One of the most popular and up and coming cities in the USA is Charlotte, North Carolina. Charlotte is known as a business and financial hub with a great quality of life. It also holds a lot of awesome restaurants and bars, beautiful murals, friendly locals and so much more. This awesome city boasts one of the largest international airport hubs in the country and it is totally worth checking out, even if you only have one day in Charlotte, NC!

During late March 2021, I traveled to Asheville, North Carolina and the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee with Hannah of Hannah Liz Weaver. Before we began our journey in the mountains, we flew into Charlotte and spent a day exploring. Even though one day in Charlotte is definitely not enough time to see and do everything in the city, there is still a lot you can do to get a taste of what Charlotte has to offer.

In this blog post, I am excited to partner with other travel bloggers to introduce the best things to do in Charlotte. What I also love about Charlotte is how it isn’t too far from the beach and mountains and it also boasts four seasons on a mild level. Even a day trip to Charlotte, NC from any other surrounding area will leave you amazed!

**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like.

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Traveling to Charlotte:

Overall, Charlotte, North Carolina is a great city to visit whether you’re adventuring on an East Coast or cross-country road trip; exploring the state of North Carolina; doing a weekend getaway, family vacation, bachelor/bachelorette and more!

If you are planning to fly to Charlotte, you can find affordable flights into Charlotte Douglas International Airport. I personally flew from Newark Airport in New Jersey to Charlotte and it was an easy, direct and short flight! The best way to get from the airport to your accommodation is via Go Airport Shuttle!

Another great way to get to the Queen City from the tri-state area, without hopping on a flight, would be taking the bus from NYC to Charlotte.

For those who are doing road trips to Charlotte, like Hannah and I did for our Charlotte to Gatlinburg road trip, or are looking to venture around the state or region, you will need to have your own vehicle! We rented a car during our time in this area and I recommend you do so as well.

(Click here if you are planning to road trip around the United States and want to rent an RV.)

When it comes to public transportation in Charlotte, North Carolina, there is the Charlotte Area Transit System, which includes a city bus and train. When it comes to taking the train, there are a variety of different options for you to choose from based on where you’re going; there is the LYNX Blue Line, Riding Light Rail and the CityLYNX Gold Line.

Charlotte also has city taxis, Uber and Lyft services for you to take around the city as well.

Where to Stay in Charlotte, NC:

When it comes to accommodation in Charlotte, you can choose between a variety of hotels, based on your budget as well as Vrbo and Airbnb options.

Below are my hotel recommendations for Charlotte:

Luxury Accommodation: The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte

Boutique Accommodation: Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel

Mid-Budget Accommodation: The Ivey’s Hotel

Budget Accomodation: Best Western Plus Charlotte/Matthews Hotel

If you don’t want to stay exactly in the city and want to embrace nature in the Charlotte-Raleigh area, I recommend booking a Getaway House in Asheboro.

Things to do with One Day in Charlotte, NC:

Eat Your Way Around Charlotte, NC:

In North Carolina’s largest city, travelers from around the world journey to Charlotte looking for a change of gastronomic pace: from nouvelle regional classics, to unique global trends. Even in the suburbs, foodies can find grub that most think is only reserved for the plates of other countries. Due to an ever-changing food scene that attracts an array of culinary geniuses year after year, this is anything but the case.

Below are fun places to eat in Charlotte, NC:

River’s Edge: While it may seem like a strange place to sit down for a five-star meal, River’s Edge at the U.S. National Whitewater Center, which is talked about below, is sure to provide both quality food and breathtaking views. In fact, it is one of the best places to visit in Charlotte!

Overlooking the man-made Whitewater River, recommended dishes at this amazing restaurant are the ‘Citrus Salmon Salad’ and the ‘Pulled Pork Nachos’. They also serve a number of local and regional ales, so be sure to sip on a ‘Raspberry White Ale’ from Charlotte’s own Sugar Creek Brewing Company.

Merts Heart & Soul: This husband-and-wife run spot serves up an eclectic dining experience with some of the best fried chicken south of the Mason-Dixon. Their claim to fame is the coveted ‘Soul Roll’, an egg roll stuffed with adobo-laced collard greens, black eyed peas, seasoned rice and diced fried chicken.

Indoor dining, take-out and delivery are available at this wonderful Charlotte restaurant. As an added bonus, it was seen on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, so you know it’s good! It’s open for brunch, lunch and dinner.

Amélie’s French Bakery & Café: You don’t have to travel to the French Riviera to get a taste of authentic French pastries. Instead, head to Amélie’s French Bakery & Café with four locations at Rock Hill, Carmel Commons, Park Road and Noda.

Amélie’s also offers an array of other French cuisine staples such as quiche, tartines, croque monsieur sandwiches and, the sweetest of all, homemade macarons.

Fahrenheit Charlotte: With a true bird’s eye view, Fahrenheit Charlotte is located atop the 21^st floor of the chic Hyatt Place Charlotte Downtown. Serving up savory seafood dishes such as ‘Lobster Grilled Cheese’ and ‘Crispy Tempura Rock Shrimp’, the brunch at Fahrenheit isn’t one to be missed during your one day in Charlotte.

Diners can also find unique dishes such as the ‘Jumbo Cap’ N Crunch Pancakes’ and ‘Granny Lisa’s Fried Chicken and Waffles’ (a true Southern staple). Fahrenheit is open for both brunch and dinner.

(Contributed by Alex from East Coast Contessa.)

Adventure at the U.S National Whitewater Center – Places to Visit in Charlotte, NC:

A visit to the U.S. National Whitewater Center is by far one of the best and most unique things to do during your one day in Charlotte.

If you love being outdoors and staying active, then this is the place for you! With over 1,300 acres of fun recreational activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy at the Whitewater Center. Without a doubt, the hardest part of your day will be deciding which activity to do first!

For those looking for an adrenaline rush along with a once-in-a-lifetime experience, definitely make an advance reservation to kayak or raft the whitewater course. Anyone ages 8 and older can experience the world’s largest man-made Whitewater River! Next up, check out over 50 miles of trails for mountain biking, hiking or trail running. Finally, do not forget to try the ropes course, climbing walls and ziplines!

Anyone looking to enjoy a slower paced activity can do paddle boarding, yoga or catch one of the seasonal concerts. Make sure to grab a bite to eat at one of the on-site restaurants, watch other groups take their turn in the white water and pick up any souvenirs or forgotten gear at the Outfitters Store.

Whether you’re also visiting Charlotte for a long weekend, doing a day trip to Charlotte, or stopping in the city on an NC road trip, visiting the Whitewater Center is one of the coolest things to do in Charlotte, NC!

(Contributed by Julie from More than Main Street.)

Enjoy a Thrilling Experience at NASCAR Hall of Fame – Top Activities in Charlotte, NC:

As North Carolina’s biggest city, Charlotte is massive and one of the most diverse destinations in the state. One of the best things to do with one day in Charlotte might surprise you – it’s the NASCAR Hall of Fame!

North Carolina has a long history in the racing industry and modern day NASCAR has roots that go back to the bootlegging days in the mountains of the state, something you learn all about at the Hall of Fame. The first official NASCAR race was even run at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in 1949.

The museum isn’t only for racing fans though. People who aren’t fans of the sport will enjoy the museum as well because it’s interactive! You can walk up on a track to feel the banked angle. They even have a pit crew exhibit where you can lift a tire and gas can to see how heavy they are.

When you first enter, you’ll walk along Glory Road to see some of the most famous cars in the industry. You also get to learn about everything that goes into making these epic cars, plus how NASCAR makes sure everyone is following the rules.

Of course, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is also where you learn about the lives of some of the best drivers, crew chiefs and owners. They have a great exhibit on the history of NASCAR and how it came to be what it is today.

The Hall of Fame is located in a convenient spot in downtown Charlotte and it is close to some of the best places to stay in Charlotte. You really shouldn’t miss it on a visit to the Queen City and it’s one of the best things to do during a family vacation in Charlotte, NC!

(Contributed by Anna from Stuck on the Go.)

Check out Charlotte’s Craft Beer Scene – A Must Do:

If you’re looking for fun stuff to do in Charlotte, you must immerse yourself in the city’s renowned beer culture! Charlotte has become known for its fabulous local brewery scene and there are over 30 different local breweries within the city limits, with more popping up all the time!

Charlotte locals are always finding new breweries to explore every day! It can be a little overwhelming to pick out which brewery to visit when you’re in Charlotte for one day, so below are fun places to go in Charlotte, NC. Each of these breweries have a wide selection of beers to please everyone!

• Olde Mecklenberg Brewery (OMB): This awesome brewery is a staple in Charlotte. Locals flock to OMB on the weekends to enjoy the large outdoor biergarten or the indoor German-themed tavern.
• Sycamore Brewing: This brewery is another classic in Charlotte that makes for a great option during one day in the city. It’s easily accessible in a central location as well. What is awesome is that Sycamore features food trucks every Friday night with live music! It’s also always packed with people having a great time.
• The Unknown Brewery: This great spot is a quirky brewery with fun beer names and unique tastes! Unknown also has a newer rooftop that provides you with stunning views of the Charlotte city skyline!
• Birdsong Brewing Company: This wonderful brewery features beers that are incredibly popular all throughout the city. (They offer a mix of year-round selections and unique seasonal beers.) The vibe of this brewery is far more laid back and relaxed for those looking to have a chill time.
• Legion Brewery: This fun brewery has two different locations and you cannot go wrong with either one of them. The original location, in Plaza Midwood, is the perfect neighborhood brewery with a quaint feeling. The South Park location is newer with a more upscale feeling.

If you still can’t decide which brewery to visit in Charlotte, check out the Beer Garden! It is a three-story building with over 400 different beers (local and regional)! For more brewery options, check out the best Charlotte breweries.

(Contributed by Lisa from Wanderlust with Lisa.)

Admire Charlotte, NC Must-See Talented Murals:

Another great must do with one day in Charlotte, North Carolina is to walk around the city’s different neighborhoods and admire the talented murals. Following Nashville, Tennessee and Austin, Texas, Charlotte is one of the top cities in America with epic street art!

Below are the most Instagrammable places in Charlotte, NC:

Confetti Hearts Wall (35.211291, -80.860398): This colorful heart mural is in an alleyway right by Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, which you should also visit during your one day in Charlotte. This beautiful wall was created and designed by Evelyn Henson and the meaning behind it is to throw love like confetti – “Believe that you can make the world brighter through small acts of love and kindness, one confetti heart at a time.”

Donut Wall (35.210190354395806, -80.86276878404036): The famous Krispy Kreme Donuts opened their headquarters in Charlotte, NC and right behind their store in the South End neighborhood is a colorful mural of donuts created and designed by Gina Elizabeth Franco. You can also find other great donut spots in Charlotte in addition to Krispy Kreme. This mural is located behind the Krispy Kreme and Insomnia Cookies building and makes for one of the best Charlotte NC sights.

Magic Carpet Mural (35.22371022111001, -80.84440672457697): What is cool about the city of Charlotte is that they have a trail rail of different murals that you can walk down and admire. You can find the Magic Carpet Mural in a few locations throughout Charlotte, but the most popular one is by the train station in the downtown area, near the Convention Center. The artists are Jessica and Katey of Baltimore, Maryland who visited Charlotte in 2016 and hosted a series of hands-on community workshops to create the final mural designs in the city.

Lotus Flower (35.247001529028395, -80.80584354617048): The beautiful lotus flower mural, located in NoDa, was designed and created by Osiris Rain. It was originally made for Stella Artois, but the current rendition of the mural reflects change and rebirth. It is beautiful and located across from Reigning Doughnuts.

Baby Yoda (35.236305668577806, -80.81968107556625): If you’re a Star Wars fan, then you have to see the Baby Yoda mural during your one day in Charlotte. It is also located in the Noda area, on the Noda Deli & Market building. It was created by Alex DeLarge and he painted this mural as Baby Yoda being seen in his infancy on a Disney+ series called “The Mandalorian”.

There are countless murals for you to admire. Discover the most Instagrammable Murals in Charlotte, North Carolina!

(Contributed by Taylor from Brown Eyed Flower Child.)

Admire Charlotte’s Beauty on a Lovely Walk:

Lastly, another great must do during your one day in Charlotte, NC is to go on a lovely walk and explore the city’s vibrant areas.

Charlotte is famous for its tree canopy and verdant neighborhoods. One of the best ways to get a feel for the city is by walking through it! From old historic neighborhoods to urban concrete jungles, Charlotte has a picturesque walking route to suit your preference.

The “Bougie” Neighborhood Walk – Eastover:

Start on Eastover Drive and head down to Colville. (You can pick out your favorite mansion ranging from $2 – $6 million USD along the way!) The landscaping and plants that you will see in this area makes for a relaxing and safe walk. There is even a secret, semi-private art museum for you to enjoy! You just have to find it.

The Walk for Everyone – Freedom Park:

Go to the entrance off of East Boulevard to begin your stroll in Freedom Park. Once you park your vehicle, you can take the lush Greenway Trail and it is awesome! On this trail, you will find a big jungle gym play set and old train cars to explore. You can walk from there into the heart of the park where you will find an amphitheater, ponds with fountains and lots of ducks. Continue into the adjacent Myers Park neighborhood, another luxurious part of the city, to extend your route!

The “City-Feel” Walk with Charm – Fourth Ward of Uptown Charlotte:

Uptown Charlotte, the heart of the city, is divided into four wards. First, start in the third ward where you’ll find the shiny skyscrapers, banks and bustling restaurants. Then, head toward fourth ward where you will pass the Bank of America Stadium, where the NFL Carolina Panthers play, along with the Spectrum Center where the NBA Charlotte Hornets play. In the fourth ward, there are historic mansions that have been preserved along with beautiful parks to enjoy.

The “Relaxing and Convenient” Walk – Metropolitan Greenway:

Begin at the Metropolitan Complex where you’ll find Target, Trader Joe’s and plenty of other great stores. Head from there to the Greenway Trail that follows alongside a peaceful creek. The path is well marked and maintained for the perfect, relaxing stroll.

(Contributed by Anne Marie from Anne Marie Hagerty.)

Here are other great places to visit that aren’t far from Charlotte:

Weekend in Asheville Itinerary

Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary

3-Day Weekend in Wilmington, North Carolina

Planning a memorable USA trip? Find more USA travel tips here.

I hope you all enjoyed reading this Charlotte, NC travel guide and discovering the top must do activities with one day in the city. If you have any questions on this collaborative post, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.

Basic Facts of the United States:

Currency: United States Dollar, Capital: Washington D.C., NC State Capital: Raleigh, Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time

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