8 Popular and Exciting Things to Do in Charlotte, North Carolina (2024)

Charlotte is much more than the base for North Carolina’s financial and commercial operations. The Queen City isn’t just everything business. In the last decade, Charlotte has stepped out, upped the ante, and saw a beautiful rise as a new tourist city on the block. And since the city has come out of the shadow, a streak of playfulness has as well come into life. The casual vibes with cosmopolitan energy and a distinct mix of friendly neighborhoods bring liveliness to the city of Charlotte and the people who choose to be here.

Charlotte is so much more than its reputation of being a NASCAR aficionado. The city, though, generally draws tourism by the obvious auto racing celebration, but once an individual is here, Charlotte leaves no stones unturned to spread the surprises. From entertainment to art, history, green spaces, and adventure, the Queen city presents a plate full of literally everything an individual can find enjoyable.

8 Popular and Exciting Things to Do in Charlotte, North Carolina

Supporting that, here we have a list full of Popular and Exciting Things to do when in Charlotte, North Carolina. Have a look:

1. For Street Style dining, visit the 7th Street Public Market

7th Street is a lively indoor public market somewhere in Charlotte’s center. The market is permanently placed half a mile away from the heart of the city center and is popular for the taste, smell, and everything that describes food. Charlotte’s local farmers, entrepreneurs, and artisans gather here daily, offering a range of local produce, wines, flowers, and sweet and savory treats. 7th Street is a casual hangout place where everyone from couples, corporates, families, and even kids can gather and chill. The market bustles with a never-ending charm but still has a very laid-back vibe to it. Some popular eateries here include Momo Station (for dumplings), Corman’ (for over 100 types of cheese), Pure Pizza (the best pizza place in the city), and Not Just Coffee (for standout hot and cold beverages).

7th Street Public Market operates throughout the week, though for exact operating hours, check out their official website.

2. Participate in the Carolina History & Haunts Charlotte Ghost Tour

Local tours are what take you closer to the city, and the Carolina History & Haunts Charlotte Ghost Tour is one of them. The said tour navigates on foot with participants carrying candles in their hands and a tour guide leaving some bone-chilling stories behind. The vibrations and scenario can make one feel chilly, even if it is a warm day. The tour lasted for approximately 90 minutes, unfolding paranormal aspects of the city by wrapping it in enough layers of creepiness. Enthusiasts can also book themselves a Ghost and Grim walking history tour and explore Charlotte’s most haunted places after 8 in the night. Charlotte’s ghost tours aren’t really for everyone, but if you are up for exploring something quirky and adventurous, you must check out at least one of them.

3. Explore the Little Sugar Creek Greenway

If you are looking to unwind your day outdoors, then head towards the Little Sugar Creek Greenway. Walking and hiking here are undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Charlotte. Little Sugar Creek Greenway is a network of long walking trails that extends for up to 4 miles from Brandywine Road to 7th Street in Charlotte. The greenway consists of four downstream sections in and around the city, along with many paved paths, parks, and streams. Although according to the future development program, when the greenway with complete, it will extend 19 miles long, running down to the South Carolina state line. Little Sugar Creek Greenway currently attracts walkers, joggers, stroller-pushing parents, and cyclists. While exploring the pathways, you will come across swamp land and ponds and find yourself passing under the bridges. Not just that, but the greenway is also a lovely place to stop, relax and enjoy a picnic.

4. Spend a day or maybe an evening at the Camp North End

Camp North End is a 76-acre multi-use platform and one of the coolest spaces to check out in Charlotte. Whether it is the brightest part of the day or the darkest night glory, Camp North End has something to do and observe throughout. This effortlessly cool open-air space consists of offices, retail stores, food stalls, public art, and a pinch of history. The campus is spread out into smaller districts like Keswick, The Mount, and the Boileryard, which makes navigation easier. A day here allows individuals to enjoy music festivals, explore holiday pop-ups, appreciate art and architecture (murals), and shop until their pockets are empty.

However, what Camp North End is extremely famous for is its dining and drinking game. From vegan to vegetarian and hardcore non-vegetarians, everyone can find sit-and-dine spaces along with grab-away spots. Black Moth Bars, Free Range Brewing, La Caseta, Popbar, Plant Joy, and Saru by Bow Ramen are some fine places to check out.

5. Get adventurous at Carowinds

Carowinds is a local amusement park in Charlotte and one of the most loved places by locals. Whether you are in the city with your family or with friends, this destination is surely going to entertain you endlessly. Also known as the Thrill Capital of the Southeast, Carowinds features over 60 attractions, including a whopping 14 roller coasters, 30 life-sized moving animatronic monsters, a brilliant Water Park, and live entertainment. The amusement park is also home to the world’s fastest and tallest Giga coaster, the Fury 325. For kids, it has many dedicated fun spaces, but the Camp Snoopy area is one of the must-check spots amongst all. Carowinds also boasts a wonderful choice of food, whether you are looking for an authentic dining experience or grab-on snacks and treats. However, outside food and drinks aren’t allowed.

6. Charlotte/Douglas International Airport Overlook

While the name suggests something unique is about to come, you can take it quite literally. The Charlotte/Douglas International Airport Overlook is an informal outdoor spot at 7300 Airport Overlook Drive, right off of Old Dowd Road. Operating since 1989, the overlook is where one can sit, relax and enjoy an unobstructed view of the planes landing and taking off. Being here seems like rediscovering some low-key activities, but that’s worth effort-ing for. Not only can one enjoy planes coming and going around but having a small picnic along with too is possible here. Throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall season, the overlook host food trucks and food carts. So spectators can pick up snacks and drinks and have them while seeing how the planes are on duty.

7. Rejuvenate by visiting the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens

The Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens is a beautiful outdoor place, and exploring it is one of the popular things to do in Charlotte. The garden sits along the banks of Lake Wylie, offering 380 acres of lakefront property, rolling meadows, woodlands, and serenity. A visit here will take you through numerous specialized gardens, 12 glistening fountains, walking trails, a 5-story Orchid Conservatory, and a visitors’ center. No matter which time of the year you choose to be here, Daniel Stowe remains green, colorful, and of course, beautiful throughout. Some of its must-check-out features include the Four Seasons Garden, the Cottage Garden, the Canal Garden, Allee Garden, and the Hollow Lost Garden. For experiencing a blissful nature walk, take Woodland Trail, Persimmon Trail, or the Meadowood Walk. The garden also hosts numerous events and programs throughout the year. It, though, doesn’t feature an on-site restaurant, but the garden store and occasional food trucks make up for light snacking.

8. Plan one-night camping at Lake Norman

The largest artificial body of fresh water in North Carolina, Lake Norman, is just a 45-minute drive away from Charlotte. The lake boasts hundreds of miles of shoreline, endless water sports and adventure, land-based fun, and endless experiences of lake life. If you are an overnight visitor, you can reserve one of the 38 Lake Norman camping sites and live one of the best times of your life. Or, if camping doesn’t sound very easy, consider booking yourself at one of the eight cabins. A stay here or even a day visit will allow you to indulge in activities like pedal boarding, kayaking, canoeing, boating, and fishing. In addition, the 40 miles of trails around the lake also allow individuals to hike and bike into the beautiful beach wilderness.

When here, you are even closer to some popular North Carolina tourist attractions, including Huntersville Growers Market, Davidson Farmers, Alexandria, or the Huntersville Town Jail.

Other Quirky Things To Do In Charlotte, North Carolina

• Visit the BB&T BallPark and watch a top-notch baseball game. Stadium’s two-tier sitting also offers terrific skyline views. They have food vendors as well.
• Check out the Hendrick Motorsports Complex and feed your inner moto race enthusiast. A visit here will allow you to check out some excellent cars and awards.
• Spend some time at Codescape and enjoy real-life adventure game experiences. This is great entertainment and an ideal family-friendly place to check out.
• Visit the DefyGravity trampoline Sports Park and burn off your energy in an adventurous way. It is one fine place to visit with kids or friends.
• If you love strawberries, then visit the Hall Family Farm and enjoy handpicking some. They also offer hayrides, picnic opportunities, and some mouthwatering local produce.