Charlotte in 24 Hours: Day Itinerary
Explore Charlotte, NC in just 24 hours with our guide, featuring the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Levine Museum, and thrilling attractions for all travelers.
24 hours in Charlotte, North Carolina: 1 day Itinerary
Charlotte, is a beautiful city known as "the Queen City". It perfectly marries the vibrancy of a large city with the charm of small town!
It's the birthplace of NASCAR and home to the NASCAR Hall of fame Museum. Charlotte is also a city known for documenting post civil war history in the south, at the popular, Levine Museum of the New South. Whereas, Uptown Charlotte has a modern Commercial hub.
If you have just 24 hours in Charlotte, then this 1 day itinerary should help you alot! Here I detail a variety attractions, food vendors, shopping areas and places to stay. All to help you get the most out of Charlotte, North Carolina.
Fun Facts: Charlotte is home to the the world’s tallest & fastest giga coaster and the largest man-made whitewater river!
Top 3 Attractions to visit in Charlotte:
Step 1 - Choose an attraction: As your here for just 24 hours choose at least one popular attraction to visit from the list below!
NASCAR Hall of Fame Museum:
If your into NASCAR, car racing or just curious about the sport, then this is place for you. The NASCAR Hall of Fame, is a Museum dedicated to the great legends of NASCAR & the sport as a whole.
Including Legendary drivers, crew members and even commentators. The facility is laid out over three floors and includes simulators at the end.
Highlights
- Interactive Exhibits
- Pit Stop Competition
- Artifacts, trophies & Memorabilia.
- Replica Cars
- Driving Simulators
- High Octane Theatre
Pit Stop Competition:
The Pit Stop Competition is a real highlight for many, especially for groups. Time yourself & see how fast you can change those tires!
Hungry?
After a whirlwind of activity you must be hungry? Head to the NASCAR Hall of Fame Café or the Buffalo Wild Wings Restaurant.
How much is it?
General Admission is $25 , seniors $22 and youth between (4-12) is $18.
Is it worth the price?
Absolutely! Although it may seem pricey you do get alot of tire screeching entertainment for your buck. For example, our family entered at 10AM and didn't leave till 4pm!
Where is it?
400 E Martin Luther King Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28202-2343
Levine Museum of the New South
The Levine Museum of the new south is dedicated to life in North Carolina & surrounding areas post the American civil war. This is arguably the most comprehensive post Civil War Museum in the U.S.A.
Exhibits include 8,000 square foot cotton fields and 6 diverse "Environments" which show how the south changed after the Civil War.
Wiki
How to get there?
If your using Charlottes Lynx system, take the short walk from 7th Street Station.
Driving? If your driving the Museum will validate your parking for visits less then 2 hours, on week days. On Weekends there is free parking with no restrictions.
Opening Hours?
The Museum is open 10 a.m to 5 p.m on weekdays, Saturdays 10 a.m till 4p.m and Sundays 12 till 5p.m.
How much does it cost?
Admission for adults costs $10; senior and student admission costs $8 and children (ages 6 to 18) get in for $6. Children younger than 5 enjoy FREE admission.
Top Tip: If you have young children, you may be better taking them to Discovery Place just 5 mins walk away as it offers a more hands on experience!
Where is it?
200 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202, United States
+1 704-333-1887
Discovery Place Science:
Discovery Place Science is an interactive science and technology centre. In addition to it's interactive exhibitions, it also features a larger-than-life IMAX Dome Theatre, an aquarium and even a rainforest!
The educational displays and interactive activities are suitable for all ages and many locals choose to go multiple times a year as the exhibits rotate.
How much is it?
General admission for adults costs up to $15 and $12 for children.
Where is it?
301 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, United States
+1 704-372-6261
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Re connect with Nature at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is the perfect place to visit no matter what the season! Located on 380 acres of rolling meadows, woodlands and lakefront property. They offer a variety of events throughout the year from Music festivals to Tea Parties. See there website for more details or call on: +1 704-825-4490.
How much is it?
- Adult: $14.95
- Senior (60+): $12.95
- Child 2-12: $7.95
- Child Under 2: Free
Insider Tip:
Members have FREE Entry.
Opening Hours?
February 1 – October 31: Daily* 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
November 1 – January 31: Daily* 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where is it?
6500 S New Hope Rd, Belmont, NC 28012, United States
Art Museums in Charlotte:
- Mint Museum,
- Bechtler Museum of Modern Art,
- Sozo Gallery
- Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture.
Activities:
Step 2: As you have just 24 hours choose at least one activity from this list below!
U.S. National Whitewater Center:
Are you an adventurer? Then head down to the U.S National Whitewater Center! Here you will find the largest man made whitewater rafting river the perfect place to learn & get that adrenaline boost!
In addition, to whitewater rafting you can also try out Kayaking, Canoeing & even rock climbing.
Climbing Adventure:
If you head to the National Whitewater Center you won't miss it's gigantic Deep Water Solo climbing complex!
This climbing wall offers a 25-45 feet climbing wall which arches over a 20 foot deep pool! Although it may look intimidating, you will see many climbers of all levels.
Events at the Whitewater Center:
The Whitewater center includes a variety of unique events throughout the year such as FREE outdoor yoga beneath the trees! See further down for details on special Festivals!
Carowinds Theme Park:
Carowinds Theme Park features the worlds tallest & fastest giga rollercoaster amongst many other rides over the 407 acres!
Fun Fact: Although it's considered North Carolina it's actually, on the North/South Carolina state line. Thus a portion of the park is in South Carolina.
Top 3 coasters here are Afterburn, Intimidator, and Fury 325.
Winterfest?
If you attend during the winter, you will be greeted with magical Winterfest! The Amusement park transforms itself into a winter wonderland with 5 million lights, live shows and interactive exhibits.
Other events include, the great pumpkin fest in October.
How much does it cost?
Any day admission passes purchased online cost $52.00 for adults, $29.99 for Juniors and $19.99 for seniors. Gate prices are higher at $70 for adults and $49.99 for Juniors.
Insider Tip:
To Save money purchase a multi day pass, or Sunday only pass at jut $29.99 includes free parking. See their website for further details or call on: +1 704-588-2600
Where is it?
300 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273, United States
10 Park Lanes:
10 Park Lanes offers traditional bowling with a unique twist! 10 Park Lanes offers a 32 lane bowling alley with sports bar and on site restaurant. In addition to South BBQ foods and 32 beers on tap! This is a great place for large group booking & family events.
They also offer unqiue events throughout the year such as BBQ & bluegrass and Yoga & Bowl.
TopGolf
Topgolf is large entertainment facility which offers a variety of golf activities. From a driving range to other interactive games. The food is good and they have a fully stocked bar on site. This place is perfect for groups of friends, family and even work groups.
Insider Tip:
Visit on a Saturday night when they have a live DJ and people are dancing like crazy!
Nightlife in Charlotte:
Charlotte is one of the most underrated places to party in the U.S.A! Here are a few great places to check out.
Craft City Social Club - Summer Pick!
Craft City Social Club is one of the best kept secrets in Charlotte. With an outdoor pool, bar and vibrant atmosphere, Craft city is popular with pool parties.
Location: Sheraton Charlotte Hotel, Charlotte, NC 28204,
Tel: (704) 372-4100
Tin Roof - Live Music!
Tin Roof acts as a community hub for great musicians, they can come here hang out and Jam! In addition, to the live music they have a cool Green Room which has Arcade games, Ping Pop, SkeeBall and more!
Hungry?
South inspired "Better then bar food" is served daily, for lunch or dinner.
Where is it?
210 E Trade St Suite 286, Charlotte, NC 28202, United States
Insider Tip:
Head down on the weekend for full bands playing live music and a DJ in the Green Room.
Unique Nightlife Spots:
Rooftop Clubs:
- Suite Charlotte - Upscale Club with Rooftop Patio
- Valut - Upscale Club with VIP & skyline views
Unique Clubs:
- Roxbury Nightclub. - 80s & 90s fun with games room & heated patios!
- Coyote Joe’s. - Put on your cowboy boots for some Country music wildness!
Shopping in Charlotte:
For shopping head to Selwyn Avenue, which is filled with many trend boutiques, such as:
- Doll A Boutique,
- KK Bloom,
- Traveling Chic Boutique,
- and many more.
Festivals & Events:
If you time your trip correctly you good visit one of the great festivals or events in Charlotte.
Tuck Fest at the U.S. National Whitewater Center - April
This 4 day event attracts over 50,000 visitors who come to see outdoor competitions and demonstrations from rock climbing to kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. They even offer live music and dogs are welcome.
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Tuck Fest at the U.S. National Whitewater Center - April
Insider Tip:
The Tuck festival is completely FREE to attend!
600 Festival/Speed Street - May
The 600 festival is a spring festival for Motoring fans! Thousands of visitors come to charlotte for a 3 day festival celebrating NASCAR, here you can check out the cars & meet some of the famous drivers all in an atmosphere of live music and entertainment.
Charlotte-auto-fair
North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival - May
North Carolina Brewers is an annual craft beer festival located at the Historic Rural Hill in Huntersville. Here you can sample of 40 craft beers with an atmosphere of live music and even fun kids activities.
Taste of Charlotte - June
Taste of Charlotte is a 3 day food festival which offers gourmet food vendors from over 100 local restaurants! This is also live music, live cooking demonstrations from professional chefs and even beer and wine tasting activities.
Taste of charlotte food festival guide
Festival in the Park - September
Festival in the Park is one of Charlotte’s oldest annual art festivals, this festival has been around since 1964 and offers visitors the chance to check out a variety of arts & crafts made by the locals. In addition, there is live music, food vendors and a family fun zone with clown stages and kids art.
Carolina Balloonfest - October
The annual Carolina Balloonfest, is held in Statesville, annually. It is the 2nd longest consecutively held hot air balloon festival in the Country!
Highlights:
- Creative Hot Air Balloons
- Pilot meet & greets
- Kids Zone
- Live Entertainment
- Nighttime Balloon Glow!
Conclusion:
24 hours hours in Charlotte, North Carolina is not long but using the helpful & extensive itinerary above you can choose which attractions & activities are best for you & your group! You can even extend the Itinerary to 2 days, 3 days or even 1 week!
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Tobi Miles is a University of Florida graduate turned globe-trotting culinary explorer and digital nomad expert. As the founder of "Bytes & Bites," he combines his passion for international cuisine with practical advice on remote work, inspiring others to experience the world through food and cultural immersion. With 32 countries under his belt and a knack for uncovering hidden culinary gems, Tobi is redefining the intersection of work, travel, and gastronomy for a new generation of adventurers.
