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The 14 Best Things to Do in Charlotte
Don’t sleep on the Queen City’s food, museums, and rambling outdoors.
Unlike some Southern cities where lineage and tradition run deep, Charlotte is quite happy being the new kid on the block. The Queen City has seen a meteoric rise in the last decade, and you’re more likely to rub elbows with former New Yorkers or Californians than born-and-bred Charlotteans. While bigger cities were busy hogging the spotlight, Charlotte quietly upped the ante and has stepped out of the shadows. There’s so much to do and see—from havens for the arts like the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center and Levine Center for the Arts, to sports fan favorites like the Charlotte Motor Speedway and NASCAR Hall of Fame. The city’s temperate weather is a perfect for getting outdoors year-round, whether you’re hitting the trails of Little Sugar Creek Greenway, making waves on Lake Norman, or rafting them at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. There’s also plenty of incredible food, and even more worth exploring beyond that: Here are the best things to do in Charlotte, N.C.
Read our complete Charlotte travel guide here.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
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Charlotte Motor Speedway
Charlotte runs on NASCAR—it’s the birthplace of the sport—so a visit to Charlotte Motor Speedway is a must whether you’re a diehard fan or a newbie. You’ll find all types here, from bankers throwing back beers and girls in American flag bikini tops to true fans who camp out in chicken bone alley. They’re proud, and it’s very loud, but between the racing and the people-watching, it’s pure entertainment.
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Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Birds sing, flowers bloom, and bees buzz about at Daniel Stowe, a 110-acre public botanical garden. And while it may be outside of Charlotte proper (just like these great day trips are), it’s well worth the effort: It’s a delightful place to spend an afternoon, whether you’re a diehard green thumb who wants to spot rare varieties of plants and flowers or you just want to get lost amid a sea of color for a few hours. There are seven themed gardens ranging from perennials to four-season gardens, along with a conservatory that houses orchids and tropical plants. If you’re here with family, check out Lost Hollow, the children’s garden, which has a sunken pond and play spaces.
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Camp North End
Charlotte’s Camp North End is a 76-acre multi-use space with public art, food stalls, shops, offices and more in a former car factory and military depot. It’s a big complex, but there’s always somewhere to hang out for a bit (quite literally–you can stretch out in a hammock if that cafe table and chairs doesn’t suit your needs). It’s all about walking around, soaking up the cool, creative vibe—and eating.
SHOP
7th Street Public Market
This market bustles with people sampling everything from crepes to local brews. Ideal for a midday office break and lazy weekend afternoons over coffee and treats, it’s a casual spot for friends to catch up and just right for a Saturday night break for couples with kids in tow. Families love how laid-back it is, and it’s just right for grabbing coffee with a friend or swinging by before a night out. It’s made for tasting, so come hungry and pick your way through: Start with breakfast at SC Café, followed by dumplings at Momo Station. Nibble on cheese at Orrman’s, where there are more than 100 different types. There’s so much more, including standout coffee that’s worth the trip alone.