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About 100 hundred people a day move to Charlotte, NC. Along with great weather, plentiful job opportunities, and a family-friendly lifestyle, this fast-growing metro area of 2.7 million (and growing) has a lot to see and experience.
Here’s our take on 11 things to do in Charlotte, the Queen City, for a fabulous summer.
1. Explore the U.S. National Whitewater Center
Choose from 30 different activities, for any age, at this outdoor recreation center, including whitewater rafting, whitewater, and flatwater kayaking, hikes, ziplines, mountain biking, deep water solo climbing, yoga, and more.
Like a more leisurely pace? Whitewater Center is also a favorite summer hangout for its River Jam concerts every weekend.
For kids, there are adventure camps. You might be tempted to sign up yourself!
2. Swim in a Natural Rock Quarry at Carrigan Farms
Leap into summer at a spacious, 25-foot-deep natural pool surrounded by trees, about 30 minutes north of Charlotte in Mooresville.
When you’ve had your fill of swimming in the quarry, grab a bite at the farm restaurant or try your hand at beach volleyball.
3. Cheer for Charlotte’s New MLS Soccer Team, Charlotte FC
Charlotte FC set a Major League Soccer attendance record when 74,479 fans turned out for the team’s inaugural match. The team is off to a strong start, and the fans at Bank of America Stadium are fun to watch, too.
Nearby in Uptown Charlotte, you can take in the glories of the Charlotte skyline and a baseball game, sometimes followed by fireworks, with the Charlotte Knights at Truist Field. Or make a road trip to neighboring Kannapolis to catch the Cannon Ballers.
4. Discover Charlotte’s Booming Mural Culture
Charlotte’s diverse neighborhoods on self-guided art mural walks are developed by Art Walks CLT.
The group also offers tours with an artist so you can learn “what the artist’s intentions were and the techniques they used. Art is a thing of beauty, but it’s also a story,” says Tim Miner, co-founder of the non-profit Charlotte Is Creative.
Vibrant murals in South End, Elizabeth, the Historic West End, and other Charlotte neighborhoods “help us express our character,” Miner says.
5. Enjoy the Vibe at Camp North End
It was once a site for manufacturing Model T cars and assembling Hercules missiles. Today, Camp North End is “a mix between industrial art collective, shopping center, and an outdoor food hall,” says Lauren Hawk with Visit Charlotte.
Stroll through this cool complex for its public outdoor art, shops, and special events like “Fridays at Camp North End” with live music.
Camp North End is home to Leah and Louise, one of the best new restaurants in the country, according to Esquire.
6. For Animal Lovers: Venture Out to Lazy 5 Ranch and Carolina Raptor Center
Lazy 5 Ranch in Mooresville is a drive-through animal park featuring animals from six continents, including endangered species such as the Grev Zebra and Scimitar Horned Oryx. Buy a bucket of feed, open your car window, and see who’s hungry.
Carolina Raptor Center at Latta Nature Preserve in Huntersville is home to eagles, owls, falcons, and other birds of prey, which you can view on a self-guided tour.
7. Immerse Yourself in Art and Science for the Ultimate Adventure
Charlotte’s city center is packed with memorable museums. Start with a selfie at the mirrored Firebird sculpture (sometimes dubbed the “disco chicken”) by artist Niki de Saint Phalle.
It’s outside The Bechtler, where you’ll see works by Miró, Picasso, and other famed mid-20th century artists, including portraits of the Bechtler family painted by Andy Warhol.
At the Gantt, delve into African-American art and culture. The Mint Museum showcases gorgeous craft and design.
Families let loose at Discovery Place with hands-on science exhibits, labs, and demonstrations, plus an IMAX theatre.
8. Make Summer Full of Music
Charlotte’s sunshine makes outdoor concerts natural. Pack a picnic and relax with the Charlotte Symphony Summer Pops concerts at Symphony Park.
Have a big night out at PNC Pavilion or Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre with performers like Halsey, H.E.R., Jimmy Buffet, Tim McGraw and many more.
9. Kick Back With a Cold One at a Local Brewery or Rooftop Bar
Your tour might start with Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, where you can bring along the kids and the dog for fun in the Biergarten.
Don’t stop there: Axios Charlotte published a brewery map with many other options. A few even offer gluten-free beer brewed on-site.
CharlotteFive weighed in with its picks for top rooftop bars where you can get a new view of a city on the rise.
10. Take a Walk on the Rail Trail
“The Charlotte Rail Trail offers a great snapshot of all that makes the Queen City exceptional, from a range of culinary options to local shopping, public art, and beyond,” says Hawk.
“The 3.5-mile stretch of sidewalk along the LYNX Blue Line charts a path through the heart of some of Charlotte's most popular neighborhoods."
11. Spend Date Night in NoDa
This historic arts and entertainment district includes bars, street art, restaurants, plus desserts available 24/7 at Amelie’s French Bakery.
Neighborhood Theatre and The Evening Muse are live concert venues that keep the music going.
Learn the intricacies of glass blowing at Hot Glass Alley, which offers mesmerizing demos, make-your-own date nights, classes, and parties.
Charlotte is poised to come alive in the summer months. Have fun trying out these fresh ideas in this lively city and the surrounding areas. Which ones will you put on your fun summer agenda first?
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