Charlotte Attractions
Explore a Lot
So many things to do, so little time…Isn’t that always the way it goes? Charlotte’s attractions are no exception. This city may have a reputation for NASCAR roots, but its ways to play stretch far beyond the track (although riding shotgun at speeds of 160mph is nothing to sneeze at!).
The elegant orchids at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, the rip-roaring coasters at Carowinds, and the Broadway show tunes at Belk Theatre are just a few of the countless reasons to shut off the Blackberry and book an extra day for all the attractions in the fine Southern city of Charlotte, North Carolina.
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Featured Attractions
Billy Graham Library
- Art Museums & Galleries
The Billy Graham Library is an innovative, family friendly facility that combines multimedia technology and fascinating memorabilia to transport visitors into the life and faith of this beloved evangelist. A gift shop, café and Graham’s childhood home complete this not to be missed experience.
Admission is free and the library is open Monday through Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Please note: the Library will be temporarily closed Jan 11 - March 31, 2010 for upgrades and improvements. The library grounds, including Billy Graham's boyhood home and the gravesite of Ruth Bell Graham, his wife of 63 years, will remain open to visitors.
Dirt Track Racing School
- Auto Racing Related
- Sports / Recreation
The Dirt Track Racing School offers both racers and racing fans alike the chance to drive on dirt in three different types of racecars. Students can drive an open-wheel Modified, a Late Model and a Sprint Car. Classes do not require any prior racing experience.
The Dirt Track Racing School holds its classes just 25 minutes from downtown Charlotte and 45 minutes from Lowe's Motor Speedway at Carolina Speedway in Gastonia, NC.
To learn more about the Dirt Track Racing School, visit our website or call 704-728-2969.
Please see the attached coupon to receive 10% off any Hit the Dirt Experience at the Dirt Track Racing School.
NASCAR Hall of Fame
- Auto Racing Related
- Historical Sites / Museums
Opening May 11, 2010 in Charlotte’s Center City, the 150,000-square-foot NASCAR Hall of Fame is a multi-faceted, unique attraction honoring the history and heritage of NASCAR. The high-tech venue, designed to educate and entertain race fans and non-fans alike, includes a state-of-the-art theater, Hall of Honor, restaurant, retail outlet, broadcast studio, artifact displays and interactive exhibits. The site includes a privately developed 19-story office tower and 102,000-square-foot expansion to the Charlotte Convention Center, highlighted by a 40,000 square-foot ballroom. The NASCAR Hall of Fame is owned by the City of Charlotte, licensed by NASCAR and operated by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority.
Carowinds
Charlotte, NC 28273 704-588-2600
1-800-888-4386
704-587-9034
click here
- Family Friendly
- Theme Parks
- Water Parks
112 fun-filled acres with more than 50 world-class rides, shows and attractions - featuring a 20-acre water park. New in 2009 - Carolina Cobra, the 125-foot tall towering twisting serpent is the park’s 12th roller coaster. Included in admission is Boomerang Bay™, a 20-acre Australian-themed Outback oasis of wet fun. Stay where you play at the 55-acre Camp Wilderness Resort. Concerts in the Paladium Amphitheatre.
Park open weekends only fall and spring; open daily during the summer. Check park's website for complete operating schedule.
U.S. National Whitewater Center
- Family Friendly
- Recreation Centers
- Sports / Recreation
The U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC) is the world’s premier outdoor recreation and environmental education center. Alongside mountain-biking and running trails, a climbing center, and challenge course, the park’s unique feature is a multiple-channel, customized whitewater river for rafting and canoe/kayak enthusiasts of all abilities.
The USNWC is only 10 minutes from downtown Charlotte and provides over 300 acres of woodlands along the scenic Catawba River. Olympic-caliber athletes, weekend warriors and casual observers share this world-class sports and training center.
This adventure sport facility also features a 2400 square foot conference center and a 300 seat River’s Edge Bar & Grill.
Discovery Place
- Family Friendly
- Science Centers
Discovery Place is the South's premiere hands-on science and technology center. Featuring over 300 exhibits, a live rain forest and IMAX Dome Theatre, one of only two large format theatres in NC, Discovery Place has something for everyone! Plan your visit today.
All Attractions
- Performing Arts
Actor's Crib, Inc. is a 501c3 non profit independent theatre corporation. Actor's Crib offers improvisational theatre workshops, classes, and corporate team building workshops.
Scott Pacitti, the founder and President of Actor's Crib, Inc. is an eight year improvisational theatre veteran. He conducts improv workshops and classes for all ages. Mr. Pacitti is also the leader of the Chuckleheads, a Charlotte based improvisation theatre troupe.
The Chuckleheads perform public shows throughout North and South Carolina at a multitude of venues. Mr. Pacitti and/or his improvisational theatre troupe is available for private or corporate performances. He is also available for master of ceremonies or hosting duties for private and corporate meetings and special events.
- Phone: 704-567-6200
- Phone: 704-841-7606
- 4501 South Boulevard
Charlotte, NC 704-527-0333- Sports / Recreation
Whether it's a birthday party, a company outing or just a spontaneous desire to go have some fun, Americans have a favorite destination -- AMF Bowling Centers. AMF is where America goes bowling.
We also offer a great new food & beverage menu that's sure to amaze you. And we'll serve it to you laneside so you can keep the fun flowing. Bowling has changed. Come in and enjoy the new experience at AMF.
- Phone: 704-596-4736
- Phone: 704-335-3205
- Phone: 704-357-8020
- Phone: 704-577-4587
- Phone: 704-422-3683
- Phone: 704-541-7058
- Phone: 704-332-5300
- Art Museums & Galleries
Opening January 2, 2010.
The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is dedicated to the exhibition of mid-20th-century European and American modern art. Cosmopolitan in nature and intimate in scale, the Bechtler offers a collection that is inspiring and approachable. Owing to its size and focus, the museum provides an in-depth arts experience that can be explored in an afternoon but still reward repeated visits. The collection reflects most of the important art movements and schools from the 20th century with a deep holding of the School of Paris after World War II. Only a handful of the artworks in the collection have been on public view in the United States. Until now, the collection was privately held by the Bechtler family of Switzerland and the U.S. and has since been committed to the city of Charlotte. A museum shop and café are located on the lobby level.
- Sports / Recreation
Come share our 11 beautiful acres in the pastoral countryside of Cabarrus County, NC. It’s a great place to unwind, enjoy the silence, bird watch, and stargaze. We're located near the Village of Misenheimer, home of Pfeiffer University and host to a large network of rural roads for cyclists seeking safer, less traveled routes to train or tour on.
Whether it’s road or mountain biking you’re looking for, some of the best bicycling roads in all of North Carolina are just a pedal away. Our climate here allows for cycling year round. Situated just one hour from Charlotte, Winston-Salem, or Greensboro, we provide a variety of accommodations to meet each traveler’s needs.
- Art Museums & Galleries
The Billy Graham Library is an innovative, family friendly facility that combines multimedia technology and fascinating memorabilia to transport visitors into the life and faith of this beloved evangelist. A gift shop, café and Graham’s childhood home complete this not to be missed experience.
Admission is free and the library is open Monday through Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Please note: the Library will be temporarily closed Jan 11 - March 31, 2010 for upgrades and improvements. The library grounds, including Billy Graham's boyhood home and the gravesite of Ruth Bell Graham, his wife of 63 years, will remain open to visitors.
- Phone: 1-800-411-3812
Corporate Partners
Carowinds
Charlotte, NC 28273 704-588-2600
1-800-888-4386
704-587-9034
click here
- Family Friendly
- Theme Parks
- Water Parks
112 fun-filled acres with more than 50 world-class rides, shows and attractions - featuring a 20-acre water park. New in 2009 - Carolina Cobra, the 125-foot tall towering twisting serpent is the park’s 12th roller coaster. Included in admission is Boomerang Bay™, a 20-acre Australian-themed Outback oasis of wet fun. Stay where you play at the 55-acre Camp Wilderness Resort. Concerts in the Paladium Amphitheatre.
Park open weekends only fall and spring; open daily during the summer. Check park's website for complete operating schedule.
Richard Petty Driving Experience
- Auto Racing Related
- Sports / Recreation
Richard Petty Driving Experience gives you the chance to get behind the wheel or experience a Ride-Along in an authentic NASCAR Sprint Cup style stock car. It's an experience you'll never forget and one no NASCAR fan should miss! Hours of operation vary. Please call for dates and times. For group sales contact Jennifer Buckley at (704) 454-6266.
Metrolina Tradeshow Expo
- Craft & Consumer Shows
Metrolina Tradeshow Expo Marketplace & Events is a privately owned and operated facility located on over 100 acres is one of Charlotte's largest and most versatile with climate controlled buildings, covered mall areas and acres of outdoor exhibit space and FREE on-site parking.
Home for over 30 years to one of the largest monthly Antique & Collectible Shows held on the East Coast as well as various open to the public consumer shows, concerts, sporting events and large private receptions and parties. We feature full on-site concessions, in house catering with all applicable ABC permits. Please call or email for more information.
Childress Vineyards
- Brewery/Winery/Wine Tour
- Day Trips
Childress Vineyards is the award-winning winery of NASCAR Team Owner Richard Childress located in Lexington, NC, at the southern gateway to the Yadkin Valley American Viticultural Area, less than one hour north of Charlotte. Named one of the Top 25 Tasting Rooms in America by Wine Enthusiast magazine (May 2008), Childress Vineyards is open daily for winery tours, winetastings, lunch and Sunday Brunch at the Bistro. Also enjoy our picnic area and walking trails. Free weekend music series May through October plus other special events. Check the website for a complete listing of activities. Hotel accommodations available adjacent to winery at Holiday Inn Express.
