Charlotte has a lot, and it can be hard to navigate for those new to the city. This guide provides ideas for activities from A to Z in and around Charlotte. These activities can be done with friends or loved ones, and some can be done alone.
A – Amusement park
Carowinds is a 400-acre amusement park in Charlotte with over 60 thrill rides, a water park and multiple food options.
B – Brakemans Coffee
For a new place to try coffee, Brakemans Coffee is located right outside of South Charlotte in Matthews. Matthews and South Charlotte also feature other unique spots to eat and shop.
C – Crowders Mountain
Crowders Mountain State Park is 32 miles west of Charlotte and has a great view of the region. In addition to hiking, you can go camping, paddling and fishing.
D – Discovery Place
Discovery Place Science Museum is in Uptown Charlotte, featuring an aquarium and other exhibits.
E – Exit Strategy escape rooms
Exit Strategy is one of the spots in Charlotte where you can do an escape room. Exit Strategy’s north location is near UNC Charlotte and has five games. Games are all private and can be done with at least two people.
F – Farmers markets
Charlotte has many farmers markets around the city that provide local fresh vegetables and fruit. Some markets include Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, Uptown Farmers Market, North End Farmers Market and Kings Drive Farmers Market.
G – Golf
Charlotte has multiple spots for golfing with friends. Most notably, Topgolf is located near UNC Charlotte. However, Monster Mini Golf is even closer to campus. Frankie’s Fun Park also offers mini golf and other activities like laser tag and go-karting.
H – Hall of Fame (NASCAR)
The NASCAR Hall of Fame is located in Uptown Charlotte and showcases the history of NASCAR. The Hall features classic and present-day cars in addition to racing simulators.
I – Ice skating
During the holidays, there are options to ice skate at various locations, such as in Uptown, Carowinds and the U.S. Whitewater Center. However, for the chance to skate throughout the year, Extreme Ice Center or Pineville Ice House are Charlotte’s two spots for ice skating.
J – Jeni’s Ice Creams
Jeni’s Ice Creams is an ice cream shop with four locations in Charlotte (South End, NoDa, Blakeney and Park Road). It is a great way to explore Charlotte’s other neighborhoods.
K – Karaoke
There are many spots for karaoke around Charlotte’s different neighborhoods. Seoul Food Market Co. has two locations, one in South End and one in the Mill District, that offer food and karaoke.
L – Lazy 5 Ranch
North of Charlotte, Lazy 5 Ranch is a drive-through animal park with over 750 animals from 6 continents. The animals include giraffes, bison and llamas.
M – MacTabby Cat Cafe
MacTabby Cat Cafe is the best place for cat lovers. Book a reservation to play with the adoptable cats in their cat lounge, or come by for the coffee.
N – NoDa
NoDa, which stands for North Davidson, is Charlotte’s arts district. The area features murals and art from local artists and places to eat and shop, making it a nice place to walk around and take photos.
O – Optimist Hall
Optimist Hall is a dining hall right off the light rail with over 20 food stalls, a brewery and places to shop. The location of the dining hall is historic, as it was originally home to Charlotte’s largest textile mill.
P – Parks
There are many parks throughout Charlotte that are ideal for hikes and picnics. In Uptown Charlotte, Freedom Park and First Ward Park provide greenspace in the city. Other parks, like Colonel Francis J. Beatty Park near South Charlotte, are much more secluded.
Q – Quarry at Carrigan Farms
The Quarry at Carrigan Farms is a local farm with options for strawberry picking in late April, open swimming and sunflowers during the summer.
R – Reed Gold Mine
Located east of Charlotte, Reed Gold Mine is the location of the first documented gold found in the United States. You can go on guided tours of the historic structures, pan for gold and hike the trails there.
S – Sleepy Poet Antique Mall
For those interested in thrifting and antiquing, Sleepy Poet Antique Mall sells unique items from various vendors.
T – Tiger World
Tiger World Endangered Wildlife Preserve is open to the public for educational guided tours and walkabout self-guided tours. The nonprofit animal conservation center rescues, rehabilitates and preserves many exotic animals, including tigers.
U – U.S. Whitewater Center
The U.S. Whitewater Center is an outdoor center with ample opportunities to run, paddle and climb. Activities at the Whitewater Center include ziplining, whitewater rafting and rock climbing. During the holidays, the Whitewater Center has lights and ice skating.
V – Visulite Theater
Visulite Theatre is one of the many spots in Charlotte for live music performances. They have performances slotted throughout each month to attend.
W – Wing Haven Gardens
Wing Haven is a garden and bird sanctuary located south of Uptown Charlotte in the Myers Park neighborhood. The garden is open to the public for self-guided tours and visits.
X – Xtreme Xperience
Xtreme Xperience is an opportunity to drive supercars like a Ferrari 488 and Lamborghini Huracán at high speeds. The chance to race supercars happens twice yearly, typically in March and October, at the Charlotte Motor Speedway near UNC Charlotte.
Y – Yellow Brick Road
Walk on the yellow brick road through North Carolina’s Land of Oz. Land of Oz is a theme park that hosts the annual Autumn at Oz Festival, where you can meet the characters from the film. Dates for the park’s events change yearly and have yet to be announced for 2024.
Z – Zoo
The North Carolina Zoo is perfect for a day trip further out from Charlotte. The zoo features various animals from the African and North American continents and is working on an Asia expansion.