14 of the best things to do in Charlotte, NC

23.06.2024 - 13:41 / lonelyplanet.com

Jun 22, 2024 • 6 min read

Charlotte is North Carolina’s largest city and a base of operations for dozens of financial and commercial corporations. But not everything in "Banktown'' is strictly business – a streak of playfulness and creativity cuts through its suit-and-tie demeanor, giving it a casual yet cosmopolitan energy.

The city’s distinct mix of friendly neighborhoods, greenways and urban meeting spaces attracts newcomers year after year, who leave pleasantly surprised at how much there is to see and do. From food to art to outdoor recreation, here are the best ways to experience Charlotte.

White water kayaking and rafting are the focus at this massive complex, but the recreational activities don’t stop there. This 1300-acre playground is family- and pet-friendly, and a huge feather in Charlotte’s ecotourism cap. Whether you’re after frothy Class IV rapids, hiking trails, climbing walls or ropes courses, you can book a single activity or try them all. 

Planning tip: Check the online calendar and time your visit to coincide with special events, such as Green River Revival in March, when the water gets dyed green for St Patrick’s Day.

City leaders have taken big strides toward making Charlotte more pedestrian-friendly, and the Rail Trail is a perfect example. After the route for the local light-rail system was developed, this multi-use trail was created, both to maximize the areas alongside it and to connect to other public-use paths. Just shy of 4 miles long, it features lively stretches abuzz with murals, outdoor cafes and street buskers. 

This funky, gorgeously repurposed, 70-acre shopping and dining destination is F-U-N, and no two visits are alike. You could easily while away an entire afternoon here, sending your senses into overdrive – in a good way.

Sample goat cheese at the farmers market, scope out local art, nosh on pork belly buns at Saru Ramen or peruse the classics at That’s Novel Books. Once the sun goes down and Charlotte’s skyline glitters in the distance, things turn even more festive.

Asheville still reigns supreme when it comes to the number of breweries per capita, but Charlotte isn’t far behind – it has more than two dozen spread across town, so it's easy to get your hands on all manner of locally crafted beers.

Create your own self-guided tour by visiting the likes of Olde Mecklenburg, Sycamore or Triple C Brewing. There's also a handful of distilleries, such as Great Wagon Road and Doc Porters, for whiskey, gin and vodka enthusiasts. 

For a romantic night out, skip dinner and drinks and take in a double feature at the Badin Road Drive-In Theater instead. Though it's technically outside of Charlotte, in the quiet town of Albemarle, it’s worth the hour-long drive. Mostly under the