Are you looking for a mountain adventure, relaxing spa retreat, or a day at the beach? North Carolina has it all! From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Outer Banks, we’ll help you find the perfect getaway.
We’ve compiled a list of the best resorts in North Carolina for every taste, need, and budget.
You’re sure to find something that fits your dream vacation here. Whether you want to escape for the weekend or book a luxurious vacation getaway, these are the top North Carolina resorts in 2024.
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List of the Best Resorts in North Carolina
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Family-Friendly Resorts
As one of the best resorts in North Carolina for family fun, Great Wolf Lodge offers a unique combination of indoor water park and resort amenities.
It’s the ideal destination for families with children of all ages, or anyone who loves to have fun. There are not only great dining options and amenities, but also indoor and outdoor swimming pools, yoga, and even arts and crafts.
You are able to choose from an assortment of luxury suite options including themed rooms that are a hit with children of all ages! Your kids could be sleeping in a tent or cave-themed room with bunk beds, while you relax in an adjacent sleeping area.
We know it can be hard to feed those picky eaters in the family, and we’re not talking about just the kids! At Great Wolf Lodge, there are 6 dining options scattered around the resort, with each restaurant serving something different.
The Great Wolf Lodge hotel and resort in North Carolina provides many experiences, but one unique experience is MagiQuest! This is a live-action game that will take you on an adventure around the lodge. You’ll have a special magic wand and befriend treetop pixies. Kids will be delighted to set off on quests.
If you’re thinking of visiting the famous Outer Banks, then staying at Sanderling is a must! An adults-only pool, 3 private beaches, kid-friendly pools, and outdoor activities abound at this luxury resort. There are 11 outdoor pools with plenty of lounge chairs, as well as a whirlpool and sauna. Plus, the beach is just steps away from the resort.
You’ll also find dining options, an arcade, a fitness center, outdoor grills, and complimentary bike rentals at this family-friendly resort in North Carolina.
The resort is located on a 3-mile stretch of quiet beach coastline exclusive to Sanderling Resort clientele. Think of it as your own private beach club.
Sanderling has many accommodation options and amenities, from beachfront rooms and suites to vacation home rentals for large parties. Their simple, yet elegant decor and high-quality linens will make you feel relaxed and pampered.
When it comes to feeding your family Sanderling has you covered. Whether you’re looking for casual or fine dining, they will make you and your family feel welcome. You’ll even find outdoor dining near the pools and Beach House Deck.
If you want a mix of family-friendly and luxurious, the Sanderling resort in North Carolina is a good option.
Are you looking for a classic beach vacation? Do you want to try surfing, paddleboarding, sailing, fishing, yoga, or take a cruise? Then Blockade Runner is the place for you.
If you’re looking for similar adventure and relaxation, but with plenty of fun and family-friendly activities, this resort is perfect. Blockade Runner is located in Wrightsville Beach, NC right on the Atlantic Ocean.
Their snorkeling and family-friendly activities include zero-depth entry at their surf swim, two state-of-the-art paddleboards, fishing charters,
a separate Youth Center with water slides, full-size beach volleyball courts, and group fitness classes.
The Guest Rooms offer either harborfront or beachfront views. With playful colors, stone finishes, and tall sliding glass windows that let in the soothing ocean breeze, you’ll be ready to relax after a day of play!
Do you have a large party? Blockade Runner offers the Cottage that sleeps up to 26 and the Garden Apartment is perfect for a private family getaway.
Blockade Runner prides itself on sustainability and works with the Wrightsville community to lessen its environmental impact. If you’re looking to host a meeting or conference their meeting spaces use reusable, recyclable, and renewable products to help minimize single-use plastics.
Any chance you’re interested in your kids eating for free? At the Holiday Inn Resort in North Carolina, children 11 and under eat for free! How about transportation? They have that covered too! Ride their free shuttle to shops and restaurants in the Wrightsville Beach area. The hotel takes the hassle out of deciding where to eat and allows you to relax. There are free Internet access and WiFi in all of the guest rooms.
As part of their commitment to their community, Holiday Inn Resort Wilmington East also offers a child-care center that provides brand new toys and art supplies for children who would rather stay at the hotel than go home.
The Holiday Inn Resort Wilmington East is located just 15 minutes from downtown Wilmington, NC with easy access to Route 13 and I-40.
The guest rooms include a balcony, bathtub, and windows that open so you can hear the ocean waves. Suites are available and they even offer a kids suite.
The Holiday Inn Resort has 2 restaurants on-site and a cocktail lounge. If you’re interested in off-site restaurant delivery, it’s available. Feeling lazy? Room service will also bring the food straight to you!
If you want a budget-friendly resort in North Carolina, the Holiday in Resort is a smart choice.
Intimate Getaways
People have been staying at the Omni Grove Park Inn for over 100 years! They return time and time again for the beauty and serenity of the Blue Ridge Mountain views or perhaps to play the famous, Donald Ross-designed 18-hole championship golf course.
The Omni Grove Park Inn includes a divine and unique Spa Pool for adults 18 and older. Your spa experience here will truly relax you after a day of golf or hiking. The guest rooms here feature a balcony, jetted tub, and fireplace with spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can dine on-site at the award-winning restaurant, featuring Southern-inspired dishes.
Have fun trying to decide whether to hike the Blue Ridge Parkway or explore historic Biltmore Village! Whatever you choose to do here, you’re bound to have an intimate and relaxing vacation.
You can choose a historic room in the Main Inn, styled with Roycroft Arts and Crafts decor, or you might be interested in something more modern located in the Sammons or Vanderbilt wings. Overall atmosphere at Omni Grove is romantic and secluded.
At the Pinehurst Resort, you’ll come for the 9 separate and world-renowned golf courses but you’ll stay for the overall feel of luxury.
With 3 historic hotels and villas, you will not be lacking in finding the perfect place to enjoy a quiet getaway.
If a Spa day is more your speed the Spa at Pinehurst offers massages, facials, body treatments, nail care, and cryotherapy. These days the Spa isn’t just for the ladies! Pinehurst offers a specific Gentlemen’s Menu with a golfer’s massage and putter boy manicure.
You’ll spend your time golfing, hiking, shopping, taking a carriage ride, or even touring the grounds in one of the resort’s fleet of BMWs.
The Biltmore estate covers 8,000 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you are a history enthusiast this is the place for you!
Staying at the Inn will have you feeling like an honored guest of the Vanderbilt family. You’ll have the opportunity to try falconry, sporting clays, kayaking, horseback riding, and even afternoon tea.
With stunning sunsets over the Blue Ridge Mountains you and your partner will feel rejuvenated by nature. While strolling hand in hand through the acres of gardens, enjoying peace and quiet together, you’ll want to return here time and time again.
If you’re looking for a quaint mountain escape then look no further than the Esmeralda Inn. Located near Chimney Rock State Park and the Hickory Nut Gorge you won’t be lacking for adventure.
Choosing between a romantic guest room or private cabin won’t be easy however you’ll feel pampered either way with luxury linens and plush robes.
Wake up to the smell of coffee with their complimentary breakfast. Lunch and Dinner are also served in their on-site restaurant.
Pet-Friendly Resorts
This Lodge is located on the banks of the Cheoah River, nestled in the mountain region of the Nantahala National Forest. Yes, it’s a mouthful to say but an eyeful to see!
You and your beloved pet will have 120 acres of lush mountain terrain to explore during your stay at the Tapoco. Hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking are just the beginning of the fun you can have.
The Overlook Cabin is pet friendly, with a king size bed and view of the Cheoah River, you’ll wake up feeling refreshed and ready for adventure.
Are you interested in traveling but don’t want to leave Fido behind? There’s nothing to worry about at the Umstead Hotel and Spa. Not only is this one of the most luxurious resorts in North Carolina but Fido will be right at home in their DogWoods enclosed playground for pooches.
There are several different accommodations to choose from including lake views, balconies, and suites. Rooms include deep soaking tubs and separate showers.
Dining at Umstead is unique with seasonal menus. Produce is grown locally at their own organic farm: One Oak Farm. The farm practices sustainability and you’ll feel comfortable knowing where your food has come from.
Feeling overwhelmed with your trip to the Carolina pines? We hope this list has brought you clarity. You can’t go wrong with any of these 10 Best Resorts in North Carolina!
