Enchanting gardens, interactive history, and breathtaking views abound at Middleton Place, one of the top-ranked attractions by Charleston newcomers and seasoned vacationers alike.
Visitors to New Bern's historic downtown are advised to take a break from the shopping, antiquing and dining, and enjoy a comfortable seat and a great view at the scenic and newly revitalized, Union Point Park.
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...
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...
Spend a full day by the seashore at scenic, sprawling Folly Beach County Park. This expansive park which takes up the entire portion of the southwestern end of Folly Beach features plenty of room for multiple towels and umbrellas, with well over...
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...
Visitors to historic Southport who want to make a beach escape, or Carolina Beach travelers who need an easy yet scenic route to head south will find the Southport / Fort Fisher ferry a convenient yet completely unique way to explore the southern...
The Belhaven Memorial Museum clearly holds the title as one of the most distinctive and unique museums in Eastern North Carolina, with a collection that includes historical artifacts, scientific oddities, and everything in between.
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...
If it weren't for the telltale palmetto trees and notable landmark neighbors, like the historic Dock Street Theater, a visitor might mistake this church for an authentic French house of worship, tucked away in a European countryside of decades ago.
The Bald Head Island Ferry Terminal is the gateway to exploring the small, but popular paradise of Bald Head Island. Located on the northern edge of the roughly 5 square mile island, and bordering the Cape Fear River, the terminal deposits visitors...
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 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...
Located at the edge of the Ashley River, next to the Joseph P. Riley, Jr. minor league baseball stadium, Brittlebank Park is a refreshing breath of fresh air that serves up some of the best water views in the region, while serving as an occasional...
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...
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...
The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is one of the most distinctive lighthouses along the Outer Banks coastline, due to its black and white diamond-patterned exterior, as well as its remote location along the Cape Lookout National Seashore. Accessible only...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Lawton Stables is much more than just a pretty spot for a trail ride, or an elite locale for local islanders to board and train their prized horses. In addition, the stables offer a world of fun for its regular and vacationing patrons, ranging from...
Charleston, South Carolina is well-known as a city of "firsts," but one of the most remarkable first sites in this town is the toweringly impressive Dock Street Theatre. Located in the French Quarter of the Historic District, this well-renowned...
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...
Beaufort explorers who want an easy launching point in the heart of town, or just a scenic spot to enjoy a quick picnic lunch and an incredible view, can head to the centrally located Grayden Paul Park. Tucked away along the waterfront on Front...
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...
The Pecan Grove Marina stands out among the marinas and boat slips that veritably overrun the small town of Oriental for three distinctive reasons: location, location, location. Set slightly inland from mile marker 182 along the Intracoastal...
One of Columbia's "newest" attractions happens to reside in one of its most prestigious old downtown buildings. The Columbia Theater Cultural Resources Center is a widely successful project of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources...
The Oriental Harbor Marina, located at the mouth of the wide open Neuse River, is a paradise for local boat lovers or mariners just passing through along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW).
Mitchelville Freedom Park is a deeply meaningful and historically rich destination that offers both a scenic natural setting and a powerful connection to America’s past. Located on the northern end of the island near Port Royal Sound, this...
New Charleston visitors are often advised to start their regional tour with a visit to the historic City Market, a massive four block meeting place that sells homegrown goods and exquisitely crafted arts and crafts from all over the low country. A...
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...
Fishing, incredible views, and romantic strolls overlooking the "Edge of America" are all on the agenda at the Folly Beach Fishing Pier, officially known as the more long-winded moniker the "Edwin S. Taylor Folly Beach Fishing Pier." A whopping...
For Charleston locals and frequent visitors, Marion Square is much more than just a pretty block of green space in between Meeting Street and King Street. Like many of Charleston's attractions, beneath the surface lies a history of stories that date...
Enjoy miles of pristine beaches, salt marshes, and scenic views in every direction with a visit to Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. Located just south of Kure Beach, and renowned for its 6 miles of undeveloped shoreline, this sunny beach...
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...
Dive into a wealth of coastal artifacts, folklore, and legendary figures with a visit to the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort. Operating as one of three maritime museums along coastal NC, this distinctive site is known for its unique...
The Hunting Island State Park comprises the entirety of the famed Hunting Island, and is a family-friendly beach destination with a big reputation. As the most visited state park in all of South Carolina, the 5,000 acre undeveloped barrier island...
Emerald Isle vacationers don’t have to venture too far to discover an entirely different coastal environment via the community’s newest park, Emerald Isle Woods Park. Located just off of Coast Guard Road, and only a few blocks away from...
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.
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...
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...
Even cadets at the Citadel need to relax every once and a while, and there's no better place to escape the everyday drills than at neighboring Hampton Park. This historic park – one of the oldest in the city – boasts 60 acres of natural...
It's hard to confuse the Old Baldy Lighthouse with the other Carolina lighthouses that guard the Eastern Seaboard. The unique structure has undergone some interesting natural and manmade changes during its nearly 200 year lifespan, but many visitors...
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...
Rainbow Row is a famous historical Charleston neighborhood that certainly lives up to its name. The collection of brightly-colored homes, which are stacked side by side, is arguably one of the most photographed sections of the city, and attracts...
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...
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...
The Old Exchange is one of the most visited historic sites in Charleston, both for its grand stature as one of the colonies' earliest statuesque public buildings, and its unique array of interior assets - including the famous Provost Dungeon in the...
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...
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...
The Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve is a large parcel of maritime forest, marshes, and even brackish swamplands that border the Currituck Sound. Located well off the main US 158 Bypass and jutting out into both the sound and the Kitty Hawk Bay, the Kitty...
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...
Long Leaf Park is a centrally located public park that features a wealth of natural beauty and scenery, as well as plenty of activities to keep park-goers of all ages engaged. Located just south of the UNCW campus, and easy to reach for visitors...
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...
The unique waterfront community of Hilton Head's Harbour Town features a world of activities that are sure to wow and engage visitors of all interests, all while providing a spectacular view of the neighborhood's "harbor," and the adjoining...
The Riverwalk in Downtown Wilmington is a showstopper of a stroll that is a distinctive attraction all its own. Originally conceived in the 1980s as a way to generate more interest and tourism to the Cape Fear River waterfront regions of...
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...
It's impossible for oceanfront beach-goers to miss Myrtle Beaches' literal top attraction, the Myrtle Beach Skywheel. The nearly 190' tall Ferris wheel is a relatively new beachside attraction, but is easily one of the Grand Strand's biggest and...
Experienced Outer Banks travelers attest that a local ferry ride either to or from the barrier island shorelines is a huge part of the fun, and a relaxing 2.25 hour cruise across the Pamlico Sound is certainly a welcome diversion for many road-weary...
Washington Square Park, with its seasonally blooming azaleas, trickles of Spanish moss hanging off of ancient live oaks, and quiet setting in the heart of the city, is a romantic, serene destination that brings the inherent laid-back charm of...
The Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is easily one of the most spellbinding sites in the city of Charleston, with acres of wildly growing gardens that have captivated visitors for generations. A romantic and altogether enchanting destination located...
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...
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...
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...
It's easy to see why vacationers fall in love with Carova. Located almost literally off the Outer Banks map, while other towns along the barrier islands of North Carolina grew and developed over the decades and became popular East Coast tourism...
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...
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...
Before there was the infamous Jersey Shore crew, or the Southern California surfing hang-outs, there was the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. A southern icon for beach vacationers of multiple generations, from biker gangs to young families, the boardwalk...
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...
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...
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...
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...
The towering Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is one of Charleston's premier religious structures, and arguably one of its busiest. With daily mass, multiple Sunday masses, and a heavy schedule of calendar of events, this gothic chapel is likely to...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
The Museum of the Albemarle is considered the showpiece of downtown Elizabeth City, and is a must-stop for any new explorer of North Carolina's "Inner Banks." Located along the waterfront within a sprawling and stately green-roofed complex, the...