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Top Things to Do in North Carolina

We compared all 72 experiences in North Carolina so you can choose in minutes — real prices, verified reviews and our editorial picks.

4.8 72 experiences from US$ 5 Free cancellation on most experiences
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Outer Banks: Wild Horse 4WD Tour & Corolla Beach Access
Outer Banks: Wild Horse 4WD Tour & Corolla Beach Access★★★★★★★★★★ 4.80 (2,830)2hYou’ll ride through Corolla’s dunes in an open-air 4WD truck with a local guide who knows every story behind these wild horses. Feel the ocean breeze, spot mustangs up close inside the conservation area, and share laughs with your group along the way. It’s two hours that’ll stick with you long after you’ve brushed off the sand.Free cancellationTravelers' pickMost bookedfromUS$ 65View ›
Asheville Ghost Tour: Downtown Walking & Dark History
Asheville Ghost Tour: Downtown Walking & Dark History★★★★★★★★★★ 4.68 (2,144)2hYou walk downtown Asheville at night with a local guide who covers five major sites tied to the city's darker history: a suicide, a murder, Civil War ghosts, and the spirits of Thomas Wolfe and his brother. The tour lasts around two hours, includes the Thomas Wolfe Memorial and Grove Arcade, and moves at a steady pace through accessible downtown streets. Book it if you want the real stories behind Asheville's haunted reputation without the theatrical production.Is it for me?Pick this if you want Asheville's actual dark history told by someone who knows the city, not a theatrical production—the walking pace and downtown route mean you're moving through real locations where these stories happened, not sitting in a theater.Free cancellationTravelers' pickfromUS$ 27View ›
Charlotte Historical City Tour by Golf Cart: Southern Charm Rides
Charlotte Historical City Tour by Golf Cart: Southern Charm Rides★★★★★★★★★★ 4.90 (1,586)1h 25m–1h 30mA golf cart historical tour of Charlotte with a live English-speaking guide covers the city's history from the 1700s through modern landmarks, stopping at the Fourth Ward neighborhood, Old Settlers' Cemetery, Bank of America Stadium, and Discovery Place Science. Pickup is at Market at 7th Street, where validated parking is included; the tour runs about 90 minutes on brand-new carts with thick cushions and seat belts. Kids under 4 ride free, and the operator switches to a bus if weather turns bad.Is it for me?Small groups and families with kids under 4 (who ride free) fit well here—the golf carts move slow enough to see details without the fatigue of walking Charlotte's hills, and the validated parking means you're not paying double for the morning. If you want a scripted, tightly timed tour, look elsewhere; this one trades precision for the conversational style of a guide who knows the city and lets the stories breathe.Free cancellationTravelers' pickKids −25%fromUS$ 39View ›
Asheville Electric Bike Tour: Downtown & Blue Ridge Views
Asheville Electric Bike Tour: Downtown & Blue Ridge Views★★★★★★★★★★ 4.94 (1,292)3hA 3-hour guided electric bike tour through Asheville's downtown, Grove Arcade and Arts District with a local guide, helmet and e-bike included. The electric pedal assist and throttle handle Asheville's steep terrain, so you cover ground without the strain. A training session starts the tour; children from age 1 can join as passengers on cargo bikes or in child seats.Is it for me?Book this tour if you want to see Asheville's downtown, historic buildings and mountain views without the strain of climbing steep hills on a regular bike. The electric assist means riders of different fitness levels can stay together and cover more ground in 3 hours than they would on foot or a standard bike.Free cancellationTravelers' pickfromUS$ 85View ›
Charlotte Historical City Tour on Eco-Friendly Cart
Charlotte Historical City Tour on Eco-Friendly Cart★★★★★★★★★★ 4.87 (1,137)1h 25m–1h 30mCharlotte's Original Historical City Tour is a 90-minute guided tour of uptown Charlotte's four wards aboard a low-to-the-ground electric cart, with stops at historic churches, courthouses, and neighborhoods dating back to 1867, plus passes by the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Spectrum Center, Bank of America Stadium, and Truist Field. An experienced local guide leads the tour; children under 5 ride free, and children 5–12 are $29.75. Public parking is available at the meeting location, and groups of 5–7 can arrange hotel pickup in uptown.Is it for me?Book this tour if you're new to Charlotte and want to see the city's oldest neighborhoods and key landmarks without renting a car or navigating on your own. The fixed 90-minute route and local guide mean the history and the stops are already planned—you just show up and ride.Free cancellationTravelers' pickKids −23%fromUS$ 39View ›
Segway Tour of Uptown Charlotte: Four museums and parks
Segway Tour of Uptown Charlotte: Four museums and parks★★★★★★★★★★ 4.96 (941)1h 30mA 90-minute Segway tour of Charlotte's Uptown neighborhood with a local guide, helmet and training included. You'll glide past the Bechtler and Mint museums on South Tryon Street, ride through Fourth Ward to see 18th and 19th-century architecture, and finish at The Green park. Arrive 30–45 minutes early for training before the tour starts.Is it for me?The Segway covers four major Uptown stops—two museums, a historic neighborhood and a popular park—in 90 minutes, which is ground you'd spend hours walking and navigating on your own.Free cancellationfromUS$ 79View ›
Charlotte Comedy Bus Tour: Live Stand-Up & City Landmarks
Charlotte Comedy Bus Tour: Live Stand-Up & City Landmarks★★★★★★★★★★ 4.70 (761)1h 30mThe Funny Bus is a 90-minute comedy tour of Charlotte departing from 1st Ward Park, where a local comedian guide delivers live stand-up, games and music while the bus passes Bank of America Stadium, Truist Field, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and neighborhoods like South End, NoDa, Plaza Midwood and Historic Fourth Ward. The tour is adults-only (minimum age 16); you can bring sealed beer or wine, and there's a quick stop at a local bodega for restrooms or more beverages. Multiple departure times run daily, with both a PG-13 option at 1:00pm and rated-R versions throughout the afternoon and evening.Is it for me?Book this if you have a free afternoon in Charlotte and want to see the city's neighborhoods and landmarks without renting a car or joining a standard sightseeing group—the walk-to departure point and the comedian guide make it work for a solo traveler or a group of friends looking for something different than the usual tour.Instant confirmationTravelers' pickfromUS$ 45View ›
Blue Ridge Parkway & Waterfall Hike from Asheville
Blue Ridge Parkway & Waterfall Hike from Asheville★★★★★★★★★★ 4.97 (666)5h 30mYou get picked up from your hotel, driven to three different waterfalls across Pisgah National Forest and a state forest, walk about 3 miles on easy-to-moderate trails with snacks and drinks included, and return by early afternoon. The guide handles navigation and stories about the area's history, so you just focus on the walking and the views.Is it for me?Book this if you want to see multiple waterfalls and the Blue Ridge Parkway without renting a car or figuring out which trails to hit — the guide handles the route and the timing, leaving you to walk and look around.Free cancellationTravelers' pickTop ratedfromUS$ 112View ›
Asheville Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour: 10 stops, live narration
Asheville Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour: 10 stops, live narration★★★★★★★★★★ 4.80 (585)1h 40mThe Asheville Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour is a narrated sightseeing loop on a vintage Gray Line trolley that stops at 10 locations across downtown, Biltmore Village, River Arts District, and South Slope Brewing District. One complete loop takes roughly 90 to 100 minutes, with trolleys departing every 30 minutes (April through October) or every 60 minutes (November through March). You hop off wherever you want to walk around, then board the next trolley to continue—no fixed itinerary, no guide you're locked to, no need to arrange your own transport between neighborhoods.Is it for me?Start at the Asheville Visitor Center on Montford Avenue if you're staying downtown or arrived without a car—the trolley loop connects all the neighborhoods you'd otherwise need to drive between, and you can hop off to explore each one at your own pace without figuring out parking or directions.Free cancellationTravelers' pickKids −53%fromUS$ 41View ›
Waterfalls and Blue Ridge Parkway hiking tour near Asheville
Waterfalls and Blue Ridge Parkway hiking tour near Asheville★★★★★★★★★★ 4.94 (572)4hA half-day hiking tour near Asheville that visits both well-known waterfalls and lesser-known ones in Pisgah National Forest, then wraps with Blue Ridge Parkway views. Your naturalist guide leads a small group on trails totaling 4 hours, pointing out wildlife, plants and edible species along the way. Hiking poles, snacks, an air-conditioned vehicle and ponchos are included; children from age 5 are welcome.Is it for me?The 4-hour pace means steady walking with breaks at waterfalls and viewpoints, so you need moderate fitness and comfort on uneven terrain. Small-group size keeps the hike from feeling rushed, and your guide adjusts the route based on how the group moves — this works well if you want to see multiple waterfalls without a full-day commitment or a solo scramble to find them.Free cancellationfromUS$ 109View ›
Charlotte: Ghost Walking Tour & Historic Cemetery with Lantern Light
Charlotte: Ghost Walking Tour & Historic Cemetery with Lantern Light★★★★★★★★★★ 4.82 (548)1h 30mYou walk through Fourth Ward and the Old Settlers' Cemetery for 90 minutes with a lantern-carrying guide, hearing the stories of Charlotte's haunted landmarks — the old hospital, medical college, gold mine tunnels, and historic houses. The guide is included, groups stay small, and the tour adapts to weather. You leave understanding how the city's past still shapes its present.Is it for me?Right for anyone curious about Charlotte's buried history and willing to walk at a steady pace for 90 minutes. The small group size and lantern light create an intimate feel, and the accessible routes mean most travelers can join — just plan for a moderate walk and weather that might shift the date.Free cancellationKids −100%fromUS$ 27View ›
Asheville: Comedy Sightseeing Bus Tour with Live Acts
Asheville: Comedy Sightseeing Bus Tour with Live Acts★★★★★★★★★★ 4.91 (501)1h 30mYou’ll ride through Asheville’s downtown and Montford neighborhoods on a rolling comedy show—complete with live skits, quirky guides, and plenty of laughs. Expect surprise performances, local stories you probably haven’t heard before, and an easygoing vibe where everyone gets swept up in the fun—even if you’re not usually one for tours.Free cancellationTravelers' pickfromUS$ 52View ›
Hendersonville: Gem Mining & Goat Farm with Crystal Store
Hendersonville: Gem Mining & Goat Farm with Crystal Store★★★★★★★★★★ 4.95 (468)2hYou mine for gems and fossils in rushing water channels, keep whatever you find, then spend time with goats and peacocks on the farm. The aviary and creek are open to explore at your own pace, and the on-site crystal store gives you time to browse without pressure. Everything is included except any crystals you buy in the shop, and the whole outing takes a few hours depending on how long you linger.Is it for me?This works well if you want a hands-on activity that doesn't require a guide or a strict schedule — you show up, mine for gems at your own pace, spend time with animals, and leave when you're ready. It's accessible for families with small children, strollers, and wheelchairs, which is what makes it possible to bring everyone along without planning around mobility.Free cancellationfromUS$ 30View ›
Asheville Walking Tour: Historic Architecture & Hidden Gems
Asheville Walking Tour: Historic Architecture & Hidden Gems★★★★★★★★★★ 4.81 (467)1h 45mAsheville by Foot's guided walking tour covers downtown Asheville's historic sites and architectural landmarks in about two hours, led by a live English-speaking guide. The route includes the Thomas Wolfe Memorial boarding house, the 1920s Grove Arcade, and cultural centers built by the African-American business community at the turn of the 20th century. Children are welcome from age 10; strollers work for younger kids on the paved downtown streets.Is it for me?Choose this if you want to understand the architectural and social history behind each neighborhood rather than just identify individual buildings—the walking format lets you see how structures connect to the streets and stories around them.Free cancellationTravelers' pickfromUS$ 35View ›
Asheville Waterfall Jeep Tour Pisgah & Blue Ridge Parkway
Asheville Waterfall Jeep Tour Pisgah & Blue Ridge Parkway★★★★★★★★★★ 4.97 (418)3hA 3-hour jeep tour through Pisgah National Forest near Asheville takes you to multiple waterfalls and the Blue Ridge Parkway for long-range mountain views from 5,000 feet above sea level. Your guide provides bottled water, snacks, hiking poles, rain gear and first aid supplies; children are welcome from age 5. The tour includes stops to walk to waterfalls off the beaten path and photo breaks at scenic overlooks.Is it for me?Book the shared jeep tour for multiple waterfall stops and Blue Ridge Parkway views, or choose private if your group wants a custom route with longer hikes beyond the standard morning itinerary.Free cancellationTravelers' pickKids −33%fromUS$ 119View ›
Asheville Downtown Walking Tour: Beer Tasting & Local Arts
Asheville Downtown Walking Tour: Beer Tasting & Local Arts★★★★★★★★★★ 4.76 (393)2hYou walk two hours through Asheville's downtown with a local guide, stopping at Grove Arcade, the Basilica, and Leaf Global Arts Center. You taste local beer and spirits, get a discount map for the rest of your stay, and receive free artwork shipped to your home. The private option includes the Prohibition-era tunnels under Pack's Tavern. You pay what you think it's worth at the end.Is it for me?Book this if you want to see Asheville's actual downtown without planning each stop yourself—the guide handles the history, the tastings, and the recommendations, and the discount map keeps working after you're done. The tip-based format means you're not locked into a price before you know if it's worth it.Free cancellationTravelers' pickBest valuefromUS$ 5View ›
Asheville Brewery Walking Tour: 3 Breweries & 10 Beer Samples
Asheville Brewery Walking Tour: 3 Breweries & 10 Beer Samples★★★★★★★★★★ 4.91 (349)3h 15mYou meet a Cicerone certified guide at Hi-Wire Brewing and visit three local breweries—Hi-Wire, Twin Leaf, and Burial Beer—sampling ten different beers along the way. You'll see the production floor at Twin Leaf, hear the brewing history from someone who knows it, and finish with a real understanding of what makes Asheville's beer culture distinct. The tour is downtown, walkable, and takes a few hours.Is it for me?Right for beer drinkers who want to understand what they're tasting, not just taste it. The guide is certified in beer knowledge, which means the tour goes deeper than a casual walk—expect real learning about brewing, ingredients, and Asheville's beer culture alongside the samples.Free cancellationTravelers' pickfromUS$ 69View ›
Eagles Island Narrated Boat Cruise: Wilmington River History
Eagles Island Narrated Boat Cruise: Wilmington River History★★★★★★★★★★ 4.64 (346)1hA 50-minute narrated boat cruise on the Cape Fear River in Wilmington aboard a 46-foot catamaran, with a live captain sharing the area's history and ecology. The route depends on your departure time: even hours head north past the Battleship North Carolina and Eagles Island; odd hours go south under the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge to the State Ports and a former WWII shipyard. The boat has a restroom on board and is wheelchair accessible.Is it for me?Book this cruise if you want to see Wilmington's waterfront landmarks—the Battleship, the old shipyard, the working ports—without navigating the river yourself. The captain's narration and the changing route based on departure time mean the experience shifts each time, so it works for first-time visitors and repeat travelers alike.Free cancellationTravelers' pickKids −54%fromUS$ 24View ›
Outer Banks: Manteo Ghost Walk & EMF Detector Tour
Outer Banks: Manteo Ghost Walk & EMF Detector Tour★★★★★★★★★★ 4.58 (342)1h 15mYou’ll walk through historic Manteo with a local guide sharing Outer Banks ghost stories—from Blackbeard to lost colonies—while trying out an EMF detector along the way. Feel the salty air on the docks, catch glimpses of old theaters and lighthouses at dusk, and maybe even sense something you can’t quite explain.Instant confirmationTravelers' pickKids −18%fromUS$ 25View ›
Blue Ridge Parkway: Guided Jeep Tour with Fall Foliage Views
Blue Ridge Parkway: Guided Jeep Tour with Fall Foliage Views★★★★★★★★★★ 4.92 (303)3h–4hYou’ll ride in a custom jeep along the most iconic stretch of Blue Ridge Parkway with a small group and local guide. Expect stops at high overlooks above Pisgah National Forest for views—and maybe some windblown laughs—plus stories about history and nature. Bottled water is included; bring layers for unpredictable mountain weather.Free cancellationTravelers' pickKids −25%fromUS$ 109View ›
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