3 Star Places To Visit in North Carolina, United States (50)

1. 3.5 Wet'n Wild Emerald Pointe (396 reviews)
   - Fun but the same ol experience for decades
   Water Parks
   
   
   When you think summer, think Wet‘n Wild. With over 36 water rides and attractions, there's something for everyone from mild to wild, from tots to seniors. Wet'n Wild Emerald Pointe Water is the perfect choice for your next summer adventure. We also offer terrific group packages, with as few as 15 guests, for birthday parties, family reunions, church groups and more. Our variety of entertainment, excellent water safety staff, delicious food and outstanding service provides all the necessary elements for you to have a truly outstanding day. With attractions like Daredevil Drop, Dr. Von Dark's Tunnel Of Terror, and Happy Harbor, Wet’n Wild is definitely where summer happens in the Carolina's. See more..
   
2. 3.5 Metalmorphosis (183 reviews)
   - Hidden gem!
   Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Monuments & Statues
   
   
   A truly impressive sculpture by artist David Cerny. We are familiar with his many sculptures in Prague so it is a treat to see his work in Charlotte. Reminiscent of Cerny’s Kafka’s head sculpture in Prague which was installed after this one. The sculpture was operational when we visited on March 11, 2018. If you go to the website, there is a Live View camera where you can see if it is working before you visit. The location is a little out of the way, but only one exit away on I-485 from Charlotte Premium Outlet Mall and under 15 minutes away from CLT airport. See more..
   
3. 3.5 Fascinate-U Children's Museum (95 reviews)
   - Great museum for couple of hours with small children
   Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Children's Museums
   
   
   Hands-on exhibits and interactive play for children. See more..
   
4. 3.5 Foxfire Golf & Country Club (65 reviews)
   - Not busy on a Tuesday. Nice course
   Golf Courses
   
   
   Golfed on a Tuesday mid day and we had the grey course to ourselves. Greens are in good shape. Recently airiated but still good. Fairways were in good shape. Rough was thick and challenging. Great design. Nice clubhouse. Bunkers were a bit hard. Cart paths were a bit bumpy. Only a few ball washers. No drinking water on the course But, it was sooooo nice having the course not busy and challenging!!! It was not apparent where to get to the clubhouse at the turn. Make sure you ask! See more..
   
5. 3.0 Love Valley Wild West Town (64 reviews)
   - Takes you back to the old west
   Scenic Walking Areas
   
   
   We visited in December on a colder, very wet day. There were no horses to see but this small town is certainly walkable. It have a few older buildings (old west look). The bar and restaurant was open. We went in the the restaurant and talked to the employee. Very friendly. She said we just missed the horses and people as they were there the night before. It is very, very small. I'd like to go back to see the horses but really, it did not seem to be anything there. A very small, older hotel, saloon (we didn't go in since we had kids with us). See more..
   
6. 3.5 Regal Birkdale Stadium 16 (54 reviews)
   - $6 Tuesdays
   Saturday: 11:00 AM - 11:30 PM Movie Theaters
   
   
   You can't beat $6 Tuesdays!! See any movie you want with no kids and few teens. Use their movie pass each time you go and get freebies like popcorn, soda, or moview. See more..
   
7. 3.5 Castle McCulloch (42 reviews)
   - Beautiful Venue
   Saturday: Historic Sites
   
   
   Attended a wedding at Castle McCulloch and the grounds were well maintained and the reception hall (Castle) lent a really special feel. See more..
   
8. 3.5 Cross Creek Mall (41 reviews)
   - Too Much
   Saturday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Department Stores • Shopping Malls
   
   
   Cross Creek Mall features all your favorite stores including Macy's, Dillards, and JCPenney as well as more than 100 specialty shops such as H&M, Simply Southern, Charlotte Russe, and Forever 21. Enjoy great dining such as Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Chili's Bar & Grill, Cava, Primo Pizza, and more. See more..
   
9. 3.5 Chinqua Penn Plantation (35 reviews)
   - So sorry this is gone
   Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Castles
   
   
   I have not been to this place in many years. It is such a shame t has fallen on such disrepair. When he Penn's owned the property, Mr. Penn bought, disassembled and rebuilt a windmill from Holland. The Penn's hired my Grandfather to do some work on the windmill. I understand the Penn's held parties inside the windmill. The windmill burned down but the footprint and fireplace were still there. When I was a child, my Dad drove us to the plantation. The caretaker, a Mr. Talley knew my Grandfather. The Penn's were travelling overseas and Mr. Talley let us come through the gates and let us go all over the grounds. It was magical. When I visited years later, there was disrepair and the windmill area is in the pasture area of the farm, but it was still beautiful. I am so sad that this place is no longer an attraction. Year 1980's See more..
   
10. 3.0 AMC Dine-In Holly Springs 9 (34 reviews)
    - Nice venue
    Movie Theaters
    
    
    The layout is nice. For a first time visitor, I felt a little lost as I walked in. The bar to the left was very nice, and it's purpose was clear. There was a line to the right, and another roped off area near some kiosks -- the purpose of all that was not clear. I wasted time in line, after having pre-purchased tickets. Needed the use of the family restroom, but there was only one sign in the lobby pointing down the hall where the ticket-taker should be. Finally went back up front and got better vague directions. We ordered food from our seats. Most was right, but no silverware nor napkins, and had to chase down our server afterwards for a receipt, (he "got slammed"). Will certainly give it another try, but for the cost, was a little disappointed. See more..
    
11. 3.5 Sky Zone Trampoline Park (33 reviews)
    - Great Time For All !!!
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Game & Entertainment Centers
    
    
    Sky Zone is the world's first indoor trampoline park. We're the inventors of "fun fitness" and the makers of trampolines as far as the eye can see. We give you one of the greatest workouts ever combined with awesome, healthy fun. We've been voted the number one "out of the box" workout and the "best party ever." Experience WOW - the weightlessness of bouncing, flipping and landing in a pit filled with 10,000 foam cubes. We are dedicated to providing you with the pure joy that comes with flying. We are sky lovers, thrill seekers and people who believe that jumping is freedom. We believe fitness can be fun and play can be smart. We are healthy and bursting with energy. We fly high and keep it safe. We are Sky Zone. Sky Zone Charlotte offers open jump, a SkySlam court, Foam Pit, and Ultimate Dodgeball (when available) For just about any age, shape or size, Sky Zone Charlotte also offers Birthday Party and Corporate Event Packages. Sky Zone Charlotte is the ultimate 3-D play experience! See more..
    
12. 3.5 Hyland Golf Club (32 reviews)
    - Name is actually Hyland Golf Club
    Golf Courses
    
    
    Designed on rolling, wooded terrain, this 18-hole resort championship golf course stretches 6,782 yards from the championship tees, and features Pencross Bent greens and 419-Bermuda fairways. See more..
    
13. 3.0 Adventure Landing Charlotte (32 reviews)
    - Fun on the less crowded day
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM Miniature Golf
    
    
    Adventure Landing Charlotte has fun for the whole family! Choose from three uniquely-themed miniature golf courses, go-karts, batting cages, bumper boats, and an arcade full of the latest video games! We specialize in kids' birthday parties and group events - come play with us! See more..
    
14. 3.5 Tucker Lake (31 reviews)
    - Great PLACE horrible Mgmt and staff
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Bodies of Water
    
    
    So this is going to be a weird review. Overall, I have to say that my kids love this place. They love it. We stayed 6 hours in the blazing hot sun (bring your own shade as there is none) because they were having a great time. It's all about expectations at Tucker Lake though. Set them LOW and you will have a ball. The equipment is badly maintained- the high dive is rickety, water slide looks like it has never been cleaned, etc. The path from the beach over to the big water slide has gotten treacherous with an apparent earth cave-in over a culvert. The lifeguards are very poorly trained. We watched one girl sit on the high dive stand for an entire shift and never look at the water. There was a cute boy up there with her. They rarely, if ever, bother to watch the kids swim. One did and he was great but not a single female lifeguard actually would have noticed if someone was struggling. The one over at the slide was actually on his phone the whole time. The bathrooms are wretched and far away from the beach so everyone just pees in the lake. I mean it's incredibly red neck so brace yourself. Doesn't stop us from going back though. Weird review-I know. Just put on your low-class expectations and have fun. See more..
    
15. 3.5 Three Bears Acres (23 reviews)
    - I was less than impressed... But I can't deny, the kids loved it!
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Playgrounds
    
    
    50 acres of outdoor fun for families! Our activities include a gaint jumping pillow, mud kitchen, paint wall, sling shots, 300 ft slide, tree houses, paddle boats and fishing. All included in the price. We also have Paws Cafe that sells lunch, snacks, ice cream and drinks. Seasonal fun includes Sprayground (Open Memorial Day-Labor Day). This includes a 100ft slip and slide, misting sandbox and water gun area. During the fall we have hayrides, pumpkin bowling, hay forts and pumpkins for each child paid admission! See more..
    
16. 3.5 Webb Road Flea Market (23 reviews)
    - Great Selection Of Stuff
    Spent 2-3 hours Flea & Street Markets
    
    
    This flaw market is huge with indoor and outdoor tables. The outdoor ones are where you may find the true bargains so run by them first. We were primarily looking for antiques but only found antique tools at a few tables. We did have fun just looking but if you are a bit uneasy about being around crowds during this COVID thing then don't come here. People are not distancing themselves and the indoor buildings are not limiting number of people inside. We were good with it but know some may not be. Enjoy. See more..
    
17. 3.5 Orange County Historical Museum (23 reviews)
    - with so much room it could offer a lot more
    Saturday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 AM History Museums
    
    
    The museum is in a beautiful 2 story stone building. You can read/learn about everything Hillsborough from pre-colonial days to the revolutionary war to the civil war and into early 1900s Hillsborough history. The second floor is used for rotating exhibits. The young lady working in there could have made us feel more welcome but it was very hot in there and I wouldn't have been at my best if I'd been sitting in there all day. When we were there they didn't appear to have a special exhibit on the second floor. They just had some furniture and a quilt. See more..
    
18. 3.0 Xtreme Play (23 reviews)
    - Dirty Play
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Playgrounds
    
    
    We took my 4 year old son here to burn off some energy and I couldnt get over how dirty I even felt just sitting there watching him. Granted I know you can only do so much with children who are constantly touching things then putting their fingers in their mouths etc., but I didnt even see where the basic cleaning procedures were being done. There was a limit to what my 4 year old could do. They should invest in more things fo the kids. See more..
    
19. 3.0 Burlington Outlet Village (21 reviews)
    - Only a few stores to go out of your way for
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Factory Outlets • Shopping Malls
    Burlington Outlet Village (BOV), formerly known as the Burlington Manufacturers Outlet Center, is home to numerous factory outlet and designer stores. BOV is a value retail community in central North Carolina, committed to preserving our original outlet history and increasing bargain shopping savings for our community and region. Our loyal shoppers receive great bargains and they keep coming back for more savings. See more..
    
20. 3.5 Niche Wine Lounge (20 reviews)
    - Cozy wine lounge, great music. Slow service.
    Saturday: 4:00 PM - 2:00 AM Bars & Clubs
    
    
    Great place with a great selection of wines. Unfortunately, only 1 person to wait for around 25 people. Jene knew her wines and was able to recommend a great Spanish wine from the Vasque region. You can order food to be delivered to the place or bring food with you. They just have Board's Head cheeses and cold meats. They provide crackers with it. They had this trio of Spanish Flamenco music players. It was a great lovely evening. See more..
    
21. 3.5 Why Not An American Ark (20 reviews)
    - Wild Adventure!!!
    Zoos
    
    
    Took our kids and youth here for a trip. It was really cool to see a bunch of different animals and getting to pet animals that you normally do not get to do. My only complaint was that there was a lot of land and I feel we just didn’t get to see all the animals that they had. Overall a pretty cool place to take your kids and youth to if you love animals. See more..
    
22. 3.5 ProShots (19 reviews)
    - Range Day!
    Saturday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Shooting Ranges
    
    
    "HELPING OUR COMMUNITY RESPONSIBLY ENJOY FIREARMS" ProShots is an eight-lane, indoor range, training facility, and full-service retail store, conveniently located next to US Highway 52, ten minutes north of downtown Winston-Salem. We offer a variety of classes and training opportunities in our comfortable classroom, including our widely acclaimed North Carolina Concealed Carry Class. ProShots encourages, but does not require membership to enjoy our facility. ProShots prides itself on great customer service, knowledgeable staff, fair prices and a world-class range. See more..
    
23. 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..
    
24. 3.5 Brightleaf Flea Market (18 reviews)
    - This flea market is HUGE !
    Spent 1-2 hours Flea & Street Markets
    
    
    What are you looking for? You'll probably find it here. I saw things here I have never seen at any other flea market. Be sure to wear good walking shoes, because you are going to walk! Venders both outdoors and inside. Lot of parking area, but on a good day, it could be tough to find a parking spot. I'll pay to shop around to get the best deal. See more..
    
25. 3.0 Jump! Zone (18 reviews)
    - Nice place for kids
    Amusement & Theme Parks
    
    
    My girls, ages 8,8, and 4 all enjoy going to Jump Zone. I don't find it as comfortable for me as other bouncy house places in the area. But, my girls have fun and that is most important. See more..
    
26. 3.0 Carolina Renaissance Festival (17 reviews)
    - Every year - a crazy time
    Saturday: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks • Cultural Events
    
    
    The Carolina Renaissance Festival located in Huntersville is a medieval amusement park, a 16-stage theater, a 25-acre circus, an arts & crafts fair, a jousting tournament, and a feast... all rolled into one nonstop daylong adventure! Attend the 2022 festival on Saturdays and Sundays, October thru November. This is a rain or shine event running each day from 9:30am to 5:30pm. See more..
    
27. 3.5 Challenge Golf Club (16 reviews)
    - Fun
    Golf Courses
    
    
    Nice fun layout. Thought the course was in pretty good shape. Pace of play really good. Definitely would put on the to play list. See more..
    
28. 3.5 Carmike Cinema 8 (16 reviews)
    - A nice place.
    Movie Theaters
    
    
    A nice place that has been around for quite awhile. A little dated but adds to the charm. Staff is friendly and the viewing areas are usually clean. See more..
    
29. 3.5 Crescent Golf Club (16 reviews)
    - MUCH Improved
    Golf Courses
    
    
    Eighteen-hole, par 72 public golf course stretches 6,822 yards with a U.S.G.A./slope rating of 72.90/129. See more..
    
30. 3.5 Hickory Antiques Mall (16 reviews)
    - Good stop for treasure hunters
    Spent < 1 hour Antique Shops
    
    
    Nice store with a variety of merchandise. Prices vary by dealer, so some deals are better than others. Nice for an hour or 2 of browsing See more..
    
31. 3.0 Chilis Bar and Grill, Knightdale (15 reviews)
    - Great food.
    Saturday: 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM Bars & Clubs
    Loved the place, was seated as soon as I got in. The waitress was smiling, had good knowledge of the menu, friendly. See more..
    
32. 3.5 T.G.I. Friday's Garner (15 reviews)
    - Quick Food Nice Atmosphere
    Saturday: 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM Bars & Clubs
    
    
    My daughter and I visited this restaurant this afternoon. It was fairly empty, so we were seated right away upon arrival. The staff was friendly, and our waitress brought our food out quickly. We enjoyed the food. See more..
    
33. 3.5 Valley Hills Mall (15 reviews)
    - Half Decent
    Spent 2-3 hours Shopping Malls
    
    
    Look, malls are a dying business. This mall does a great job keeping some trendy retailers in place and keeping the property fairly clean and safe. A big food court but lacks variety. Overall, better than other malls See more..
    
34. 3.0 University Mall (14 reviews)
    - Hodge Podge of restaurants & stores
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Shopping Malls
    We stopped here for a quick lunch. Ate at a chick fil a in the mall. Mall is dark but is inhabited by some unique boutiques as well as some other businesses, restaurants and a movie theater. See more..
    
35. 3.5 Eleven Lakes Brewing (13 reviews)
    - Nice atmosphere , cozy
    Spent 1-2 hours Breweries
    
    
    I’ve been here twice. Both times there was good live music. Everyone seemed happy and engaged. I was greeted by one of the owners my first time in. It’s a small establishment which seems to cater to regulars but we felt comfortable to be there. See more..
    
36. 3.5 Tanglewood Golf, Reynolds Course (12 reviews)
    - Good public course
    Spent More than 3 hours Golf Courses
    
    
    Not as near as demanding as PGA and was the first original course at Tanglewood designed by good friend of mine's dad, Gardner Gidley. A good experience for below to average golfer. See more..
    
37. 3.0 Carolina Place (12 reviews)
    - Run Down Mall
    Spent 1-2 hours Shopping Malls
    
    
    Run down mall. I used to love the Belk's here but it is mostly out of stock. Many stores borded up. The only saving grace is the Book Store which still has a strong selection. Dick's is the newest store of note but I prefer Academy. I wonder what will become of all these malls across america? I do dine at several of the outparcel restaurants. See more..
    
38. 3.5 Salisbury Square Antiques & Collectibles (12 reviews)
    - Variety
    Spent 1-2 hours Antique Shops
    
    
    This is a pretty large store with a variety of antique and collectible vendors. There are some empty spaces, but not many. Prices are usually not too bad on most items. See more..
    
39. 3.5 Rockingham Dragway (11 reviews)
    - Rundown track
    Auto Racing Tracks
    
    
    We went for the tapping of Street Outlaws. Restroom was out paper towels and TP by noon. 2 toilets did not work 2 others you can't lock. Doesn't look like they have cleaned the bathrooms since 1999. They had a sell out crowd and i lady for the beverage line at a RACE. 1 hour 20 mins to get a beer or water.POOR POOR planning. They had NO ONE directing traffic to get in. with cars coming from 2 directions. See more..
    
40. 3.5 Frankie's Fun Park (11 reviews)
    - Fun times at Frankie’s!
    Game & Entertainment Centers
    
    
    Frankie’s Fun Park is so fun! There are lots of fun things to do! When we visited the only things that were open were the race cars and mini golf but we still had so much fun! The mini golf course had 3 courses you could choose from and the race cars were our family’s favorite! I highly recommend Frankie’s Fun Park but make sure you bring your wallet. It is expensive because you do have to pay by the attraction. We will be back once everything is allowed to open back up! See more..
    
41. 3.5 Selma Cotton Mill Flea Marrket (11 reviews)
    - Antiquated but not very clean
    Antique Shops • Flea & Street Markets
    
    
    The establishment has an educational history as being an old cotton mill. The mill has been replaced as a flea market type business with some nice antiques such as furniture, fixtures and old childrens' toys. However, dogs and cats (of owners, not customers) are allowed to roam freely throughout the building. So there is animal hair and a stench in different areas. I would recommend go prepared to encounter the animals but you may just find a treasure from times past. See more..
    
42. 3.5 Two by Two Petting Zoo (11 reviews)
    - Granddaughter and me time
    Spent 1-2 hours Zoos
    
    
    Had a really nice tour at the two x two petting zoo. My granddaughter, Callie, is eight years old and she especially enjoyed it. We fed many animals, and all went well except for an alpaca spit on her. Something she'll be able to talk about. I mean, not everyone can say that. Especially in our home town. Haha. She also got to go on a short pony ride. Other than that, she truly enjoyed it, as did I. See more..
    
43. 3.5 Warrior Golf Club (10 reviews)
    - Consistently Enjoyable, Friendly Staff and Nice Bar/Good Sandwhiches
    Golf Courses
    Architect Stan Gentry designed this 6,609-yard, 18-hole golf course that features A-1 Bent greens and Bermuda fairways. See more..
    
44. 3.5 The Old Hardware Antiques (10 reviews)
    - mostly furniture/no collectibles
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Antique Shops
    
    
    This building was a Ford agency in 1920 and then became a hardware store and mule auction center. It isn't cluttered at all and is easy to get around. Unfortunately it's more furniture and new item than collectibles. Be sure to grab a bite to eat at the Dewberry Deli and Soda Fountain downstairs. They do have a/c and it tries to work (still warm in there) but the ceiling fans helped to move the air around. See more..
    
45. 3.5 Knob Creek Farms (9 reviews)
    - Homemade Ice Cream
    Farms
    
    
    Cool place with delicious homemade ice cream. They have about 10-12 flavors. Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Peach, Pineapple, Butter Pecan, Banana Pudding, Ambrosia are the ones I remember. They sell produce and canned goods. Also a pretty good selection of Savannah Bee Company products. Plenty of seating inside and out. Lots of rocking chairs and swings. They have an active honey bee hive behind glass that you can see as well. See more..
    
46. 3.5 Shooters Express (9 reviews)
    - Down comes my target.......
    Spent 1-2 hours Shooting Ranges
    
    
    Was having a great time at the range till.... A round drifted high after hitting target and sheared the rope holding target. Costing me a whopping 15 bucks. As I would imagine this happens all the time. Had to suck it up and pay the money to repair it. Couldnt let that spoil my day. We ended up meeting different people while shooting. Also had fun with the Range Masters. Overall we had a great time and I would definitely be returning to this range. Just have to make sure target is low enough. So I'm not paying another 15 bucks. Lol See more..
    
47. 3.0 Dave & Buster's - Arcade (9 reviews)
    - Teen birthday crawl
    Saturday: 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM Spent More than 3 hours Game & Entertainment Centers
    At Dave & Buster's you can play hundreds of the hottest new arcade games in our Million Dollar Midway and win tickets for epic prizes. Try our mouth-watering, chef-crafted creations in our American restaurant. From wings to steaks, we've got whatever suits your appetite. Our premium sports bar features innovative cocktails, impressive wine selection, and 20 beers to assure we're stocked to satisfy! Watch your team on one of our massive HDTVs with epic stadium sound that surrounds you from every direction in the sports bar that crushes the competition. Invite all your friends or coworkers for an unforgettable party or event! We work with every size and budget to make planning easy so you can focus on the FUN! See more..
    
48. 3.0 Boones Antiques (9 reviews)
    - Over 4 acres of antiques
    Antique Shops
    
    
    There are 2 large warehouses full of mostly furniture. They also have some porcelain, pottery, brass, copper, silver, and glass items. The second building in the back is full of furniture and has garden and architectural items. If you are looking for collectibles (like we are) you won't find any here. But, they do have a good selection of rocking horses if that's your thing. I would suggest going on a cool day because both the warehouses are very hot. If you are looking for furniture this is a place you really have to check out. See more..
    
49. 3.5 Harbortowne Marina (9 reviews)
    - Local marina
    Marinas
    
    
    Went at noon on a Saturday, there didn't seem to be anyone working at the marina at all. Lots of parking and boat storage as well as picnic areas and a store. See more..
    
50. 3.5 Holly Ridge Golf Links (8 reviews)
    - Good track
    Golf Courses
    
    
    Great golf, fantastic food, and superior service! Come and enjoy one of the premier 18 hole public golf courses in the piedmont-triad area of North Carolina. Located on highway 311 in Archdale, NC, we are 0.8miles from interstate 74, 5miles south of interstate 85, and 6miles north of highway 220. Ask about our cash discounts! See more..