South End Travel Guide

Plan your visit to South End in Charlotte, North Carolina with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the top attractions, best things to do, where to stay, local culture, transportation options, and more.


Introduction to South End

South End is a vibrant neighborhood located in Charlotte, North Carolina. It’s the heart of the city and a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The area is known for its stunning murals, delicious dining options, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a family, or a group of friends, South End has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in South End

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

If you’re interested in history and culture, South End has plenty of attractions to visit. Some of the must-see spots include:

  • Mint Museum Uptown: A contemporary art museum with collections of American, European and African art. It also has a craft and design museum.
  • Levine Museum of the New South: A museum that chronicles the history of the South from the end of the Civil War to the present day.
  • Harvey B. Gantt Center: It’s an art museum which showcases exhibitions, programs, and interactive experiences for people to understand and grow within African American culture.

Natural Attractions of South End: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

South End is also home to some beautiful natural attractions that are worth checking out. Here are some of the top natural attractions:

  • Little Sugar Creek Greenway: An urban trail of 19 miles full of plants, waterways, and topography. Ideal for birdwatching, cycling or walking.
  • Latta Park: A 32-acre place to rest and relax with swings, picnic areas, a rose garden, and a playground.
  • The Rail Trail: It’s a 4.5-mile trail that connects neighborhoods, parks, stores, and public art spots. There you can see the daylighted creek, Instagram-worthy murals, and vibrant nightlife.

Hiking/Biking Routes of South End

South End offers endless opportunities for hiking and biking. Here are some of the top trails to explore:

  • Little Sugar Creek Greenway Trail: It’s an easy 1.2-mile bike ride with a park area and a rose garden.
  • The Rail Trail: It’s a 4.5-mile trail that is perfect for biking or jogging.
  • Third Ward’s McDowell Creek Greenway: A greenway that offers a 1.2-mile trail which connects Johnson C. Smith University to Frazier Park.

Best Things to Do in South End: Activities and Tours

South End offers a variety of activities and tours for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of the top things to do:

  • Blacklight Mini Golf: A unique indoor mini-golf course with blacklight visuals and a bar.
  • South End Food Tour: A walking tour that takes you on a culinary journey through the best restaurants of South End.
  • Queen City Underground Tour: A tour that explores the city’s history and architecture from an unexpected perspective.

Week-Long Itinerary for South End

If you have a week to visit South End, then here’s a suggested itinerary:

  • Day 1: Explore the Little Sugar Creek Greenway and have a picnic at nearby Latta Park.
  • Day 2: Visit the Mint Museum Uptown and have dinner at Futo Buta, a popular ramen restaurant in South End.
  • Day 3: Go on a brewery tour that includes visits to local breweries like Sycamore Brewing, Wooden Robot, and Unknown Brewing Company.
  • Day 4: Check out the art galleries and street murals in South End.
  • Day 5: Take the Queen City Underground Tour and learn about the city’s history and architecture.
  • Day 6: Have brunch at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, and then head to the Harvey B. Gantt Center.
  • Day 7: End your trip with a food tour of South End and try the best dishes the neighborhood has to offer.

Food and Drink Scene of South End

South End is a food lover’s paradise, with a wide variety of restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Brisket Nachos at Seoul Food Meat Company: A Korean BBQ fusion dish with slow-cooked brisket served with cheese, kimchi, and aioli.
  • The Original Fried Chicken Sandwich at Price’s Chicken Coop: A classic Southern dish served with hot sauce and a side of coleslaw.
  • The Mac Daddy at Leroy Fox: A mac and cheese burger with lettuce, pickles, and special sauce.

Local Beverages

  • Craft Beer: South End is home to many breweries, including Sycamore Brewing, Wooden Robot, and Unknown Brewing Company, which offer great local beers.
  • Coffee: If you’re a coffee lover, then try the cold brew or pour-over at local coffee shops like Not Just Coffee and Hex Coffee.

Where to Stay in South End: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

South End has a range of accommodation options to fit any budget. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  • The Dunhill Hotel: A boutique hotel that offers elegant rooms and suites.
  • The Sheraton Charlotte Hotel: A hotel with modern rooms, a pool and a fitness center.
  • The Morehead Inn: A historic guesthouse with individually decorated rooms.

What to Buy in South End: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for souvenirs or gifts to bring home, then check out these shops in South End:

  • The Plaid Penguin: A gift shop that offers unique gifts and stationery.
  • Paper Skyscraper: A boutique that offers books, cards, and gifts that celebrate the South.
  • Orman Jewelers: A shop that specializes in unique and hand-crafted jewelry.

Local Culture and Customs of South End

South End is a diverse neighborhood that values creativity and inclusivity. The area is home to a vibrant community of artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs. Visitors should respect the local culture and customs by being open-minded and respectful of the people and their traditions.

Best Time to Visit South End

The best time to visit South End is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) months when the weather is pleasant, and the trees are at their most colorful.

Do’s and Don’ts of South End

Do:

  • Explore the local art galleries and murals.
  • Try the local beer and coffee.
  • Take a food tour and try the best dishes the neighborhood has to offer.

Don’t:

  • Leave any trash in public areas. South End prides itself on being a clean and sustainable neighborhood.
  • Disrespect the local culture and customs.
  • Drive under the influence of alcohol or any other substances.

Safety and Health

Safety in South End

South End is generally a safe neighborhood. However, visitors should take basic precautions such as locking their cars and valuables when parking on the streets, especially at night.

Health in South End

South End has a range of medical services, including urgent care centers and hospitals, such as the Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center. Visitors should have comprehensive travel insurance that covers any medical emergencies during their stay.

Getting to South End: Transportation Options and Logistics

South End is easily accessible by several transportation options. Here are some of the best ways to get to South End:

Airports Near South End

  • Charlotte Douglas International Airport: It’s the nearest airport to South End, approximately 10 minutes drive.

Bus Stations Near South End

  • Charlotte Transportation Center (CTC): A bus station located at the Charlotte Transportation Center in the heart of Uptown Charlotte.

Other Options

  • Light Rail: The Lynx Blue Line provides a convenient way to get to South End from Uptown Charlotte.
  • Biking: South End is a bike-friendly neighborhood, and some hotels offer bike rentals to their guests.

How to Get Around in South End

South End is a walkable and bike-friendly neighborhood. Visitors can also use public transportation like the Lynx Blue Line light rail to get around. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available.

Where to Go Next from South End: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have time to explore further, here are some of the best nearby destinations to visit from South End:

  • Uptown Charlotte: A bustling district that offers great restaurants, museums, and cultural attractions.
  • Freedom Park: A large public park that offers walking trails, a lake, and a playground.
  • Carowinds Amusement Park: A popular amusement park that offers thrilling rides and entertainment for all ages.

Conclusion

South End is a vibrant and exciting neighborhood that offers something for everyone. From its stunning murals and delicious dining options to its natural attractions and cultural landmarks, South End has an abundance of activities and experiences for visitors. Plan your trip and get ready to explore the heart of Charlotte!

Map of South End. Map of South End.