Exciting Places to Visit in Charlotte, NC

Jun 23, 2016

Water-Rapids As the largest city in North Carolina and one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S., Charlotte has no shortage of interesting things to do. Make the most of your time in Charlotte by visiting these six attractions that help make Charlotte great.

Carowinds

You can’t go to Charlotte and not visit the “Thrill Capital of the Southeast,” Carowinds amusement park. This nearly 400-acre park is home to ten roller coasters, a water park, an animatronic dinosaur exhibit, Planet Snoopy children’s park, and more. If you live nearby, buy a season pass to make sure you get to see it all. Single-day tickets are $42.99 for children and $62.99 for adults.

U.S. National Whitewater Center

If the roller coasters didn’t get your blood pumping fast enough, head over to the U.S. National Whitewater Center where you can take part in whitewater rafting and kayaking, paddle boarding, rock climbing, zip lining, mountain biking, and more. There are activities available for adventurers as young as 5, so take the family for a day of adrenaline-rushing fun. Passes start at $25 and go up based on the activities you choose.

Bechtler Museum of Modern Art

If you’re looking for a slower-paced activity, pay a visit to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. This prestigious museum showcases mid-20th-century modern art, including works by well-known artists such as Picasso, Warhol, and Giacometti. The building itself is also a work of art, with unique elements such as a glass atrium that extends through all floors and a fourth story that juts out from the rest of the building. Admission to the Bechtler Museum is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and students, $4 for youth, and free for children 10 and under.

Carolina Raptor Center

Take in some wildlife at the Carolina Raptor Center. This 57-acre facility is home to over 30 species of raptors. Visitors can view the birds on the center’s Raptor Trail and watch a live training session with hawks, ravens, vultures, or eagles. Getting up close and personal with these predatory birds is affordable too, at only $10 for adults, $6 for students, and free for children under 4.

Discovery Place

If you need an activity that the whole family can enjoy, Charlotte’s Discovery Place is a sure bet. This science and technology museum features interactive exhibits, daily live experiments, and an IMAX Dome Theatre. Discovery Place also has two off-site Discovery Place KIDS children’s museums where kids can experience science through play. Admission is $17 for adults and $13 for children at Discovery Place, and $10 for both adults and children at Discovery Place KIDS.

Carolina Panthers

Charlotte is the home of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers. If you’re in Charlotte during football season, you shouldn’t miss an opportunity to catch a game at the open-air Bank of America Stadium. Show up early to take part in tailgating, and don’t forget the barbecue! Tickets have sold out for every home game since 2002, so make sure to snag your Panthers tickets ahead of time.

From theme parks to art museums, Charlotte has something for everyone. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, make it a point to get out and enjoy all the fun and interesting things this city has to offer.

Image by Northwest Rafting Company, Licensed via CC BY 2.0