Carowinds straddles the North Carolina and South Carolina state line just south of Charlotte. The city itself is NASCAR country, with the NASCAR Hall of Fame uptown, plus whitewater at the US National Whitewater Center and a growing brewery scene.
Here are the best-reviewed things to do around Charlotte when you need a break from the park.
Jump to: After Dark · Food & Drink · Outdoors & On the Water · Museums, Shows & Culture · Sightseeing Tours
After Dark in Charlotte
Ghost tours, night cruises and nights out.
Food & Drink in Charlotte
Food tours, tastings and cooking classes.
Outdoors & On the Water in Charlotte
Boats, kayaks, wildlife and fresh air.
Museums, Shows & Culture in Charlotte
History, art, shows and local culture.
Sightseeing Tours in Charlotte
See the highlights with a guide.
See everything to do in Charlotte on Viator →
Tours, ratings and prices from Viator, updated 2026-10-16. ThrillZing may earn a commission on bookings. See our affiliate disclosure. All tours & area guides →