NC staycations: 5 in-state alternatives to famous US attractions
No flight necessary: From natural wonders to man-made marvels, North Carolina has plenty to offer for a last-minute vacation.
Summer is coming to an end quickly, but there is still plenty of time to get out of the house for a few days and take a vacation — be it with family, friends, or for some alone time.
But alas, who wants to book a flight and put up big bucks for accommodations on short notice? No need, as North Carolina is home to plenty of fun getaways that are just as inviting as some of the best the country has to offer.
We’ve compiled a list of five such spots across the Tar Heel State that are worth a visit over their counterparts west of the Mississippi River. These attractions are all surrounded by plenty of fun options for things to do, so spend a day or spend a long weekend, you won’t be disappointed either way.
1. Mile High Swinging Bridge, Grandfather Mountain
Linville
Instead of: Royal Gorge Bridge, Colorado
Royal Gorge Park in Canon City, Colorado includes the country’s highest suspension bridge, but there’s nothing quite like the feeling of walking across the highest footbridge in the United States — especially when that wind starts blowing.
A 228-foot suspension bridge spanning an 80-foot chasm, the Mile High Swinging Bridge actually exceeds 1 mile in elevation. To reach the Mile High Swinging Bridge, you’ll drive a 2-mile, winding road that was scenic enough to be included in Forrest Gump’s famed jogging montage, up the mountain to the summit parking area.
Since 1952, visitors have crossed the bridge to take in the 360-degree panoramic views leading to Grandfather Mountain’s Linville Peak, elevation 5,305 feet.
The bridge is included in the price of admission at Grandfather Mountain, where you can spend the rest of your day checking out the Top Shop gift shop near the bridge, many hiking and walking trails, wildlife habitats, the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, and more.
2. Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Dare County, Outer Banks
Instead of: Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
We’re not trying to pick on Colorado here, we just see a lot of similarities is all. What sets Jockey’s Ridge apart from Great Sand Dunes is the fact that, while it will take you more than 20 hours to reach the closest beach from the latter, the former features the Atlantic Ocean in full view.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park is home to the tallest living sand dune system on the East Coast, providing an ideal location for flying kites and watching sunsets. Hang gliding is a hallmark activity at the park, with a private concessionaire offering lessons, but for a day of fun that requires no training, bring a sled of your own to slide down the dunes.
A second access area takes visitors through wetland habitats and allows for swimming, paddling, kiteboarding, and windsurfing on the Roanoke Sound. The park also marks the eastern terminus of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail. And with all there is to do in the Outer Banks on any given day, you’ll want to book a few extra days in town.
3. US National Whitewater Center
Charlotte
Instead of: The Colorado River
Colorado in the Carolinas once again, this time we’re trading in a famed natural wonder known for its whitewater rafting to spend a day at the US National Whitewater Center (USNWC), because it takes much less travel time, preparation and expertise to experience. Plus, zip lines!
Opened in 2001, USNWC offers more than 30 different recreational activities spread across 1,300 acres of protected land, that includes 40 miles of trail and access to the Catawba River and Long Creek.
The park’s biggest attraction, however, is the man-made river consisting of four distinct sections of whitewater: the Instruction, Freestyle, Wilderness, and Competition channels. There are routes ranging from Class II-IV, meaning just about all skill levels 8 years and older can participate.
Other activities at the center include zip lines, mountain climbing, ropes courses, flatwater kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and much more.
4. Land of Oz
Beech Mountain
Instead of: The OZ Museum, Kansas
There’s nothing wrong with a museum, but a day checking out tchotchkes in Wamego just doesn’t compare to actually walking the Yellow Brick Road in the open, mountain air of Appalachia.
The Land of Oz was a fully operating theme park from 1970 to 1980, until it closed down and was left abandoned. In 1993, the property owners began opening the grounds for the annual Autumn at Oz Festival each September, but the park stood mostly deserted for the rest of the year, with adventurous visitors known to sneak on the property to steal relics from the old park (including yellow bricks).
Having celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2023, the Autumn at Oz Festival has expanded to multiple weekends over the years, becoming the largest Wizard of Oz-themed festival in the world. This year’s festivities, which will mark the famous film’s 85th anniversary, will take place over the first three weekends of September.
5. Carowinds
Charlotte
Instead of: Disneyland, California
It’s gone through a number of changes over the years, but Carowinds just keeps growing and evolving into the best amusement park in the South.
Straddling the border of North Carolina and South Carolina — with half of the park in Charlotte and the other half in Fort Mill — Carowinds is home to Fury 325, the largest and fastest roller coaster in the entire world. In fact, at 325 feet, it’s actually considered a giga coaster.
If you can’t make it for a day at the park before its summer season ends in early September, have no fear, Scarowinds runs from Sept. 13-Oct. 27, featuring a number of newly built haunted attractions and the opportunity to ride the park’s best coasters at night.
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