North Carolina: Discover Coast, Mountains and History

North Carolina combines the Atlantic coast, barrier islands, river landscapes and mountain scenery with an unusually rich history. Those planning a trip can therefore choose between very different experiences: observing nature by the water, longer hiking trails, scenic back roads, museums or sites associated with the American Revolutionary War. The right vacation rental or vacation home is best chosen according to which part of this diversity is meant to be the focus.

From untouched islands to the mountains

Cape Hatteras National Seashore preserves significant stretches of untouched barrier islands along North Carolina’s Atlantic coast. The landscape particularly appeals to travelers who want to experience the coast not only as a beach destination, but as a distinct natural and experiential world. The area also contains some of the best spots for windsurfing and kitesurfing on the East Coast. Cape Lookout National Seashore is home to two historic villages, Cape Village and Portsmouth Village. There, the history of the islands combines with a stay in a distinctive coastal landscape.

The mountain region, too, offers a completely different kind of travel experience. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known worldwide for its variety of plant and animal species. Historic churches, gristmills, barns and homes provide an impression of life in the mountains before the national park was established. The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation manages more than 250,000 acres of characteristic North Carolina landscapes in parks, recreation areas and natural areas.

Hiking, paddling and exploring

Several distinctly different formats are available for active vacation days. The Mountains-to-Sea State Trail is North Carolina’s flagship state hiking trail. The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail is 330 miles long, runs through Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina, and follows the route used by Patriot militias during the Kings Mountain Campaign of 1780. More than 80 miles of this trail are open for hiking. This makes it possible to tailor hiking plans to the desired distance and historical interest without having to consider the entire route as a single trip.

Those who prefer water landscapes will find the 215-mile Roanoke River State Trail in northeastern North Carolina. The paddling trail begins at Roanoke Rapids Lake, follows the river to Albemarle Sound and includes the lower sections of the Chowan River. Camping platforms along the trail allow paddlers to spend the night by the water; reservations are required to use these campsites. The Roanoke River State Trail also passes through the largest and least disturbed lowland hardwood forest ecosystem in the Mid-Atlantic region.

For a road trip, North Carolina offers 62 scenic byways. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile route connecting Shenandoah National Park with Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Falls Lake State Recreation Area has more than 300 campsites and also includes a section of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail. These differences can help when choosing a starting point: Should the accommodation primarily serve as a base for days in nature, a paddling route or a scenic drive?

History to hear, see and reflect on

North Carolina can also be explored through specific historic sites. Guilford Courthouse National Military Park offers free, self-guided audio tours through the NPS app. The Battle of Moores Creek National Battlefield marked the last broadsword attack by Scottish Highlanders and the first significant Patriot victory in the American Revolutionary War. King’s Mountain, Cowpens and Guilford Courthouse formed part of a “chain of evils” that brought about the turning point of the war in the South and made the surprise victory at Yorktown possible.

The North Carolina Division of State Historic Sites operates 27 unique historic sites. Fort Raleigh on Roanoke Island is a central site in American history; in summer, the drama The Lost Colony is performed there. At Wright Brothers National Memorial, visitors can explore the museum and monument. On December 17, 1903, after four years of scientific experiments, Wilbur and Orville Wright achieved the first successful airplane flights in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Those who prefer museums can choose North Carolina’s institutions according to their areas of interest—art, history and science; they are also listed on a map of the state.

Regional focuses for your accommodation search

When searching for accommodation, it is worth first making a clear decision about your travel style. Coastal landscapes and island history lead to different daily plans than mountain scenery, historic buildings or a vacation along a paddling trail. Those who want to combine different interests can compare the regions according to which experiences occupy the most space in their own itinerary. Culinary discoveries can also be included: The NC Oyster Trail comprises more than 90 stops across the state. Farm tours demonstrate different oyster-farming techniques and provide interactive experiences; they may also offer opportunities to eat oysters directly at their place of origin. In addition, farms with expanded agritourism programs welcome the public and provide insights into farms in North Carolina.

North Carolina thus remains a destination for many different kinds of vacations: with coasts, rivers and hiking trails, mountain landscapes, museums, historic sites and regional agriculture. It makes the most sense to choose your vacation rental or vacation home according to the focus you want to experience.

More destinations in North Carolina

For further selection: Brunswick, Pender, Cumberland, Mecklenburg, Wayne, Cleveland, Lee, Johnston, Pitt, Rowan, Catawba, Wake, Guilford, Nash, Dare, Durham, Forsyth, Watauga, Halifax, Hyde, Cabarrus, Vance, New Hanover, Lenoir, Henderson, Mcdowell, Alamance, Wilkes, Orange, Iredell, Buncombe, Person County, Gaston County, Yadkin County, Robeson County, Davie County, Scotland County, New Hanover County, Pine Knoll Shores, Jackson, Craven County, Moore County, Davidson County, Stanly County.

Randolph County, Swain County, Currituck County, Rockingham County, Carteret County, Transylvania County, Harnett County, Surry County, Richmond County, Martin, Wilson County, Macon County, Chowan County, Pasquotank County, Cherokee County, Haywood County, Caldwell County, Ashe County, Beaufort County, Lincoln County, Avery County, Granville County, Northampton County, Onslow County, Chatham County, Stokes County, Union County, Rutherford County, Polk County, Burke County, Madison County, Edgecombe County, Mitchell County, Columbus, Hoke County, Duplin County, Hertford County, Montgomery County, Greene County, Clay County, Graham County, New Hanover County, Alleghany County, Franklin County.

For the higher-level travel overview: USA.