Summer Fun | NC DNCR

Summer is a perfect time for wandering back roads and experiencing new adventures. Whether your summer plans include a staycation or a vacation, we’ve got you covered with uniquely North Carolina events and attractions to visit in all 100 counties.

If you live in the Triangle, nothing says summer quite like an outdoor movie at the N.C. Museum of Art or a Summerfest concert performed by the North Carolina Symphony. If the mountains are more your thing, you know it's prime season for traditional music or a hike at a state park, and if you're headed to the beach, you'll find great aquariums and museums up and down the coast.

Whether you’re a longtime resident or planning your first visit to N.C., we’ve found some of the best ways for you to experience authentic North Carolina arts, nature, history and culture this summer. Come along with us and discover summer adventures across the Old North State.

In the links below we've listed more than 500 ways to have some summertime fun in North Carolina, but with all there is to see and do in N.C., we clearly haven't included everything. If your favorite summertime destination or event is missing from our list, let us know.

Discover Summer at the N.C. Coast

Everyone's favorite summer destination -- you'll find great aquariums, museums and state parks up and down the North Carolina coast.

Discover Summer in the Inner Coastal Plain

The Inner Coastal Plain of N.C. offers museums, parks, historic sites, festivals and more for your summer getaway.

Discover Summer in the Piedmont

There's no shortage of summer fun in the Piedmont -- take your pick of amazing museums, scenic lakes and state parks, minor league baseball and so much more.

Discover Summer in the Mountains

Summer in the N.C. mountains is prime time for traditional music festivals, hiking and camping at state parks, or just escaping to the (slightly) cooler weather.

Summer Fun at the Coast

Take a break from the beach by exploring one of more than a dozen state parks, historic sites, aquariums, and museums.

Summer Reading

Dive into adventure and expand your horizons this summer by joining our exciting Summer Reading Program at the local library!

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Camping at NC State Parks

Whether you're looking to setup a tent steps from the beach, relax in the comfort of an RV or cabin, or paddle-in to your campsite, chances are you'll find what you're looking for at one of North Carolina's 41 state parks or recreation areas.

Find camping sites near you

Nothing says summer quite like attending one the many outdoor movies and concerts that you'll find across North Carolina. We've called out a few our favorites below.

Summer Concerts at Festival Park

Discover the 2024 concert lineup at Roanoke Island Festival Park this summer!

Summer Movies at NCMA

See recent Oscar winners, timeless classics and family favorites under the stars in the N.C. Museum of Art's park.

N.C. Symphony

Join the state’s premier orchestra for extraordinary concerts and other family fun activities offered under-the-stars.

So Much to Do at the Zoo

From exploring hiking trails, a butterfly garden, a giraffe deck, and discovering more than 1,800 animals in habitats ranging from Africa's grasslands to North America's forests the North Carolina Zoo is an amazing place to explore during the summer.

Visit the N.C. Zoo

State Park Adventures in the Mountains

Interested in hiking, rock climbing or fishing? The 12 state parks west of Interstate 77 in the North Carolina mountains and foothills offer these activities and more, making them the perfect place for the adventure lover in your family.

Plan Your Mountain State Park Adventure Today

You'll find state historic sites, museums, aquariums and other attractions all over the state. Click the tiles below to find fun near selected cities.