29 Cool Things to Do in Charlotte, NC

I spent four years living in and exploring all the best things one could do in Charlotte, North Carolina.

In this guide, I’ll share all the common attractions in Charlotte, but I will also reveal some own favorite things and local tips that you won’t find in other guides.

With family-friendly activities, great restaurants, shopping, arts, culture, and sports — there’s something to do in Charlotte for everyone!

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29 Best Things to Do in Charlotte

NASCAR Hall of Fame

Travel through racing history at this interactive NASCAR museum.

📍 The Google Maps location tool | Telephone: (704) 654-4400 | Website for NASCAR Hall of Fame | Operating hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily (Tuesday reserved for groups) | Entrance fee: $27 for adults, $24 for seniors, $20 for ages 4-12

On the off chance that you’re an dashing devotee, you’re in karma. Charlotte is known as the home of NASCAR, and the amazing Hall of Fame historical center is a stop-stop.

The NASCAR Hall of Fame, located in the Uptown area of Charlotte, showcases racing artifacts from throughout the history of NASCAR. Displays include championship vehicles, trophies, race suits, and tributes to NASCAR drivers. The museum also has interactive exhibits like racing simulations and the High Octane Theater. The Chevrolet and Glory Road exhibits are particularly popular.

The Charlotte Motor Speedway, where races take place, is located about a half hour northeast of Concord. Hendricks Motorsports Museum is also nearby.

Blumenthal Performing Arts Center

Catch Broadway shows, concerts, and other performances at this well-known Charlotte theater.

📍 Map Location | Contact: (704) 372-1000 | Center Website | Hours: Performances vary | Cost: $20-$115

Experiencing a show at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center is truly one of the top things to do in Charlotte. Here, there are performances and programs satisfying audiences of all ages.

You’ll find a wide selection including Broadway plays and musicals, dance performances, concerts and comedians. The Blumenthal Performing Arts Center is a world-class performance theater located at the heart of North Carolina.

The Blumenthal Performing Arts Center houses three primary stages under one roof: the Belk Theater, Booth Playhouse, and Stage Door Theater.

Freedom Park

Take a stroll through Charlotte’s expansive city park, perfect for families.

📍 Google Maps | Website for Freedom Park | Entrance: Free

Visiting Freedom Park is one of the most budget-friendly and enjoyable activities to do in Charlotte, especially if you have children.

Spanning 98 acres located just south of Uptown is this park. It consists of a 7-acre lake, sports facilities, a playground, gardens, and paved natural paths. It is the perfect spot for visitors of all ages to play, relax, and absorb some nature amid the city.

Freedom Park is also house to a Charlotte nature museum: Discovery Place Nature. This kids’ museum has interactive exhibits and live animal encounters. At just $8, Discovery Place Nature is one of the more reasonably priced ticketed Charlotte museums.

Carowinds

Enjoy the thrills of this Southeastern amusement park through screams, laughter and fun.

📍 Mapping App | Phone: (704) 588-2600 | Parks Site | Hours: Vary seasonally | Entrance: $40 daily ticket

Carowinds is an amusement park situated 20 minutes south of Uptown on the border between North and South Carolina.

Carowinds offers an entertaining experience for all ages, with over 60 rides ranging from thrill-seeking rollercoasters to gentle diversions for young ones. An water-based section is also available.

Some of the most notable and extensive roller coaster rides at Carowinds include Fury 325, the Intimidator, and Afterburn.

🎃 Pro Tip: If you delight in Halloween, journey to Carowinds between mid-September through October. The park is transformed into “Scarowinds” and entirely embraces the theme. There are Halloween-inspired encounters and characters dressed in fitting attire wander the park to startle guests.

U.S. National Whitewater Center

Engage in outdoor activities at this premier recreational facility.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (704) 391-3900 | U.S. National Whitewater Center Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily | Entrance: $79 adult day pass, $69 youth day pass

Though Charlotte is an urban center, you can still find many outdoor attractions in the city!

The U.S. National Whitewater Center is home to the largest human-made whitewater river worldwide. It’s the place to be for all matters related to rafting, from mellow water activities to intense rafting and kayaking on class IV rapids.

The United States National Whitewater Center also offers activities like rope courses, zip lining, rock climbing, and trails for mountain biking. It’s a family-friendly location suitable for people of all ages and abilities. Situated just half an hour west of Uptown, it’s one of the most interactive outdoor activities available in Charlotte.

Discovery Place Science

Let your children explore, gain knowledge, and experiment freely at this hands-on STEM museum.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (704) 327-2189 | Discovery Place Science Website | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm Monday – Friday, 10:30 am – 4:30 pm Saturday & Sunday | Entrance: $23-$29 adults, $20-$26 seniors, $18-24 children

Discovery Place Science is an hands-on science and technology museum located in Uptown Charlotte. For families interested in all things STEM, add this museum to your Charlotte checklist.

Discovery Place Science contains interactive exhibits and labs permitting young visitors to explore and learn independently. Noteworthy displays include an indoor rainforest, hands-on opportunities with animals, and the future-centric Explore More lab. This museum also houses an IMAX dome theater.

Levine Museum of the New South

Learn about post-Civil War Southern history, and deepen your understanding of contemporary issues.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (704) 333-1887 | Website for the Levine Museum of the New South | Hours: 11 am – 5 pm Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 11 am – 9 pm Wednesday, 10 am – 5 pm Saturday, 12 pm – 5 pm Sunday, Closed Mondays | Entrance: Free

The Levine Museum of the New South focuses on engaging the community while shining light on difficult historical events and encouraging discussion around topics such as race and empathy in Charlotte and beyond.

Through both lasting and rotating presentations as well as educational programs, this Charlotte museum shares the story of how historical events helped shape the city and surrounding piedmont region. This encompasses the transformation from cotton fields to skyscrapers in addition to important moments such as the Greensboro sit-ins. As a family-friendly museum located in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, it welcomes visitors of all ages.

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

Reconnect with nature at this scenic and tranquil plant sanctuary.

📍 Google Maps provides directions and virtual views. Operating hours, admission costs, and additional information can be found on the garden`s official website and by phone

Just 30-45 minutes southwest of Charlotte`s center is Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. This nearly 400-acre garden sits close to the South Carolina border along the shores of Lake Wylie. It features lush plantings, a tropical plant and orchid conservatory, garden trails, a dozen fountains, and more.

This garden provides the perfect escape from the city for those seeking peace and nature. Scenic surroundings, quietness and native Carolina plants offer tranquility.

Billy Graham Library

Tour the library, home, and dairy farm of religious leader Billy Graham.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (704) 401-3200 | Billy Graham Library Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 5 pm Monday – Saturday, Closed Sunday | Entrance: Free

You may be interested in visiting the Billy Graham Library if you identify with Christian and evangelical beliefs. The library is located just 15 minutes southwest of Uptown. This unique Charlotte attraction is the former homeplace and now library of evangelist, Billy Graham.

At the Billy Graham Library, visitors can tour a barn building with a large glass cross spanning 40 feet, explore multimedia exhibits, and see artifacts from Graham`s family up close. You can also stroll the garden grounds and grab an ice cream at the dairy barn.

Mint Museum

Tour North Carolina`s inaugural art gallery and appreciate a broad selection of historic and contemporary works.

📍 Google Maps | Contact: (704) 337-2000 | Mint Museum Website | Operating Hours: 11 am – 6 pm Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, 11 am – 9 pm Wednesday, Friday, 1 pm – 5 pm Sunday, Closed Monday | Fee: $15 adults, $10 seniors & students, Free for ages 5-17

In 1936, Charlotte’s Mint Museum opened and became North Carolina’s first art museum. Today, it continues as a center for diverse contemporary art, craftsmanship, and design. Visiting is one of the best activities in Charlotte!

Countless permanent and rotating exhibits displaying American, African, and European artwork are housed here alongside Native American handicrafts and modern designs of today.

There are two locations for the museum. The Mint Museum Uptown contains five floors exhibiting more contemporary works. This place also houses the Lewis Family Gallery—an hands-on art space for children. Mint Museum Randolph has more ancient and historical pieces, like ceramics. It’s situated just southeast of Uptown.

Knight Theatre

Enjoy live performances of music, dancing, and other entertainment at this main theater in Charlotte.

Located at: View on Google Maps | Phone: (704) 372-1000 | Theatre Website | Hours vary | Tickets range from $20-$115

In addition to the three stages at the Blumenthal, the Knight Theatre is one of the main venues for performances in Uptown Charlotte.

Here, dance and music take center stage. Local performances by Charlotte Ballet and the Charlotte Symphony occur regularly, along with visiting artists. Watching shows here (particularly Charlotte Ballet) is a cherished activity.

Bechtler Museum of Modern Art

Contemplate creative works from mid-century modernism and other eras of modern art.

📍 Internet site | Telephone: (704) 353-9209 | Bechtler Museum of Modern Art Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Monday, Thursday – Saturday, 10 am – 9 pm Tuesday, 12 pm – 5 pm Sunday, Closed Tuesday | Entrance: $9 adults, $7 seniors, $5 for ages 11-18, Free for under 18

Upon arrival at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art in Uptown, visitors will be greeted with a shimmering and reflective statue of a firebird. This sculpture gives a taste of all the interesting and thought-provoking artwork inside this contemporary art museum.

Expect to see works by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Jean Tinguely, Andy Warhol, Joan Miró, and others. Artworks from the mid-century modernism period and other contemporary styles are the primary focus here.

Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts and Culture

A contemporary museum celebrating and displaying creations from the African diaspora.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (704) 547-3700 | Website of the Harvey B. Gantt Center | Hours: 12 pm – 6 pm Tuesday, Thursday – Friday, Sunday, 12 pm – 9 pm Wednesday, 10 am – 6 pm Saturday, Closed Monday | Entrance: $9 adult, $7 for ages 6-17 & senior

The Harvey B. Gantt Center is a epicenter for contemporary African American art in the Charlotte community and beyond. This museum celebrates and displays creative works that reflects the African diaspora. This includes visual art, music, dance, literature, and more.

The permanent collection of the Harvey B. Gantt Museum contains 58 works of African American art in the John and Vivian Hewitt Collection. This family-friendly museum situated in Uptown Charlotte also features changing displays, so visitors can always discover something novel.

Amelie’s French Bakery & Cafe

A colorful and eclectic Charlotte bakery famous for its macarons and pastries.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (704) 356-1781 | Amelie’s French Bakery & Cafe Website | Hours: 7 am – 10 pm Monday – Thursday, Sunday, 7 am – 12 am Friday, Saturday

A visit to Charlotte just isn’t complete without stopping by Amelie’s. This eclectic French bakery is an Charlotte classic and one of the top things to do in Charlotte.

Amelie’s French Bakery & Cafe has three locations in Charlotte situated in the neighborhoods of NoDa, Park Road, and Carmel Commons.

Amelie’s is renowned for its delectable pastries, baked goods, and beverages. But the macarons are an overall crowd favorite. I personally am drawn to their lavender lemon macarons and seasonal tarts. Amelie’s is very family-friendly and it’s a great place to enjoy some treats, unwind, or even work.

The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery & Biergarten

Appreciate German beer and cuisine, and “prost!” to an enjoyable time.

📍 An online location mapping service | Phone: (704) 525-5644 | The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery & Biergarten Website | Hours: 11 am – 10 pm Monday – Thursday, Sunday, 11 am – 11 pm Friday, Saturday

Charlotte received its name honoring German-born Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. However, this isn`t the sole German aspect about the city.

The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery & Biergarten is a Charlotte-born brewery. It’s known for its traditional, yet premium-quality German beers. They also serve German fare like pretzels and sausages.

OMB is family-friendly and situated in the southwest area of Charlotte. It features an open and airy space along with numerous outdoor seating options.

👉 Fond of Beer? Check out this original Charlotte brewery trip.

7th Street Public Market

Sample various local vendors` dishes right within Uptown Charlotte.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (704) 230-4346 | 7th Street Public Market Website | Hours: 8 am – 9 pm Monday – Thursday, 8 am – 10 pm Friday – Saturday, 9 am – 8 pm Sunday

If you’re in Uptown and unsure where to dine, head to 7th Street Public Market! This welcoming, community-focused food court has numerous vendors to choose from. Options include pizza, dumplings, sandwiches, and more. 7th Street Public Market also has a coffee shop, wine shop, and retail store selling items from Charlotte-creators.

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Sleepy Poet Antique Mall

Search through shelves and displays to discover concealed antique treasures.

📍 Map provided by Google | Phone: (704) 529-6369 | Website for the Sleepy Poet Antique Mall | Hours: 11 am – 6 pm Monday – Thursday, 11 am – 7 pm Friday – Saturday, 12 pm – 6 pm Sunday | Entrance: Free

Situated in South Charlotte, is Sleepy Poet Antique Mall. This antique mall is an absolute must for anyone interested in vintage items and antique furniture. The space is massive, and there are lots of shelves and booths to explore. You can easily spend an afternoon exploring this antique mall, and there are so many unique gems to discover.

NoDa

Experience Charlotte`s local flavor in this eccentric, creative neighborhood.

📍 Google Maps | NoDa Website

NoDa is one of Charlotte’s arts districts that I enjoy the most. It lies 10-15 minutes northwest of Uptown on North Davidson Street, accounting for its name “NoDa.” Spending an afternoon exploring here is one of my favorite things to do in Charlotte.

This neighborhood exudes a lively, artistic vibe. An abundance of colorful murals and unique small companies and eateries may be discovered. Favorite spots include Pura Vida, Cabo Fish Taco, and Smelly Cat Cafe. NoDa also hosts frequent outdoor markets.

Plaza Midwood

Enjoy a diverse culinary scene and unique shops in this walkable neighborhood.

📍 Google Maps | Plaza Midwood Website

Plaza Midwood is another excellent neighborhood worth exploring in Charlotte. It’s just south of NoDa and similarly, has a walkable main street full of shops and eateries.

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Optimist Hall

An energetic food court brimming with appetizing foods from local vendors.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (980) 701-0040 | Optimist Hall Website | Hours: 7 am – 9 pm Monday – Thursday, 7 am – 10 pm Friday, 8 am – 10 pm Saturday, 8 am – 9 pm Sunday

Optimist Hall is Charlotte`s largest food marketplace. If feeding a large group or wanting a location to both dine and socialize, Optimist Hall offers a lively atmosphere.

This food corridor is outfitted with over a dozen local food vendors. You can find everything from sushi to barbecue, to Indian street food and much more. Coffee shops, cocktail bars, and places for dessert can be found here, too. Optimist Hall even has places for games and events, and it’s situated right by the light rail!

Camp North End

A former industrial facility transformed into a thriving center of creativity.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (980) 337-4600 | Camp North End Website | Hours: 10 am – 10 pm daily

Camp North End was formerly an antique Ford assembly plant. But since it reopened to the general public in 2017, it’s become and carries on growing as a repurposed urban park. It’s filled with local eateries, shops and events, and workspaces. Camp North End is an area for public art.

Here, you can explore through gardens and natural landscapes. You can also take classes, and attend events like art exhibitions, farmer’s markets, and more. Overall, Camp North End is a unique, family-friendly place to spend an afternoon in Charlotte.

Lake Norman

Spend a sunny summer afternoon on Lake Norman near Charlotte.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (704) 987-3300 | Lake Norman Website | Entrance: Free, but activity passes may vary

Lake Norman is the largest artificial lake in North Carolina. It sits just north of Charlotte and makes for a perfect summer day trip outside the city. It’s a relatively warm lake, so it’s great for swimming, boating, and other water activities.

Lake Norman State Park provides an easy access point to the beach. It additionally includes hiking trails, campgrounds, and other outdoor activities.

🛎️ Need a Place to Stay? Check out Lake Norman lodging rentals.

Crowders Mountain State Park

Take a refreshing break in the city at this nearby state park, with eleven trails and sweeping views.

📍 Online Location Identifier | Phone: (704) 853-5375 | Crowders Mountain State Park Website | Hours: 8 am – 9 pm daily | Entrance: Free, but activity fees may vary

Crowders Mountain State Park is around one hour`s drive west of Charlotte. This state park possesses two mountain peaks that provide sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Numerous hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging can be found here. The Ridgeline Trail is a well-liked one and goes through two states.

This state park has locations for rock climbing, fishing, paddling, and more. It’s also a great natural area for birdwatching.

Catch a Sports Game

Purchase tickets to view major and minor league squads in the Queen City.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (704) 358-7000 | Panthers Website | Hours: Game times vary | Tickets: $20-$200+

For a small city, Charlotte has a strong love of sports. Two major professional teams call this city their home. The NFL’s Carolina Panthers play at Bank of America Stadium, and the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets play at Spectrum Center. The Charlotte Knights are another popular team that plays baseball at Truist Field (also known as BB&T Ballpark) in Uptown.

No matter the sport you enjoy, there`s a good chance you can catch a game while you’re in town!

Go Shopping

Shop to your heart`s content at one of Charlotte’s major shopping centers.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (704) 364-4411 | Website | Hours: Times of operations vary

Containing numerous hometown enterprises and several important malls as well as retailors, Charlotte constitutes an ideal place for an extravagant shopping excursion. Those partial to prominent brand names and luxury products can explore SouthPark Mall. Those seeking their trending and standard brand articles can browse Premium Outlets and Concord Mills. Additionally, an IKEA exists in northeast Charlotte.

Little Sugar Creek Greenway

Enjoy a peaceful walk along Charlotte’s growing and expansive greenway.

📍 Google Maps | Little Sugar Creek Greenway Website | Entrance: Free

Presently, Little Sugar Creek Greenway is an almost 10-mile urban trail. It winds alongside Little Sugar Creek and through natural areas, providing a refreshing green space for walking, running, and cycling. It connects significant Charlotte locations like Freedom Park, Central Piedmont Community College, and Park Road Shopping Center.

Upon completion, 19 miles of trail will extend from North Charlotte, through the core city, and down to the Carolina state boundary.

SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord

Allow your kids to have fun, explore, and discover all things related to sea life at this nearby aquarium.

📍 Google Maps location | Phone: (855) 450-0512 | SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord website | Hours: 11 am – 5 pm Monday – Thursday, 10 am – 5 pm Friday, 10 am – 6 pm Saturday, 12 pm – 5 pm Sunday | Admission price: $23 for adults, $20 for children | 👉 Sea Life Charlotte Concord Ticket

Located inside Concord Mills Mall just north of Charlotte is the SEA LIFE aquarium. This aquarium features 10 interactive sections and is the only ocean tunnel in North Carolina. You can expect to see sea creatures like sharks, turtles, stingrays, and thousands of fish.

If you have children, this is an ideal attraction for families in Charlotte. There are exhibits for the kids to learn about ocean life in creative and interactive ways. They can also get up close and personal with animals. And since it’s located in the mall, there’s a little something for everyone nearby.

McDowell Nature Preserve and Center

A peaceful, undeveloped natural area with paved paths for walking.

📍 The Google Maps location for McDowell Nature Preserve. Phone: (980) 314-1128. More information about McDowell Nature Preserve and Center on their website. Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Monday – Saturday, 1 pm – 5 pm Sunday. Entrance is free.

For those seeking an escape from the bustle of urban life, McDowell Nature Preserve makes a wonderful choice. Situated along the peaceful waters of Lake Wylie near the South Carolina border, its over one thousand acres boast easy walking tracks and are perfect for families and dog owners.

The McDowell Nature Center is also located here. It provides educational exhibits and programs, as well as live animals and a recreation area, making it a great activity to do in Charlotte with children.

Carolina Renaissance Festival

Transport yourself back to medieval times with games, reenactments, and more!

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (704) 896-5555 | Website with information about a Carolina Renaissance event | Entrance: $32 for ages 13+, $20 for ages 5-12

If you plan on visiting Charlotte in the fall, consider visiting the Carolina Renaissance Festival! This annual event will transport you into a medieval world of colorful characters, castles, and a whole lotta turkey legs.

The Carolina Renaissance Festival is a family-friendly event. You can expect reenactments and shows, as well as food, drinks, and arts and crafts. Dressing up is not mandatory, but definitely encouraged. Overall, it’s a fun and unique Charlotte attraction that’s sure to be memorable.

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FAQ About What to Do in Charlotte

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I hope you found this guide to the best activities in Charlotte helpful! Next up, see my guide to the top things to do in North Carolina!