North Carolina, October 22, 2025
News Summary
North Carolina welcomed around 40 million visitors, solidifying its reputation as a prime travel destination. Attractions like the Outer Banks, Raleigh, Charlotte, and the Blue Ridge Mountains draw tourists, while charming small towns like Beaufort and Manteo add to the state’s allure. Visitors can enjoy stunning coastal views, rich history, vibrant arts scenes, and various outdoor activities, highlighting North Carolina’s diverse offerings.
North Carolina
North Carolina welcomed approximately 40 million visitors in 2024, underlining its status as a captivating travel destination that attracts tourists from all over the nation and beyond. The state’s popular tourist spots include the Outer Banks, Raleigh, Charlotte, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Beyond these well-known cities, North Carolina is also home to numerous “adorable” small towns that add to its charm and appeal.
One of the notable small towns is Beaufort, celebrated for its coastal boardwalk that provides stunning views of a vibrant marina. The town features pastel cottages lining tranquil streets and is home to the North Carolina Maritime Museum, which showcases artifacts from Blackbeard’s ship. Visitors can also explore the beautiful Rachel Carson Reserve, where wild horses roam and picturesque beaches abound.
Another noteworthy destination is Manteo, known for its storied colonial past and scenic lighthouses. The Elizabethan Gardens highlight the region’s local flora, while the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island presents an educational experience. Outdoor enthusiasts can also visit the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and enjoy the annual theatrical adaptation of the Lost Colony of Roanoke.
Located in the mountains, Black Mountain is affectionately referred to as “The Front Porch of Western North Carolina.” It offers beautiful mountain landscapes and small-town friendliness, complemented by a vibrant downtown filled with art galleries and boutiques. Visitors can partake in various outdoor activities in nearby Montreat and at Lake Tomahawk Park.
In the southern part of the state, Burnsville is nestled among the highest peaks east of the Rockies. The town hosts the historic NuWray Inn, one of the oldest hotels in the area, along with the Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair showcasing regional artisans, and the Parkway Playhouse, which features live theater performances.
Meanwhile, Hendersonville boasts a picturesque Main Street filled with boutiques and bakeries. This town is home to the annual North Carolina Apple Festival, celebrating local orchards and their produce. Additionally, outdoor adventures include hiking to Triple Falls in DuPont State Forest, making it a prime spot for both nature lovers and families.
The town of Bryson City is characterized by the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, which offers scenic train rides, along with abundant outdoor activities like tubing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting. The Appalachian Rivers Aquarium uniquely showcases local freshwater fish, adding an educational aspect to visitors’ experiences.
As the pottery capital of the U.S., Seagrove features over 80 working potters as well as numerous pottery studios. The North Carolina Pottery Center serves as a cultural hub that highlights the artistry of this ancient craft.
Edenton, with its historic 18th-century homes and tree-lined streets, offers attractions like the Cupola House and Barker House, which showcase remarkable architecture. Boat tours of Edenton Bay provide an enjoyable way to explore the area’s beauty.
Known for its world-renowned golf courses, Pinehurst also boasts the historic Pinehurst Resort and Sandhills Horticultural Gardens, adding to its refined small-town charm. Swansboro, termed “The Friendly City by the Sea,” features a relaxed waterfront downtown with shops and seafood restaurants, in addition to nearby Hammocks Beach State Park.
Lastly, Oriental, known as the “Sailing Capital of North Carolina,” embraces a lifestyle focused on marinas and waterfront activities. Visitors can explore various local shops and art galleries. Nearby, Southport presents a rich maritime history with highlights including historic Fort Johnston and a vibrant waterfront.
As the northernmost town in the Outer Banks, Duck is recognized for its serene community vibe and scenic views, featuring attractions like Duck Donuts and the Duck Town Park and Boardwalk.
This extensive array of attractions emphasizes the blend of history, craftsmanship, and natural beauty inherent in North Carolina’s smaller towns. They offer a variety of activities from leisurely strolls to artistic explorations, encouraging everyone to experience a genuine Carolina experience.
FAQ
How many visitors did North Carolina welcome in 2024?
North Carolina welcomed approximately 40 million visitors in 2024.
What are some popular destinations in North Carolina?
Popular destinations include the Outer Banks, Raleigh, Charlotte, and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
What notable features does Beaufort offer?
Beaufort is known for a coastal boardwalk with views of a vibrant marina, pastel cottages lining quiet streets, the North Carolina Maritime Museum showcasing artifacts from Blackbeard’s ship, and the Rachel Carson Reserve with wild horses and beautiful beaches.
What can visitors do in Manteo?
Visitors can explore lighthouses and colonial history, the Elizabethan Gardens, The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, and Fort Raleigh National Historic Site in Manteo. The town also hosts an annual theatrical adaptation of the Lost Colony of Roanoke.
What activities are popular in Bryson City?
Bryson City is known for the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offering scenic train rides, as well as outdoor activities like tubing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting.
| Town | Features |
|---|---|
| Beaufort | Coastal boardwalk, Maritime Museum, Rachel Carson Reserve |
| Manteo | Historic sites, Elizabethan Gardens, North Carolina Aquarium |
| Black Mountain | Mountain scenery, art galleries, outdoor activities |
| Burnsville | NuWray Inn, Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair, Parkway Playhouse |
| Hendersonville | Main Street boutiques, Apple Festival, Carl Sandburg Home |
| Bryson City | Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, river activities, aquarium |
| Seagrove | Pottery capital, pottery studios, Pottery Center |
| Edenton | Historic homes, architecture tours, Edenton Bay boat tours |
| Pinehurst | Golf courses, Pinehurst Resort, Sandhills Gardens |
| Swansboro | Waterfront, shops, seafood restaurants |
| Oriental | Your local shops, art galleries, marinas |
| Southport | Historic Fort Johnston, vibrant waterfront |
| Duck | Community vibe, Duck Town Park, beautiful views |
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Additional Resources
- World Atlas: 13 Cutest Small Towns in North Carolina
- Wikipedia: North Carolina
- Charlotte Observer: Small Town Adventures
- Google Search: North Carolina small towns
- WCNC: Most Charming Small Downtowns in NC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: North Carolina
- Southern Living: Hendersonville
- Google News: Hendersonville North Carolina
- Travel and Leisure: Guide to Cherokee NC
- Google Scholar: Cherokee North Carolina
- Only In Your State: Most Beautiful Small Towns
- Google Search: Beautiful small towns in North Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
