Charleston, a port city in South Carolina founded in 1670, is known for its cobblestone lanes, horse-drawn carriages, and pastel antebellum mansions, especially in the exquisite French Quarter and Battery areas. The Battery Promenade and Waterfront Park both include views of Charleston Harbor, while Fort Sumter, a federal bastion where the opening shots of the Civil War were fired, is across the water. This destination is considered as one of the Best Places To Visit In The Carolinas.

Charleston, in a nutshell: centuries-old homes, Spanish moss-draped trees, eerie cemeteries, and cobblestone alleys. You could think you've journeyed back in time as you wander the gas lamp-lit streets at night and pass horse-drawn carriages. However, just because this South Carolina city is proud of its tradition does not imply it is stuck in the past. Charleston is known for its inventive restaurants, unique stores, contemporary art galleries, and the world-renowned Spoleto Festival USA.

From the grand homes-turned-museums to the landmarks that celebrate the city's significance in US history, history infuses practically every element of the Holy City. History aficionados can learn about the Civil War at Fort Sumter, the plantation owners and the enslaved Africans who labored for them at Middleton Place, and Martin Luther King Jr. delivered a momentous address at Emanuel AME Church.

Meanwhile, those looking for locally manufactured goods should visit the Charleston City Market, where they may discover sweetgrass baskets crafted in traditional Gullah pattern, as well as other unusual mementos. When you're ready to spend the day at the beach, the city has you covered. Sullivan's Island, Isle of Palm, and Folly Coastal are among the nearby beach communities that offer sun, sand, and mild waves.

Location: South Carolina, the United States

Best time to visit: March to May or from September to November

Price: $2,249 for a solo traveler, $4,039 for a couple, and $7,572 for a family of 4 for one week

Ranking:

• #1 Best Places to Visit in the Carolinas
• #3 Best Weekend Getaways
• #5 Best Weekend Getaways in the South

Website: www.charleston-sc.gov

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. The vast area is home to lush forests and a profusion of wildflowers that bloom all year. Streams, rivers, and waterfalls can be found on hiking trails that comprise a section of the Appalachian Trail. Clingmans Dome, the highest peak, has an observation tower that offers spectacular views of the mist-covered mountains. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States, with 14.1 million visitors expected in 2021.

The border between Tennessee and North Carolina runs through the center of the 522,427-acre Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From prehistoric Paleo Indians through 19th-century European settlers, the mountains have a lengthy history of human settlement. Today, more than 10 million visitors visit the park each year to enjoy picturesque drives to Cades Cove or along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, as well as outdoor activities as hiking, biking, and fishing.

Pack a lunch for breathtaking treks to Abrams or Rainbow Falls, or cycle the Cades Cove Loop on Wednesdays from May to September, when the route is closed to traffic. Visit the Cades Cove Visitor Center to see the antique gristmill and Cable Mill. Visit Cades Cove Visitor Center to visit the ancient gristmill and Cable Mill, or Sugarlands Visitor Center to see wildlife displays, see a film on the park, and pick up unusual gifts in the gift store.

Location: North Carolina, United States

Best time to visit: the summer (June, July and August) and the fall

Price: $125 – $175 per person per day

Raking:

• #2 Best Places to Visit in the Carolinas
• #3 Best Places to Visit in Tennessee
• #5 Best Fall Vacations

Rating: 4.9/5.0, 43,833 Google reviews

Website: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm

Asheville is a city in the Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina. It has a thriving artistic culture and old buildings, such as the dome-topped Basilica of Saint Lawrence. The huge 19th-century Biltmore mansion houses works by masters such as Renoir. The Downtown Art District is densely packed with galleries and museums, while disused manufacturing buildings in the neighboring River Arts District host artists' studios.

A charming alpine town. Hipster paradise. Beer City America. University town Bluegrass country. Destination for foodies. It's tough to categorize Asheville in a single word. The community is an unexpected jewel in western North Carolina, located off the Blue Ridge Parkway, with a strong arts scene that blends with Southern traditions and stunning surroundings. It's safe to say that whatever your hobbies are, Asheville offers something for you.

While history buffs lose themselves on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate, epicureans can sample from a gourmet buffet and put their taste buds to the test at one of the city's many breweries. Adventure seekers can go full-throttle hiking, bicycling, zip line, or whitewater rafting in one of the various parks and woods, while culture hounds can walk through the River Arts District. Asheville combines these traits to create something entirely its own, with an identity that is always changing while remaining true to its roots.

Location: North Carolina, United States

Best time to visit: March to May and September to early November

Price: $1,865 for a solo traveler, $3,350 for a couple, and $6,279 for a family of 4 for 7 days trip

Ranking:

• #1 Best Weekend Getaways in the South
• #1 Best Fall Vacations
• #3 Best Places to Visit in the Carolinas

Website: https://www.ashevillenc.gov/

This is one of the Best Places To Visit In The Carolinas that you should experience once time in your whole life. The Outer Banks are a group of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina that separate the Atlantic Ocean from the mainland. They are a popular vacation destination due to its open-sea beaches, state parks, and shipwreck diving spots. Sir Walter Raleigh financed the establishment of England's first settlement in the New World on Roanoke Island.

The Outer Banks is steeped in history: here, aviators Orville and Wilbur Wright made their legendary first flight (near Kill Devil Hills), pirate Blackbeard fought his final fight (at Ocracoke), and the enigmatic Lost Colony vanished. This collection of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, known colloquially as OBX, isn't just for history aficionados. Fishing, windsurfing, and wildlife viewing are all popular among the daring. The Outer Banks' about 3,000 shipwrecks, which can be explored by snorkeling or scuba diving, gave it the moniker "the Atlantic's graveyard." Families flock to the beaches, mini-golf courses, and the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island.

Each area has its own personality: old lighthouses, rocky dunes, and secluded beaches in the south combine with vacation rentals, water sports, and tacky beach stores in the north to create a one-of-a-kind coastal resort. OBX is great for individuals who want to avoid overdeveloped tourist areas and go straight to the pristine beaches. There is no nightlife, but there is plenty of natural beauty. Beaches are more crowded in the summer, but with so many places spaced out around the barrier islands, you're unlikely to encounter unmanageable crowds at any time of year.

Location: North Carolina, United States

Best time to visit: between March and May or September and November

Price: $1,276 for a solo traveler, $2,292 for a couple, and $4,296 for a family of 4 for one week

Ranking:

• #1 Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S.
• #2 Best Places to Visit in August
• #4 Best Places to Visit in the Carolinas

Website: https://www.outerbanks.com/

Hilton Head Island is located in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina. It is well-known for its beaches on the Atlantic Ocean and golf courses. The southwest tip is marked by the Harbour Town Lighthouse and Museum. Heritage buildings, trees, and themed gardens may be found at the Coastal Discovery Museum. The Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge salt marsh, located between the island and the mainland, is home to deer, alligators, and birds.

You'll need to slow down if you want to fit in Hilton Head. This 42-square-mile barrier island may attract a more affluent clientele, but you don't have to hustle to keep up with the Joneses. Follow the residents' relaxed pace - the population is made up of Gullah, or freed slaves who settled in the area, and East Coast mainlanders who make Hilton Head their second home. Your vacation companions will most likely be white-haired retirees and young families. If you're searching for a wild nightlife atmosphere, this might not be the place for you. This is not to imply that there is no nightlife; there is, but it takes the shape of leisurely sunset meals and live music on the waterfront. In a nutshell, if you've come to Hilton Head, you've come to unwind.

If you know anything about the island, you know that it got its wealthy status through golfing, tennis, and "spa-ing." However, you could spend your entire holiday here without ever picking up a golf club or a tennis racket. The island is rich in natural beauties, such as the Coastal Discovery Museum and the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, as well as 12 miles of sandy beaches. So, whether you came to see low country fauna, practice your backhand, or simply rest on the sand, Hilton Head has something for you. Hilton Head is probably one of the Best Places To Visit In The Carolinas.

Location: South Carolina, United States

Best time to visit: April and May as well as September and October

Price: $2,271 for a solo traveler, $4,079 for a couple, and $7,646 for a family of 4 for 7 days trip

Ranking:

• #2 Best South Carolina Beaches
• #5 Best Places to Visit in the Carolinas
• #6 Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S.

Website: www.hiltonheadislandsc.gov

Myrtle Beach, a city and tourist destination on South Carolina's Atlantic coast, serves as the starting point for the Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of beaches. Myrtle Beach is a popular tourist destination in both South Carolina and the United States. The city's mild subtropical environment, miles of beaches, 86 golf courses, and 1,800 restaurants draw nearly 20 million people each year, making Myrtle Beach one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. There are arcades, souvenir stores, and restaurants along the coastal boardwalk, as well as the old-fashioned Family Kingdom amusement park and the SkyWheel, one of the country's tallest Ferris wheels.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is known for its immaculate beaches, but there's more to this tourist destination than its 60 miles of brown sand. Myrtle Beach, one of the most popular East Coast family holiday destinations, has amusement parks with everything from water slides to roller coasters to race tracks. While the family's shopaholics visit the outlet shops, golfers of all ability levels can visit one of the area's more than 100 courses, and the entire family can enjoy pirate or medieval-themed revues at supper. When you're not at the beach, attractions like Ripley's Aquarium and the Broadway Grand Prix can keep the whole family entertained. There's also a minor league baseball team for sports fans. In conclusion, Myrtle Beach is the ideal destination for budget-conscious families seeking for a variety of entertainment options.

Location: South Carolina
Best time to visit: June through August
Price: $1,613 for a solo traveler, $2,897 for a couple, and $5,431 for a family of 4 for

Ranking:

• #6 Best Places to Visit in the Carolinas
• #8 Best Cheap Family Vacations
• #9 Best Cheap Spring Break Destinations

Website: www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com

Charlotte is the state's largest metropolis and commercial center. Its modern city center is home to the Levine Museum of the New South, which studies post-Civil War history in the South, as well as Discovery Place, which features hands-on science displays. The NASCAR Hall of Fame, which honors the sport of car racing through interactive displays and videos, is also located in Uptown.

This bustling town, nestled in the tranquil rolling hills of the Piedmont area, is anything but a quiet Southern belle. Charlotte, North Carolina, is exploding with new enterprises, thriving sports franchises, and a blossoming culinary scene. Though the Charlotte Motor Speedway and the NASCAR Hall of Fame are well-known, the Queen City is much more than a haven for speed freaks. Uptown Charlotte - don't call it downtown - is swarming with suits and tourists, while the Plaza Midwood and NoDa (or North Davidson) areas are teeming with art connoisseurs and cultural hounds. Meanwhile, those looking for a pint of local beer can head to South End, which is home to some of the city's best brewers.

This ever-expanding city has a knack for maintaining an East Coast's evolution while remaining true to its Southern heritage; residents are committed to preserving genuine Southern charm. The combination of these two personalities is energizing.

Location: North Carolina, United States

Best time to visit: March through May or September through November

Price: $1,527 for a solo traveler, $2,742 for a couple, and $5,141 for a family of 4 for one week

Ranking: #7 Best Places to Visit in the Carolinas

Website: https://charlottenc.gov/Pages/Home.aspx

Greenville is a South Carolina city. It houses the Greenville County Museum of Art, which houses works by Southern painters from different centuries. The Upcountry History Museum's exhibits tell the story of upstate South Carolina. Falls Park on the Reedy features riverbank gardens, a suspension bridge, and views of waterfalls. In Paris Mountain State Park, north of the city, multi-use trails wind around lakes and hills.

With over 30 cities and towns in the United States named Greenville, it's no surprise that Greenville, South Carolina's tourism motto is "yes, that Greenville." Greenville is the oldest of the group, the third-largest urban area in the state, and one of the fastest-growing cities in the South, having been founded in 1786. Visitors will encounter an assortment of people, sights, and activities, many of which are centered in the tiny downtown zone, ranging from families and foodies to cyclists and culture lovers.

Begin your adventure at NOMA Square, an outdoor square at the intersection of North Main Street and Beattie Place, and see if you can find the nine bronze mice sculptures concealed throughout the neighborhood. Both the Greenville County Museum of Art and the Children's Museum of the Upstate, both located on the Heritage Green campus and three blocks from the stores and restaurants on Main Street, will appeal to both children and adults. Meanwhile, nature enthusiasts can access the almost 20-mile-long GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail from four separate downtown locations, or they can simply rest at Falls Park on the Reedy, a pastoral sanctuary in the midst of Greenville.

Location: South Carolina, United States

Best time to visit: September to November and from March to May

Price: $1,740 for a solo traveler, $3,125 for a couple, and $5,859 for a family of 4 for 7-day week

Ranking:

• #4 Best Places to Visit in September
• #8 Best Places to Visit in the Carolinas

Website: www.greenvillesc.gov

Raleigh is the state capital of North Carolina. It is well-known for its educational institutions, notably North Carolina State University. The Research Triangle is named by the concentration of technological and educational institutions that surround Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and Durham. The North Carolina State Capitol is a 19th-century Greek Revival-style structure with a rotunda that houses a statue of George Washington costumed as a Roman general.

Raleigh demonstrates that the South will rise again. First and foremost, it is a smart city. A number of colleges and institutions have campuses around the Greater Raleigh area. In addition, Raleigh is part of the Research Triangle, a geographical area that includes Durham and Chapel Hill and is densely populated with IT jobs and techies.

Second, it's an interesting city. Greater Raleigh, a booming community of around 500,000 people, welcomed more than 13 million tourists in 2013. And it's not hard to see why: Raleigh is brimming with entrepreneurial spirit. It's evident in the numerous craft breweries that dot this city in central North Carolina, as well as the influx of new restaurants and businesses downtown and in the trendy Warehouse district.

Third, it is a visually appealing city. Raleigh has natural beauty in addition to the urban pleasures of chic coffee shops and small companies. Visitors should go to the rich nature of the Neuse River Trail, the woodland grandeur of Umstead State Park, or any of the city's green spots for proof. It can be seen as one of the Best Places To Visit In The Carolinas.

Location: North Carolina

Best time to visit: fall and spring

Price: $151 for one person per day

Ranking:

• #9 Best Places to Visit in the Carolinas
• #21 Best Weekend Getaways in the South

Website: https://raleighnc.gov/

Beaufort is a city on Port Royal Island, one of the Sea Islands off the coast of South Carolina. It is well-known for its antebellum houses, particularly those in the downtown historic district. The John Mark Verdier House Museum, an early-1800s Federal-style mansion with period furniture and exhibits on local history, is one famous example. The Beaufort River and the Woods Memorial Bridge are seen from Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.

Beaufort is a historical tourist site. The Home Water Festival, a two-week festival in the middle of July, and the Shrimp Festival, which celebrates the local and traditional industry, take place the first weekend in October. Beaufort, South Carolina's lovely oak tree-lined alleys and Civil War-era homes offer a glimpse into the town's antebellum days. Sign up for a walking or horse-drawn carriage tour to take in the sights, then visit the Beaufort History Museum to discover more about the town's history. You should also visit Penn Center to learn more about the Gullah Geechee people that live in the vicinity. After you've had your fill of history, travel to the Beaufort River to kayak or paddleboard, or to the Cypress Wetlands for a couple of hours of bird-watching.

Location: South Carolina, United States

Best time to visit: April and October

Price: $2,173 for a solo traveler, $3,903 for a couple, and $7,316 for a family of 4 for one week

Ranking: #10 Best Places to Visit in the Carolinas

Website: www.cityofbeaufort.org

Bald Head Island, formerly Smith Island, is a community in Brunswick County, North Carolina, located on the east bank of the Cape Fear River. Bald Head Island is a small and relatively lonely village in comparison to the nearby city of Wilmington to the north. It can be reached by boat from the nearby town of Southport, as well as by four-wheel drive car down the beach strand from Fort Fisher to the north. The beach strand route is restricted to government employees alone. Residents drive adapted electric golf carts instead of cars on the island. Bald Head Island is well-known for its sea turtle breeding activities.

The scenic character of the village makes it a popular vacation destination. It served as the primary filming location for Weekend at Bernie's in 1989, as well as a significant location in The Butcher's Wife in 1991. Its out-of-service lighthouse, "Old Baldy," was built in 1817 and is the state's oldest still standing.

Greensboro is a city in the state of North Carolina. The Greensboro Science Center is home to red pandas, sharks, and an interactive exhibit. It is North Carolina's third most populous city, the 69th most populous city in the United States, and the major city in the Piedmont Triad metropolitan region. Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, located nearby, contains exhibits on the American Revolution. At the International Civil Rights Center & Museum, video reenactments and interactive exhibits depict the civil rights struggle. The Bog Garden features wetlands, flowers, birds, and an elevated walkway.

From a significant Revolutionary War fight to one of the civil rights movement's most famous lunch counter sit-ins, the third-largest city in North Carolina has experienced its fair share of historical events. Today, tourists to Greensboro may see war reenactments at Guilford Courthouse National Military Park and visit museums like the International Civil Rights Center & Museum to learn about the city's history. Nature enthusiasts should also take time to meander through the city's gorgeous gardens, and families with children should not miss a visit to the family-friendly Greensboro Science Center.

Location: North Carolina

Best time to visit: April 2nd to June 10th

Price: $130 per day for one person

Ranking: #12 Best Places to Visit in the Carolinas

Website: www.greensboro-nc.gov

Emerald Isle is a town on Bogue Banks Island, which is located on North Carolina's Crystal Coast. With views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Bogue Inlet Pier is a favorite fishing destination. The Western and Eastern Ocean Regional Accesses are public entry points to the beach, which serves as a hub for water sports. Emerald Isle Woods Park includes a disc golf course, a pier, and coastal and forest trails, including a section of the North Carolina Birding Trail.

This inviting strip of coastline is roughly a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the state capital of Raleigh and is the ideal combination of tranquility and activities. Emerald Island is far from desolate. There are numerous quirky businesses selling classic beach items such as T-shirts, toys, and water toys for the entire family. If you enjoy outdoor sports, there are numerous options for swimming, fishing, surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, sailing, and more. Kite flying is popular among children on these sandy white beaches. There are also numerous opportunities for sightseeing, shopping, golf, and other enjoyable activities.

Its 12 miles of North Carolina coastline provides visitors with a range of beach alternatives, including uncrowded beaches with excellent conditions for surfing and kiteboarding. In addition, Emerald Isle is home to Bogue Inlet Pier (a popular fishing area), three championship golf courses, and the Salty Pirate Water Park, providing visitors with lots of activities both on and off the sand.

Location: North Carolina, United States

Best time to visit: late April to early June and from mid September to late October

Price: $1,768 for a solo traveler, $3,175 for a couple, and $5,953 for a family of 4 for one week

Ranking: #13 Best Places to Visit in the Carolinas

Carolina Beach is a community on North Carolina's coast. Carolina Beach State Park is located along the Cape Fear River and features fishing places as well as the Flytrap Trail, which is called after the carnivorous plants that grow along its path. The Carolina Beach Boardwalk has stores, restaurants, and rides. Freeman Park on the Atlantic features campsites as well as sand dunes and sea grass. Local culture exhibitions can be seen at the Federal Point History Center.

Carolina Beach is located south of the inlet that separates Pleasure Island from the unincorporated town of Sea Breeze. The community spans 2.45 square miles (6.3 km2) and stretches from Freeman Park in the north to Alabama Avenue in the south.

Visit Carolina Beach to have some old-fashioned fun with the whole family. One of the delights of this North Carolina town is its antique boardwalk, which includes an arcade, an amusement park, and plenty of places to buy sweets. In addition, the boardwalk organizes seasonal activities throughout the summer, such as a music festival on the beach and weekly fireworks displays. Carolina Beach State Park is a great place to have some fun in the sun in a more peaceful setting. The park provides excellent fishing as well as opportunities to trek among unusual plants such as Venus' flytrap.

Location: North Carolina, United States

Best time to visit: Late spring

Price: $2,053 for a solo traveler, $3,687 for a couple, and $6,912 for a family of 4 for 7 days trip

Ranking: #14 Best Places to Visit in the Carolinas

Website: http://carolinabeach.org/

This place can be seen as one of the Best Places To Visit In The Carolinas. Winston-Salem is the county seat of Forsyth County in North Carolina. With a population of 249,545, it is the second-largest municipality in the Piedmont Triad region, the fifth-most populated city in North Carolina, the third-largest urban area in North Carolina, and the 90th most populous city in the United States in 2020. In 2021, the city was ranked 46th out of 150 cities on U.S. News & World Report's "Best Places to Live" list.

The twin city of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, was founded by Moravians in the 1700s and attracts visitors with its historical charm, diversified art scene, and excellent wine. Visit the Old Salem Museums and Gardens to watch craftspeople in action, visit restored buildings, and sample Moravian sweets. Then, visit the treasures of the Reynolda House Museum of American Art or the galleries and studios of the Downtown Arts District. Unwind with a glass of wine at one of the local Yadkin Valley's 40-plus vineyards and wineries after a day of touring.

Location: North Carolina, United States

Best time to visit: April 9th to June 3rd

Price: $120 per day for one person

Ranking: #15 Best Places to Visit in the Carolinas

Website: www.cityofws.org