Things to Do | NC DNCR

When you explore the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, you’re diving into a world of history, culture, and natural beauty. Our department includes historic sites, state parks and recreation areas, aquariums, the North Carolina Zoo, and state museums. Our locations span the state, from the Outer Banks to the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering something for everyone.

Start planning your journey to discover North Carolina's rich history and stunning landscapes!

Places to Visit by Category

Aquariums

Discover North Carolina's unique environment by touching stingrays, watching river otters play or looking a shark in the eye.

Historic Sites

Pan for gold at the site of North America's first Gold Rush, relive a colonial or Civil War battle and more at these historic places that tell the North Carolina story.

STEAM Career Showcase for Students with Disabilities Hosted by Museum of Natural Sciences Oct. 14

Museums

Step through the door of an authentic Appalachian cabin. Experience contemporary art from cutting-edge artists. Watch as paleontologists conduct advanced scientific research.

Libraries

Check out the latest bestseller or research your family’s genealogy at the State Library's two branches in Raleigh.

Zoo

Meet animals from across the world and see diverse plant life all without ever leaving the Tar Heel State.

Regional Travel Guides

The sihoulette of a man on a hang glider in front of a sunset on a sand dune.

Experience North Carolina's Outer Banks

A young woman shows a child a painting hanging in an art museum.

Experience the North Carolina Piedmont

A young boy and girl standing in front of a large aquarium glass looking at a scuba diver that is waving at them.

Experience Wilmington

Cultural Experiences

Your North Carolina Symphony

From selections from the greatest hits of classical music like Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 to fan favorites from the world's best films to engaging concerts of accessible music specifically chosen with kids in mind, the nation's first state-supported symphony offers something for everyone.

Cultural Trails

North Carolina has such a wealth of wonderful arts experiences that it's hard to know where to begin. Five web-based guides, produced by the N.C. Arts Council, highlight noteworthy cultural destinations available in different parts of the state. Guides cover music, literature, craft, performing arts and more.

Your NC Adventure

Upcoming Events

See upcoming events at state aquariums, historic sites, parks, museums, and other cultural institutions across North Carolina.

Explore North Carolina Blog

Our sites and attractions have so many cool things to experience, you may want a little help figuring out where to start. We can help with that! In the Explore North Carolina blog, we share some of our favorite things to do at NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources sites, plus offer suggestions for ways to explore arts, history, nature and culture in the surrounding areas. Let’s go!

Popular Trip Ideas

Explore Places to Visit by Location, Activities Available and Theme

North Carolina is a place of wonderful natural and cultural diversity, and that diversity is reflected in the nearly 100 state parks, historic sites, museums, aquariums and other state-owned attractions found in our network.

Using our place finder tool you can sort, search and filter these places by activity, theme, region and cost.

Find a North Carolina Place to Explore

Plan Your DNCR Visit