24 Best Things To Do In Charlotte, North Carolina

Whether you're a beer buff, a sports fan, or into the arts, you'll find something to love during a visit to Charlotte, North Carolina. Located in the central Piedmont region near the South Carolina border, Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina and one of the fastest-growing cities in the South. Known as a major center for finance and banking, the Queen City also attracts attention for its beautiful greenways and creative culinary scene.

There's always something to do in the city between the museums, sporting events, and eclectic restaurants and breweries. Did we mention that Charlotte is the home of NASCAR, too? Here are some of Charlotte's must-see spots to add to the itinerary for your next trip.

Culture And Arts

Appreciate Art At Mint Museum Uptown

Uptown Charlotte is home to several museums all within an easy walk of each other. Stop by the Mint Museum, North Carolina's first art museum, to enjoy exhibits on contemporary and ancient art, decorative arts, and design. Several large public sculptures installed around town are also managed by Mint.

mintmuseum.org, 500 South Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202

See 'The Firebird' At Bechtler Museum Of Modern Art

From the Mint Museum, you can take a quick stroll to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. A 17-foot French mosaic sculpture, "The Firebird," presides over the welcome plaza. The museum was designed by a Swiss architect and holds the collection of Bessie and Hans Bechtler. You can see works by Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and many other 20th-century artists.

bechtler.org, 420 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

Expand Horizons At Harvey B. Gantt Center For African-American Arts + Culture

Visit the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, named for the local trailblazer who was Charlotte's first African-American mayor. Admire the permanent collection of African-American and Haitian art as well as traveling exhibits, which often feature contemporary artists.

ganttcenter.org, 551 South Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202

Entertain The Kids At Discovery Place

Those with little travelers in tow should add a visit to Discovery Place to the itinerary. The hands-on science museum is equal parts fun and educational. Labs, live shows, and IMAX movies add to the educational experience.

discoveryplace.org, 301 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202

Activities For Sports Fans

Cheer On Your Favorite Team

Visiting during baseball season? Make sure to catch a Charlotte Knights game. Truist Field, home of the Triple-A Charlotte Knights, was recently voted the Best Ballpark in Minor League Baseball, and for good reason. It's a gorgeous place to enjoy America's pastime. Nearby in Uptown Charlotte, NFL fans can catch a game with the Carolina Panthers at the Bank of American Stadium, or fans of professional soccer can cheer on Charlotte's newly minted team, Charlotte FC, from March until October. NBA fans can see the Charlotte Hornets play at the Spectrum Center in Uptown Charlotte.

Visit The NASCAR Hall Of Fame

NASCAR fans will want to make a pit stop at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Uptown. Interactive exhibits document the history of NASCAR in the Hall of Fame, which also honors the legends in the sport. Major fans can time their visit with an induction and see stars walk the red carpet.

www.nascarhall.com, 400 E. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28202

Compete In A Friendly Match Of Pickleball

You've probably never been to a pickleball court like the one at Rally, Charlotte's new pickleball social club. In addition to indoor and outdoor courts, this stylish complex also includes an outdoor cocktail bar, a cafe featuring a craft coffee program, and a restaurant and bar called The Annex that's inspired by aprés-ski culture. There's no cooler place to break a sweat.

rallypickleball.com; 101 Southside Drive, Charlotte, NC 28217; 980-221-0081

Outdoor Adventures

Go Whitewater Rafting

For those who are more into outdoor adventures, there are few places more enticing than the U.S. National Whitewater Center. The Center is home to the largest man-made whitewater river in the world. With 1,300 acres of land and more than 50 miles of trails, there's plenty of room to hike, bike, or try your hand at standup paddle boarding.

whitewater.org, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28214

Explore Charlotte's Greenways

The Mecklenburg County Greenway System is a series of linear parks and trails that also provide wildlife habitat and protect water quality. There are almost 30 miles worth of paved urban trails and an impressive 115 miles of paved trails in the county. Pick a spot on the greenway for a leisurely walk or bike ride, or check out the mountain bike trails managed by the Tarheel Trailblazers.

Where To Eat And Drink

Sip A Brew At Resident Culture

Charlotte is quickly becoming a major beer hub, boasting more than 30 breweries and counting. Stop by Resident Culture, a funky brewery in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood, and sample a few of their signature beers in their dog-friendly space. The brewery is so popular that they're expanding their footprint into the South End neighborhood.

residentculturebrewing.com, 2101 Central Ave. Charlotte, NC 28205

Grab BBQ At Midwood Smokehouse

After you've worked up an appetite, grab some Carolina barbeque at Midwood Smokehouse. The restaurant's tasty offerings, including their signature brisket, ribs, and burnt ends, have a celebrity following.

midwoodsmokehouse.com, 1401 Central Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205

Reimagine Southern Food At Leah And Louise

With two-time James Beard-nominated chef Greg Collier and his wife and business partner Subrina at the helm, it's no surprise that Charlotte culinary scene newcomer Leah and Louise is a hit. The "Southern-inspired modern juke joint" is located at Camp North End, a former car factory and military depot that now features restaurants, shops, and art space. Leah and Louise is a popular pick, so you'll want to grab a reservation.

www.leahandlouise.com, Camp North End, 301 Camp Rd, Charlotte, NC 28206

Re-Experience The Church Potluck At Supperland

Supperland is another new restaurant that's quickly made a splash in the Queen City. The "Southern steakhouse meets church potluck" invites guests to dine in a beautifully restored church. The space features 120-year-old refurbished pews and a speakeasy in the basement. It's another hot ticket and often books out several weeks in advance, so plan accordingly.

supper.land, 1212 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205

Find Whatever You Crave At Optimist Hall

Indecisive diners will want to visit Optimist Hall, a 147,000-square-foot food hall housed in a former gingham mill. The space is home to more than 25 tenants, so whether you're craving empanadas, a smoothie, or an interesting take on grilled cheese, it's all there under one roof.

optimisthall.com, 1115 N. Brevard St., Charlotte, NC 28206

Dig In At Beef 'N Bottle Steakhouse

While the Charlotte food scene is constantly evolving, there are several Queen City classics that should earn a spot on your list. Carnivores will want to slot in Beef 'N Bottle for dinner. The no-frills steakhouse has been a local icon since 1958.

beefandbottle.net, 4538 South Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28209

Dine Sky-High At Fahrenheit

If you'd prefer your dinner with a view, head up the 21 floors to Fahrenheit. There you'll enjoy a delicious meal, complete with a breathtaking panorama of Uptown Charlotte. After you're done, grab a cocktail and enjoy the rooftop deck. Taking a picture with the city behind you is practically a requirement for Charlotte visitors.

chefroccowhalen.com/fahrenheit-charlotte, 222 South Caldwell St., Charlotte, NC 28202

Grab A Treat At The Batchmaker

Regardless of where you dine, end your meal on a sweet note with a visit to The Batchmaker, where Cristina Rojas-Agurcia serves up delectable treats that are almost too pretty to eat. Emphasis on almost. Don't skip the oatmeal crème pie.

thebatchmaker.com, 901 Berryhill Road, Charlotte, NC 28208

Order A Cone At Golden Cow Creamery

Ice cream fans should beeline to local favorite Golden Cow Creamery. Their homemade salted Oreo ice cream is out-of-this-world good.

www.goldencowcreamery.com, 601 South Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28202

Where To Shop

Stop At Boutiques In South End

No trip is complete without a little retail therapy, and Charlotte's South End neighborhood is a great place to start, where opportunities to shop local abound. Visit the Girl Tribe flagship store for cheeky shirts, accessories, home goods, and more, all with an emphasis on female empowerment.

Then, grab an ultra-cozy, nostalgia-inspired t-shirt, beanie, or sweatshirt at Glory Days Apparel. You'll find plenty of Charlotte-branded gear to let everyone know you paid the Queen City a visit. Add some sparkle to your look with jewelry from The Golden Carrot.

Sophisticated gents can schedule a custom fitting or just shop at Ole Mason Jar, which is located in the Design Center of the Carolinas. Not quite sure what you're looking for? Drop by Charlotte Collective. The space houses products from more than a dozen local makers all in one spot, making it easy to browse.

Stroll Through Dilworth

Check out the shops in Dilworth, a historic neighborhood known for walkable, tree-lined streets, eateries, and wine bars. Paper Skyscraper is an independently owned gift shop filled with unique items including delicious candles, fun books, and host gifts she'll actually use. Vestique is a designer clothing boutique that prides itself on finding affordable, on-trend fashions.

Where to Stay

Pamper Yourself At Grand Bohemian

When it's time to rest your head after a day of exploring, grab a room at the elegant Grand Bohemian in Uptown, and schedule a visit to the spa while you're at it. Even if you don't stay there, it's worth dropping by the jaw-droppingly beautiful bar for a drink.

kesslercollection.com/bohemian-charlotte, 201 W. Trade Street Charlotte, North Carolina 28202

Park Yourself At Kimpton Tryon Park

The Kimpton Tryon Park overlooks scenic Romare Bearden park and is an easy walk to both Charlotte Knights and Carolina Panthers games. The top-rated hotel features a rooftop bar and Italian restaurant.

www.tryonparkhotel.com, 303 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28202

Enjoy The Rooftop Garden At The Ritz-Carlton

You'll be staying in the lap of luxury at The Ritz-Carlton Charlotte in Uptown, which offers a chocolate bar, penthouse spa, wine tasting room, and speakeasy-style bar. The LEED Gold-certified hotel's rooftop garden also houses beehives that produce honey for the hotel.

www.ritzcarlton.com, 201 E. Trade St., Charlotte, NC 28202

Lounge At The Ivey's Hotel

Also in Uptown, The Ivey's is a 47-room boutique hotel with reclaimed 400-year-old French oak floors and eclectic furnishings. Some rooms include claw-foot tubs for soaking, but the leather-clad Library Lounge is also a soothing place to relax.

www.theiveyshotel.com, 127 North Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202