Charlotte North Carolina
Enjoying a rooftop happy hour with views of downtown Charlotte at Merchant & Trade
Ziplining over the U.S. National Whitewater Center
Immersive greenery in the Orchid Observatory at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Historic race cars stand on display at the NASCAR Hall of Fame
Enjoying a Charlotte Knights Major League Baseball Game at Truist Field
Shopping for bargains at Charlotte Premium Outlets
Sampling craft beers at industrial-chic Town Brewing Co.
Views of the Charlotte skyline from Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Fine art displays in the galleries of the Mint Museum
Downtown Charlotte and the Bank of America center shine at night
What’s now and what’s next collide in this eclectic hub city
City Charms
Charlotte’s colorful neighborhoods are buzzing with activity and rich culture. Head to Bojangles Entertainment Complex and the Belk Theater, where Blumenthal Performing Arts presents live shows ranging from Broadway productions to concerts by world-famous musical acts and everything in between. Uptown Charlotte (which is actually downtown Charlotte) is where you’ll find the museums: Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, The Mint Museum and the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture are just a few of the local standouts.
Dining in Charlotte
Gastronomic delights await on the local restaurant scene, where creative mixologists, chefs and brewers combine Southern traditions with new innovations. At Optimist Hall, a former textile mill has been transformed into a lively dining hall featuring over 20 food and beverage stalls. Head to trendy retail and dining destination Camp North End to indulge in fare ranging from ramen to Latin street food and hear live music while sipping a cocktail from the on-site mobile bar.
The Sporting Life
Athletics shine here as well. Explore the history and heritage of the USA’s native motorsport through interactive exhibits of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Experience high-speed, heart-pounding races first hand at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Racing isn’t the only sport the city rallies around: Major League Soccer team Charlotte Football Club has been bringing the community together for exciting matches since its founding in 2022. Carolina Panthers football, Charlotte Hornets basketball and Charlotte Checkers minor-league hockey round out the athletic offerings, making this area a can’t-miss destination for sports fans.
Experience the Outdoors
Explore the city with an expert guide on a segway or e-bike tour with Charlotte NC Tours, then get ready for incredible outdoor adventures at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Test your skills at the world’s first deep water solo climbing complex, an exhilarating no-ropes rock climbing challenge that ends with a thrilling plunge into a six-meter-deep pool. Within the city limits, grab a picnic lunch and stroll through Freedom Park, or tee off at one of over 40 golf courses in the greater Charlotte area.
Fun Fact
The sculpture by artist Niki de Saint Phalle outside the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art stands over five meters tall and is covered in over 7,500 pieces of mirrored glass. The work's official name is Firebird, but locals affectionately refer to it as the Disco Chicken!
Photo: Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
Approximately 75 percent of all the NASCAR teams in the world are headquartered within two hours of uptown Charlotte.
