10 Fun and Unique Things to Do in Charlotte, NC
Seeking unique things to do in Charlotte, NC? This list has got you covered. You can experience Charlotte like a local with some of these fun things to do!
The best thing about Charlotte is that it has something for everyone. It’s a popular destination for those traveling with children and for solo travelers! Some people even head here for special occasions like bachelorette parties and honeymoons.
No matter what brings you there, putting some of these things to do in Charlotte on your itinerary will ensure you experience the best that North Carolina has to offer.
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1. 7th Street Public Market
This food dining hall is one of the best activities in Charlotte, NC. While there are many places to eat and drink in Charlotte, the 7th Street Public Market is the best choice if you’re traveling with friends who all have different tastes.
You can wander around the market, and everyone can choose what they want to eat. Some of the best choices include crepes, cheese shops, cafes, and a famous sandwich shop.
There are also some healthy food options if you’re craving an acai bowl or smoothie. You can even order a charcuterie board for the table with fresh fruits, meats, and cheeses.
After eating, head to the wine bar for a glass or two. There’s also a craft beer bar where you can try local North Carolina beers as well as choices from all over the country.
7th Street Public Market is located at 224 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202. They’re open Monday and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2. National Whitewater Center
If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, the US National Whitewater Center is one of the best places to go in Charlotte. They have almost every outdoor sport you can think of, including ziplining, rock climbing, and white water rafting.
If you’re not so sure about adventure sports, no worries! They also have calmer activities like stand-up paddleboarding and yoga.
During some parts of the year, you can also catch a race or event. Check the calendar before heading there to see if they have anything special going on.
The National Whitewater Center is located at 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214. They’re open 24 hours a day. Ticket prices depend on the activity you choose. You can either buy a day pass for $75 or buy each activity separately starting from $27.
3. Old Mecklenburg Brewery
This brewery is one of the best things to do in Charlotte, NC, for those who like ice-cold beer. They have Mecktoberfest in October (similar to Germany’s Oktoberfest, and not to be missed). It’s a great place for Charlotte tourists and residents alike. You can party it up or just relax and have a beer.
The main attraction at the festival is the huge outdoor beer garden. It’s one of the best places to hang out in Charlotte when the weather is nice.
You can also take tours of the brewery and do a tasting flight to see which beer you want to order.
The brewery has events throughout the year, including amazing Christmas markets with local vendors and lights strung up all over the garden.
The Sunday morning brunch is also pretty popular. The menu is seasonal and changes every week.
Old Mecklenburg Brewery is located at 4150 Yancey Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217. They’re open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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Charlotte is well known for its art scene, and you won’t want to miss the Mint Museum of Art. There are many different collections, including ancient pieces and modern art, so there is something that should interest all art lovers.
There are rotating exhibits throughout the year where you can see special collections of American art, paintings, ceramics, and more. They also have a museum store where you can buy prints of the paintings and other cool souvenirs to remember your time in Charlotte.
There are two different locations: one in Uptown and one in Randolph. The one in Randolph is larger, but the one in Uptown sometimes has more events. You can check the website for events to choose the location right for you.
The Mint Museum of Art is one of the best things to do in Charlotte with kids since there are activities and art programs for children.
The Mint of Museum of Art Uptown location is located at 500 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202. They’re open Wednesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. They’re closed on Monday. Tickets are $15.
The Randolph location is at 2730 Randolph Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207. Prices and hours are the same as the Uptown location.
5. Billy Graham Library
The Billy Graham Library is one of the most famous attractions in Charlotte. The evangelical pastor was born in Charlotte, and this library was opened in his name. Charlotte has a long religious history, and this is a great place to learn more.
If you’re interested in the legacy of Billy Graham or Charlotte’s history with Christianity, this is an excellent place to check out. It has thousands of books, mostly manuscripts, and books on the Bible.
You can also tour Billy Graham’s house after you tour the library and the gardens.
The Billy Graham Library is at 4330 Westmont Dr, Charlotte, NC 28217. Tours start every 30 minutes and last an hour and a half. The last tour begins at 3:30 p.m. Admission is $11.
6. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
This should be at the top of your list when looking for what to do in Charlotte, NC. The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is 380 acres of stunning flora and fauna.
The gardens also have an educational center to learn about sustainable gardening and land conservation.
Each season has its events, from Christmas lighting ceremonies to summer children’s activities.
They also rent out certain spaces for events. It’s one of the top places in Charlotte for weddings and special ceremonies.
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is located at 6500 S New Hope Rd, Belmont, NC 28012. They are closed on Monday and Tuesday and open every other day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $14.95.
7. Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
With over 14,000 pieces, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is a must for art lovers visiting Charlotte. You’ll find this museum particularly interesting if you enjoy modern European and American Art.
There are pieces from some of the most famous artists in the world, including Picasso, Pollock, Warhol, and Matisse.
It’s also in the downtown area, so once you’re done visiting the museum, you can tour downtown, where you’ll find a number of cafes and bars.
The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is located at 420 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202. They’re open Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and open Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and closed on Tuesday.
8. First Ward Park
This is the place to go if you are looking for free things to do in Charlotte. It’s a great park right across the street from the 7th Street Public Market. In the summers, they often have live music and festivals.
There are nice walking paths where you can stroll and enjoy the beautiful North Carolina weather. They also have a few picnic areas if you want to bring a bite here to enjoy.
First Ward Park is located at 301 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202. They’re open every day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
9. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
If you feel like seeing a show while in Charlotte, check out the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. The center has three different places inside including the Belk Theater, the Stage Door Theater, and the Booth Playhouse.
It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Charlotte with kids because many of the live theater shows and dance performances are kid-friendly.
They also have adult comedy nights and shows like the Blue Man Group that are for an older audience.
The Blumenthal Performing Arts Center is located at 130 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, United States. You can see show times and prices here.
10. Lake Norman
If you want to get outside and enjoy the nice weather that Charlotte has during most of the year, you can head to Lake Normal just right outside Uptown. It’s one of the biggest man-made lakes in the Eastern United States.
There are plenty of watersports to try out including paddleboarding and jet skiing. You can also rent a boat for a few hours and enjoy the water with family and friends.
Around the entrance to the parking before you enter the lake, you’ll find plenty of places to rent pontoon boats, paddleboards, kayaks, and other things you might need for the lake.
Make sure to pack your swimsuit and sunscreen for a fun day out on the water.
You can find more information about getting to the lake and rentals here.
How to Get to Charlotte
Charlotte has an international airport (CLT). They have daily flights from domestic and international destinations and are one of the busiest airports in the country. The international terminal does not serve as many destinations as other airports in the state, though.
If you’re from an international destination, flying into Raleigh (RDU) might be cheaper. You can always check different flight prices and see which airport is cheaper for you.
Raleigh is a little further away from Charlotte, so you’ll need to rent a car. North Carolina is a beautiful state, especially in the fall, so road trips can be super scenic!
How to Get Around Charlotte
Charlotte has a public transportation system, but it doesn’t go to the suburbs. Some buses also only come every hour, so you can waste a lot of time trying to go from point A to point B.
Renting a car and driving is the best option for getting around the city. Uber, Lyft, and taxis are also readily available.
Charlotte is also a huge biking city. There are bike-sharing options all around the city. Check out Lime Bike or Charlotte Bicycle for locations and prices.
When to Visit Charlotte
Charlotte is a premier destination in the summer and holiday months. Hotel prices will be high then, and you’ll often encounter large crowds at the main Charlotte attractions.
Consider visiting Charlotte in March through May or September through November to avoid crowds and high prices.
The weather is also mild during these months, making it more enjoyable to be outdoors.
Best Places to Stay in Charlotte
Budget—Hampton Inn Charlotte: One of the best basic hotels in Charlotte. The rooms have comfortable beds and all the amenities you need. They have a nice outdoor pool along with a fitness center and a hot breakfast buffet.
Mid-range—The Westin Charlotte: This is one of the only dog-friendly hotels in Charlotte, making it an excellent choice for those bringing pets. The upgraded rooms have amazing views of the Charlotte skyline. There is a restaurant, lounge, and bar onsite. They also have a 24-hour gym with a pool.
Luxury—The Ballantyne Charlotte: For an elegant stay in Charlotte, this place is amazing. Each room has marble bathtubs and private balconies. You can also book a full suite with separate living areas and full kitchens. On-site, they have two pools, a fitness center, and a spa. If you’re traveling with a large group, you can also book a cottage with multiple bedrooms.
Best Restaurants in Charlotte
The Fig Tree Restaurant: This restaurant is in a restored little bungalow from 1913. Classic French and Italian dishes inspire the menu. All the ingredients are seasonal, so the menu changes every few months. They also have an extensive wine list.
Sea Level NC: Looking for fresh seafood while in Charlotte? This is the place to go. They also have all your favorite Southern dishes. Make sure to check out the daily oyster and raw bar menu. The cocktail menu is huge, and there is a pairing for everything.
BrickTop’s: This hot spot is famous for its prime rib and crab cakes. They also have a sushi menu with raw and vegetable choices. The cocktails are incredible. The restaurant is contemporary yet elegant, so it’s a great choice for a girls’ night out or an anniversary dinner.
The Best Things to Do in Charlotte, NC, Are Waiting For You!
There are plenty of unique things to do in Charlotte, NC, whether you’re visiting the city solo, as a couple, or as a family. Home to many museums and great restaurants, Charlotte is one of the best cities to visit in the South, no matter the season.
Are you planning a trip to Charlotte? Which activities on this list are you planning to do?
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