3 NC attractions rank among the best things to do in the US, according to Tripadvisor

Riders begin to make the initial 325-foot tall drop on Fury 325, one of the tallest, fastest and longest roller coasters in the world.Photo byAlex Slitz

If you’re looking for activities to add to your summer bucket list, check out these top-rated North Carolina attractions, named among the best in the U.S. by Tripadvisor's annual Travelers’ Choice Awards:

Top Attractions:

• Biltmore in Asheville (#15)

Photo byCourtesy of The Biltmore Company

• • Location: 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803
  • The Biltmore, an 8,000-acre estate, is the largest privately owned home in the U.S. with 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms and 65 fireplaces. The French Renaissance chateau, which was constructed in 1889, has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state year-round.
  • Activities: Hiking, wine tastings, carriage rides, guided tours, and more.

Best Amusement and Water Parks:

Carolina Harbor, a 26-acre waterpark, features a variety of water slides, wave pools and more.Photo byCarowinds

• Carowinds in Charlotte (#22)
• • Location: 14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273
  • A 400-acre amusement park on the NC-SC border with over 60 rides and the Carolina Harbor Waterpark.
  • Features: High-speed water slides, wave pool, play structures, kids’ area, and lazy river.

Family-Friendly Activities:

Photo byElijah Mountain Gem Mine And Crystal Store

• Gem Mining and Goat Farm Walking Tour at Elijah Mountain Gem Mine in Hendersonville (#6)
• • Location: 2120 Brevard Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28791
  • A premiere mining destination in the Blue Ridge Mountains with the largest gemstone store in NC.
  • Activities: Treasure hunting for fossils and gemstones, feeding and petting goats, exploring an aviary, obstacle course, and picnic pond.

For a full list of the 2024 Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best winners, visit Tripadvisor's website.