Summer is finally upon us with the joy of longer days, warmer temperatures and the sun shining ever so brightly. It’s time to head outside and enjoy the nicer weather, and luckily for residents situated in North Carolina, there are countless activities to help soak up the summer sun and have fun with friends and family. Below are the five most popular places to visit around North Carolina to make the most of the summertime.
Carolina Beach
Located along the coast, Carolina Beach is the perfect weekend getaway for individuals looking to cool off in the waves and relax on the sand by the shore. Being just a two hour drive from Raleigh, Carolina Beach is a very convenient destination to head towards even as a little fun day trip by the water. Aside from the waves, the beach offers a wide range of local restaurants and dessert shops to make the most out of lunch and dinner. Some popular choices include Michael’s Seafood Restaurant, Carolina Smokehouse and Gulfstream Restaurant. There is also a boardwalk located in Carolina Beach, making it a perfect way to end the day with a peaceful evening stroll by the waters.
Carowinds
Another popular option to visit this summer in North Carolina, specifically for amusement park enthusiasts, is Carowinds. Located right by the border of South Carolina in Charlotte, N.C., Carowinds houses numerous roller coasters with one being one of the largest in North America: Fury 325. Along with the coasters, there are splash-filled water rides for a chance to cool off in the summer heat; there is truly something for everyone to enjoy in this park. Carowinds attracts many people from far and near with their countless rides and delicious treats, such as ice cream and frozen yogurt located all throughout the park to stay energized. The single-day admission for the park is $45 and the fast passes, which are expedited access to the rides without having to wait in long lines, are an extra $90.
Wet ‘N Wild
Located in Greensboro, N.C., Wet ‘N Wild is a water park home to more than 40 family-friendly water rides, five different relaxing pools for a chance to cool down and two children’s areas. This water park also hosts one of the largest wave pools in the nation. Wet ‘N Wild is an amazing way to escape the high temperatures that come along with summer and to be in the cool water all day having fun with family and friends. This park is about a 1.5-hour drive from Raleigh, N.C., making it perfect for a quick day trip. Single-day admission tickets into this water park starts off at $35.
U.S. National Whitewater Center
The Whitewater Center in Charlotte, N.C. hosts the world’s largest man made whitewater river. This is a place where a group of people navigate inflatable rafts through fast-moving river rapids using paddles to help steer. The center also includes many other attractions, such as canoeing, kayaking, ziplining, rock climbing and rappelling. The Whitewater Center is perfect for people that want to spend the day completing fun athletic outdoor activities both in and out of the water. The price of admission is $79 for adults and $69 for kids 9 and under.
Pisgah National Forest
If you are looking for a scenic-view drive, hike or picnic, look no further than Pisgah National Forest: it’s perfect for all of the above. This forest is located in the Appalachian Mountains of western North Carolina, but spans across 12 different counties. There is a vast network of hiking trails and waterfalls situated all throughout this location. Some of the most famous ones include Looking Glass Falls, Moore Cove Falls and Sliding Rock. There are lots of breathtaking views and places to sit down and enjoy a delicious picnic, making this an ideal place to visit in the summertime.
There is no doubt that there is a summertime activity for everyone in North Carolina to enjoy the outdoors and make memories with loved ones. Be sure to gather some friends and family this summer and check out the places listed above.
