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Charlotte is a wonderful city in the breathtaking State of North Carolina. This gorgeous city was founded in 1768 and was named in honor of Charlotte of Mecklenburg. Charlotte of Mecklenburg was the wife of King George III. Charlotte is a major city and commercial hub of not only North Carolina but also home to beautiful destinations, attractions and landmarks. There are various museums that you can visit while in this city. If you are an art enthusiast, you can visit various museums such as Latin American Contemporary Arts Projects, Bechtler Museum of Modern art and the Mint Museum.
Are you a history buff? Well, there are great destinations such as The Charlotte Museum of History and Historic Rosedale Plantation that you can visit to get detailed information about the city. Further, there are various markets in the city that you can visit to buy local souvenirs, meet the locals and better understand the region’s culture. If you want to test your adrenaline, there is an excellent place in Charlotte with themed rides that you can visit.
This stunning city is also blessed with amazing parks that you can visit and relax in. Furthermore, there are tranquil gardens that you can visit to cool off your mind while listening to birds sing and learn more about plants in the region. If you are interested in taking on water-related activities, this city has great places you can visit.
Charlotte covers an estimated 771 square kilometers, and its elevation is 232 meters. The number of people residing in this city is estimated to be 873,570 as per the 2020 data. The area code for this city is 704. There are various places and things to do in Charlotte. Here are ten of our choices for the best things to do in Charlotte, North Carolina.
# 10 – 7th Street Public Market
We open up our 10 Best Things to Do in Charlotte, North Carolina list with a legendary public market that is one of our favorite places to shop for food in Charlotte, North Carolina.The 7th Street Public Market is an indoor marketplace, and it is located half a mile from the city center.
During your visit to this destination, you will find multiple vendors selling their homegrown produce. You will find vendors selling items produced locally, such as fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, baked goods, wine, flowers and many more. Moreover, there are various joints that you can visit when you are hungry to catch a bite of the local and traditional delicacies. The market is open daily at different times.
Address: 224 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Official Website – https://themarketat7thstreet.com/
# 9 – Discovery Place Science
There are various destinations in Charlotte, North Carolina, that you can visit with your kid to have a great time. One of the destinations suitable for family interactions is Discovery Place Science. The destination covers various scientific concepts such as physics and earth science through the interactive, hands-on exhibits that you will find in this science museum. There are live animals, including free-flying butterflies and other insects, that will give you the opportunity to get close to nature during your visit.
This scientific museum features multiple great items that will engage your kids’ imaginations and help in curing their curiosity. Furthermore, you will get a chance to travel and explore space, the natural world and even understand the human body by traveling inside it when you stop at the IMAX Theater. The Discovery Place is open between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays open from noon to 5 p.m. There are multiple Discovery Place Museums throughout the city.
Address: 301 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Website: https://www.discoveryplace.org/
# 8 – The Charlotte Museum of History
The Charlotte Museum of History is a great place to visit if you are a history buff. Visiting this museum will give you an insight into the history of the region and its significance in the United States. During your visit to this museum, you will find multiple historic structures, the oldest being a 5,000-square-foot rock house that belonged to Hezekiah Alexender and was built in 1774. Additionally, there are galleries and documents depicting this region’s history from the 18th to 20th centuries that you will find during your visit. There are guided tours in this museum daily, and it is open from Tuesday to Sunday.
Address: 3500 Shamrock Dr, Charlotte, NC 28215
Website: https://charlottemuseum.org/
# 7 – Carowinds
Are you looking for an adrenaline rush? Well, this city is a great place for you if you want some thrills and chills. Carowinds is a beautiful amusement park with various activities, covering a massive area of up to 407 acres. Additionally, this theme park is an excellent destination in Charlotte, North Carolina, worth visiting as a family with kids to have fun. You will find and get a chance to ride the more than 60 breathtaking rides in the park. Located within this amusement park are amazing Water Park and live entertainment.
The world’s largest and fastest Giga coaster, the Fury 325, is also found in this amusement park. You will get a chance to ride the 325-foot-tall roller coaster during your visit. Moreover, the rides in this park are suitable for all ages. Children can visit the wave pools. If you have pets, you can keep them in a pet kennel in the amusement park. Apart from the roller coasters, water rides and stage shows, this amusement park is an excellent place to get-togethers with family and friends.
Address: 14523 Carowinds Blvd in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Website: https://www.carowinds.com/
# 6 – Lake Norman
Continuing with our top ten list is a visit to Lake Norman. This lake is another great destination if you want to spend some time outdoors in the region. Lake Morman is an incredible man-made lake and a great place in the city that you can visit with kids. This lake is around 34 miles long and covers an estimated area of 129 square kilometers, making it one of the largest man-made lakes in the Carolinas. There are multiple water-related activities such as boating, fishing, kayaking, paddle-boarding and many more that you can take on during your visit.
There are multiple fish species that call this lake home. Some fish species you will get a chance to see when you go fishing in Lake Norman include bullhead, perch, bluegills, trout, walleye, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, channel catfish, striped and white bass and black crappie. Last, amazing trails around this lake are suitable for activities such as hiking and biking.
Website: https://www.visitlakenorman.org/things-to-do/
# 5 – U.S. National Whitewater Center
This is another great destination that you should never fail to visit if you want to spend some time outdoors. Additionally, this center is an excellent destination to visit as a family. The U.S. National Whitewater Center covers an estimated 1,300 acres along the Catawba River. You can take on various activities during your visit to the facility, both land and water. Moreover, you will be able to learn rafting, and if you know, you can test your rafting skills here, depending on your skill level. There are experienced guides that will help you while you are rafting.
There are multiple water-related activities that you can take on during your visit to U.S. National Whitewater Center. They include kayaking, canoeing, paddle-boarding, and even whitewater rafting. The kayaking activities are available for both flatwater and whitewater. Further, you can also take on many activities if you prefer to stay dry. There are more than 40 miles of trails in the U.S. National Whitewater Center that you can use for hiking, mountain biking and even trail running. Activities such as rock climbing and zip-lining are also common in U.S. National Whitewater Center.
The admission fee is 59 for anybody older than ten years. Children 9 years and below pay $48. You will also have to pay for activities such as mountain biking, which costs $25, and whitewater rafting which costs $89. Furthermore, there is a restaurant in the center that you can visit to catch a bite if you are hungry. U.S. National Whitewater Center is at 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Address: 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214
Official site: https://usnwc.org
# 4 – Freedom Park
This park is a great place to visit, especially if you want to relax outdoors in the afternoons. Apart from being a great family-friendly destination, this park is an excellent place to visit if you want to stay away from the noisy environment in the city. Freedom Park covers an estimated area of around 100 acres, located at 1900 East Boulevard in Charlotte, North Carolina. There are several amenities such as tennis, volleyball and basketball courts. Additionally, there are two playgrounds and the NFL Play360 KidZone that the young can use to play during your visit. The park also has amazing outdoor shelters with grills that you can use for picnics. The park also has paths you can use for biking, jogging or even walking. Various concerts and performances, formal and informal, take place in this park during various times of the year.
Address: 1908 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
Website: https://www.charlottesgotalot.com/things-to-do/outdoors-adventure/freedom-park
# 3 – UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens
If you are an outdoor enthusiast who loves nature, then this city is a great place for you to visit. Visiting UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens will give you an opportunity to learn more about plant species in the region. Additionally, UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens is a great place you can visit with kids. These botanical gardens are divided into various distinct areas. The distinct areas are the 7-acre Van Landingham Glen, which has been around since 1966. During your visit to this area, you will find over 900 species of indigenous trees, wildflowers and shrubs. You will also find over 50 species of ferns.
The Susie Harwood Garden covers an estimated area of 3 acres. You will find a collection of dwarf planets such as Japanese maples, shrub vines and many more. Further, you will find plants from different environments when you visit the 4000-square feet McMillan Greenhouse. Apart from the variety of plants, shrubs, ornamental plants, and many more, UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens is well-maintained. Some of the activities at UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens include guided group tours, workshops and many more.
Address: 9090 Craver Rd, Charlotte, NC 28262
Website: https://gardens.charlotte.edu/
# 2 – The Mint Museum
Are you an art enthusiast? Well, there is something for you in this beautiful city. During your trip to Charlotte, North Carolina, you should never fail to visit The Mint Museum. This museum is home to amazing collections of works and exhibitions of a kind. Both the collection of works and exhibitions are housed at two different locations, namely The Mint Museum Uptown, which is located at 500 South Tyron Street, and The Mint Museum Randolph, which is situated at 2730 Randolph Road.
You will find breathtaking collections of arts, including European, African, ancient American, ceramics and decorative arts, during your visit to the Mint Randolph. Further, a visit to the Mint Museum Uptown will give you a chance to view remarkable collections of art, including American, European and contemporary. You will also find craft and design exhibitions that are known globally while visiting the Uptown location.
The Federal portraiture, 19th-century landscape painting, and over 2,500 works of art from the civilizations of the ancient Americas are some of the items that you will find in the American art collection during your visit. Besides, The Mint Museums houses one of the largest collections in the United States. You will get something that interests you each time you visit this museum since the exhibitions there change regularly. Moreover, there are special presentations and exhibits that take place during the entire year. Therefore, you are assured of catching one.
Address: 2730 Randolph Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207
Official site: https://mintmuseum.org/
# 1 – Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary
Charlotte, North Carolina, is blessed with multiple attractions and destinations you can visit as an outdoor enthusiast. One of the great destinations in Charlotte, North Carolina, that visiting will make the trip memorable is Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary. The Gardens and Bird Sanctuary was established by Elizabeth and Edwin Clarkson in 1927. This destination is a great place to visit as a family. Additionally, the destination is a great spot to visit if you want to enjoy some quiet time alone and away from the noisy city atmosphere.
While visiting Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary, you will find well-maintained gardens. You will find ornamental trees, shrubs, sculptures and many more. Further, you will also get to see more than 150 bird species nest there. The destination is very tranquil, and visiting will give you a chance to cool your mind while also listening to the birds chirping and singing. There are also various flowers around this destination, making it a great place for photography. Moreover, you will also find a statue of Saint Fiacre and a beautifully preserved English sundial that has been in place since the early 1700s.
Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary is open all year round.
Address: 248 Ridgewood Avenue in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Website: https://winghavengardens.org/
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