4 Overhyped North Carolina Places That Look Better Online Than in Real Life

We’ve all been there. You head out on vacation, looking forward to a specific spot that you came across on Instagram, only to be disappointed. Whether it was an iconic landmark like the Grand Canyon or the best burger in New York City, countless things and places look better online than in real life.

After traveling the Tar Heel State for over 30 years, I felt disappointed by these destinations. From the tallest sand dune on the East Coast to one of America’s most-visited estates, here are a few overhyped destinations in North Carolina that you might want to skip.

Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Despite its title as the tallest living sand dune on the East Coast, Jockey’s Ridge State Park is a bit of an overhyped destination in North Carolina, in my opinion. I stopped here on a recent road trip to the Outer Banks, lured by the promise of a tower of sand. What we found was what more resembled a giant pile of dirt, surrounded by tacky tchotchke shops.

If you have the time and happen to be driving past, you might find it worth your while to climb this up-to-100-foot-tall dune (it changes depending on the season and wind). What I do recommend is taking a traipse around the forested trails of Jockey’s Ridge State Park. This is also the terminus of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, a 1,175-mile trek that starts in the Appalachian Mountains.

Hatteras

Known for having the tallest lighthouse in North Carolina, Hatteras is a beloved vacation spot for many, which I found to be disappointing. Maybe it was because the iconic lighthouse was shrouded in scaffolding for an ongoing construction project, or maybe it was the derelict houses and businesses that seemed to be scattered about, but I just wasn’t impressed with this Outer Banks town. Compared to my beloved Emerald Isle and Ocracoke, something felt lackluster about Hatteras.

If you do find yourself in town and you’re looking for something good to eat, I can report that one of the best pastries in North Carolina is just down the road in Buxton. Keep following Highway 12 and you’ll also run into the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, which is one of the most beautiful spots in the OBX, in my opinion.

Asheville

I’ve visited Asheville about five times, and while it has a special place in my heart, I think it is a bit overhyped. While there are indeed delicious restaurants and endless breweries to explore, the “Land of the Sky” is often overrun by crowds. Bachelor and bachelorette parties choke the bars, traffic clogs the streets, and it seems like black bears are around every corner. While Instagram touts gorgeous mountain views and foodie hot spots, give me Blowing Rock or Boone any day over the hustle and bustle of Asheville!

Biltmore Estate

Speaking of Asheville, America’s largest personal estate calls the area home, tucked on the outskirts of town. This sprawling mansion sits on 8,000 acres and is also home to the most-visited vineyard in the United States. As you might imagine, the Biltmore Estate draws in millions of visitors a year — and it can get crowded. In fact, the experience feels more Disney than historic at times, with rushed tours and throngs of guests crowding every corner of the property. 

Still, it is possible to visit the Biltmore with fewer other visitors. Come on a weekday in the off-season (generally spring and fall) and you’ll be rewarded with empty rooms and extra attention from the guides. 

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.