Things to do & places to visit in Gastonia, North Carolina, United States

Gastonia city in North Carolina, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Sunday, May 05, 2024, 0:25.

Top things to do (21)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Xtreme Xcapes (45 reviews)
- Excellent Escape Room!
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

Gastonia's first Escape Room! A challenging & fun place to spend an hour with friends, family or perfect strangers working together to "escape" the Room. See more..
5.0 American Military Museum (8 reviews)
- Hidden Treasure!
Speciality Museums

Displays of uniforms, medals and weapons from wars, along with flags, magazines and all kinds of misc items - also has a large model collection of ships, planes, tanks and other military vehicles from all wars. You wouldn't believe what is packed into this building! The staff is so friendly and is more than willing to walk with you if you would like them to and explain anything your heart desires. Tour at your own pace - lots to look at and read! It could take 30 minutes to 2 hrs or so. Awesome learning experience! See more..
5.0 Hive Paper Gifts (6 reviews)
- Not just a shop, it's an experience!
Sunday: Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops • Lessons & Workshops

I found this shop on Trip Advisor and thought it was a paper shop. It does sell cards, napkins, and you can order invitations for your occasion. But, It's more than that. High end unique gifts, jewelry, bags and more all artfully displayed. I also tried on a Jonathan Miller necklace and cuff bracelet. Had I not just put jewelry faucet in my kitchen, I'd have purchased it. The women in this shop are a delight. See more..
5.0 Neighborhood Cigars (2 reviews)
- Good place to relax
Sunday: Speciality & Gift Shops
Nice place to relax with a good cigar good selection and good people real nice place to just unwind with a nice humidor and good selection See more..
5.0 Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park (2 reviews)
- Nice and caring
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Cemeteries

As sister locations, Carothers Funeral Home and Gaston Memorial Park in Gastonia allow you to conveniently plan all of your funeral, cremation and burial needs in Gaston County, North Carolina. See more..
5.0 Ella's Therapeutic Baths & Spa (1 review)
- Wonderful place. Wonderful people
Spas

Ella's Therapeutic Baths & Spa prides itself on being the go-to choice for clients looking for Spa Service, Bath Service and Massage Therapy services. See more..
5.0 Irvington Music (1 review)
- Rare find of pre-CD recorded music
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops
If you are interested in recorded classical music, both symphonic and operatic, you will enjoy a visit to Irvington Music in Gaston, OR. Yes, it is out of the way but if you are in Portland, you can drive there in an hour. Proprietors Sue and Larry have a large collection--so many that their website says they don't even know the number--of LPs and 78 rpm records in a large and well organized warehouse across the drive from their home. Most of their business is done over the internet, but they welcome visitors; just call ahead to be sure they're open. I found two operatic performances I did not know existed: Rossini's Torvaldo e Dorliska and Donizetti's Il Diluvio Universale, both on the Voce label and both with superlative casts. Don't worry about toting your purchases home; for a nominal fee, they'll pack and mail them to your home. See more..
4.5 The Schiele Museum of Natural History (266 reviews)
- My kids enjoyed it!
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

Came here with my kids (6 and 4) on a weekday right at opening. Waited around 30 min just to buy tickets (there were only about 10 families ahead of us probably), they just seemed unorganized at the front desk. My kids particularly enjoyed the dinosaur exhibit and the taxidermy animals. Overall, the place was a lot bigger than I was expecting. Also did one of the planetarium shows. It is definitely geared towards children. Think the content was slightly above my 6 year old, but I think that teenagers might be bored by it. So I would say 7-10 years old would be perfect age there. Traveled around an hour to see the museum (from SC) and I would say my kids enjoyed it enough that we will be back again in a year or so. See more..
4.5 Rankin Lake Park (115 reviews)
- Great
Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks

OK listen here I'm part of all that shooting , we don't like shooting while all you park goers are making tons of noise and breaking our focus , try and keep it down , and just remember we were here before you were so if you don't like it , leave , plain and simple ! See more..
4.5 Martha Rivers Park (48 reviews)
- Excellent Playground for All Ages
Parks

I brought my two-year-old niece here and she had the best time in the playground. It was hard to tell who was more excited though, my sister or my neice. This is definitely going to become their favorite new spot to go as a family and I'm so happy I discovered it while I was here on vacation. There are lots of different types of playground equipment and all are super cute and well-maintained. It's much bigger than any others I've been to so there was no trouble bringing a toddler through the big kids area because everyone is so spread out. We had so much fun. I highly recommend a visit, or two. See more..
4.5 The Little Theater of Gastonia (26 reviews)
- Great Production at a Community Theater!
Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Theaters
We went for the first time to see The Red Velvet Cake War. Outstanding performance, set design, sound and lighting. I can't wait to see another performance! See more..
4.5 Gaston Pickers (23 reviews)
- Whoa, baby! Lot's o' Stuff!
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Antique Shops

If you are into antiquing, Gaston Pickers in Gastonia, NC is a must.There's 28,000 sq. ft. with over 140 vendors. The quality and quantity is good, diverse, and in many cases, very unique. Prices are at basic antique retail value, but I have found that throughout North and South Carolina, prices for antiques are similar. (In my humble opinion, the only real bargains in terms of pricing are at estate sales, auctions, flea markets, and yard sales)--but Gaston Pickers merchandise so well, that you get the opportunity to see how the item might fit into your house. Go. You won't be disappointed. See more..
4.5 George Poston Park (9 reviews)
- Great Dog Park
Sunday: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Parks

Great dog park. There is not much signage for the park. So, if you are coming from downtown Lowell, make an immediate right turn after you make the left off the main road. The park is nestled at the very back of the park, overlooking the soccer field. The dog park is huge, separated for small and large dogs, and has safe double doored entrances and exits. Dog waste stations with free poop bags dot the park on both sides. There is a fresh water station with bucket and hose. I always take my dog's personal bowl so the hose and spigot are nice. Plenty of places for dog parents to sit. The only downside is the dog owners who refuse to clean up after their dogs. No excuse! There are plenty of bags and waste cans. A nice paved walkway leads up to the park. Safe area. See more..
4.5 Rotary Centennial Pavilion (9 reviews)
- Alive After Five
Scenic Walking Areas

Nice uptown area. Good place to take some chairs and sit on the lawn. Fun time during special events. See more..
4.0 Mary Jo's Cloth Store (109 reviews)
- Mary Jo's is the best fabric store in the Southeast!
Sunday: Speciality & Gift Shops

I am a freelance costume designer and I make the 4-hour drive to Mary Jo's almost every time I am working on a show. The selection is incredible and the prices are unbelievably low. I have found the staff to be extremely helpful. The store is insanely busy, so I suspect the staff does not have a whole lot of patience for people who don't know what they are doing. They are quick and no-nonsense workers. Considering the vast selection and size of the store, it is very well organized. See more..
4.0 Lineberger Park (40 reviews)
- Splash pad, train, fun
Parks

Great place for all. The kids love the splash pad. The train is fun for the whole family. The playground is great for littles and the younger crowd (thinking 10 and under). See more..
4.0 Cavendish Brewing Company (13 reviews)
- Passing through
Spent < 1 hour Bars & Clubs

Stopped by heading from Georgia to Pa. Good beer and pizzas. Bartender did not have a mask on, most others did. Convenient location off the highway. Will definitely stop again. See more..
4.0 Arts on Main (11 reviews)
- Local Artist and some not so local!
Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Galleries
Arts on Main is home to the Gaston County Art Guild, an organization that has been in existence for more than 50 years. Arts on Main consists of the Kiser Art Gallery, the Munn Photography Gallery, a Featured Artist Corner, Gift Shop, and more than 20 working Artist Studios. We are free to the public. Stop in and visit us and enjoy art and crafts representing over 150 local artists. See more..
4.0 B & B Antique & Artisan Mall (9 reviews)
- Very eclectic Antique mall with something for everyone
This location was reported permanently closed Speciality & Gift Shops • Antique Shops

I really enjoyed our first visit to this antique mall. The prices are very reasonable and there is a large selection of items. There are vintage books, toys, tools, records, etc. The people who work there are very friendly and helpful. This mall is just a short ride from the interstate so I highly recommend you stop by! See more..
4.0 Massage Envy Spa Gastonia (2 reviews)
- Best massages
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spas
I decided to gift myself with monthly massages after I received 2 for Christmas presents. It is the best investment for my health and well being. Geri is great especially if you have any type of inflammatory process occurring. Thanks guys!!! See more..
4.0 Gastonia Skeet & Trap Range (2 reviews)
- Convenient. Well maintained. Cheap.
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Shooting Ranges
Friendly, polite people working the range. Well maintained. Nothing fancy or elaborate, but everything was in good working order. The attendants made sure that all of the throwers stayed stocked with clays. Five of us shot together and none of us experienced any issues. $19 for 100 clays. See more..
4.0 O'Darcy Mountain View (1 review)
- A hidden gem off the grid
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops
A nice quiet country-side driving range. Peaceful and quiet, with a practice putting green and Pro Shop. Friendly staff and good prices as well... a small bucket of balls for $7 and a giant large bucket for just $10. My son and I had a great time hitting just before dusk and watching the sun set on the horizon. See more..
4.0 Smyre Millenium Park (1 review)
- Small in size, Big in Activity
Parks • Playgrounds

This is a small park, nestled inside a walking trail and surrounded by what we call down South, Mill Houses. Kinda like a Central Park of the South. It's about 2 acres of land with a asphalt walking trail on the perimeter. One covered picnic table, benches and lots of play structures for the little ones. Dogs are allowed (cleanup supplies supplied), but parking seems limited. A quiet and cozy park just hidden along Hwy 7 in Gastonia. See more..
3.5 Regal Franklin Square Stadium 14 (19 reviews)
- 1st Visit Regal 14
Movie Theaters

A little difficult to find, Tucked away in the back corner of a shopping mall, and no real directional signs nor signs on the theater itself. Good seats, reasonable concession prices. Theater was clean. See more..
3.5 Katy-Did Antiques (7 reviews)
- Nice antique place
Antique Shops

It was a nice antique place. Lots of treasures, and good finds too. There were plenty of booths, and the prices were fairly reasonable. See more..
3.5 Catawba Creek Golf Club (6 reviews)
- Changes are coming to this course
Golf Courses
Several years ago I played this course when it was the Gastonia Municipal Course... it was like playing on a battlefield. The new carts, new greens and total overhaul of this course are simply excellent. Now I look forward to playing on this course regularly and I suspect they will continue to improve it! See more..
3.5 Adventure Landing (3 reviews)
- Classic fun
Spent 2-3 hours Game & Entertainment Centers
Adventure Landing Gastonia is a family fun center featuring three uniquely themed 18-hole miniature golf courses. We also have batting cages and a huge video arcade. We specialize in kids' birthday parties and large group events. Come play with us! See more..
3.5 U-Neek Anteeks (2 reviews)
- Cool Place!
Antique Shops

Wow! What a cool place! If you like to dig and don't mind a little clutter, then this is the place for you to search for that special antique. NOT a gift shop. Friendly staff, very helpful. See more..
Gastonia Honey Hunters (0 review)
Sunday: Spent 2-3 hours Sporting Events
CaroMont Health Park is the home to all things Gastonia Honey Hunters! Established in 2021 and managed by The Momentous Group, the Gastonia Honey Hunters is one of the newest teams in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB). Like our mascot’s undeniable reputation and the City of Gastonia’s rich history, Honey Hunters Baseball is fearless, resilient, and determined. We live by the mantra, “Always strive for something better, but never forget where you came from.” Our club is committed to continuous improvement, or as we like to call it, the hunt for honey. That’s what being a true Honey Hunter is all about! See more..
City Church (0 review)
Churches & Cathedrals
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