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Coastal Region of North Carolina

North Carolina’s coast is full of sun, sand, and adventure. From the bustling beaches near Wilmington to the remote beauty of the Outer Banks, there’s a spot for every type of traveler. You’ll find charming beach towns, historic lighthouses, and plenty of opportunities for water sports, fishing, and relaxing by the Atlantic.

Wilmington, NC & Near by Beaches

Wilmington is a historic port city with a lively riverfront and easy access to beautiful beaches. From boardwalk strolls to historic tours, the area blends coastal charm with city attractions.

• Major Cities/Towns: Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Southport, Oak Island, Ocean City, Bald Head Island, Sunset Beach
• See: Historic Downtown Wilmington, Riverwalk, Battleship North Carolina, Carolina Beach Boardwalk
• Eat: Something Fishy (Wilmington), Sweet N Savory (Wilmington), King Neptune’s (Wrightsville Beach),
• Drink: Front Street Brewery(Wilmington),
• Stay: Blockade Runner Beach Resort, Courtyard Marriott Carolina Beach

Outer Banks, NC

The Outer Banks is a string of barrier islands known for wide beaches, historic lighthouses, and untamed natural beauty. It’s perfect for outdoor adventures and family trips. Both the The Dinks and the family have visited most of the islands that make up the Outer Banks with the Dinks cover them extensively.

• Major Cities/Towns: Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, Corolla, Duck, Hatteras, Ocracoke, Roanoke Island, “Down East”
• See: Wright Brothers National Memorial, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Currituck Beach Lighthouse, Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Roanoke Island Festival Park, OBX Scenic Bi-way, Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
• Eat: Red Drum Tap House (Nags Head), Spanky’s (Kitty Hawk), Eduardo’s (Hatteras)
• Drink: Local Craft beer at Outer Banks Brewing Station, Lost Colony Brewing Company, Kill Devil Rum Distillery, OBX Beer Company, 1718 Brewing
• Sports: Kiteboarding, windsurfing, fishing charters, kayaking, beach volleyball, golf at Nags Head Golf Links
• Stay: Outer Banks oceanfront rentals, beachside Airbnbs

Get the full inside scoop in our blog on Outer Banks, North Carolina

Outer Banks, NC Adventure: Beach Bliss & Off-the-Beaten-Path Discoveries

Central Coastal Towns

The Central Coastal Towns of North Carolina offer a charming mix of history, waterfront views, and small-town coastal vibes. These towns are perfect for exploring scenic harbors, enjoying fresh seafood, and soaking in the slower pace of the NC coast. From historic streets to riverfront dining and boating adventures, this region delivers a memorable coastal experience

• Major Cities/Towns: Beaufort, New Bern, Bath, Washington, Havelock, Morehead City
• See: Historic downtowns, Tryon Palace, Beaufort Maritime Museum, Bath historic sites
• Eat: Fresh seafood, waterfront restaurants, local bakeries, Southern cuisine
• Drink: Craft breweries, coffee shops, local bars, riverside lounges
• Stay: Waterfront inns, boutique hotels, cozy B&Bs, vacation rentals

Greater Jacksonville, NC area

The Greater Jacksonville area blends military history with small-town charm and quick trips to nearby beaches. It offers outdoor adventures and a taste of Lowcountry culture.

• Major Cities/Towns: Jacksonville, Holly Ridge, Swansboro, Sneads Ferry, Topsail Beach, Surf City
• See: Lejeune Memorial Gardens, Croatan National Forest, Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro Historic District, Topsail Island Sea Turtle Hospital
• Eat: The Canteen, Sanitary Fish Market & Restaurant, Forty 2 South Seafood & Spirits, Surf City Café, Blu Water Grill
• Drink: Swansboro Brewing Company, West 9th Street Bar & Grill, The Grind Coffee Bar, Tin Cup Tavern, Aqua Restaurant Bar
• Stay: Hampton Inn Jacksonville, Surf City Oceanfront Rentals, Airbnb rentals near Topsail, Swansboro waterfront inns, Fairfield Inn & Suites

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Piedmont Region of North Carolina

The Piedmont sits between the Atlantic coast and the Appalachian Mountains, blending rolling hills with lively urban centers. This central region is North Carolina’s hub for business, culture, and innovation, anchored by the major metros of Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham and the Research Triangle, and the Triad cities of Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point. Visitors can explore a mix of historic neighborhoods, top universities, craft breweries, and thriving arts scenes, all within easy drives of outdoor trails, lakes, and vineyards.

Charlotte, NC

Charlotte is a bustling city that combines modern city life with Southern charm. From sports and shopping to historic neighborhoods, there’s something for everyone here. Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, Charlotte offers plenty of entertainment and cultural experiences.

• Major Cities/Towns: Charlotte, Concord, Gastonia, Huntersville, Matthews
• See: NASCAR Hall of Fame, Freedom Park, Mint Museum, Levine Museum of the New South
• Eat: Price’s Chicken Coop, Haberdish, 300 East
• Drink: Birdsong Brewery, NoDa Brewing Company
• Sports: Charlotte FC (MLB), Charlotte Hornets (NBA), Carolina Panthers (NFL), Charlotte Knights (AAA Baseball)
• Stay: Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel

Two Takes on Charlotte, North Carolina: Local Insights and Visitors Favorites

Raleigh-Durham & Research Triangle Park (RTP)

Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill make up the Research Triangle area, known for innovation, universities, and vibrant culture. This area is perfect for tech enthusiasts, foodies, and history lovers alike. With a mix of urban experiences and green spaces, it’s a great region to explore.

• Major Cities/Towns: Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, Apex
• See: North Carolina Museum of Art, Duke University & Gardens, Pullen Park, NC Museum of Natural Sciences
• Eat: The Pit (BBQ), Bida Manda (Laotian), Mateo (Spanish Tapas)
• Drink: Fullsteam Brewery, Sitti Rooftop Bar, The Durham Hotel Bar
• Sports: Carolina Hurricanes (NHL), Durham Bulls (AAA Baseball), College basketball at Duke, UNC, NC State
• Stay: Raleigh Marriott City Center,

Double Take on Raleigh-Durham & Research Triangle (RTP): Tech, Tar Heels & Tastes

Triad – Greensboro, Winston-Salem & High Point

The Triad region offers a mix of arts, history, and Southern hospitality. Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point each have unique personalities, from historic districts to design and furniture hubs. This area is perfect for cultural exploration and outdoor activities.

The Piedmont region of North Carolina is also home to some of the state’s most scenic vineyards and wineries. Rolling hills, fertile soil, and a mild climate make it perfect for growing a variety of grapes. Whether you’re a casual wine lover or a serious connoisseur, the region offers tastings, tours, and charming winery experiences.

• Major Cities/Towns: Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, Asheboro, Burlington, Thomasville, Mount Airy
• See: NC Zoo, Show at the Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro Science Center,
• Eat: Stamey’s Barbecue (Greensboro), Snappy’s Lunch (Mount Airy)
• Drink: Childress Vineyards, Shelton Vineyards, Round Peak Vineyards, RayLen Vineyards & Winery, Devine Lama V
• Sports: Wake Forest (Basketball, Football), Greensboro Grasshoppers, Winston-Salem Dash, ACC college basketball games nearby
• Stay: Proximity Hotel (Greensboro), Kimpton Cardinal Hotel (High Point), Hotel Indigo Winston-Sale

A Taste of the North Carolina’s Triad: Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Highpoint and Rolling Vineyards

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Mountain Region of North Carolina

The Mountain Region of North Carolina is a breathtaking escape filled with towering peaks, lush forests, and charming small towns. From the artistic vibe of Asheville and the scenic foothills to the wild beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains and the lofty High Country, this area offers endless outdoor adventures and rich Appalachian culture. Visitors come for hiking, waterfalls, and ski slopes, but stay for the craft breweries, farm-to-table dining, and warm mountain hospitality.

Asheville & The Foothills

Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville and the surrounding foothills offer a creative mix of mountain scenery, vibrant arts, and craft food culture. From scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway to historic architecture and bustling breweries, this area blends outdoor adventure with small-town charm.

• Major Cities/Towns: Asheville, Hendersonville, Brevard, Black Mountain
• See: Biltmore Estate, Blue Ridge Parkway, Chimney Rock State Park, Pisgah National Forest
• Eat: Farm-to-table dining, classic Appalachian comfort food, and award-winning bakeries
• Drink: Renowned craft breweries, cideries, and mountain wineries
• Sports: Hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, and year-round festivals
• Stay: Boutique mountain inns, rustic cabins, and luxury downtown hotels

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Great Smoky Mountains & Cherokee

Home to America’s most-visited national park, this region blends deep natural beauty with rich Cherokee heritage. Explore misty peaks, cascading waterfalls, and authentic Native American culture all in one unforgettable setting.

• Major Cities/Towns: Cherokee, Bryson City, Waynesville, Maggie Valley
• See: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Museum of the Cherokee People, Clingmans Dome
• Eat: Smoky Mountain barbecue, trout specialties, and traditional Cherokee dishes
• Drink: Local craft beers, mountain moonshine, and cozy coffee shops
• Sports: Hiking, fly fishing, kayaking, and scenic train rides
• Stay: Mountain lodges, creekside cabins, and family-friendly campgrounds

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The High Country

Perched at the state’s highest elevations, the High Country is known for its sweeping vistas, ski resorts, and charming college towns. It’s a four-season playground where visitors can hike in summer, ski in winter, and enjoy vibrant fall colors.

• Major Cities/Towns: Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, West Jefferson
• See: Grandfather Mountain, Blue Ridge Parkway, Tweetsie Railroad, Linville Gorge
• Eat: Hearty mountain fare, farm-fresh restaurants, and cozy cafés
• Drink: Craft breweries, local wineries, and Appalachian-style cider houses
• Sports: Skiing, snowboarding, hiking, rock climbing, and ziplining
• Stay: Slopeside resorts, rustic cabins, and charming bed-and-breakfasts

Table of Content

1. NC Coast
   1. Wilmington & Nearby Beaches
   2. Outer Banks
   3. Greater Jacksonville Area
2. NC Piedmont Region
   1. Charlotte
   2. Raleigh-Durham and RTP Area
   3. Triad (Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point)
3. NC Mountains
   1. Asheville & Foothills
   2. Great Smoky Mountains & Cherokee
   3. The High Country