The best things to do in Charlotte
Visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame
In a city that’s shaped by racing, and just 25 minutes Charlotte Motor Speedway, a visit to the NASCAR Hall of Fame is a must.
Learn about racing legends through the years, experience the thrill of racing in a high-speed simulator against other competitors and then retrace NASCAR’s routes via film in the 280-seat, high-octane theatre. You can visit it on our NASCAR Homelands road trip.
Unwind in Freedom Park
Centered around a beautiful seven-acre lake, Freedom Park is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the city. Stroll around the tree-lined trails or head to the tennis and basketball courts for an afternoon of fun-filled exercise. There are playgrounds for the kids too and plenty of spaces to enjoy a picnic on the grass in the sunshine.
Visit the US National Whitewater Center
Adrenaline junkies will love the plethora of activities on offer here. From thrilling whitewater rafting, to zip lining, mountain biking and stand up paddle boarding, there’s something for everyone to try their hand at.
The best Charlotte restaurants
The Fig Tree Restaurant
Located in a gorgeous 1913 bungalow, this uptown restaurant is ideal for celebrating a special occasion. Serving up a mixture of American, French and Italian cuisine, expect delicious fresh seafood, succulent meat options and award-winning pasta dishes on the menu. In the summer months, we recommend some alfresco dining on the veranda.
Midwood Smokehouse
Adored by locals and tourists alike, Midwood Smokehouse is the only place in Charlotte to order barbequed meat. Tuck into delicious ribs, smoky charcoaled burgers and tender steaks, accompanied with piping hot fries and fresh side salads. Indulge in the creamy mac and cheese too for an indulgent treat.
The Asbury
Elegant and stylish, the Asbury restaurant – inside the historic Dunhill Hotel on North Tyron Street – is perfectly located for a romantic dinner before heading to watch a show at the theatre. The menu changes seasonally but expect traditional southern food, presented creatively with a modern twist. Most of the ingredients are locally sourced too.
Where to stay in Charlotte
Kimpton Tryant Park Hotel
Chic and stylish, this modern hotel is ideal for exploring Downtown Charlotte. The rooms are beautifully presented with stunning views of the city skyline and key attractions, such as the Modern Art Museum, are just a four-minute walk away.
Omni Charlotte Hotel
Based in the heart of the financial district, this elegant hotel is perfect for staying in the city on business. Each of the rooms is finished to an exceptionally high standard with an incredible roof top pool and lounge area for you to relax and unwind on. Some of the city’s key attractions are on your doorstep with the Discovery Place Science Museum just a short walk away.
The Ritz-Carlton Charlotte
For a truly special stay in the city, the Ritz-Carlton is hard to beat. Exquisitely designed this hotel is complete with a stylish and sophisticated décor, an indoor pool and spa. It’s a 10-minute walk from both the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the Discovery Place Science Museum.