North Carolina is a unique state in that it has every kind of beauty you can think of – from the coast to the mountains, tucked within its borders is an immeasurable amount of beauty.
From the misty Great Smoky Mountains to the quaint historic towns and the stunning Carolina coast, when it comes to choosing the most beautiful places in North Carolina we could be debating the choices all day.
However, there are a handful of places that collectively North Carolinians believe to be the most beautiful. These are places where locals go for scenic escapes – because why leave your own state when there’s so much beauty to admire!
The Outer Banks
- Distance from Raleigh: 3.45 hours
- How many days to spend there: 3-7
For coastal beauty, you won’t find anything as majestic and unspoiled as The Outer Banks (OBX) – one of the most breathtaking coastal locations in North Carolina. OBX is known for having 100 miles of unspoiled beaches, rolling sand dunes, and windswept marshes.
This string of barrier islands is where you’ll find some of the state’s most beautiful landmarks, such as Cape Lookout National Seashore, home to Cape Hatteras Lighthouse – the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States – and Jockey Ridge State Park, home to the largest sand dunes on the East coast and where the Wright Brothers took their first powered flight.
For a remote experience, the pristine shores of Ocracoke Island are more secluded and boast untouched beaches where wild horses roam freely. Another reason the Outer Banks is one of the most beautiful destinations in NC is that it’s relaxed and unpretentious. It’s where time stands still, and the most beautiful thing to do is simply catch a sunset on a pier overlooking the ocean. Read more: 9 best OBX beaches.
The Great Smoky Mountains
- Distance from Raleigh: 4.5 hours
- How many days to spend there: 3-5
You were probably wondering when the Great Smoky Mountains would come up on this list. As THE most visited national park in the USA, they are undeniably one of the most breathtaking places in North Carolina. Known for their mist-covered peaks and dense forests, the Smokies feel almost otherworldly.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited for a reason. Within its confines, there are several beautiful natural formations that will leave you in awe and wonder. Some sites not to miss are Kuwohi (formerly known as Clingmans Dome), and the highest point in the park with sweeping panoramic views of the mountain range, and Mingo Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the Southern Appalachians.
Hikers will love traversing the trails like Charlies Bunion Trail or Andrews Bald, or those who prefer a more leisurely experience, can drive along the Newfound Gap and connect to the aforementioned Blue Ridge Parkway. Read more: How to Enjoy a Weekend in the Great Smoky Mountains from Raleigh.
With stunning overlooks and access to picturesque places like Cataloochee Valley, where elk roam freely, or Cades Cove, where black bears can be seen wandering with their cubs in the early morning mist, there is no shortage of beauty to be found in the Smokies.
The Blue Ridge Parkway
- Distance from Raleigh: 4.5 hours
- How many days to spend there: 4-7
The Blue Ridge Parkway is often considered the most beautiful place in North Carolina and America’s favorite drive because of the diverse natural landscapes it offers. From breathtaking views to lush verdant forests, driving along this 469-mile winding road (particularly in the Fall) feels like taking a journey through paradise.
This scenic highway is also the gateway to some of the most beautiful natural landmarks in the Tar Heel State, such as Craggy Gardens at Milepost 364, which comes alive in Spring when the rhododendrons bloom in vibrant pinks and purples, and the dramatic Linville Falls.
It also has some stunning man-made features as well, most notably the Linn Cove Viaduct, an engineering marvel, and the Mile High Swinging Bridge, a pedestrian bridge that offers sweeping vistas of Grandfather Mountain.
Whether you’re enjoying a peaceful picnic at one of the rest stops, kayaking on Julian Price Lake, catching a sunrise at Waterrock Knob, or simply cruising the scenic drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway is over 400 miles of beautiful bliss. Read more: Best Getaways from Raleigh In The Fall (Scenic Drives, Hikes & More).
NOTE: Western North Carolina got hit hard by Hurricane Helene, but that does not mean they are closed to tourists – they are quickly rebuilding and reopening. As it’s a large area, be sure to check the destinations you are headed to in case of closures. Find updated information here.
Southport
- Distance from Raleigh: 2.5 hours
- How many days to spend there: 1-2
Nestled on the shores of the Atlantic is Southport, one of the most beautiful and charming coastal towns in North Carolina. It’s known for its stunning natural beauty, historic homes, and rich maritime history, paired with its quaint oak tree-lined streets and sweeping waterfront views – there’s plenty to be dazzled by in Southport.
This picturesque town sits on the banks of the Cape Fear River, where you can admire breathtaking sunsets over the water. The scenic Southport Waterfront Park is also a serene setting to admire, where sailboats glide past and seabirds soar above the head.
If you don’t believe me that Southport is beautiful, you can see it for yourself in the movie Safe Haven or the TV shows Dawson’s Creek and Under the Dome, which were all filmed here. We love visiting Southport – you can discover more in our couple’s getaway to the NC Brunswick Islands post.
Linville Gorge Wilderness
- Distance from Raleigh: 4 hours
- How many days to spend there: 1-2
If you take a short detour off the Blue Ridge Parkway (at Linville Falls), the road will take you to the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, which is the third-largest wilderness area in NC and home to one of only two wilderness gorges in the Southern United States.
Often called the “Grand Canyon of North Carolina,” Linville Gorge is a breathtaking and rugged landscape that’s truly unique. Carved by the Linville River, the ravine plunges nearly 2,800 feet deep into the mountainside and is filled with dense forest and gushing falls.
You can climb the dramatic cliffs (experienced climbers will want to tackle the famed Table Rock Mountain) or hike to viewpoints to witness the sweeping panoramic views (Wiseman’s View Scenic Overlook is the place to take it all in).
Within the wilderness area, the dramatic peaks of Hawksbill Mountain and Shortoff Mountain are also stunning viewpoints to check out, especially at sunrise or sunset.
It also made our list of waterfalls in North Carolina that feel like you’re in another country!
Bryson City & Nantahala Forest
- Distance from Raleigh: 4.45 hours
- How many days to spend there: 2-4
On the Western edge of the Great Smoky Mountains is Bryson City, home to the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Although people can use this as an access point to the Smokies, it’s the surrounding Nantahala National Forest that offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in North Carolina.
With its rugged mountains, rushing rivers, and scenic hiking trails, the Nantahala area is packed with stunning landscapes. Within the forest is the Nantahala River, which provides world-class whitewater rafting, as well as a hauntingly beautiful, abandoned highway, called the Road to Nowhere, which leads to scenic hiking trails and panoramic views. We love the Deep Creek hike – right on the doorstep of Bryson City. Check out the video:
Biltmore Estate and Asheville
- Distance from Raleigh: 4 hours
- How many days to spend there: 2-3
Just a 5-minute drive outside of downtown Asheville is America’s largest home, The Biltmore Estate. This is an architectural masterpiece surrounded by approximately 8,000 acres of stunning gardens, rolling hills, and scenic forest.
Wandering through the rooms and halls of Biltmore House feels like a storybook, with every inch of its decor coated in Gilded Age elegance. It’s not just the house that’s stunning, but the Walled Garden, Bass Pond, and its surrounding woodland, where you can enjoy hiking and horseback riding. There’s also an onsite winery and exquisite 5-star hotel (and the Biltmore Inn) that offer more sophistication.
Beyond the estate, Asheville is worthy of a visit. It has a vibrant downtown area and the Asheville Riverwalk area, which is filled with art galleries and art murals. NOTE: the Riverwalk was hit hard by Hurricane Helene and will take time to rebuild. The tranquil Botanical Gardens at Asheville and the nearby North Carolina Arboretum are also beautiful attractions worthy of exploring. Read more: 48 Hours in Downtown Asheville.
Lake Lure and Chimney Rock
- Distance from Raleigh: 3.45 hours
- How many days to spend there: 2-3
Lake Lure became famous as the backdrop for the Dirty Dancing movie, and is where the rolling mountains meet the shimmering shores of the lake. This is a picturesque oasis surrounded by lush, rolling hills and is the perfect setting for boating, kayaking, swimming, and paddleboarding.
The stunning The Flowering Bridge, a former highway bridge was a Lure Lure favorite with its vibrant garden – a unique and beautiful colorful walkway with scenic lake views. It was all but destroyed by the hurricane, but rebuilding plans are in the works.
Towering above Lake Lure and the surrounding landscape is Chimney Rock State Park, where the iconic 315-foot rock formation, Chimney Rock, provides unparalleled vistas of Hickory Nut Gorge and beyond.
NOTE: Lake Lure was one of the hardest hit from Hurricane Helene. The lake is still not opened but the town and surrounds are. We are still sharing it as it’s still one the most beautiful places in North Carolina and will reopen eventually! Watch our video”
Wilmington
- Distance from Raleigh: 2.15 hours
- How many days to spend there: 2-3
Those who follow us know we have a soft spot for Wilmington, which, at under 2 hours’ drive from Raleigh, is a coastal haven worth checking out. Blending historic charm, coastal beauty, and a lively arts scene, Wilmington is one of the most captivating and cute towns in North Carolina.
Nestled along the Cape Fear River, Wilmington’s Riverwalk has waterfront views and historic homes, with sites like the Bellamy Mansion and the Burgwin-Wright House showcasing the most exquisite Victorian architecture. Just across the river is the mighty USS North Carolina Battleship, a World War II relic that stands as a powerful tribute to history.
Nearby are the unspoiled shores of Wrightsville Beach, a quaint beach town with some of the best surfing on the East Coast, and the nearby Masonboro Island, which offers pristine, untouched, and secluded shores. It is one of our favorite places in North Carolina (actually the USA) and we’re thrilled that our daughter will be attending UNCW come the Fall.
Use our guides to help you plan your Wilmington Trip:
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
- Distance from Raleigh: 40 mins
- How many days to spend there: 1-2
Just outside of Raleigh is one of the most beautiful and serene escapes in the state. Jordan Lake State Recreation Area is a 13,940-acre park with a vast, shimmering lake, surrounded by lush, forested shoreline.
As well as being visually striking, it’s one of the few places near Raleigh where you can watch the Bald Eagles roosting in the treetops. It has at least 25 nesting pairs of Bald Eagles, which can be spotted soaring above the lake or nesting in the trees by the shore.
It also has a sandy beach area around Ebenezer Beach that’s decent for swimming, and it has over 630 campsites where you can relax around a campfire and spend a night under the stars – it’s one of the best lakes near Raleigh. My personal favorite lake however is Lake Lure (keep scrolling) and I love the serenity of lessor known Kerr Lake (just an hour from Raleigh).
Wilson’s Creek
- Distance from Raleigh: 3.45 hours
- How many days to spend there: 1-2
When asked where the most beautiful place in North Carolina is, many locals mentioned Wilson’s Creek. Nestled in the Pisgah National Forest, the Wilson’s Creek area is known for its verdant and rugged beauty, where dense forests meet with crystal-clear waters of the river and are framed with dramatic cliffs.
One of the most iconic landmarks in this area is the Wilson’s Creek Gorge, a breathtaking and remote area that beckons hikers to come and explore. The Wilson’s Creek Trail is a scenic route along the creek, bypassing incredible views of the surrounding mountains and river.
Bath
- Distance from Raleigh: 2 hours
- How many days to spend there: 1-2
Bath was North Carolina’s first town and port entry, and is known for its well-preserved historic buildings, small town vibes, and unrivaled waterfront beauty. With a setting along the Pamlico River, paired with its tree-lined streets, colonial architecture, and peaceful waterfront views, it’s easily one of the cutest small towns in North Carolina.
Walking around the Bath Historic District feels like stepping into a fairytale. Some of the buildings, such as he beautifully preserved St. Thomas Episcopal Church, date back to the 18th century but look as though they haven’t aged a day.
Goose Creek State Park and Washington
- Distance from Raleigh: 2 hours
- How many days to spend there: 2
Near the town of Washington is Goose Creek State Park, a wetland and cypress swamp set on the banks of the Pamlico River. There are 8.5 miles of walking trails and a long boardwalk that allows you to get up close to various species of plants and flora. It also has a primitive camping area, picnic areas, and a swim beach where you can soak in the tranquil surroundings.
The nearby town of Washington should not be skipped. Often called “Little Washington” so as not to get mixed up with D.C., this town is rich in history and beauty. The Waterfront Park has stunning views of the Pamlico River, while the charming downtown area is full of well-preserved historic homes and boutique stores. It’s definitely one of the most underrated places in NC.
Sarah P. Duke Botanic Gardens, Durham
- Distance from Raleigh: 30 minutes
- How many days to spend there: 1/2
For those who love gardens and are looking for a stunning backdrop for photography, the Sarah P. Duke Botanic Gardens in Durham is one of the most beautiful and peaceful spots in North Carolina and ranked one of the top 20 public gardens in the USA.
This 55-acre garden features several themed areas, including the lush Historic Gardens, the tranquil Duke Forest, and the diverse Blomquist Garden of Native Plants. During the Spring, it becomes especially beautiful, with hundreds of tulips blooming on the terrace. Read our full guide to Duke Gardens in Durham.
Roan Highlands
- Distance from Raleigh: 4.15 hours
- How many days to spend there: 2-3
Stretching along the North Carolina and Tennessee border is the Roan Highlands, an area of stunning and scenic mountain beauty. This cluster of mountains offers expansive views, rugged terrain, and an abundance of natural beauty to behold.
Known for its breathtaking vistas, Roan Mountain is a popular destination for hikers, especially around Roan Mountain’s Balds, which are famous for their wide-open grassy meadows that become awash in pinks and purples in the Spring, as the rhododendrons bloom.
In fact, this area is the largest naturally growing garden of Catawba rhododendrons in the world, so if you want springtime beauty to behold, this is the place to see a vibrant sea of color. You can see why many think this area reminds them of Scotland and it made our places in NC that look like Europe list!
Beaufort
- Distance from Raleigh: 2.45 hours
- How many days to spend there: 2-3
Another town often thought of as one of the most beautiful places in the state is Beaufort, which is filled with colonial-era buildings, quaint streets, pirate history, and has a vibrant waterfront overlooking the Pamlico Sound.
Aside from the North Carolina Maritime Museum and taking a short boat ride away to Shackleford Banks to see the wild Spanish mustangs roaming freely, the best way to experience Beaufort is to simply meander around town and let its charm and history fascinate you. Learn more in our couple’s getaway to the Crystal Coast.
Gorges State Park
- Distance from Raleigh: 4.45 hours
- How many days to spend there: 1-2
Finally, we have Gorges State Park, one of the most spectacular and visually stunning places in North Carolina. Known for its rugged terrain, craggy river gorges, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking mountain vistas, this scenic spot in the Blue Ridge Mountains has some of the most dramatic landscapes in the state.
The park is most famous for its waterfalls. Within the park are the iconic Rainbow Falls, a stunning 150-foot waterfall, and the Horsepasture River, which has a series of waterfalls, such as Toxaway Falls and Islands Falls. In fact, the Waterfall Trail is one of the best hiking trails in the park to get close-up views of the falls and panoramic vistas of the surrounding forested hills.
What places would you add to this list of most beautiful destinations in North Carolina?
Further Reading
- 11 Secluded retreats in North Carolina for a quiet escape from Raleigh
- 16 Waterfront Resorts & Hotels in North Carolina (to escape to from Raleigh)
- 10 Cool spots in North Carolina to escape the heat this summer (below 80°F)
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