5 North Carolina Tourist Spots I Tried to Hate (But Ended Up Loving)

Most of the must-see attractions in North Carolina get erroneously dubbed as “tourist traps,” and it’s my least favorite phrase ever. The most popular spots in North Carolina are popular for a reason, be it a viewpoint, a historical factor, or something else. Some of the most popular places to visit have rightfully earned their gold place medals, and I genuinely believe you should add them to your itinerary when you visit North Carolina. 

Blue Ridge Parkway

Perhaps one of the most scenic drives in America, the Blue Ridge Parkway stretches for 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains, connecting Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park with North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I’m a huge fan of scenic drives, so naturally, the Blue Ridge Parkway sold me before I even had the opportunity to drive it. While the parkway certainly is one of the best places to see the fall foliage in North Carolina, this is a beautiful drive year-round. There are countless places to pull over and admire the view, or tackle a hiking trail that leads you through the trees and then opens up to sweeping vista views where you feel like you’re the only one around.

Grandfather Mountain

As you’re driving down the Blue Ridge Parkway, Grandfather Mountain is a must-see. Grandfather Mountain State Park offers 13 miles of hiking trails, ranging from short and sweet to seriously strenuous, plus endless wildlife watching opportunities. If you’re not scared of heights, the Mile-High Swinging Bridge is one of my favorite attractions in North Carolina. The 228-foot suspension bridge at the mountain’s summit offers a mind-blowing 360-degree view.

Kill Devil Hills

Sitting pretty on the Outer Banks, Kill Devil Hills is a small town in North Carolina with fewer than 8,000 residents. This coastal town is best known for being the site of the Wright Brothers' first powered airplane flights in 1903. Kill Devil Hills is also a popular beach destination during the summertime and offers plenty of outdoor adventures, including surfing and fishing. Of course, relaxing on the beach and listening to the waves crash onto the shore is one of my favorite things to do in Kill Devil Hills. 

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Perhaps one of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse attracts thousands of visitors every year. The original lighthouse was built in 1803 and has undergone a few facelifts in its day, and today, the one we have today was lit for the first time in 1870. Those iconic black and white stripes were added in 1873, and today the 210-foot-tall structure is the tallest lighthouse in the United States. It’s currently undergoing another restoration effort and will be open for climbing in the summer of 2026, but you can still visit it and snap your own photo to add to your collection. Try to time your visit around sunset!

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

From leaf peeping in the fall to wildflowers and waterfalls in the spring, there’s always something to see at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Since it’s the most-visited national park in America, you’ll want to be strategic with your visit to escape the bulk of the crowds. I find early morning to be the most quiet, but honestly, you can always find a secluded spot in the park’s 500,000 acres. Even if you just have one day to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you can make the most out of it. 

How many of these Tar Heel destinations have you visited? Try planning your own trip to one of these must-see attractions in North Carolina using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.