Attractions

Charlotte offers attractions for everyone from relaxing gardens to fun filled days at amusement parks. Listed below are some of the attractions the Charlotte area has to offer.

 

·        Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden: The Botanical Garden is located west of Charlotte a short drive to the town of Belmont. The gardens feature 450 acres of plants that are divided into separate areas and gardens. Currently the Botanical Garden is expanding with a glass enclosed conservatory for exotics and there are also plans for auditorium, Asian garden, rose pergola, waterfall, and restaurant. The Botanical Gardens are open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and has an admission fee of $8 for adults, $6.50 for seniors and $4 for children 4-12. Children under 4 are free.

·        Discovery Place: The Discovery Place is one of the best science centers in the country. There are a wide variety of exhibits to explore such as Kids Place where children under 6 can explore interactive exhibits that teach them about the health, dinosaurs, and nature. There is also Our Living Planet, Geo Center, an Aquarium, Einstein’s Corner, Life Center, and Machine Shop to name a few. Discovery Place also features a IMAX Dome that shows movies on a giant 24 foot projection screen and makes you feel like you’re in the movie. Admission Fees to Discovery Place are as follows: Discovery Halls admission $8.50 adults ages 14-59, $7.50 for Seniors and children ages 2-13, children 2 and under are free. IMAX Done admission $7.50 adults ages 14-59, $7 for seniors and children 2-13, children under 2 free. IMAX Done and Discovery Halls admission $14 adults ages 14-59, $12 for seniors and children 2-13, children 2 and under are free.

·        Lowe’s Motor Speedway: Visit the NASCAR race track and watch a race, take a tour, or even participate in a driving experience. Tickets for NASCAR races can cost anywhere from $40 to $400. The tours offered at the track give visitors an up close and personal look at areas that are usually off limits to bystanders. Tours cost $5. For those that have always wanted to experience what it feels like to be a NASCAR driver there are driving experiences available. The driving experiences range in price from $75 for a ride along with an instructor to over $3,000 for an instructional course on driving and the opportunity to actually drive an actual NASCAR car.

·        Paramount’s Carowinds Theme Park: Carowinds has fun for everyone located inside its 150 acres. New this year is a water park called Boomerang Bay Water Park and Resort. The park has thrill rides, family rides, water rides, live shows, and Nickelodeon Central. There is even a camp ground located with in the park. Admission prices range from $28 to $50 for either one or two day tickets.

·        Sports: Charlotte is home to several professional sporting teams such as the Carolina Panthers (NFL), Charlotte Bobcats (NBA expansion team), Charlotte Sting (WNBA), and the Charlotte Eagles (United Soccer League). Ticket prices for professional sporting events range from $30 to $80 for regular seating.

·        Shopping: Charlotte has several malls and shopping centers such as Concord Mills an outlet mall, Northlake Mall which has several upscale retailers located in it, and SouthPark Mall Charlottes most upscale shopping experience with stores like Neiman Marcus, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, and Kate Spade.

·        Golf: Charlotte has several beautiful area golf courses that are open to the public. Generally green fees for the area courses range from $70 to $500.