Best 11 Things to Do in Charlotte NC

Charlotte, North Carolina is a city steeped in history, with numerous landmarks and historical sites to explore. The Charlotte Museum of History provides visitors with an overview of the city's past, from its early days to the present.

Independence Square in Uptown Charlotte features the Old Charlotte Courthouse and the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence monument. The Levine Museum of the New South offers a glimpse into the post-Civil War era in the South, while the Hezekiah Alexander Homesite showcases the city's colonial roots.

Charlotte, North Carolina is known for its delicious southern barbecue, with many popular restaurants and eateries serving up mouth-watering dishes. Some of the most famous spots for barbecue in the city include Mac's Speed Shop, Midwood Smokehouse, and Sweet Lew's BBQ.

These restaurants offer a range of traditional barbecue dishes, including pulled pork, brisket, ribs, and chicken, as well as a variety of sides such as mac and cheese, collard greens, and baked beans. Whether you're a local or a visitor, trying out some of Charlotte's southern barbecue is a must-do experience for foodies and barbecue lovers alike.

While Charlotte, North Carolina is located inland, there are still opportunities to take a cruise and enjoy the waterways surrounding the city. One popular option is the Catawba Queen, a Mississippi-style paddlewheel boat that offers sightseeing tours on Lake Norman.

Passengers can enjoy stunning views of the lake's natural beauty, including its clear waters and forested shoreline. Another option is the Queen City Water Ferry, which operates on the Catawba River and provides transportation between several popular destinations in the city, including the U.S.

Charlotte, North Carolina is a hub for NASCAR racing, and there are several opportunities to experience the thrill of high-speed racing firsthand. The Charlotte Motor Speedway offers a range of experiences, from ride-along with professional drivers to drive your own car on the track.

Visitors can also take a tour of the speedway and visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame, which features interactive exhibits and displays on the history of the sport. For those who want to try their hand at racing, the Victory Lane Karting facility offers indoor go-kart racing on a professional-grade track.

Charlotte, North Carolina has a vibrant arts scene with a variety of options for visitors and locals to enjoy. The Mint Museum is a must-visit for art enthusiasts, with two locations featuring collections of American art, contemporary art, and craft and design.

The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art offers a diverse collection of 20th-century modern art, with works by artists such as Picasso, Warhol, and Calder. For live performances, the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center hosts a range of shows, from Broadway musicals to symphony concerts.

Charlotte, North Carolina is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with dozens of breweries and taprooms offering a wide variety of locally-made brews. Some of the most popular breweries include NoDa Brewing Company, Birdsong Brewing Co., and Sycamore Brewing.

Visitors can enjoy a range of styles, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, and even sour beers and ciders. Many breweries also offer tours, tastings, and events, making for a fun and educational experience for beer enthusiasts. In addition to the breweries themselves, there are also several craft beer bars and restaurants throughout the city.

If you're looking to hit the rapids in Charlotte, North Carolina, the U.S. National Whitewater Center is the perfect destination for you!

Located just outside of Charlotte, the U.S. National Whitewater Center offers a variety of whitewater experiences, including rafting, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. The center has multiple river channels with different levels of difficulty, ranging from class II to class IV rapids.

Charlotte, North Carolina offers several water park options for individuals and families looking to cool off during the hot summer months. The Great Wolf Lodge is an indoor water park that boasts over 80,000 square feet of water attractions, including water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools, as well as additional amenities such as an arcade and spa.

Carolina Harbor at Carowinds is an outdoor water park located at the Carowinds amusement park, offering a variety of water attractions such as water slides, lazy rivers, and cabanas.

Charlotte, North Carolina offers various opportunities to explore the natural beauty. The city is home to a few beautiful parks, including Freedom Park, which has a lake, playground, sports facilities, and picnic areas. The Latta Plantation Nature Center and Preserve offer hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and horseback riding opportunities.

The McDowell Nature Center and Preserve features nature trails, a nature center, and wildlife viewing, as well as the possibility of kayaking and fishing in Lake Wylie. The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is another place to visit, featuring different gardens and plants in a peaceful setting. Additionally, the U.S.

Charlotte, North Carolina offers many options for a night out. Visitors can enjoy live music at venues such as the Neighborhood Theatre, the Evening Muse, and the Visulite Theatre, which host a variety of performances from local and national artists.

Comedy clubs such as the Comedy Zone and The Comedy Zone Fort Mill offer a fun and entertaining night. Bars and restaurants such as the Rooftop 210, The Cotton Room at Belfast Mill, and the Hoppin' bar provide different atmospheres and drinks to suit different tastes.

Merchant and Trade is a rooftop bar located in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, that offers visitors the chance to savor delicious cuisine in a beautiful setting.

The bar features a wide selection of cocktails, wine, and beer, as well as a menu of small plates and entrees that showcase the region's ingredients and flavors. Guests can indulge in dishes such as tuna poke, crispy Brussels sprouts, and grilled hanger steak while enjoying panoramic views of the Charlotte skyline.