North Carolina Coastal Plain Travel Guide
Explore the cultural, natural, and culinary experiences that await you in North Carolina Coastal Plain with this comprehensive travel guide.
- Introduction to North Carolina Coastal Plain
- List of Places to Visit in North Carolina Coastal Plain
- Hiking/Biking Routes of North Carolina Coastal Plain
- Best Things to Do in North Carolina Coastal Plain: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for North Carolina Coastal Plain
- Food and Drink Scene of North Carolina Coastal Plain
- Where to Stay in North Carolina Coastal Plain: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in North Carolina Coastal Plain: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of North Carolina Coastal Plain
- Best Time to Visit North Carolina Coastal Plain
- Do’s and Don’ts of North Carolina Coastal Plain
- Safety and Health
- Getting to North Carolina Coastal Plain: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in North Carolina Coastal Plain
- Where to Go Next from North Carolina Coastal Plain: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to North Carolina Coastal Plain
Nestled in the eastern region of North Carolina, the North Carolina Coastal Plain boasts of an exquisite mix of natural wonders, rich culture, and historical significance. Stretching over 45% of the state, this coastal region is home to stunning beaches, national parks, rare wildlife, and several museums and historical sites that offer visitors an immersion into the state’s fascinating past. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, reveling in native cultures, or interested in savoring some of North Carolina’s finest cuisine, the North Carolina Coastal Plain has something for everyone.
List of Places to Visit in North Carolina Coastal Plain
Here are our top picks of places to visit in the North Carolina Coastal Plain:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Tryon Palace in New Bern: This colonial-style palace served as the first state capital of North Carolina. Visitors can learn about the state’s colonial history through tours of the mansion, gardens, and some of the city’s other historic buildings.
- North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort: Offers a fascinating look into the state’s rich maritime history and ecology.
- African American Cultural Center in Raleigh: Dedicated to promoting African American arts, culture, and history.
- Museum of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City: Located in the picturesque downtown area of Elizabeth City, this museum focuses on the Albemarle region’s history.
- Bentonville Battlefield in Four Oaks: Take a step back in history and learn about the state’s crucial civil war history.
- Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills: Celebrate the first flight with a trip to this beautiful memorial.
Natural Attractions of North Carolina Coastal Plain: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Outer Banks: This 130-mile-long stretch of barrier islands has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country with diverse wildlife and scenic views.
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore: A stunningly beautiful stretch of seashore with fascinating lighthouses, aquariums, and maritime forests.
- Croatan National Forest: This massive forest sports crystal clear lakes, rare wildlife, and numerous hiking trails.
- Hammocks Beach State Park: Located on Bear Island, this island boasts of some of the most pristine beaches in North Carolina.
- Brunswick Islands: With 45 miles of beaches, this area has plenty of opportunities for swimming, surfing, and other water activities.
- NC Zoo: A 240-acre world-class zoo that houses numerous rare and endangered animal species.
Hiking/Biking Routes of North Carolina Coastal Plain
Some of the best hiking and biking routes in the North Carolina Coastal Plain are:
- Cape Fear River Trail - Fayetteville
- Greensboro Greenway - Greensboro
- Neusiok Trail - Croatan National Forest
- Uwharrie National Recreation Trail - Uwharrie National Forest
- New Bern Battlefield Park Nature Trail - New Bern
Best Things to Do in North Carolina Coastal Plain: Activities and Tours
- Take a food tour in Raleigh to get a sense of the city’s culinary scene.
- Participate in wine and beer tastings in the vineyards and microbreweries that are abundant in the area.
- Go on a fishing cruise off the coast of the Outer Banks.
- Take a wildlife tour and spot animals like black bears, alligators, and birds of prey.
- Go kayaking in one of the many waterways that snake through the North Carolina Coastal Plain.
- Experience Native American culture by taking a tour of the Lumbee Tribe culture and heritage center in Maxton.
Week-Long Itinerary for North Carolina Coastal Plain
Here are our top recommended activities and sites for a week-long itinerary in the North Carolina Coastal Plain:
| Day 1 | Wilmington: Cape Fear Museum, Explore Wilmington’s downtown, and Walk along the Riverwalk |
| Day 2 | Brunswick Islands: Beach day and enjoy the different coastal towns. |
| Day 3 | New Bern: Tryon Palace, Croatan National Forest, and Hiking Trails |
| Day 4 | Raleigh: North Carolina Museum of Natural Science, Lunch at The Pit, and North Carolina Museum of Art |
| Day 5 | Beaufort: North Carolina Maritime Museum, Cape Lookout Ferry to Shackleford Banks and Lookout |
| Day 6 | Fayetteville: Cape Fear River Trail, Fayetteville Museum of Art, Shopping in Downtown |
| Day 7 | Kill Devil Hills: Wright Brothers National Memorial, Jockey’s Ridge State Park, and Beach day |
Food and Drink Scene of North Carolina Coastal Plain
North Carolina’s culinary scene is famous for dishes like barbecue, sweet potatoes, shrimp and grits, and craft beer. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages in the North Carolina Coastal Plain:
Must-Try Dishes
- Lexington-style BBQ in Lexington
- Sweet potato fries from Sweet Potatoes in Winston-Salem
- Shrimp and grits from Crook’s Corner in Chapel Hill
- Oysters Rockefeller from Sea Level Oyster Bar in New Bern
Local Beverages
- Cheerwine, a cherry-flavored soft drink that originates from Salisbury
- Sweet tea, a classic Southern drink that has roots in North Carolina
- Craft beer from the dozens of breweries around the area, including Fullsteam Brewery in Durham and Highland Brewing Company in Asheville.
Where to Stay in North Carolina Coastal Plain: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
The North Carolina Coastal Plain has several accommodation options, such as:
- The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary: A luxury hotel with a world-class spa.
- The Durham Hotel in Durham: A high-end boutique hotel that provides guests with a modern experience.
- The Cook Mansion in Kinston: A beautifully restored Victorian house that has been converted into a bed and breakfast.
- The Doubletree by Hilton in Wilmington: A centrally located hotel that offers affordable rates.
- Hostelling International Asheville: A budget-friendly hostel located in downtown Asheville.
What to Buy in North Carolina Coastal Plain: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Here are some items to bring back as souvenirs or as gifts:
- Locally made pottery from Seagrove
- Unique handicrafts from local shops in Asheville.
- Barbecue sauce from Lexington’s barbecue restaurants
- The quintessential drink, Cheerwine
- Homemade fudge from the fudge factory in Beaufort
- Sweet potato biscuits from Morris Bakery in Greensboro
- Handmade baskets made by the Lumbee Tribe in Maxton.
Local Culture and Customs of North Carolina Coastal Plain
The culture of North Carolina Coastal Plain is rich and diverse, and there are several customs to immerse yourself in, such as:
- Visiting a powwow that features Native American tribal dances
- Listening to live music in local venues in Asheville
- Learning about African American culture and history in Raleigh
- Visiting Brunswick Islands to learn about the Gut Bucket, a unique dance that originated in the area
Best Time to Visit North Carolina Coastal Plain
The best time to visit North Carolina Coastal Plain is from March to June and late August to November. The weather is mild, and the crowds are sparse, making it an excellent time for outdoor activities.
Do’s and Don’ts of North Carolina Coastal Plain
Do:
- Respect the state’s conservation efforts in the national and state parks by following the “leave no trace” principle.
- Take a moment to learn about the history and culture of the area you’re visiting.
- Experience the local cuisine by visiting the local restaurants and markets.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring the hiking trails.
Don’t:
- Ignore regulations related to wildlife and natural resources.
- Litter in the national and state parks.
- Avoid eye contact with locals, smile and say hello!
- Don’t dismiss how important certain events and rituals may be to a specific community.
Safety and Health
Safety in North Carolina Coastal Plain
The North Carolina Coastal Plain is generally a safe place to visit, but sensible measures such as taking care of your possessions in crowded areas is always recommended.
Health in North Carolina Coastal Plain
The North Carolina Coastal Plain has several medical centers and hospitals in case of any medical emergencies. It is also advisable to keep essential medicines as prescribed by your doctor with you when you’re traveling.
Getting to North Carolina Coastal Plain: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near North Carolina Coastal Plain
There are several airports close to the North Carolina Coastal Plain:
- Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
- Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN)
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
- Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO)
Bus Stations Near North Carolina Coastal Plain
Greyhound bus is the most significant bus operator serving the region, offering easy access to several destinations within North Carolina and other states in the region.
Other Options
Taking a road trip is the preferred mode of travel for most visitors to the North Carolina Coastal Plain. The region is well-connected through a vast network of highways, making it easy to get around.
How to Get Around in North Carolina Coastal Plain
The best way to get around the North Carolina Coastal Plain is by car. The region is vast, and driving allows you to enjoy exploring hidden gem destinations on your schedule. For those who prefer public transport, intercity bus services operated by Greyhound can help you reach several places in the region.
Where to Go Next from North Carolina Coastal Plain: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Here are some nearby destinations to consider after exploring the North Carolina Coastal Plain:
- Charlotte: A vibrant and bustling city with numerous excellent museums and restaurants.
- Asheville: A hub for artists, brewers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Wilmington: A scenic city with excellent beaches, historic sites, and great shopping options.
- Outer Banks: A string of barrier islands dotted along the North Carolina coastal region, that boasts of some of the most beautiful beaches in the country.
Conclusion
The North Carolina Coastal Plain is an incredible destination that offers visitors an impressive array of experiences that ranges from cultural immersion to scenic drives, outdoor adventures, and culinary delights. When you follow this comprehensive travel guide, you can have a trip that is packed with exciting experiences that will create memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.