Explore the Queen City
While in Charlotte, you’ll hear the term “Queen City” used to refer to the town. Charlotte is known as the Queen City for multiple reasons. The source of the city’s nickname, the name of the city itself, and the county Charlotte is located in (Mecklenburg) all go back to King George III wife, Queen Charlotte Sofia of Mecklenburg Strelitz.
TOP ATTRACTIONS
NASCAR Hall of Fame
(across the street)
The NASCAR Hall of Fame is a shrine to the history and heritage of NASCAR.
Billy Graham Library
(5 miles or 15-minute drive)
Retrace Charlotte native and Christian evangelist Billy Graham’s dynamic journey from a NC dairy farm to stadiums across the globe. Admission is free.
https://www.charlottesgotalot.com/things-to-do/attractions/billy-graham-library
Mint Museum Uptown
(.2 miles or 5-minute walk)
Visit Mint Museum to experience international art, live performances, and educational performances.
Other Attractions
Sporting
Bank of America Stadium
(1/2 or 10-minute walk)
In need of some football? Go to a Carolina Panthers Game.
https://www.panthers.com/stadium/
BB&T Ballpark
(1/2 mile or 10-minute walk)
Catch a Charlotte Knights Game in your free time.
https://www.milb.com/charlotte-knights
NATURE
Charlotte Gardens
(45 minutes)
Stroll through the tranquil grounds at Charlotte-area gardens like Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, McGill Rose Garden, Wing Haven Gardens & Bird Sanctuary or UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens.
Catawba River
(90 minutes)
Paddleboard, canoe or kayak on the Catawba River(call Catawba River Expeditions), Lake Norman and Lake Wylie. Or take a dip in The Quarry at Carrigan Farms.
Paddle Boat
(30 minutes)
Rent a four-person paddle boat from Dave’s Paddle Boats at The Shoppes at University Place.
U.S. National Whitewater Rafting Center
(20 minutes)
If you’re in the mood to try something new, Charlotte offers white water rafting and many other outdoor adventure sports.
https://usnwc.org/
Romare Beardon Park
(9 minutes)
Bring a blanket and a book and enjoy time in this 5-acre park.
http://uptowncharlotteparks.com/romare-bearden-park/
SHOPPING
Charlotte Premium Outlets
( )
5404 New Fashion Way, Charlotte, NC 28278-520
https://www.premiumoutlets.com/
SouthPark Mall
( )
E Morehead St and Sharon Road, Charlotte, NC 28211
https://www.simon.com/mall/southpark
Museum/History
Levine Museum of the New South
(1/2 mile)
Peek into Charlotte’s past at the Levine Museum. On Sundays, admission is 50% off.
Carolina History & Haunts
(30 minutes)
Get spooked during a ghost tour of the city.
https://www.charlottesgotalot.com/things-to-do/tours/carolina-history-haunts#entry:18628:url
RESTAURANTS & eateries
Transportation
Ride the Trolly
The best way to do some sight-seeing in Charlotte.
https://www.traillink.com/trail/charlotte-rail-trail/
Rideshare
Uber or Lyft
Make a vacation
Want to make a vacation out of your trip to Charlotte? Below are cities within driving distance.