State Tourism and Travel
Tourism in North Carolina thrives thanks to its mountains, beaches, and historic cities. With easy air and road travel, exploring the state’s diverse attractions is simple for visitors and residents alike.
Overview
- Tourism is one of NC’s largest industries, bringing in over $35 billion annually.
- The state attracts visitors with its diverse geography – mountains, rolling hills, and coastline – and historic cities.
- Major airports include Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), with smaller regional hubs.
Popular Destinations
- Charlotte – Banking hub, museums, pro sports, and nightlife.
- Raleigh-Durham – Research Triangle, tech industry, historic sites, and universities.
- Asheville – Blue Ridge Mountains, arts scene, and the Biltmore Estate (America’s largest private home).
- Wilmington & Outer Banks – Coastal towns with beaches, history, and family vacation spots.
Transportation
- Highways: I-95 (East Coast corridor), I-85 (links Charlotte–Atlanta–DC), I-40 (crosses state).
- Amtrak: Connects NC to major U.S. cities.
- Public Transit: Limited outside big cities, but growing in Charlotte (light rail) and Raleigh.
- Rental Cars & Rideshare: Common for tourists and newcomers alike.