21 Things To Do In Charlotte That Are Super Cheap & Exciting
Being the capital of North Carolina, Charlotte is filled with bars, breweries, outdoor activites and affordable spots to visit. With hundreds of things to do in Charlotte and being on a time crunch if you are just visiting, you need to use your time wisely. We've discovered 21 things you must see and all of them are very affordable.
The Billy Graham LibraryÂ
Price: Free
Address: 4330 Westmont Dr., Charlotte, NC
Why You Need To Go: The Christian evangelist is actually from Charlotte and you can explore the 20 acres he grew up on and learn about his journey.
Carolina History & HauntsÂ
Price: $15
Address: Meet at 214 North Tryon St., Charlotte, NC
Why You Need To Go: This uptown walking tour will take you throughout the city with only a lantern being your light. You'll learn about the most haunted spots in the entire city.
Reed Gold MineÂ
Price: Free tour and $3 to pan gold
Address: 9621 Reed Mine Rd., Midland, NC
Why You Need To Go: This is the first spot gold was found in the nation and you can take a tour of it and pan for your own gold.
7th Street Public MarketÂ
Price: Free
Address: 224 E 7th St., Charlotte, NC
Why You Need To Go: This is a trendy shopping and eating area that is great to waste some time at. There are many photo ops as well.
Pikes Old Fashioned Soda ShopÂ
Price: 💸
Address: 1930 Camden Rd. #2001, Charlotte, NC
Why You Need To Go: You'll get all the '50s vibes with the soda fountains, marble countertops and bar stools. You can sip on some homemade milkshakes, too.
Muddy River DistilleryÂ
Price: $8
Address: 1500 River Dr. #100, Belmont, NC
Why You Need To Go: They make their own rum and you can tour the entire facility and end it out with a tasting.
Lazy 5 RanchÂ
Price: $11
Address: 15100 Mooresville Rd., Mooresville, NC
Why You Need To Go: You can drive right through this park and feed the exotic animals through your car window.
Room 1812
Price: 💸
Address: 1812 South Blvd., Charlotte, NC
Why You Need To Go: This dark and intimate Prohibition-style speakeasy you have to call to get into serves classic drinks.
Tiger WorldÂ
Price: $15+
Address: 4400 Cook Rd., Rockwell, NC
Why You Need To Go: These endangered species call this place home and you can get up close and personal on your self-guided tour.
Treehouse Vineyards
Price: $8 for a tour & tasting
Address: 301 Bay St., Monroe, NC
Why You Need To Go: You can actually stay on this vineyard in a treehouse and go on a tour for super cheap.
The Quarry At Carrigan FarmsÂ
Price: $15
Address: 1213 Oakridge Farm Hwy., Mooresville, NC
Why You Need To Go: This blue rock quarry is absolutely breathtaking and you can swim in it. Plus it's totally legal!
Wing Haven Gardens & SanctuaryÂ
Price: $10
Address: 248 Ridgewood Ave., Charlotte, NC
Why You Need To Go: This spot is both intimate and beautiful. Many don't even know it exists which makes it the perfect place to take a step back from reality.
Daves Paddle BoatsÂ
Price: $15
Address: 8933 J M Keynes Dr., Charlotte, NC
Why You Need To Go: You and three other friends can hop in one of these boats and explore the pond at University Place. It's also fun to watch everyone struggle in their boat.
Crowders Mountain State ParkÂ
Price: Free
Address: 522 Park Office Ln., Kings Mountain, NC
Why You Need To Go: When you take the King Pinnacle trail, you'll end up on the top of this mountain to see views for miles.
Carolina Raptor CenterÂ
Price: $12
Address: 6000 Sample Rd., Huntersville, NC
Why You Need To Go: You can hold your own owl as well as learn about fascinating birds that are endangered and call this place their home.
The Duke Mansion
Price: Free to explore
Address: 400 Hermitage Rd., Charlotte, NC
Why You Need To Go: You need to spend the night here If you want to feel like royalty. Each room is individually decorated, so you probably won't stay in the same room twice.
Little Sugar Creek GreenwayÂ
Price: Free
Address: 1133 Metropolitan Ave., Charlotte, NC
Why You Need To Go: There are over 19 miles of trails at this location that you can walk, run or bike on. It's pet-friendly, so you can bring your pup.
Charlotte Center City Carriage ToursÂ
Price: $12
Address: Intersection of Trade & Tryon Street in Uptown Charlotte, NC
Why You Need To Go: Hop in the back of the horse-drawn carriage and be ready for a ride through Uptown Charlotte from 20 minutes to an hour.
Funny Bus Comedy TourÂ
Price: $27
Address: 301 E. Seventh St., Charlotte, NC
Why You Need To Go: This is the easiest and most fun way to see the entire city. The tour guide on the bus doubles as a comedian and it's BYO beer and wine.
NoDa Brewing
Price: 💸
Address: 2921 N Tryon St., Charlotte, NC
Why You Need To Go: This brewery is iconic in the Queen City and you can either sit in the taproom or the patio to enjoy a flight of Charlotte-brewed beer.