If you’re heading to North Carolina, make time to visit the places featured in this list of the 7 most beautiful things to do in North Carolina. Not only are these sites unique and visually appealing, altogether they represent the diversity of natural beauty and southern charm that North Carolina has to offer.
As a military family, we’ve lived in and traveled all over the country. There are many charming places to see from one coast to the other. What makes North Carolina special, in my opinion, is how diverse its beauty is!
From its unblemished beaches in the east to its glorious mountains in the west, North Carolina has some of the most varied landscapes in all of America. With the Atlantic shorelines that stretch for miles to majestic sunsets and breathtaking vistas, here’s a list of the 7 most beautiful things to see in North Carolina that you need to add to your bucket list.
7 Most Beautiful Things To See In North Carolina
1. Cape Hatteras Light Station
Cape Hatteras lighthouse is the tallest and most recognized lighthouses in America. You can see the lighthouse from anywhere on the cape.
The Outer Banks Lighthouse Society says, “The Cape Hatteras Light is the most recognized, photographed, painted, read about and admired lighthouse in North America and is a National Historic Landmark.”
I agree, which is why it’s on my list of 7 most beautiful things to see in North Carolina.
2. Chimney Rock State Park
Chimney Rock State Park is known as the one-stop shop for everything you visit the mountains for- thrilling trails, unusual plants, breathtaking scenery, and local wildlife. The park also has one of the states highest waterfalls that was featured in The Last of the Mohicans.
The highlight of Chimney Rock State Park is the monolith rock, which the Park is named after. Make sure to put Chimney Rock State Park on your North Carolina travel itinerary.
3. Biltmore Estate
The Biltmore Estate is America’s largest home and boasts almost 180,000 square feet and features an indoor swimming pool and bowling alley, 65 fireplaces, 35 bedrooms and 46 bathrooms, along with many other amenities. The French Renaissance castle overflows with sophistication and splendor.
It sits on 8,000 acres of magnificent gardens and tree covered trails, including one of the nations most thorough collection of azaleas. A true architectural gem tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
4. Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
With over 280 acres, visitors enjoy miles of unspoiled beaches, salt marshes, and picturesque views at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area.
There’s an actual WWII bunker on site and it’s home to rare and protected wildlife that build their nests along the pristine shoreline. Nature lovers will love this awe-inspiring area.
5. Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain
Grandfather Mountain, the highest peak of the Blue Ridge Mountains that boasts some of the most fierce surface wind speeds ever recorded, is home to the Mile High Swinging Bridge.
The bridge is a mile high, over 200 feet long, and swings back and forth. This trek is sure to leave you breathless.
6. Corolla
From the Currituck Lighthouse to the wild Spanish Mustangs on the beach, Corolla is a hidden treasure trove that will delight any vacationer.
From southern charm and majestic sunsets to seashells and sea glass lined beaches, there are so many Instagrammable moments, you don’t want to miss this Outer Banks gem.
7. Linville Falls
Linville Falls is the most popular waterfall in the Blue Ridge Mountains with a stunning series of substantial falls that plunge into a deep gorge known as the “Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians.”
The Linville Falls are accessed by a trail lined with rare white pines and hemlocks. This awe-inspiring site is one of the 7 most beautiful things to see in North Carolina and I hope you are inspired to put it on your list of must-sees.