the Optimist Hall is a great hangout. Previously called Highland Park Gingham Mill, Optimist Hall used to be Charlotte’s largest textile mill, and was also the birthplace of Spanx. Now it offers boutique stationery and cute pet products, as well as every kind of delicious food under the sun, including dumplings, gelato, hamburgers, and grilled cheese. Truly the happiest place on earth.
Walking Distance!! Lewis Donald & Laura Furman Grice have flipped an old service station into a no-frills, go-tell-yo-mama, smoke shack. Although new to the neighborhood, the flagship location echoes memories of distant back country roadside barbecue joints that made this state famous. Without the fallback option of an electric or gas assist, Sweet Lew’s 450 square foot smokehouse is home to the only true smoker in all of Charlotte. A blend of Hickory, Pecan and Peach woods, is all that drives the fire which smokes Sweet Lew’s award-winning recipes.
21 locals recommend
Sweet Lew’s BBQ
923 Belmont AveWalking Distance!! Lewis Donald & Laura Furman Grice have flipped an old service station into a no-frills, go-tell-yo-mama, smoke shack. Although new to the neighborhood, the flagship location echoes memories of distant back country roadside barbecue joints that made this state famous. Without the fallback option of an electric or gas assist, Sweet Lew’s 450 square foot smokehouse is home to the only true smoker in all of Charlotte. A blend of Hickory, Pecan and Peach woods, is all that drives the fire which smokes Sweet Lew’s award-winning recipes.
Camp North End offers food stalls, public art, shops & events in a complex once used as a car factory & military depot.
300 Camp Rd
300 Camp RoadCamp North End offers food stalls, public art, shops & events in a complex once used as a car factory & military depot.
Breweries and Nightlife
Catawba’s fourth location – and third brewery – opened in early 2017 in the Plaza-Midwood area of Charlotte, featuring a 10-barrel brewhouse, tasting room, and magnificent city views. Catawba products are found in eco-friendly cans and kegs in five states (NC, SC, TN, AL, GA). The brewery is proud to be recognized as one of the pioneers of North Carolina’s burgeoning craft beer market.
31 locals recommend
Catawba Brewing Company Charlotte
933 Louise AveCatawba’s fourth location – and third brewery – opened in early 2017 in the Plaza-Midwood area of Charlotte, featuring a 10-barrel brewhouse, tasting room, and magnificent city views. Catawba products are found in eco-friendly cans and kegs in five states (NC, SC, TN, AL, GA). The brewery is proud to be recognized as one of the pioneers of North Carolina’s burgeoning craft beer market.
Each Charlotte neighborhood has a personality worth getting to know, and for beer-lovers the hip South End area can’t be beaten. You’ll find a string of breweries and two cideries here, along with food trucks, cute shops, and live music. You can easily walk between the various stops, so it’s a great option for a beer crawl if no one’s keen to be designated driver.
208 locals recommend
South End
Each Charlotte neighborhood has a personality worth getting to know, and for beer-lovers the hip South End area can’t be beaten. You’ll find a string of breweries and two cideries here, along with food trucks, cute shops, and live music. You can easily walk between the various stops, so it’s a great option for a beer crawl if no one’s keen to be designated driver.
Charlotte has a music venue to suit every taste and atmosphere, and the AvidXchange (formerly NC) Music Factory contains nearly all of them. Nightclubs, an outdoor amphitheatre, and dive bars: there’s something here for everyone. The complex houses 11 different music and comedy spaces, including the Fillmore which is modeled on the iconic venue in San Francisco that’s hosted some of the most famous bands in the world, including the Grateful Dead, the Doors, and Jimi Hendrix.
113 locals recommend
AvidXchange Music Factory
1000 North Carolina Music Factory BlvdCharlotte has a music venue to suit every taste and atmosphere, and the AvidXchange (formerly NC) Music Factory contains nearly all of them. Nightclubs, an outdoor amphitheatre, and dive bars: there’s something here for everyone. The complex houses 11 different music and comedy spaces, including the Fillmore which is modeled on the iconic venue in San Francisco that’s hosted some of the most famous bands in the world, including the Grateful Dead, the Doors, and Jimi Hendrix.
Sporting Events
The Charlotte Knights are the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. The Knights play their home games in Uptown Charlotte, NC at BB&T Ballpark.
137 locals recommend
BB&T Ballpark
324 S Mint StThe Charlotte Knights are the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. The Knights play their home games in Uptown Charlotte, NC at BB&T Ballpark.
Bank Of America Stadium
Catch a game at the home of the Carolina Panthers.
Great place to catch a Hornets game! Clean and plenty of space to move around.
245 locals recommend
Spectrum Center
333 E Trade StGreat place to catch a Hornets game! Clean and plenty of space to move around.
Shopping
SouthPark
4400 Sharon RdGet your shopping fix for both affordable and high-end luxury needs.