The Best Places to Vacation in North Carolina

North Carolina has long been one of America's favorite vacation destinations for tourists and families. From the over 100 miles of beaches running along the eastern Outer Banks and Atlantic Ocean to the beautiful peaks of the Great Smokey Mountains in the western half of the state covered in smoke, there is something for everyone to enjoy in North Carolina.

North Carolina is the sixth most visited state in the United States according to AAA.com and has more than just the beautiful natural outdoors to offer when you visit. You will also find amusement parks, historical sites, museums, sports events and a lot more when you visit North Carolina. Once you visit the Tar Heel State you'll know why visitors keep coming back year after year.

The Outer Banks and Atlantic Coast -

A visit to North Carolina's Outer Banks and Atlantic Coast region will give tourists over 100 miles of beaches along the Atlantic Ocean where you can enjoy swimming, surfing and beach fun. Besides enjoying beach activities, the Outer Banks is most famous for being the location of the Wright Brothers first airplane flight. You will find a museum and memorial to the historic event at Manteo, North Carolina.

You can also spend time at the memorial to the first American colony on Roanoke Island that was settled by the earliest English settlers in 1585 and disappeared sometime before 1587. You will also find a memorial to the first child born in America, Virginia Dare. You will also find memorial to the notorious pirate Blackbeard where he died in Ocracoke. If enjoying the outdoors is what you're looking for on vacation you will find plenty of camping areas along the Outer Banks, ghost towns, beautiful gardens all along the Atlantic Ocean and activities for the whole family.

Hot Springs -

Located 40 miles outside of Asheville, Hot Springs is a historic town located deep in the Pisgah National Forest. For over 100 years Hot Springs has been a favorite vacation spot with tourists and people looking for a quiet place to recuperate. Hot Springs is famous for the hot mineral springs that flow from Spring Creek and the French Broad River and the healing powers the springs generate.

If you're looking for a relaxing day try the Hot Springs Resort and Spa for a message and a few hours in a hot tub on the banks of the French Broad River. You can also find several other message therapists in town who offer their services in a quiet country setting. Once you're feeling relaxed be sure to take in the beautiful scenery surrounding the town with canoing or rafting trip, hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains or horseback riding.

Charlotte -

Charlotte, North Carolina has quickly become the hot spot for tourists vacationing in the state. The city offers family friendly vacations and vacations for travelers looking for fun and excitement, plus Casinos for gamblers. EpiCenter, the new downtown hot spot, is the best place to take in a show, visit night clubs, go shopping at numerous name brand stores and boutiques and enjoy nightly entertainment.

If you're looking for family friendly vacation spots try the Discovery Place Renovations which offers hands-on activities for kids, science labs, aquarium and a 3-D theater. You can also visit the Wells Fargo Cultural Center for fine arts and classical entertainment. If you are a fan of NASCAR stop in to the NASCAR Hall of Fame to see pictures, cars and trophies from your favorite NASCAR driver.

The Appalachian Mountains -

Voted the biggest attraction of all National Park's attractions, The Blue Ridge Mountains hosts over 20 millions visitors yearly and offers plenty of activities for families, hikers and explorers along the Appalachian Trail. Covering the entire Eastern half of the United States the mountains stretch out from Georgia to Maine and has many places where you can hop on and get off along the way.

There are plenty of places to camp along the trail and places to step off the trail for scenic nature walks. If you have the time and energy you can walk all 88 miles of North Carolina's portion of the trail and sign the register at various rest areas along the way.