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2025 Activities Guide

Outer Banks Speedway

Visitors with a need for speed can hit the tracks in Creswell, just a couple miles west of Columbia, at the Outer Banks Speedway. The all-concrete 1/8 mile track has a two lane, 50' ft. wide racing surface where local and visiting speed demons can...

Fun Plaza

The Fun Plaza on Ocean Blvd. lives up to its name as one of the most entertaining North Myrtle Beach attractions inside and out. Located just steps away from the oceanfront, and easy to get to for both area resort guests and beach goers, the classic...

James Island County Park

The expansive James Island County Park has a unique distinction as being one of the most entertaining and diverse destination in the Lowcountry. Able to accommodate a world of interests, from camping and fishing to splashing around in a seasonal...

Eastern 4H

Grab your colleagues, classroom, wedding party or other special large group, and start planning a retreat to the stunning waterfront Eastern 4-H Center, a relatively new, (built in 2001), and hard-to-miss attraction in the heart of Eastern North...

Oak Island Pier

The Oak Island Pier has a legendary reputation as one of the best places to reel in a king mackerel, and its recent history speaks for itself. With over 250 kings being reeled in from the pier on an annual basis, the structure has become an oasis...

Jarvis Mansion

The Jarvis Mansion is a small and hard-to-find bed and breakfast located along a quiet portion of New Bern's main Pollock Street, just a block or so away from the scenic waterfront. The historic two-story white home, built around the turn of the...

Folly Field Beach Park

Folly Field Beach Park is a gorgeous stretch of shoreline that is known informally by residents and long-time visitors alike as a "local's beach." Seldom overcrowded, with parking spots that are almost hidden by a line of live oaks and squat...

Brookreen Gardens

Nature and art lovers will find endless winding trails and tranquil gardens to enjoy at Brookgreen Gardens, a sprawling outdoor attraction set on a 9,100 acre property that is a masterpiece of decadent sculpture gardens, wildly natural local...

Joseph Manigault House

A treasure of a home that is managed by The Charleston Museum, the Joseph Manigault House is a prime example of Charleston's hardworking efforts to protect the relics of its lush, although often somber, past. The grand three story home is considered...

Knotts island & Knotts Island Ferry

The Knotts Island Ferry is a year-round free ferry that's managed by the North Carolina Department of Transportation's ferry system. An instrumental mode of transportation for Knotts Island locals, and a fun on-the-water day trip for Currituck...

Festival Park

Washington's Festival Park may look like a scenic and quiet natural park during a typical day in the downtown area, but the park comes to life regularly with an assortment of movies, concerts and festivals that have put the small town of Washington...

Ferry Landing Park

Ferry Landing Park, nestled at the end of Shallotte Boulevard in Ocean Isle Beach, is a peaceful waterfront destination that offers visitors a glimpse of the area’s natural beauty and laid-back coastal charm. Located along the Intracoastal...

Sandy Run Park

Sandy Run Park leads its visitors through the heart of Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Preserve, one of the largest maritime forests remaining in North Carolina. Completed in two phases, the park now encompasses 1600 acres of marshland, waterways and...

Arts of the Alemarle

The Arts of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City is a multi-faceted center that features arts in all mediums, from live theater and music to the showcased works of more than 250 local and regional artists, craftsmen and photographers. Ever-changing with...

Coquina Beach

Located just south of Nags Head, Coquina Beach is a refreshingly undeveloped stretch of shoreline that's close to the central Outer Banks towns of Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, and Kitty Hawk, but feels like it's miles away.

Fish Haul Beach Park

Fish Haul Beach Park is a serene and naturally rich destination that offers visitors a more peaceful and secluded beach experience compared to the island’s more commercialized oceanfront areas. Located on the northern end of Hilton Head near...

Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve

When most Outer Banks visitors think of Nags Head, they imagine a classic beach town filled with warm sunny days, crashing ocean waves, and miles of beaches, shops, restaurants and all the attractions that inherently come standard with an...

White Point Garden

The White Point Garden public park certainly provides a scenic slice of Charleston life, with incredible views that span across the intersections of the Ashley and Cooper Rivers. Fort Sumter, Castle Pinckney, and the Sullivan Island Lighthouse can...

Rachel Carson Coastal Reserve

The Rachel Carson Coastal Reserve is a stunning stretch of barely-barrier island shoreline that’s found just off the coast of historic Downtown Beaufort. Covering 2,205 acres, this collection of three islands that are found along...

Beaufort National Cemetery

The Beaufort National Cemetery is a somber but historically important site located in the heart of Beaufort County. Quietly beautiful, with the region's renowned live oaks towering over the lines of small, white headstones, the cemetery holds a...

Sea Pines Forest Preserve

Look at an aerial photo of the southern region of Hilton Head Island, and the Sea Pines Forest Preserve will thick out like a vibrant green thumb. This unique parcel of land, which features sand ridges, maritime forest, long wetlands and ponds, and...

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

Explore Hatteras Island at its natural best with a visit to the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. Covering 13 miles of Cape Hatteras National Seashore land, this attraction is hard to miss, although there aren't many giant signs, hotels or...

Encore Theatre Company

There's no question that the small southern Elizabeth City is growing in population, prestige, and overall culture, and the Encore Theatre Company is doing a fine and longstanding job of making this transition come to fruition. The company, which...

Miss Kitty's Old Time Photos & Gifts

Old Time Photos on the Outer Banks by Miss Kitty's are Fun, Affordable with a variety of costumes from infant to adult and custom-built sets, there is something for everyone. 

Fort Moultrie

Fort Moultrie, one of the oldest still-standing forts along the Eastern Seaboard, is a "must see" destination for history buffs. The low-laying coastal structure, which encompasses a large parcel of Atlantic Ocean bordering beaches on the southern...

Havens Gardens Park

Life in Little Washington revolves around the water, and this extends to all forms of recreation, including the local parks. The Havens Garden Park is a peaceful retreat located just off of Park Drive and Washington's thriving downtown, and offers...

John Mark Verdier House

The John Mark Verdier House Museum is a wonderfully engaging Downtown Beaufort attraction for a wide variety of reasons. As the only historic planter's house in the city open to the public, the 1804 estate presents an accurate portrait of how...

Old Brunswick County Jail Museum

Take a trip back in time without ever leaving the heart of Southport for a fascinating and educational visit to the stoic Old Brunswick County Jail Museum. Found within a multi-story brick building on the corner of Nash and Rhett Streets, this...

Southport Pier and RIverwalk

Cap off a leisurely day of exploring Southport with a scenic walk along the waterfront, courtesy of the Southport Pier and Riverwalk.  Located on the edge of Howe and Bay Streets, and therefore easy to reach for veritably any Downtown Explorer...

Asa Biggs House

The home of one of North Carolina's best known jurists and politicians, it has an interesting blend of Federal and Greek Revival details. Its awkward symmetry and rambling plan lend credence to local legend that Biggs added a room with the birth of...

North Carolina Estuarium

The North Carolina Estuarium is one of the highlights of Little Washington's downtown scene, and for good reason. The 12,500 square foot structure, which has served as an educational center since it was first managed by the Partnership for the...

Downtown Waterfront Market

The seasonally open Downtown Waterfront Market is a great locale for shoppers, art aficionados, and foodies to come together in an outdoor, homegrown environment that features the very best products that Albemarle residents have to offer. An...

The Circle at Atlantic Beach

Crystal Coast visitors who want an easy-going day on the seashore can head to one of the most convenient public beach accesses in the region, the Circle at Atlantic Beach. Known as the main “Town Beach” and located in the heart of the...

Georgetown County Museum

The Georgetown County Museum, located in the heart of downtown close to the Rice Museum, the waterfront, and a collection of local marinas, is a must-stop destination for any history buff who wants an inside look into this town's unique and...

Huntington Beach State Park

The Huntington Beach State Park, located adjacent to the acclaimed Brookgreen Gardens, is a secluded paradise which combines miles of waterfront views with pristine beaches, towering Palmettos and maritime forests, and the almost-spooky and...

Russell Burgess Coastal Preserve

The Russell Burgess Coastal Preserve is a quiet and scenic refuge that offers a front-row seat to one of the most captivating natural environments along the Grand Strand. Situated beside the Cherry Grove Marsh, this small park provides a peaceful...

Lawson Creek Park

Lawson Creek Park is an active destination that's suitable for nature lovers and outdoors fans of all genres. Encompassing a massive 140 acre site surrounded by the waters of Lawson Creek and Trent River, this park is a perfectly scenic locale that...

Oriental Hisory Museum

The Oriental History Museum is one of Oriental's "newest" attractions, and since opening its storefront doors less than a decade ago, the museum has welcomed thousands of visitors in search of an inside-look of Oriental's celebrated maritime...

Elizabeth City State University

Although small, the diverse and distinctive Elizabeth City has a world of opportunities that span all interests, many of which can be studied in detail at the acclaimed Elizabeth City State University. This institution, and home of the ECSU Vikings...

Port Discover

Kids of all ages can instantly become scientists, gardeners, doctors, and pilots, all just by walking through the unimposing downtown doors of Elizabeth City's Port Discover. This cool destination provides hours of fun for local and visiting little...

South Carolina Aquarium Charleston

The South Carolina Aquarium may be one of Charleston's newest local attractions, but it is certainly making waves as one of its most exciting and entertaining venues in an already packed southern destination.

Fort Macon State Park

Fort Macon State Park, located outside the eastern borders of Atlantic Beach, is one of the most visited and highly acclaimed destinations along the Crystal Coast, and for good reason. The expansive 389 acre park, which features gorgeous inlet...

New Bern Civic Theater

Visitors who want to take in a fantastically performed local show while admiring one of New Bern's many historical gems should make a date to attend a production staged by the New Bern Civic Theatre. With a role of a lifetime as one of Craven...

Pocosin Arts Center

The Pocosin Arts Center is a relatively new project managed by the North Carolina Arts Council, and is sponsored by a number of charitable organizations and local businesses that generously have dedicated a completely scenic space where local and...

Lou Mac Park

The Lou Mac Park, although easily one of Oriental's smallest parks, is also one of its prettiest and most inviting for water lovers of all varieties, locals and visitors alike. Located on the corner of Freemason St. and South Avenue, this park has...

Charles Creek Park

The Charles Creek Park, located just a block away from the waterfront at most, is a favorite local destination on a warm summer day. Featuring a wide range of activities that can easily be tailored to all age levels and outdoor interests, this small...

Firefly Distillery and Irvin Vineyards

High-spirited visitors will adore a tour of Firefly Distillery, a 48 acre vineyard and winery that is located on Charleston's "back porch," also known as neighboring Wadmalaw Island. As the only domestic winery in the Charleston County Lowcountry...

Broadway at the Beach

It's perfectly possible for a Myrtle Beach visitor to spend their entire vacation at the renowned Broadway at the Beach complex and never run out of things to do, attractions to see, and fantastic shops to explore. The sprawling 350 acre shopping...

McLean Park

North Myrtle Beach locals who want to unwind and relax off the beach head to the gorgeous, centrally located McLean Park. Located in the heart of the city, just 2 blocks west of Ocean Boulevard between 1st and 3rd Avenues, this sprawling natural...

Sullivan's Island Lighthouse

The Sullivan's Island Lighthouse, also commonly known as "Charleston Light" holds a unique title in Carolina Lighthouse lore as one of the most modern lighthouses in the country. The unique triangular and slim structure, which is broken up into two...

Isle of Palms County Park

Isle of Palms County Park is a welcoming and well-maintained coastal destination that offers everything visitors need for a perfect day at the beach. Managed by Charleston County Parks and Recreation, this popular beachfront park combines natural...

Myrtle Beach State Park

Myrtle Beach fans may be surprised to learn that this shoreline has a quiet side, but visitors who want to soak up a natural coastal South Carolina landscape will find plenty of pristine and undeveloped room to roam at the Myrtle Beach State Park...

Southport Marina

Travelers by sea in search of an accommodating marina with plenty of access to the local coastal North Carolina sites will feel right at home at the Southport Marina. This destination is a worthy spot to drop anchor, as not only is the marina itself...

Fort Howell

Visitors who are expecting a grand and perfectly preserved Civil War fort may be disappointed when they make a visit to Fort Howell, but patrons who love a unique bit of history with accompanying earthen remnants, as well as a gorgeous wooded...

Airlie Gardens

Arlie Gardens is home to a stunning collection of natural gardens and eye-catching artworks which continually impresses visitors to the Wilmington area. Established in 1901, and originally used as a private garden for the wealthy Pembroke family...

Charleston Museum

It's almost ironic that The Charleston Museum, which paints a complete portrait of Charleston's centuries of history, has a unique history all its own. Well known as "America's First Museum" and recently named one of the top five museums in...

Mulberry Hill House

The Mullberry Hill house has been an acclaimed residence along the banks of the Albemarle Sound for centuries, and today, visitors in the market for an elite and relaxing stay can enjoy the unique Mulberry Hill Inn's undeniable charm and prestige...

Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area

Take a walk on Pine Knoll Shores' wild side with a visit to the pristine, undeveloped Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area, an expansive 265 acre nature preserve, conveniently located next to the town's most visited attraction, the North Carolina...

Angel Oak

Visitors do not necessarily have to be a horticulturalist or garden lover to appreciate the toweringly impressive Angel Oak Tree, one of the most significant and oldest trees in Johns Island, if not the entire East Coast. With far-reaching branches...

Old theater

Visitors can get a taste of Oriental's small but thriving art scene with a visit to The Old Theater, a stark white and impressively large two-story building located on the corner of Broad and Church Streets. Showcasing a number of performances...

Neuse River Recreation Area

The Neuse River Recreation Area is an inviting rustic vacation destination for seasoned campers and newcomers alike, with an equally alluring location that's just steps away from the miles-wide Neuse River, and just a few miles away from New Bern...

Fort Sumter

Fort Sumter, a historic site which can be viewed from virtually any point along the Charleston Harbor, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in this history-rich southern city. Easily one of the most famous forts of the Civil War, the Fort...

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Visitors to Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands will simultaneously be visiting the gorgeous Cape Hatteras National Seashore. One of the largest preserved parcels of the Outer Banks, the National Seashore stretches across 70 miles of shoreline...

Shelter Cove Veterans Memorial

Veterans Memorial Park is a quiet and reverent green space dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Located near Shelter Cove, the park provides a peaceful setting where visitors can...

Circular Congregational Church

History is embedded in Charleston's culture, and the Circular Congregational Church is a prime example of how this sometimes stormy and always fascinating history can be beautifully brought to life, and easily enjoyed by any strolling passerby. One...

Fish Haul Creek Park

The gorgeous Mitchelville Freedom Park, also known as the Fish Haul Creek Park, is a unique little property that is undergoing a transformation designed to properly honor the site's significant, historic roots. As the original location of one of the...

Miles Brewton House

The Miles Brewton House may seem, at first glance, one of many impressively grand and antique southern mansions that line the downtown streets of Charleston, but this home is a favorite among any guided or self-led walking tour for both its story...

Wrightsville Beach Park

The sunny Wrightsville Beach Park, conveniently located in the heart of town, is a fantastic destination for an outdoor adventure that doesn't necessarily entail a trip to the beach. Adjacent to the Wrightsville Beach Parks & Recreation's main...

Coligny Beach Park

Coligny Beach Park is easily one of Hilton Head Island's top-rated beaches, and it won't take new visitors very long to discover why. From the extensive free parking to the kid-friendly splash pad, the park is remarkably accommodating, and simply...

New Bern Convention Center

Large groups, including corporate organizations and conferences, will find plenty of room in the exceptionally accommodating and scenic New Bern-Craven County Convention Center and Visitors Bureau. The sprawling riverfront complex, located in the...

Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier

The Bogue Island Fishing Pier is a legendary landmark for long time Emerald Isle vacationers. Built in the late 1950s, and operated by the same family for well over 40 years, the fishing pier is a paradise for anglers who want to take advantage of...

NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher

The fascinating galleries throughout this extensive complex encourage visitors of all ages to meet and mingle with their aquatic neighbors, from interactive exhibits to "touch tanks" where patrons can have personal encounters with local bamboo...

Sunset Beach Pier

Fishermen, sightseers, and even history buffs will find plenty of reasons to take a quick trek to the Sunset Beach Fishing Pier, a sprawling wooden pier that is conveniently located at the end of Sunset Blvd., the main road on and off Ocean Isle...

Surfside Beach Fishing Pier

The pier, which is the local hotspot for big-name catches and seasonal tasty trophies to take home and enjoy over a grill, has a long legacy of attracting neighboring Myrtle Beach visitors to this smaller, and less developed region, and is the home...

Colonial Park

Visitors to Edenton's Colonial Park will find a veritable world of local attractions and gorgeously scenic landscapes just minutes away from the expansive parking area. A postcard-perfect place to picnic, paddle, or just take off for a leisurely...

Southport Marsh Walk

Nature lovers who want to take an in-depth and self-guided exploration of Southport's wild terrain can take an easy stroll down the "Marsh Walk." This long boardwalk that begins along Brunswick Avenue on the edges of the busy downtown ends...

Hammocks Beach State Park

Just west of the town of Emerald Isle, and across a maze of marshy terrain off the coast of mainland Swansboro, lies Hammocks Beach State Park, an incredible refuge for beach lovers who want to forego the crowds, and enjoy a parcel of barrier island...

Middleton Place

Enchanting gardens, interactive history, and breathtaking views abound at Middleton Place, one of the top-ranked attractions by Charleston newcomers and seasoned vacationers alike.

Southport Waterfront Park

While Downtown Southport has an ample supply of wide front porches to take a load off and enjoy a breeze, many longtime visitors attest there's no better place to relax than the Southport waterfront Park.

Dixieland Speedway

Summertime Friday nights are hot in Elizabeth City, thanks mainly to the Dixieland Speedway, a 3/8th mile dirt track that attracts stock car, go-kart and motorcycle racers from all across the eastern North Carolina region. An exciting spot with a...