Planning a trip can either be one of your favorite things to do, or you absolutely dread it because it stresses you out. Charlotte, North Carolina is a gorgeous city that people all across the country come to visit.
Whether you’ve been planning to come visit for months or spontaneously decided a minute ago, we hand-picked 15 things that are just some ideas to add to your Charlotte agenda.
This guide is here to ease any stress and give you some great options for things to do in Charlotte.
What is There To Do in Charlotte?
You can find anything and everything in Charlotte. From amusement parks to nature preserves to historic experiences, this city has something to offer you.
If you are a history buff, there are tons of museums where you can learn more about the South.
If you’re into sports like mountain biking, kayaking, and hiking, you’ll never grow bored here. Read on to find specific places that you have to add to your Charlotte agenda when you visit this wonderful city.
14 Things You Must Add to Your Charlotte Agenda
1. U.S. National Whitewater Center
This amazing 1,300-acre facility houses the world’s largest man-made whitewater river. You can choose from more than 30 different land and water activities, including paddle boarding, mountain biking, zip-lining, kayaking, and whitewater rafting.
It is the adventurers’ dream and a great place to spend the day with family, so you definitely should add it to your Charlotte agenda.
Related Post: The 15 Best Parks You Must See in Charlotte
2. 7th Street Public Market
This indoor marketplace gives you a taste of Charlotte’s locally grown produce. You’ll find everything there from vegetables, wines, treats, baked goods, and flowers.
One of Charlotte’s beloved pizza shops, Pure Pizza, is located in this market. They are famous for using ingredients that they purchase right in the market.
Related Post: The 10 Best Farmers Markets in Charlotte
3. Freedom Park
Freedom Park is considered the “Central Park of Charlotte”. It has almost 100 acres full of bike paths, picnic spots, basketball and tennis courts, and baseball fields. It’s popular year-round, but especially beautiful in the fall when the foliage changes colors.
There are numerous events and festivities that take place in the park, so check it out because there’s probably something exciting going on during your visit.
Related Post: 11 Great Bike Trails In Charlotte You Must Ride
4. NASCAR Hall of Fame
This museum boasts racing simulators, a 278-seat theater, and interactive high-tech exhibits. They use educational films and genuine NASCAR artifacts to detail the 70-year history of the sport.
Their Race Week exhibit allows visitors to feel like a team member by practicing a pit stop and getting to race in simulators. This museum is entertaining for everyone, regardless if they are a fan of cars or not.
5. Charlotte Motor Speedway
If the NASCAR museum wasn’t enough, why not drive down to experience a real race? You’ll have to plan ahead and purchase your tickets ahead of time, though, unless you want to spend exorbitant prices.
The speedway also offers tours daily and shows visitors areas of the venue that are normally off-limits.
6. Carowinds
One of North Carolina’s most popular amusement parks, Carowinds has everything you need to have a fun day! Not only is it an amusement park with rollercoasters, it also has its own waterpark called Carolina Harbor.
They have a lazy river and a 27,000 square foot wave pool. You only need to buy one admission ticket to get into both parks.
7. The Billy Graham Library
If you’re interested in learning more about North Carolina history, why not stop by the Billy Graham Library? He was one of North America’s most well-known pastors.
This library is close to where Graham grew up and has 20 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens for you to wander around in. You can learn more about his life and his influence and legacy in America.
8. Discovery Place
Best to visit when you have children, Discovery Place is all about showing kids how fun science is. They offer interactive exhibits, such as lying on a bed of nails or smashing a garbage can.
They also have IMAX films, animal exhibits, the human body’s life cycle, and World’s Alive, which teaches you about different kinds of species. This is a great place to spend a couple of hours and explore all the fun activities it has.
9. BB&T Ballpark
This baseball stadium is home to the Charlotte Knights, a minor league baseball team. It’s a beautiful small stadium with an amazing view of Charlotte’s skyline.
Everyone knows how fun baseball games are—it’s all about the experience! Go with your family or a group of friends, order some drinks, and eat your weight in peanuts. You’re guaranteed to have a good time.
10. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
If you have the opportunity to attend a show during your trip, do it! This center has incredibly comfortable seats and high-quality facilities. Their acoustics are also quite impressive.
There is always something entertaining going on, so try and catch a jazz concert or musical for a fun night out.
11. Carolina History and Haunts Ghost Tour
Gather your courage and convince your friends to join you on this entertaining ghost tour. You’ll walk through the candlelit city streets as your tour guide narrates some spooky stories about Charlotte’s history.
It lasts 90 minutes and is suitable for all ages. If you’re interested in history, fascinating stories, and informed guides, then this tour is perfect for you.
12. Codescape
Over the past few years, escape rooms have been surging in popularity. Visit codescape for an amazing game night with your friends.
It features real-life adventure experiences such as Deep Space and Shipwrecked. Test your skills at cracking codes and solving puzzles with Codescape’s entertaining crime scene adventures.
Related Post: The 7 Best Escape Rooms In Charlotte
13. McDowell Nature Center and Preserve
If you’re feeling bogged down by the hustle and bustle of the city, head out to this nature center and preserve to clear your head and relax. There are a number of trails to walk at various levels of difficulties.
There’s also Lake Wylie where you can fish and rent canoes. They even have camping sites if you wanted to spend the night there. This preserve teaches you about the area’s native animals, flora, and fauna.
14. Metalmorphosis
This sculpture needs to be a stop on your Charlotte agenda. It is a 23 ft high sculpture of a face made entirely of stainless steel plates.
What’s so unique, though, is that these plates are arranged to move horizontally to continuously form and reform a giant head.
Come check it out during sunset to see the gorgeous sky reflected on the steel. Take a seat on one of the benches and just marvel at this beautiful structure and fountain.
Final Thoughts
There is no shortage of things to do in Charlotte. Whether you’re staying for a week or a month, you’ll find something to do every day.
Use this guide to help plan an exciting itinerary for your next trip to this amazing city. Charlotte is waiting for you!
