9 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Charlotte (2024)

Unlike many other Southern cities, Charlotte was never the one that preached things loud. However, regardless of that, it raised away slowly and swiftly and today emerged as one of the most popular cities in North Carolina. Presenting its Uptown, a modern city center, Charlotte grabbed the attention of the fast-pacing world. However, simultaneously, it also preserved and presented its rich history and heritage that one can explore in the form of museums, monuments, and outdoor attractions. History buffs have a lot to soak in from the city, from Charlotte’s role in the American Revolution to the titbits of after the Civil War.

What attracts travelers the most here is the fact that Charlotte is a big-time walking and biking city. The wide sidewalks and less vehicular traffic allow individuals to explore the city with ease without getting into a race of urgency. Though, it is likely that you might get rubbed your elbow by quite a lot of former Californians and New Yorkers who have now chosen Charlotte as their home. The city’s temperate weather is perfect for both residents and tourists. And what makes it even more worthwhile is the range of food choices and Charlotte locals.

9 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Charlotte

There’s a lot more to learn about Queen City, and this list of Popular Tourist Attractions in Charlotte is trying to justify the same. Have a look:

1. Billy Graham Library

A library unlike many you might have been to before, the Billy Graham Library is an experience to live in. This 40,000 sq ft facility exhibits the life and legacy of Billy Graham, a famous North American Pastor. It isn’t a museum, but there are memorabilia exhibits and multimedia representations that take through a life-changing experience. A 1.5-hour tour will introduce you to Graham’s life, his original furnishing, his family, achievements, and the power of his faith to the lives he touched. Besides the library, visitors can also tour Graham’s home, a mural by Thomas Kinkade, the Memorial Prayer Garden, and beautiful 20 acres of landscaped grounds. The grounds are free to wander; the indoor tours come with a small admission fee. The Billy Graham Library operates Monday through Saturday from 9:30 am to 5 pm. It even boasts an affordable eatery/ restaurant nearby.

2. NASCAR Hall of Fame

Every individual who resides in or visits Charlotte has known the NASCAR Hall of Fame, crossing their conversation. And why not? It undoubtedly is a top-rated tourist attraction in Charlotte. NASCAR Hall of Fame is located in Uptown, Charlotte encompassing a 150,000-square-foot state-of-the-art venue. The facility is all about racing cars, events, shrines, and exhibits that document, celebrates, and honor NASCAR’s history and heritage. Visitors get a chance to sit at the 278-seat High Octane Theater and enjoy the informational film that tells NASCAR’s history. Visitors can also come across Glory Road’s banked ramp with the racetrack, along with the 1952 Hudson Hornet, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s 2008 Chevy Impala SS, a 1967 Chevelle, and other notable racing cars. Or take a behind-the-scenes tour and learn how NASCAR and individual teams prepare for race day. The NASCAR Hall of Fame operates through the week from 10 am to 5 pm. So it isn’t just another tourist attraction or museum in Charlotte but a racing haven for sure.

3. Paramount’s Carowinds

Looking for more adventures and thrills in Charlotte? If yes, then add Paramount’s Carowinds to your itinerary. This massive 407 acres theme park is also known as ‘Thrill Capital of the Southeast and is a fun place for every kind of visitor. The facility is home to family diversions, roller coasters, water rides, thrill rides, campgrounds, cabins, and hotel options. So whether you are here for a few hours of the day or planning to stay back, Carowinds will make it up for all. Boredom is not an option here, and every single feature of the theme park will keep the adrenaline rush in your body alive, quite literally. If you are up for something unique, there’s a dinosaur exhibit that will take you through a Mesozoic setting brought to life using animatronics technology. And when done with all the fun, a wonderful choice of food from quick snacks and treats is waiting right within the park.

4. Uptown Charlotte

Uptown Charlotte is the core of the city, which both locals and tourists swear by. Uptown Charlotte covers roughly an area of 3.5 square miles around Trade and Tryon Streets in the downtown core. It is primarily a hub of the city’s finance, economy, and business, but that’s not all alone. Uptown is where you will find the greatest number of tourists, the major Charlotte attractions, towering skyscrapers, and a surprising number of parks. History buffs can also take a self-guided tour at the Liberty Walk and introduce themselves to Charlotte’s role in the American Revolution. Or, take a walk and explore the Overstreet Mall weaving through skywalks. Uptown is definitely people-friendly, with fewer cars, more bicycles, clever architectural features, and great views. And just a few steps away, the area boasts a huge range of amazing shopping experiences and over 240 local, national, and international restaurants.

5. Freedom Park

Charlotte is a smart city that has ensured keeping enough natural spaces around so that the urban landscape doesn’t overpower. And one of the finest examples of the same is Freedom Park. Encompassing nearly 98 acres, Freedom Park is home to a large lake, several ballfields, sports fields, batting cages, outdoor grilling shelters, plenty of walking trails, and a separate space for live events and programs. The park is also home to the Master Gardener Demonstration Garden, one of the finest horticultural venues in North Carolina. Both locals and visitors here enjoy walking, talking, reading, writing, relaxing, or doing literally whatever takes them into solace. And while you continue to behave like adults, kids can have their own time on swings, playgrounds, or feeding the beautiful white ducks. Freedom Park is undoubtedly a year-round destination, but the Fall Foliage gives it the most charming interpretation.

6. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is a spectacular outdoor attraction in Charlotte, half an hour’s drive from the city center. These 110 acres of garden space are resting on the banks of Lake Wylie, which gives the entire area a unique temperature and vibe. Despite the season, you can always feel a soothing breeze while walking through Daniel Stowe’s pathways. The garden’s centerpiece is an 8,000-square-foot, five-story glass house conservatory dedicated to tropical plants and orchids. It also includes an orchid wall draped in showy and fragrant blossoms and a mesmerizing waterfall. Further are the Four Seasons Garden and the Cottage Garden, which take you to the world of colors, fragrances, shapes, textures, and mesmerizing views no matter which season you visit. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, though, is a year-round attraction; some of the major timelines here are throughout December with the Mile of a Million Lights, through July for Independence Day activities, and through November for the Chinese Lantern Festival.

7. Historic Rosedale Plantation

Historic Rosedale Plantation boasts eight and a half acres of fabulous grounds a few minutes drives from busy Uptown Charlotte. Rosedale Plantation was built back in 1815 by merchant Archibald Frew, and therefore it was earlier known as Frew’s Folly. This outdoor attraction offers a detailed glimpse of how plantation life was during the Antebellum period. A visit here allows individuals to walk through the extensive historic gardens and witness an outstanding rose collection. The garden also features five Treasure Trees and the information that tells about their significance, history, age, rarity, and size. Besides that, visitors can also check out a historic home and a blacksmith shop. In addition, historic Rosedale Plantation offers paid public tours, which are definitely worth trying. The facility operates Wednesday through Saturday from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm.

8. U.S. National Whitewater Center

For adventure junkies, there is no other better place in Charlotte than the U.S. National Whitewater Center. This innovative human-made facility covers 1,300 acres of the area adjacent to the Catawba River. It boasts a range of athletic and recreational opportunities, including whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, and more. Every adventure opportunity here comes with equipment rentals, instructions, and an experienced guide which ensure turning every experience into a pleasantly memorable one. Beginners can try their skills on flatwater with safer sports, whereas professionals and advanced-level junkies can test their skills in a variety of rapids. However, water sports are not available from fall through winter (probably February) due to the drop in temperature. Though during those months, activities like climbing walls, ziplining, and rope adventures are there to entertain and engage. Not only that, but Ice skating is one popular winter adventure here.

9. Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary

Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary is a natural oasis and a haven for nature lovers. Operating since 1927, Wing Haven operates year-round, bringing together visitors of all ages to discover and learn. The garden is home to rich Southern horticulture and a habitat for birds and wildlife. It is also the exact same place that houses a world-renowned garden writer’s living laboratory. Throughout the year, Wing Haven organizes more than 30 programs and special events, attracting individuals from North Carolina and beyond. From preschool through elementary-age kids, teenagers and adults, something is engaging for literally everyone. Though if you are craving only the views, consider planning your visit here during the blooming season and observing how different colors of nature come together. The Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary operates Wednesday through Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm.