Discover the Queen City: 25 Fun Things To Do in Charlotte

Planning an upcoming visit to the Queen City? As the largest city in North Carolina, Charlotte offers a wide range of entertainment, culture, adventures and delicious Southern cuisine. Whether you’re a craft beer connoisseur or an outdoor enthusiast, you’re sure to find something in Charlotte that appeals to your interests. 

Read on to discover fun things to do in Charlotte to add to your Queen City itinerary. 

Entertainment and Attractions

Whether you’re interested in sports, music or just want to have a good time, you won’t run out of Charlotte attractions and entertainment to enjoy during your visit. 

1. Attend a Local Sporting Event

With major league football, basketball and soccer teams, in addition to several minor league teams, you’re sure to find a Charlotte sports event in the city no matter when you visit. Whether you choose to cheer on the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium or the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center, you’re sure to have a blast repping the Queen City. 

2. Ride Roller Coasters at Carowinds

Location: 14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273

Time needed: ½ day to a full day

Price: Daily tickets start at $39.99

Looking for an adrenaline rush? Located just 30 minutes from the center of Charlotte, Carowinds is an award-winning amusement park with thrilling rides and roller coasters. Visit in the Fall to experience SCarowinds or around Christmastime for WinterFest. 

3. Visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame

Location: 400 East Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28202

Time needed: 2-3 hours 

Price: $27 for adult admission

Charlotte is home to the renowned NASCAR Hall of Fame. Here, you can learn about the history of the sport through interesting stories and interactive experiences. You can even test your skills behind the wheel of a racing simulator. All in all, the museum is a must-visit for NASCAR fans. 

4. Listen to Live Music 

If you’re looking to listen to live music in Charlotte, you won’t have to search very hard. From the outdoor PNC Music Pavilion to the collection of unique venues at the Music Factory, there’s always a show to attend in Charlotte.

5. Go Whitewater Rafting at the USNWC

Location: 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway Charlotte, NC 28214

Time needed: Varies by activity 

Price: Varies by activity; Parking is $5

The US National Whitewater Center is a sprawling, 1,300-acre haven for outdoor lovers and adventurers. From whitewater rafting and ziplining to high ropes courses and rock climbing, there’s a variety of adrenaline-inducing activities to choose from. 

After a day of testing your skills, stay in the evening to listen to live music during River Jam on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from May through September.  

Food and Drink 

From delicious Southern cuisine to the many breweries, foodies and beer-lovers alike will love exploring Charlotte's vibrant food and drink scene. 

6. Have Lunch at Optimist Hall

Location: 1115 N. Brevard St., Charlotte, NC 28206

Time needed: 1-2 hours

Price: Varies by food stall

A food hall with over 25 food stalls to choose from, Optimist Hall is a must-visit for foodies. Local favorites here include Suarez Bakery, Harriet’s Hamburgers, Boxcar Bettys and The Dumpling Lady. 

7. Grab a Beer at The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery 

Location: 4150 Yancey Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217

Time needed: 1-2 hours

Price: Approximately $10

While Charlotte has over 75 breweries to choose from, The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery (OMB for short) is probably the most iconic one in the area. As Charlotte's oldest brewery, it features a 60-barrel production brewery, with food at the Bierhalle and a Munich-inspired biergarten outside. 

Tip: Interested in visiting more than one brewery? Consider taking a Charlotte Brewery Crawl Tour with a local guide. 

8. Get Ice Cream at the Golden Cow Creamery

Location: Shops in Uptown, South End and South Park 

Time needed: 10-30 minutes 

Price: Approximately $5

While there are many places to get ice cream around Charlotte, the Golden Cow Creamery is a local favorite. A family-owned shop, they offer an ever-changing menu of small-batch ice cream flavors with three locations in Uptown, South End and South Park. 

9. Visit a Nearby Vineyard

Time needed: 3-6 hours

Price: Varies by winery but typically around $30 per person for a tasting 

Prefer wine over beer? Lucky for you, there are a variety of vineyards located not too far from the city. Veronét Vineyards & Winery is a popular choice since it’s only a 40-minute drive away. If you’re willing to venture further away, Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery makes you feel like you’re in Tuscany with incredible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

10. Try Delicious Southern Cooking 

Time needed: 1-2 hours 

Price: Varies by restaurant 

Charlotte has quite a few options for Southern cuisine. Haberdish, located in the NoDa neighborhood, is known for its craft cocktails and elevated comfort food. Leah and Louise is another great option for serving up locally sourced soul food. If you’re looking to splurge on a nice meal, Supperland is a renowned Southern steakhouse located in a restored church.  

Outdoors

Charlotte is a great city to visit if you love the outdoors due to its location in the Piedmont region near the Catawba River and Lake Norman. Whether you prefer to hike to mountain peaks or lounge by the lake, Charlotte offers a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy. 

11. Enjoy a Boat Day on Lake Norman

Location: The marina is located at 6965 NC-150, Sherrills Ford, NC 28673

Time needed: 4-6 hours

Price: Pontoon boat rentals typically run between $75 and $150 per hours 

If you’re wondering what to do in Charlotte on a warm, sunny day, look no further than Lake Norman. Situated roughly 20 miles from the city, Lake Norman is the largest human-made lake in North Carolina. 

Spend your day taking a pontoon boat out for a relaxing cruise or experiencing the thrill of jet skiing across the water. For those who prefer to stay on land, you can hike the trails of Lake Norman State Park or grab a drink at a lakefront bar and grille. 

12. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

Location: 6500 S New Hope Rd, Belmont, NC 28012

Time needed: 1-3 hours

Price: $16.95 per adult

The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, located nearby in Belmont, NC, encompasses 380 acres of lakeside walking trails, wooded areas and spectacular gardens. The gardens are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday through Sunday. 

13. Go Hiking at Crowders Mountain 

Location: 522 Park Office Ln, Gastonia, NC 28052

Time needed: 2-3 hours

Price: Free

Situated 30 minutes from Charlotte, Crowders Mountain State Park is a popular hiking spot offering incredible views of the city and surrounding landscapes. The mountain boasts two peaks, and there are a variety of trails to choose from based on duration and difficulty level. 

14. Pick Fresh Produce at Carrigan Farms

Location: 1261 Oakridge Farm Hwy, Mooresville, NC 28115

Price: Varies by activity 

Carrigan Farms is a family-owned farm located in Mooresville, NC, roughly 35 minutes north of Charlotte. Depending on the season, you can visit the farm and pick strawberries, apples or pumpkins. 

During the summer season, visitors can swim in the natural quarry located on the property to cool off from the heat. During open swim, you can also fish in the farm ponds or enjoy farm-fresh favorites at the restaurant. Meanwhile, in October, the property transforms into “Scarrigan Farms” with a spooky haunted trail full of thrills and chills. 

15. Walk the Little Sugar Creek Greenway

Location: Brandywine Road, Charlotte, NC 28209

Time needed: 1-2 hours 

Price: Free

Stretching almost four miles from Brandywine Road to 7th Street, walking the Little Sugar Creek Greenway is the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors while staying within city limits. The walking path even runs past Freedom Park and the Metropolitan area so you can explore the park or do some shopping on the way. 

Arts and Culture

The Queen City boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene that’s continuing to grow. From local artwork to the performing arts, here are some cool things to do in Charlotte for art enthusiasts.

16. Admire Art at the Mint Museum 

Location: Locations in Uptown and Randolph Road

Time needed: 2-3 hours 

Price: $15 for adults

The Mint Museum is North Carolina’s first art museum, with two locations in Uptown and Randolph Road. The Uptown location focuses on American and contemporary art, while the Randolph location highlights European, African and decorative artwork. Both museums display traveling exhibitions as well as permanent collections.  

Note: If you're looking for free things to do in Charlotte, keep in mind that the Mint Museum offers free admission from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays. 

17. Catch a Show at Belk Theater 

Location: 130 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Price: Varies by show

Why not catch a show at Belk Theater while you’re in town? This performing arts center showcases a variety of concerts and theater performances. Examples of shows the theater has put on include Hairspray, Mama Mia!, The Lion King and Hamilton. 

18. See Victorian Architecture at Fourth Ward

Location: 301 N Poplar St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Time needed: 1-2 hours 

Price: Free

Fourth Ward is a historic neighborhood in Uptown Charlotte that is home to grand Victorian homes. Today, you can download the self-walking tour and stroll through the neighborhood while learning about the history of each Victorian in the district.   

19. See Local Murals

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Charlotte boasts several fun and unique murals across the city. From the iconic heart wall in South End to the mural of a group of people at Jack Beagle’s in NoDa, looking at murals is a great way to discover the culture of the city. 

20. Bechtler Museum of Modern Art

Location: 420 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

Time needed: 2-3 hours

Price: Adult tickets are $9

The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, located in Uptown, celebrated American and European modern art. The museum started from the collection of the Bechtler family, who were originally from Zurich, Switzerland. Adult tickets are only $9, and this museum also offers free admission from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays. 

Kid-friendly

Bringing your children along for the adventure? Here are a few of the best things to do in Charlotte with kids.

21. Explore Discovery Place Science

Location: 168 W 6th St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Time needed: 3-6 hours 

Price: Adult tickets are $23

Discovery Place Science combines educational activities and pure fun to spark your kids’ interest in science. Here, children can experience interactive exhibitions, watch live shows, see IMAX movies and perform experiments in the lab. Admission ranges from $18 to $29 depending on age. 

Tip: Buy your tickets online instead of at the door for cheaper prices. 

22. Feed Animals at the Lazy 5 Ranch

Location: 15100 Mooresville Rd, Mooresville, NC 28115

Time needed: 2-4 hours

Price: Adult admission is $15 per person; Cash only

Kids and adults alike will have a blast feeding the animals at Lazy 5 Ranch. Located 45 minutes from Charlotte, Lazy 5 Ranch is a family operated drive-through safari with a variety of animals, including giraffes, cattle, sheep, goats, kangaroos, camels and llamas. 

23. Discover Marine Wildlife at SEA LIFE Charlotte

Location: 8111 Concord Mills Boulevard, Concord, NC 28027

Time needed: 1.5 to 3 hours

Price: Starts at $15.99 per child and $18.99 per adult

At SEA LIFE® Aquarium, your family can get up close and personal with various marine life species, including sharks, turtles and stingrays. In fact, this aquarium boasts a 180-degree ocean tunnel, so you can admire the sea creatures as they swim above you. Admission tickets start at $15.99 per child and $18.99 per adult. 

24. Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Location: Two parks in north and south Charlotte

Time needed: 90 minutes to all day

Price: Tickets start at $25.99

Do your kids need to blow off some energy? Head to Sky Zone Trampoline Park where you can jump, bounce and spin with the whole family. You can buy passes for 90 minutes up to the whole day. 

25. Have a Picnic in Freedom Park

Location: 1908 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203

Time needed: 1-2 hours

Price: Free

Freedom Park is the perfect place to have a picnic and spend some quality family time in Charlotte. With its playground, pond and tennis courts, it’s highly regarded as one of the best parks in Charlotte. 

Plan Your Visit To Charlotte With AAA

Need more Charlotte activities to add to your itinerary? AAA Travel can help you plan the perfect getaway to the Queen City. Plus, you can use your AAA Membership to save on hotels, restaurants, rental cars and more.